DigiKey shared this video on Youtube! Inspired to to make your own PCB? Check out this guide from the Adafruit Learn System to make your own PCB with Eagle, OSH Park, and Adafruit!
At their core, PCBs are multi-layer platforms that secure and interconnect electronic components to form functional circuits. The foundation of a PCB is typically made from FR-4 (flame-resistant, grade 4 fiberglass-reinforced epoxy), a non-conductive substrate chosen for its durability and fire-resistant properties. This core is then clad with a thin layer of copper using heat and adhesive in a pressing process. The copper layer’s thickness is measured in ounces, with common variants being 1/2 ounce, 1 ounce, and 2 ounces. This copper layer is crucial as it can be etched to create a multitude of intricate conductive paths and connection points for electronic components.
Beyond the core and copper layers, PCBs benefit from additional finish layers that enhance their functionality and durability. The bottom finish layer, known as solder mask or solder resist, is a thin coating of epoxy liquid that serves multiple purposes. Like masking tape, it ‘masks off’ areas where solder is not desired, protecting copper traces from oxidation and preventing accidental short circuits. This layer also plays a crucial role in the soldering process by preventing solder bridges between exposed pads.
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Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.
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Python for Microcontrollers – Adafruit Daily — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: New Python Releases, an ESP32+MicroPython IDE and Much More! #CircuitPython #Python #micropython @ThePSF @Raspberry_Pi
EYE on NPI – Adafruit Daily — EYE on NPI Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey
