BLINKING ECE CIRCUIT

PCB PROCESS The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout was designed using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) package called EASY-PC to create a mask for the PCB production process. An illustration of the circuit design for the PCB (mask) is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1 CAD Design of PCB

To manufacture the PCB it can either be machined using a CNC machine or produced using a chemical process. The chemical process used here in the Electronic and Computer Engineer Department begins with an FR4 fibreglass copper clad board that is coated with photo resist.

Figure 2 FR4 Board and UV Exposure Unit

The mask that was created using the CAD software package is placed in contact with the copper clad board and exposed to Ultra Violet (UV) light. After UV exposure the copper clad board is placed in a developer solution, the image of the PCB mask becomes visible after a few minutes.

At this stage the developed board is washed in water to neutralise the developer solution and then placed in the Etchant tank with an acid solution to remove the unwanted copper. Once again the board is washed in water this time to neutralise the acid solution.

Figure 3 Developer/Etchant Tank and Drill Unit

At the end of this process the PCB pattern created by the CAD package is revealed and the board is ready for drilling if required. Alternatively, the PCB design can also be sent to a PCB manufacturing company for production e.g. Beta Layout in Shannon, who manufactured these PCBs.

Figure 4 Finished PCB from Beta Layout

COMPONENTS Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Figure 5 LED for Board

Capacitors (C)

Figure 6 Capacitors for Board

Resistors (R)

Figure 7 Variable Resistors and a Standard Resistor For Board

555 Integrated Circuit (IC)

Pin 1
Figure 8 555 IC and Schematic of its Configuration

SOLDERING Warning, the tip of the soldering iron is about 350 degrees centigrade and can cause serious burns. You will receive soldering instructions from the ECE staff. Firstly, insert the low profile components into the PCB, i.e. IC and resistors and solder them. The IC pin 1 identifies how it is positioned on the PCB. Secondly, insert the medium profile components and solder, i.e. capacitors and note polarity. Cut the excess leads with the snips provided Thirdly, insert the LEDs noting the polarity, + is the anode. To make soldering easier it is recommended that the LEDs that make the letter C are placed and soldered first. Then insert and solder either of the two letters E and then do the same for the other letter E and cut the excess leads.

Figure 9 Finished Product

Finally, attach the battery connector, note the polarity. Solder the red lead to +V and the black lead to GND. If the components are inserted correctly the circuit will work when connected to a 9 Volt battery i.e. ECE will blink. Adjust the variable resistor with the tool provided to vary the speed of blinking.

Figure 10 Completed Project with 9 Volt Battery