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TEACHING-MATERIALS/extension.md

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Extension Tasks Have You Considered... Designing a PCB
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Extension Tasks

Once you have a working prototype you should attempt some of the tasks in this worksheet.

Have You Considered...

There are a number of challenges you should consider:

  • How can you check that the sensor package is connected to the Internet?
  • Can the sensor package be powered by batteries?
    • How long will this last?
  • Can the sensor package send its location with the data?
  • How will you protect the sensor package in situ? This could be by using a standard plastic box or your team could design and build a custom enclosure using one the the University 3D printers. There is a good list of 3D design software here.
    • How will you ensure all the sensors still work effectively?
  • would it be useful to include a small screen to display critical information such as connectivity?

Designing a PCB

Now you have a prototype sensor module can you design a custom PCB ready for manufacture?

  1. Start by downloading the Fritzing software and reproduce your breadboard layout.
  2. You will need to install additional components.
  3. Switch to the Schematic tab and refine your circuit schematic.
  4. Finally use the PCB tab to design a compact PCB.
  5. Calculate the Bill Of Materials (BOM) for each board.

Up to this point you have been using the ESP8266 Development Board. By switching to a standard ESP8266 ESP-12E module you should be able to reduce the BOM considerably but you will need to redesign the PCB to accomodate this (especially as it uses a different pin pitch). You will need to find the pinout and download the Fritzing models.

Can you replace more of these development modules with individual components?

What is your final BOM for each populated PCB?

How would you get your PCB etched and assembled? What are the costs involved?

The final step is to design a custom case for this, allowing space for all components to function.