Introduction
As part of the Fab Opportunity Academy, the first week’s assignment focused on Electronic Design. The objective of this module was to understand the fundamentals of electronic circuits, identify commonly used electronic components, and learn the process of designing electronic circuits using PCB design software..
During this week, I explored the basic principles of electronic design, including schematic creation, component selection, circuit connections, and PCB layout. I also learned the importance of proper circuit planning, testing, and troubleshooting before fabrication.
Individual Assignment
task
The individual assignment for Week 1 was to simulate an electronic circuit using an Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool and verify the design by performing Electrical Rule Check (ERC) and Design Rule Check (DRC).
Group assignment
task
The aim of this group assignment was to understand the basic operation of a microcontroller by performing different tasks on it. We observed how the microcontroller works, measured the voltage and current at different points in the circuit, and analyzed the results to understand its electrical behavior and performance.
Electronic design
Electronic design is the process of creating an electronic circuit to perform a specific task. It involves selecting the required electronic components, such as resistors, LEDs, sensors, and microcontrollers, and connecting them correctly. The process also includes drawing the circuit diagram, testing the circuit, and designing a PCB to ensure the circuit works properly and safely.
Basic Concepts of Electronic Design
Current (I): Current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. It is measured in amperes (A).bd268
Voltage (V): Voltage is the electrical potential difference between two points that causes current to flow. It is measured in volts (V)
Power (P): Power is the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced in a circuit. It is measured in watts
Resistance (R): Resistance is the property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current. It is measured in ohms (Ω).
Ohm’s Law: Ohm’s Law states that the current flowing through a conductor is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance.
Electronic components
After learning the basics of electronic design, we studied different electronic components used in circuits. We learned the purpose of components like resistors, capacitors, LEDs, diodes, switches, and microcontrollers. This helped us understand what each component does and how they are connected to make a circuit work.
1.LED
An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is an electronic component that emits light when electric current flows through it. LEDs are commonly used in indicator lights, displays, and electronic projects.
2.Resistor
A resistor is a basic electronic component that controls the flow of current in a circuit. It protects other components from too much current and helps the circuit work properly. The value of a resistor is measured in ohms (Ω).
3.push button
A push button is an electronic switch used to open or close a circuit when it is pressed. When the button is released, it returns to its normal position.
4.slider switch
A slider switch is an electronic switch used to turn a circuit ON or OFF by sliding a small lever.
4.diode
A diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in only one direction.
5.capacitor
A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy for a short time. It is used to store and release charge when needed.
6.transistor
A transistor is an electronic component that works as a switch or an amplifier. It is used to control the flow of current in a circuit and is commonly used in electronic devices and projects.
Sensors
A sensor is an electronic component that detects things like light, temperature, motion, or distance. It sends this information to a circuit or microcontroller so that it can perform a specific action.
Common Types of Sensors
- IR Sensor
- LDR (Light Sensor)
- Temperature Sensor
- Ultrasonic Sensor
- Motion (PIR) Sensor
- Gas Sensor
- Humidity Sensor
- Rain Sensor
- Touch Sensor
- Sound Sensor
Methods of mounting elecronic components
1.SMD (Surface Mount Device)
SMD components are small electronic parts that are soldered directly on the surface of a PCB. They are widely used in modern electronic devices.
2.THT (Through-Hole Technology)
THT components have metal leads that go through holes in a PCB and are soldered from the other side. They are easy to use and are commonly used for learning and prototyping.
Active and passive components
Active Components
Active components are electronic components that need power to work. They are used to control or amplify electrical signals in a circuit. Common examples are transistors, microcontrollers, and integrated circuits (ICs).
Passive Components
Passive components are electronic parts that do not need power to work. They help control or store electrical energy in a circuit. Examples include resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
Group assignment
In this group assignment, we learned how to use a digital multimeter to measure voltage and current. We connected one LED to the XIAO ESP32-C3 board and measured the voltage across the LED and the current flowing through the circuit. This activity helped us understand how to use a multimeter and analyze basic electrical measurements in a circuit.
multimeter
A multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit. It helps test electronic components, check connections, and find faults in electronic circuits. It is one of the most important tools used in electronics.
testing voltage and current using multimeter
soldering the header pins to the XIAO ESP32-C3 board
fixing it on a breadboard
connection of LED to the board using jumper wires
measuring the voltage and current of the circuit.
After learning how to use the multimeter, we soldered the header pins to the XIAO ESP32-C3 board and fixed it on a breadboard. Then, we connected one LED to the board using jumper wires. Finally, we used the multimeter to measure the voltage and current of the circuit. This activity helped us understand circuit connections and basic electrical measurements.
Individual Assignment
paper circuit
In this assignment, I made a simple paper circuit using an LED, a resistor, and a coin cell battery. After connecting all the components on paper, the LED glowed successfully. This activity helped me understand the basic working of an electronic circuit in a simple and practical way.
soldering practice on zero pcb
In this activity, I practiced soldering electronic components on a zero PCB. I learned how to solder components properly, make strong solder joints, and avoid common soldering mistakes. This practice improved my soldering skills and confidence in assembling electronic circuits.
detect object using IR sensor and measure voltage
In this activity, I connected an IR sensor with an Arduino and tested its working. The IR sensor detected an object, and the Arduino responded based on the sensor input. This activity helped me understand how sensors work with a microcontroller.
EDA(Electronic Design Automation)
tinkercad
Why tinker cad ?
Tinkercad is easy to learn and use. It has a simple drag-and-drop interface, allows circuit simulation without real hardware, and helps beginners understand electronics and Arduino programming in a safe and easy way.
About tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free online tool used to design and simulate electronic circuits. It allows users to build circuits using components like LEDs, resistors, sensors, and Arduino boards. It helps test circuits before building them, making it useful for learning electronics and circuit design.
Individual Assignment
Circuit Design and Simulation in Tinkercad
In Tinkercad, I learned how to create and simulate electronic circuits. I practiced making breadboard connections and working with Arduino and basic electronic components. I also learned how to connect and use components like transistors and photoresistor. After creating the circuits, I tested them using the simulation feature to check if they worked correctly before building the actual circuit.
task
In this task, I created a circuit in Tinkercad using one photoresistor (LDR), one NPN transistor, one LED, and two resistors. After connecting all the components, I simulated the circuit to observe its working. This task helped me understand how an LDR and transistor can be used to control an LED based on light intensity.
For my individual task, I created a parallel circuit in Tinkercad using an Arduino Uno, 3 LEDs, and 3 resistors. After completing the circuit connections, I ran the simulation to check if all three LEDs worked correctly. This task helped me understand parallel connections and improve my circuit design skills.
Cirkit Designer
We also learned to use Cirkit Designer, an online tool for designing electronic circuits. It helps create circuit diagrams, connect components, and understand circuit connections easily. It is useful for planning and testing circuits before building them
kicad
KiCad is a free and open-source EDA software used to design electronic circuits and PCBs. It helps create circuit schematics, design PCB layouts, and prepare files for PCB manufacturing. KiCad is widely used by students, hobbyists, and engineers.
Why KiCad?
KiCad is used to design electronic circuits and PCBs. It helps create accurate circuit diagrams, design PCB layouts, and check for errors before manufacturing. It is free, easy to use, and widely used for electronic design projects.
Getting Started with KiCad
First, I installed KiCad on my computer. After that, I installed the Fab Academy libraries, which contain the required electronic components. Once the setup was complete, I started designing the electronic circuit in KiCad.
ki cad installation
search kicad on google
start downloading
install on pc
open interface
search for fab libraries on google and download
install libraries zip files and extract
go to preferance and select option manage libraries
add fab libraries on kicad
designing on kicad
open kicad and save your file in folder
create a schematic circuit
run ERC (electrical rules checker )
create digital circuit and route tracks
run DRC (digital rules checker)
First, I searched for KiCad and downloaded it from the official website. After downloading, I installed KiCad on my computer. Then, I searched for the Fab Academy libraries, downloaded the ZIP file, and extracted it. Finally, I added the Fab libraries to KiCad so that I could use the required components while designing the circuit..
Individual Assignment in ki cad
In this assignment, I created a simple circuit using one LED and one resistor in KiCad. After completing the circuit diagram, I designed the PCB in the PCB Editor. I also added my name to the PCB and checked the final design in the 3D Viewer to see how the PCB would look after manufacturing.
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