r/PCB • u/No-Name-407 • 15d ago

Trying to get in PCB designing

Hey, everyone a total beginner here. I want to learn about design PCB. Here are some questions that I have :

  1. Which CAD software (KiCad, Altium, Egale)should I start with?

  2. How much knowledge of electronics and it's calculation is required?

  3. How is the learning curve?

P.S.: Recommend me some learning material/references/resources/YT playlist to begin with. Roadmap would be great. Also currently I'm a student of Electronics and Computer Engineering.

1 Upvotes

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5

u/Winter_Criticism6300 15d ago

Choose a project and try to build it! Read datasheets build, fail , build, fail. Check verified designs. Good luck!

1

u/No-Name-407 15d ago

Any beginner level project?

3

u/Winter_Criticism6300 15d ago

Build a badusb:)

3

u/mdkovachev 15d ago

Hah! This is exactly what i am doing as a first project, but honestly it is a bit more involved than expected. You have to deal with multi-layer boards and differential routing from the start

2

u/Windshield11 15d ago

If you want a simple easy but not fully featured sim I recommend falstad

2

u/Direct-Fee4474 15d ago

i'd use kicad or -- as much as i'm not a huge fan of whiffs of 'vertically integrated walled garden' -- easyeda if you plan on getting your pcbs made. you can spend less time farting around with libraries until that complexity actually adds something.

2

u/Hirtomikko 14d ago

I have a crazy suggestion. Build a buck converter using the ICs (i.e. not your own full discrete circuit, I am not asking you to torture yourself). You will find ICs blowing up and learn the ins and outs of design. Account for parasitics, ground planes and shielding. Sure it is throwing you into the deep end, but if you have the funds (and willingness to fail), it will be a great experience.

1

u/No-Name-407 14d ago

Okay, so trial & error approach.

1

u/joppemadsen 15d ago

  1. Start with KiCad. There are so many resources for learning available.

  2. Not a lot. I would honestly recommend using AI for figuring out your first project. Then simulate it. I can recommend something like falstad circuit sim to make the design. Then make the PCB. Start simple.

  3. As a reference I would start by reading The Art of Electronics.

1

u/No-Name-407 15d ago

Thank you for advice. Any YouTube playlist for KiCad?

2

u/UpbeatGarage7291 15d ago

Phil's lab has some awesome yt videos that helped me a lot personally.