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Linked new page in steps 3 and 4
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/13fy2KAYhqTLVAPye0ETRxe1ajy-SXyLccdFxlEEXSSw/edit Buddy v3 Design]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/13fy2KAYhqTLVAPye0ETRxe1ajy-SXyLccdFxlEEXSSw/edit Buddy v3 Design]
== Step 1: Schematics ==
== Step 1: Pick the Parts ==
This is the most arduous process of all. All components must have suitable ratings and must all communicate/interact with each other.
Some websites useful for finding parts and specifications of parts:
# [https://www.mouser.com/ Mouser Electronics]
# [https://www.digikey.com DigiKey]
Manufacturer sites for even tighter specifications and datasheets:
# [https://www.analog.com/en/index.html Analog Electronics]
# [https://www.ti.com/ Texas Instruments]
# [https://www.st.com/content/st com/en.html ST Microelectronics]
When picking parts, also make sure to look for evaluation boards, which are breakout boards for microcontrollers to test that their components work. [[/www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/stmicroelectronics/STM32F411E-DISCO/5131480|Example]]
== Step 2: Napkin Sketch ==
== Step 3: Schematics ==
See [[Altium Schematics and Footprints Guidelines]]
Schematic Design is the process of specifying the symbolic representation of your circuit in a format that both the computer and a human can understand.
Schematic Design is the process of specifying the symbolic representation of your circuit in a format that both the computer and a human can understand.
* You should make your schematic clean enough that another human can read it. If no one else can read it, they won't be able to catch your mistakes
* You should make your schematic clean enough that another human can read it. If no one else can read it, they won't be able to catch your mistakes
* You should make heavy use of existing schematics for past SSI projects, especially those you understand and have flight heritage
* You should make heavy use of existing schematics for past SSI projects, especially those you understand and have flight heritage
** If the schematic you are looking for is not available in Altium, they need to be imported or created. You can find the schematics of most components on product pages of the websites listed in Step 1.
* You should use a strict hierarchical schematic sheet tree, with sheets nested within other sheets to reduce complexity
* You should use a strict hierarchical schematic sheet tree, with sheets nested within other sheets to reduce complexity
== Step 2: Footprints ==
== Step 4: Footprints ==
See [[Making Parts for PCB Libraries]]
See [[Making Parts for PCB Libraries]]
See [[Altium Schematics and Footprints Guidelines]]
* If possible, design your circuit to use parts that have heritage, and have footprints in the library
* If possible, design your circuit to use parts that have heritage, and have footprints in the library
* Take the time to track down 3D models for components, it will help prevent dumb ME issues later on
* Take the time to track down 3D models for components, it will help prevent dumb ME issues later on
== Step 3: Layout Parts ==
== Step 5: Layout Parts ==
Before you start laying out traces, try to get a rough layout of all your parts done. Traces can always be re-routed to other layers, but physical components can't be easily moved once placed. Keep in mind your mechanical design constraints. Make sure your switches and connectors are accessible at the edge of the board, etc.
Before you start laying out traces, try to get a rough layout of all your parts done. Traces can always be re-routed to other layers, but physical components can't be easily moved once placed. Keep in mind your mechanical design constraints. Make sure your switches and connectors are accessible at the edge of the board, etc.
== Step 4: Layout Traces ==
== Step 6: Layout Traces ==
Laying out traces is not something that happens linearly, nor quickly. Computers can beat humans in Chess, and in Go, but no computer has ever reliably been better at PCB routing than a good human. It's best to tackle large or complex layout projects during uninterrupted time, when you can really really get into a Zen state. Big projects tend to get routed during breaks. You may have to revisit Step 3 above when you find the the way you were envisioning the traces being routed doesn't work out. This is fine. PCB design doesn't fall into the strategy of "rapid prototyping" yet, and so you're better off taking your time, getting everything neatly aligned.
Laying out traces is not something that happens linearly, nor quickly. Computers can beat humans in Chess, and in Go, but no computer has ever reliably been better at PCB routing than a good human. It's best to tackle large or complex layout projects during uninterrupted time, when you can really really get into a Zen state. Big projects tend to get routed during breaks. You may have to revisit Step 3 above when you find the the way you were envisioning the traces being routed doesn't work out. This is fine. PCB design doesn't fall into the strategy of "rapid prototyping" yet, and so you're better off taking your time, getting everything neatly aligned.
== Step 5: Layout Memes ==
== Step 7: Layout Memes ==
Take deep breath as you feel yourself emerge from the tunnel of layout. Perhaps you still have things to touch up, but the end is in sight. Take some time to think about what you want on your board, ''other'' than the electronics. There are a few things you need to have:
Take deep breath as you feel yourself emerge from the tunnel of layout. Perhaps you still have things to touch up, but the end is in sight. Take some time to think about what you want on your board, ''other'' than the electronics. There are a few things you need to have:
* Board Name
* Board Name
(TODO: attach pictures of past memes)
(TODO: attach pictures of past memes)
== Step 6: DFM ==
== Step 8: DFM ==
== Step 7: Prototype ==
== Step 9: Prototype ==