A class might have the following topics. Each lesson lecture (about 60 min), would be accompanied with about 2 hours of lab activities.
Lecture and Lab Topics:
Class Outline: Introduction to Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design
Class 1: PCB Industry Introduction
Overview of the PCB Industry: Importance and applications of PCBs in modern electronics.
Evolution of PCB Technology: Historical development and key milestones.
Types of PCBs: Introduction to single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layer PCBs.
PCB Materials: Common materials used in PCB fabrication and their properties.
Class 2: Career in the PCB Design Industry
Role of PCB Designers: Responsibilities and skills required in the PCB design profession.
Career Paths and Opportunities: Exploring various job roles in the PCB design industry.
Education and Skill Development: Recommended educational backgrounds and resources for PCB design.
Class 3: Your First PCB
Understanding Schematics: Reading and interpreting electronic schematics.
Introduction to PCB Design Software: Exploring popular PCB design tools and their features.
Creating a Basic PCB Layout: Step-by-step guide to designing a simple PCB.
Class 4: PCB Design Layout Rules
Design Constraints and Requirements: Considering factors such as size, form factor, and functional requirements.
Component Placement Strategies: Best practices for placing components on the PCB.
Trace Routing Techniques: Guidelines for routing signal traces to minimize interference and noise.
Class 5: Signal Integrity and EMI Considerations
Signal Integrity Basics: Understanding signal propagation and its impact on PCB performance.
EMI/EMC Fundamentals: How to design PCBs to reduce electromagnetic interference and ensure compliance with regulations.
Class 6: PCB Manufacturing Fundamentals
PCB Fabrication Process: Overview of the steps involved in manufacturing a PCB.
Gerber Files and Manufacturing Data: Preparing design files for fabrication.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Design considerations to simplify the manufacturing process.
Class 7: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) vs. Through-Hole Technology (THT)
Class 8: PCB Assembly, Testing, & Debugging
Class 9: Design Verification, Simulation, Debug
Class 10: Case Study and Final Projects
Real-world Case Study: Analyzing a practical PCB design project and learning from real-life examples.
Final PCB Design Projects: Students present their own PCB design projects, incorporating the knowledge gained throughout the course.
Each lecture and lab modules will contain the following collateral and curriculum so that a STEAM teacher anywhere in a Highschool or Community College can implement the course work.
Modules deliverables will include: (about 4 hours of 30 min Lectures & 8+ hours of Lab & Assessment activities)
