FA-0666Embedded Systems and Hardware

Circuit to Board: PCB Design with EasyEDA

A one-day schematic-to-prototype workflow

Introduction

Why this course

A focused introduction to turning a simple electronic schematic into a PCB layout with EasyEDA. Participants follow a prepared small-board example through components and nets, placement, routing, checks and fabrication-output review.

One-day practice concentrates on a low-voltage prototype design. Autorouting, manufacturing and four-layer considerations are demonstrated or discussed; a training layout is not automatically fabrication-ready or validated for safety-critical or mains-powered use.

Learning outcomes

Distinguish schematic intent, component symbols, footprints and physical board layout.
Create or adapt a simple schematic and organise a small PCB for routing.
Apply introductory placement, trace, via, copper-pour and mechanical checks.
Inspect available 2D/3D views and exported Gerber, drill and BOM files.
Explain prototype ordering requirements and when multilayer design requires further study.

Prerequisites

Basic familiarity with electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, connectors, and ICs
Ability to read simple circuit diagrams
General computer literacy
A laptop or desktop with a modern web browser and internet access
Helpful but not mandatory: prior exposure to breadboards, prototyping, or hobby electronics

Use the arranged EasyEDA edition and an account/project environment suitable for the teaching exercise; features and workflows differ between editions.

Training outline

6 modules

011. PCB Fundamentals and the Design Environment4 topics

Design flow: idea, schematic, layout, fabrication and assembly; prototype versus production.
Single-, two- and four-layer boards; substrate, copper, pads, tracks, vias, silkscreen, solder mask and board outline.
Schematic versus layout; manufacturability constraints and common beginner mistakes.
EasyEDA workspace, libraries, schematic/PCB editors and supported output tools; project naming, saving and revision habits.

022. Schematic Capture and Component Choices3 topics

Organise a schematic, wire nets, label signals, set power/ground symbols and annotate references.
Choose symbols and matching footprints; verify pin mapping, values, connectors and selected devices.
Review electrical-rule warnings and component suitability before converting the design.

033. Placement and Board Planning4 topics

Create the outline and transfer schematic connectivity; interpret ratlines.
Select useful grids and organise components by function, orientation and routing needs.
Account for mechanical clearances, connector/edge positions and power/signal paths.
Use a prepared ESP8266/ESP-12F relay-control example with low-voltage demonstration loads; examine power, switching and connector sections.

044. Routing and Board Details4 topics

Route selected nets manually; compare power/signal widths and supplier-specific clearance/drill constraints.
Use vias and layer transitions; review optional autorouting rather than trust it without inspection.
Add mounting holes, cutouts, copper pours and readable polarity/revision markings.
Review copper connectivity, thermal connections, board edges and placement in available 2D/3D views.

055. Fabrication Outputs and Manufacturing Context4 topics

Generate and inspect the supported Gerber/drill file set and a BOM; check exports before handoff.
Read manufacturer requirements and compare board parameters and prototype-ordering steps without placing an order.
Survey imaging/etching, drilling, plating, solder mask, silkscreen, surface finish and electrical testing.
Explain the distinction between fabrication data, assembly data and tested circuit behaviour.

066. Four-Layer Overview and Final Review3 topics

Compare two- and four-layer stackups, planes, return paths, noise, vias and introductory signal-integrity considerations.
Complete a small example or selected section of the prepared control-board layout.
Review unresolved connectivity, footprint, mechanical and manufacturing checks; plan prototype testing and a later revision.

A programme built around your team.

Share your training goals and requirements.