How to build a working card from scratch in 6 steps?

  • Dec 26, 2019

I was familiar with many newcomers who have just started their way in electronics. And often they do not know where to start. On which side to approach the creation of its first working board. I suggest that the algorithm in this regard. For work, we need the software environment Eagle.

6 steps to build a working card from scratch.

  1. Find a schematic diagram;
  2. Draw (redraw) the scheme Eagle;
  3. Draw the layout of the PCB in Eagle;
  4. Make your printed circuit board;
  5. Make the necessary components;
  6. Solder the components to your board.

Step 1: Find the concept

Find the concept of card that you want to create. Schemes can be easily found on the Internet.

For example, you can log in to resources where you can get acquainted with the schemes for free:

  • http://www.bowdenshobbycircuits.info/
  • http://www.techlib.com/electronics/index.html
  • http://www.electroniccircuitsdesign.com/

Etc. There are a lot of Russian-speaking and resources. For example, circuits to Arduino, and not only can you find on my website https://www.asutpp.ru/

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Step 2: Draw a schematic diagram in Eagle

Now that you have before the eyes concept, you have to draw it in Eagle. Well, or redraw :)

EXAMPLE circuit in Eagle
EXAMPLE circuit in Eagle

Simply place the components of the concept, which you find in the Eagle medium. Then make the connection between the components as well as on the original circuit.

Step 3: Draw the layout of the PCB in Eagle

From the circuit you have drawn in Eagle now we need to create the layout of the board. This picture of how it will look your schema.

This can be done automatically using autorooters, or you can do it manually.

I would advise you to start with a manual mode so that you better understand what is happening. I usually prefer the manual way, because then I feel like I have control of the board.

EXAMPLE PCB pattern
EXAMPLE PCB pattern

Step 4: Make a printed circuit board

When the layout of the board is over, it's time to make your payment in the physical world!

There are several ways to do this. You can use etching, milling, CNC, or you can send your design to the manufacturer of circuit boards.

This should get you in the end
This should get you in the end

But the best way (in my opinion) - send payment to the manufacturer of prototypes. For instance, https://www.pcbway.ru/. You send them your project and get a real charge already on hand, which only need to solder the necessary components.

Step 5: Ordering Components

If you do not have the necessary components to your circuit, you need to buy them.

The easiest way to do this - to buy electronic components online in any online store. Link will not lead to such shops - but trust the Internet enough of them.

Step 6: To solder the components on the board

Finally the day came soldering!

Do you have a board and your components. Now all you have to do is to solder your components to your board.

The result of your work! It's simple!
The result of your work! It's simple!

Voila! Now that you know how to build the circuit.

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