Designing Your Own PCBs
Are you thinking of branching your technical know-how out into the world of technology and electronics? One of the first roadblocks you are likely to meet is whether or not you want to make your own PCBs. We think this is a task that everyone who is technically minded should undertake at some point in their lives. Let’s take a look at why.
Challenge
Designing PCBs is not an easy task. There are many tiny things that could go wrong and even more which you need to remember if you want a functioning PCB at the end of the process. If you are looking for something which will really test your technical skills, you should definitely consider looking at PCB design.
From the simplest of circuits to the more advanced rigid flex PCB, you will never run out of ways in which you can keep growing and improving as a designer. If you are looking to pick up a skill which will have you improving and pushing yourself constantly, PCB design is the right hobby for you!
Creativity
People may overlook it due to it being more “technical” but PCB design actually has a lot of creativity mixed into it. Think about the sheer number of goods that have a PCB inside them. The board in a washing machine is going to be very different than the one inside a child’s toy.
When designing PCBs, you will have to think creatively about not just the function of the board, but you will also have to consider how the pieces are all going to fit together. Some boards may require an unusual layout, some may have more space to play with than others. You may even design a board which is pure art and not function. You are never going to have to stop thinking creatively, with each and every project you happen to face.
Control
One of the biggest advantages of designing your own PCBs is that you will get full control over how it functions. All designers have their little flairs that they might not even realise they are adding but it could result in something you don’t like.
If you use pre-manufactured PCBs, you might also end up with one which is built using a material which is not right for your project of choice. Learning how to design from start to finish allows you to choose a whole manner of different materials for the PCB depending on your project. With knowledge like this on your side, you will be able to make many more informed decisions about the direction your projects are headed in, which will ultimately result in a noticeable improvement to the quality of PCBs you are creating.
PCB design is one of the most intricate and rewarding technical hobbies out there. If you are searching for the perfect way to spend your time, you should definitely consider taking up this rewarding and fascinating hobby today. It will challenge you, inspire your creativity, and allow you full control over the end product no matter what it happens to be!
