SONG YUE LI
Georgia Institute of Technology
Project Highlight: ECE 1100 Discovery Project
For my ECE 1100 Discovery Project, I designed, soldered, and tested, a custom 2-layer PCB keychain. It utilizes a LM555 timer to blink at a frequency of 3 HZ, drawing power from a 5V USB-C port.
01
Creating a Footprint
For this project, I wanted to learn how to design my own footprint. Having only just started using Altium, this proved difficult, but I managed to learn how to create a footprint for a USB-C port. The purpose of this footprint is to create a custom solder pad figure and schematic representation.
02
Laying out the Schematic
Afterwards, using the LM555 data sheet, I created a schematic for 6 LEDs. There were calculations that had to be met in order to efficiently use the LEDs with 3Hz frequency, but it helped familiarize the tools on Altium Schematic Documents.
03
Placing the Components
Once the schematic was completed, I imported them onto a PCB Document and started placing the components. This part was like a fun puzzle: figuring out where the traces should go, when to use vias, and more. After running some verification tests, I sent it to be manufactured.
04
Soldering and Testing
Using a stencil, solder paste, and a solder oven, I completed the soldering process, tested it with a USB-C cord, and it worked! I found the component placement to be the hardest part of this process, but I will be using that as motivation for another possible project in the future.
