31-10-2012, 04:27 PM
EXPRESS PCB TUTORIAL
EXPRESS PCB TUTORIAL.doc (Size: 3.77 MB / Downloads: 108)
This tutorial leads you through the design of a PCB using layout software from ExpressPCB, which is freeware available at www.expresspcb.com. Before beginning you should make sure your computer has both ExpressPCB and ExpressSCH, if not than you should download the software. Before beginning the PCB process, you should come up with the initial design, build it and test it on a breadboard, fix any errors, and determine specific components. It is also useful to have datasheets and dimensions for all of the “special” components such as transistors, ICs, sensors, actuators, etc., on hand. For this tutorial, we will use a drawer burglar alarm circuit, which had the following form after testing on a breadboard:
Move the photoresistor to the spot you want it in the circuit.
Now we will create the buzzer. The buzzer is a polarized device, so a good starting point is a polarized capacitor. Go to the component selector, choose a polarized capacitor, ungroup the capacitor, and then add a circle to the symbol to distinguish it as a buzzer. Group the entire object as a component with part ID, “BZ1,” and label “CEP-2224” and save the component as a “Buzzer” under custom components. At the last step, you’re display will be as follows:
Creating the Layout in ExpressPCB
When doing the layout, it is particularly useful to have the actual components and/or in front of you, along with a ruler or set of calipers (the ruler and calipers are unnecessary for this tutorial).
1. Open ExpressPCB. When you first open the program, a dialog box appears with links to the Quick Start Guide and a PCB Design Tips file. If you have time, both of these links can be instructive. Once you’re ready to continue, hit OK to go to a new file.