How to create a professional PCB from home

[jasonhanjk 0]

Here are the steps for creating a professional PCB. Having the knowledge of basic electronic knowledge is a must. As the below recommendation requires the use of chemicals, I am not responsible for the death, injuries or lost of properties.

 

When you are ready.... Let's go!!!

Edited May 16, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

First, get a schemactic. Here is a Cmoy for example:

[jasonhanjk 0]

I assume you understand and know how to read the schemactic. Now download eagle layout editor from cadsoft. It is a freeware and it has tutorial, manual in pdf format.

 

http://www.cadsoftusa.com

 

http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download.htm

 

Edited May 16, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

Draw the same schemactic for Cmoy to the eagle layout editor. Then draw the wiring for PCB.

[jasonhanjk 0]

Let's start buying!!!

 

After the board is complete, you need to print it out on transparencies. You need to buy this special transparencies if you intend to use inkjet printer. Another way is to print it on paper and ask a photocopier shop to print it on normal transparencies.

 

Cost $13.42.

[jasonhanjk 0]

The PCB. Get a FR4 150mm by 100mm (glass epoxy) from Silicon Electronics. It is down the way after kaichin, it also sells lots of resistor cheap.

 

Cost $3.50.

Edited May 24, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

As these PCB have photo sensitive chemicals on them. Normally you need to expose it under ultra violet light. There always another way, get a table top flourescent lamp. The down side is longer exposure time.

[jasonhanjk 0]

If you are really hardcore and want to save money. Get this $12.00 ultra violet lamp from SLT, Sinter Electrical. It is between Kaichin and Silicon; you won't missed it.

Edited May 24, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

Print it to transparencies.

[jasonhanjk 0]

Expose em... Read the manual.

It says 6 to 10 min under flourescent. Distance of 5cm +-1cm.

 

The printed side of the art work must be touching the PCB during exposing to ultra violet. This is to ensure better art work being transfer. When you start wiring the PCB in the computer, the component is on top of the PCB but the wiring is beneath it. So when printing on trans the drawing must be upside down.

If you have your name on the trans, it will be printed upside down too. Not to worry as when you stack the trans onto the PCB (ensure the printed side is touching the PCB), your name will be in correct order again.

 

Place a glass panel after the transparencies, it will gives flat surface.

Edited May 25, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

Wash the photo resist away with positive type developer. The wash away area will expose the copper and later be etch away. Cost $4.50 at Silicon Electronics.

 

Do not touch any of these chemicals. Wear gloves!!!

Edited May 24, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

Etch the copper using Ferric Chloride. Add 1 packet into a chemical bottle (picture) and 500ml of tap water. Shake untill all granules have dissolve. Do not use drinking bottle to store the chemicals as children may drink it.

 

The whole board will have a layer of copper. Just on top of that layer will have another layer of photo sensitive mask, this mask will protect the copper being etch away. After the artwork being transfer onto the PCB and a portion photo resist being washed away. The unwanted copper will be exposed to be etch away.

 

Pour on to a plastic container where the PCB is (tupperware will do). Rock the container until the intend copper is etch away. Store chemical back into the bottle for next use.

 

Cost $15.00 from Silicon Electronics.

Edited May 25, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

Dry it and expose the rest of the PCB again under flourescent light. Or just throw under the sun.

It will be helpful to wash away all the photoresist later.

Edited May 15, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

PCB drill from Kaichin. It must be able to use on 1mm drill bit.

Cost $29.80.

 

I always try to go Kaichin everytime I go SLT. The reason of course is not due to electronic.

Edited May 24, 2004 by jasonhanjk

[jasonhanjk 0]

Tadaaa!!! Finish....

Edited May 24, 2004 by jasonhanjk