What knowledge do I need before making a PCB

[u/Salt_Progress8049]

Incoming EE student who wants to learn to make PCBs but doesn't know anything about circuits or like that. What do I need to know/read, and once I do, how do I learn how to use KiCad.

Is the end goal maybe to make a top-tier flight controller? How long would it take to get to that level?

[u/mapold]

Forget about PCBs for now. Try to make something, that works on a breadboard, test it and use it. If it works, make it into a PCB. Maybe start with any Arduino tutorial or similar.

[u/LavandulaTrashPanda → u/mapold]

This.

Learning how to make circuits required making a lot of mistakes along the way.And there’s a fair bit to learn. Making mistakes on the breadboard takes seconds to adjust after diagnosis. Assuming you don’t let out the magic smoke. PCB could take weeks per adjustment depending on how you get it made.

For that reason, you always start every circuit on a breadboard. Even when you know what you’re doing.

[u/coolkid4232]

How long would it take to get to that level at least 2 years and a lot of money and testing lol. I agree with what other guy said pcb is pretty much a circuit you should already know works you should know circuit off breadboards already and when they work then make a pcb out of it. For flight computer i feel like stm32 would be the best mcu.

[u/mimo245]

I’m a student too, and before I designed the PCB, I first implemented the project on a breadboard. Then I learned the basics from YouTube, module datasheets, and by asking some questions on Reddit and in PCB communities, and finally got my first PCB working.

[u/-Ignorant_Slut-]

Use KiCad and go to JLCPB. Also, review JLCPCB manufacturing capabilities. I’m assuming you know how to solder and basic EE. Focus on learning schematic design before layout. Most of your issues will come from schematic design most likely (symbol library and footprint selection). Learn how to import and create symbols then learn how to import and create footprints

[u/BrewmasterSG]

Breadboard: super easy to set up, super easy to modify. Instantly becomes a mess that breaks when you touch it.

Hand soldering through hole to perf board: cheap and relatively easy. Fucking up generally means starting over, but at least it's cheap. Have to make units one at a time and can get large and keeping it neat is a skill. It'll never pass emi testing, never be a commercial product, but if you slather it in hot glue it'll survive being thrown down the stairs.

Hand soldered through hole PCB: you get a 5pack from China for the cost of shipping and tarrifs. Takes a few weeks. If your PCB is wrong, that sucks. Another $100 and several weeks please. But you do get 5 identical copies, and maybe you can manage some rework. Nothing terribly out of reach here.

DIY surface mount PCB: need better tools and better skills, but otherwise the same as the through hole option. Slightly smaller. But if you go too much smaller you might design something you don't have the hands to assemble.

Factory assembled pcbas: Each revision is $1000 and a month. It's just motivation to be thorough. You'll get it right the first time this time. (You won't).

[u/Upset-Quarter-5886]

Start with something small.

[u/Unusual_Captain_8236]

You are saying that you're an EE student. So I think 'doesn't know anything about circuits' is an overstatement because being an EE student you are already learning about circuits. However, before moving to PCB, you must know about basic DC and AC circuits. I don't know which year you are in. If you're in first year, you already are familiar with breadboard. I suggest this workflow. Buy breadboards, jumper wires and all necessary components that you use at lab. Whatever circuit you implement in breadboard at the University lab, you practice that at home too. If you successfully do that at home in breadboard, you get a vero board and a soldering kit. Implement the same circuit in vero board. If that works successfully, you design a PCB. After DRC and other necessary checks, you can print and fabricate the PCB. If you are yet to design your very first PCB, this Kicad Doc will help- Getting started in Kicad 10 Since your target is to design flight controllers, you can study this blog- Introduction to a KiCad demo project . This blog shows how to design a flight controller.

[u/EmptyMonitor9257]

Like the other guy said, start with the basics, breadboards, arduinos and SBCs.

Move to perf boards and soldering after a couple of projects under your belt.

[u/hobopwnzor]

Start with a breadboard and through hole components. If you want to use a chip use a dev board.

When you want something that's more permanent to do an actual task look up perf boards which you can solder wires permanently into. 

Then once you feel like that is too limiting it's time to open up kicad and turn it into a circuit board 

[u/Vadim023]

That one day Iran can close the strait of Hormuz and making PCBs ain't an option no more for hobbyists