Learn how to utilize Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software like EasyEDA to design your custom PCB and use JLCPCB’s SMT (Surface-Mount Technology) manufacturing service to fabricate your board.
Objective:
Gain hands-on experience with EDA tools by designing, validating, and preparing a PCB specifically tailored for your litePhone project. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the industrial manufacturing process by submitting your design to JLCPCB for professional fabrication and assembly.
Part 1 – PCB Design using EasyEDA
Use EasyEDA, a user-friendly, browser-based EDA tool to create your custom PCB design tailored for your ESP32-based litePhone.
Requirements:
Your PCB must include:
- ESP32 footprint for the selected ESP32S3 MCU
- Footprints for necessary components: GSM module (e.g., SIMCom A7670G), battery management circuit, SIM card slot, audio components (speaker, microphone), TFT connector, and USB interface
- Proper schematic capture clearly showing connections between components
- PCB layout following best practices:
- Adequate spacing for SMT assembly
- Clear silkscreen labels
- Appropriate power and ground plane utilization
- Mounting holes and connectors clearly defined
🏆 Challenge
Optimize your PCB layout to minimize signal interference and improve power efficiency. Document the considerations taken.
Part 2 – Preparing Gerber Files and BOM for JLCPCB
Export the following files necessary for manufacturing:
- Gerber files (used by JLCPCB to manufacture your PCB)
- Bill of Materials (BOM) file, formatted for JLCPCB’s SMT assembly service
- Component Placement File (Pick and Place)
Steps:
- Verify design rules using EasyEDA’s Design Rule Check (DRC)
- Export Gerber files, BOM, and Pick and Place files directly from EasyEDA
- Cross-verify each file for accuracy and completeness
🏆 Challenge
Review JLCPCB’s SMT library beforehand. Select components readily available in their library to ensure smooth assembly.
Part 3 – Ordering from JLCPCB
Steps:
- Visit the JLCPCB website and create an account
- Upload your Gerber files and confirm preview accuracy
- Upload BOM and Pick and Place files for the SMT assembly process
- Select board parameters (PCB thickness, color, surface finish, etc.)
- Confirm assembly details, including component orientation and placements
- Submit your order for manufacturing
Submit the following:
- EasyEDA Project Files (.json, schematic, PCB layout)
- Gerber files (.zip)
- BOM and Pick and Place Files
- Short report (1–2 pages) including:
- Overview of your PCB design
- Design decisions and trade-offs (component placements, routing choices)
- Iterations and revisions
- SMT Assembly experience and quality assessment
- Lessons learned
Grading (100 Points)
- PCB schematic clarity and accuracy (20 Points)
- PCB layout quality and design rules adherence (20 Points)
- Proper Gerber file, BOM, and Pick and Place preparation (20 Points)
- Lab Report comprehensiveness and insights (40 Points)