Philippine E-Journals

MCU-Based PCB Developer for Small-Scale Design

Norman Wendell A. Altoveros | Mark Joshua P. Malolos | Alexander C. Polintan Jr.

 

Abstract:

PCB development is considered a risky activity that is difficult for beginners. Manual PCB development is a tedious process, which involves printing the circuit design on photo paper, attaching it to the PCB with tape, using iron to transfer the ink which will serve as the circuit, using ferric chloride to dissolve the excess copper, and drilling to produce holes where the electronic components will be attached. This project was developed with the aim of integrating the three major processes of PCB development into one system to make the PCB development process much easier than the manual process. The system was also developed to lessen the time and cost required by the process. A series of system tests were conducted, and the processes performed well as the PCB was developed and done with excellent accuracy and reliability in terms of plotting and drilling. The software applications (i.e., Eagle CAD software, GRBL Control software and G- Codes) needed to make the design and develop the PCB can be installed in a computer. To use the system, a computer must be connected to the GRBL Control Board which is the brain of the system. This GRBL control board has motor drivers and must be connected to the Stepper motors and Dc motor for the X-, Y-, and Z-axis movement. The Eagle Code is the software used for making the circuit design. The machine performs the three processes which are plotting, etching, and drilling. Once the process is done, the PCB is ready to be used. The electronic components must be attached to the PCB via soldering to finish creating the circuit.