<div class="entry-content">
 <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UQBMROv7Dy4" class="youtube-player" width="740" height="416.418" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content">
 Basics of integrating a PCB chip antenna into hardware designs. Tips on what to watch out for, antenna selection, matching, and PCB design.
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-chapters">
 <div>
 Chapters:
 </div>
 <ul class="chapters-list">
 <li class="chapters-list-item">00:00Introduction</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">01:47Trace vs Chip Antenna</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">04:40Pre-Certified Modules</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">05:58Chip Antenna Selection</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">12:33Matching, Tuning, Schematic</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">20:26Footprint</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">22:31PCB</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">31:53Outro</li>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-links">
 <div>
 Links:
 </div>
 <ul class="links-list">
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://e2e.ti.com/cfs-filesystemfile/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/307/6683.PCBvsTrace_5F00_ant.pdf">Chip vs Trace Antennas</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/white-papers/six-hidden-costs-in-a-wireless-soc-design.pdf">Six Hidden Costs in a Wireless SoC Design</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.johansontechnology.com/chip-antenna-selection">Chip Antenna Selection</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.mobilemark.com/5-things-to-consider-when-choosing-an-antenna/">5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Antenna</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.ti.com/lit/pdf/swra161">Antenna Selection Guide</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.analog.com/en/resources/technical-articles/radio-frequency-impedance-matching-calculations-and-simulations.html">Impedance Matching</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/radio-frequency-analysis-design/selected-topics/understanding-matching-networks/">Understanding Matching Networks</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@w2aew">w2aew YT Channel</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://resources.altium.com/p/everything-you-need-know-about-stitching-vias">Stitching Vias</a></li>
 
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses/advanced-digital-hardware-design">Advanced Digital Hardware Design course</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses/mixed-signal-hardware-design-with-kicad">Mixed-signal Hardware Design course</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses">FEDEVEL courses</a></li>
 </ul>
 </div> 
</div>

PCB Chip Antenna Hardware Design - Phil's Lab #139

<div class="entry-content">
 <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_K3GvQkyarg" class="youtube-player" width="740" height="416.418" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content">
 ADC set-up with DMA streams and sampling timer for STM32 microcontrollers. Tips on working with H7's D-cache and memory protection unit (MPU).
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-chapters">
 <div>
 Chapters:
 </div>
 <ul class="chapters-list">
 <li class="chapters-list-item">00:00Introduction</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">03:05Hardware Overview</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">05:36ADC Considerations</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">07:54ADC Config</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">14:06DMA Config</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">15:28Timer & Clock Config</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">19:35Firmware Implementation</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">22:41ADC Callback</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">25:19Demo</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">27:07H7 Caches, MPU, Linker Script</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">32:34U5 DMA, Power Domains</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">34:53Outro</li>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-links">
 <div>
 Links:
 </div>
 <ul class="links-list">
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.st.com/resource/en/application_note/an2834-how-to-optimize-the-adc-accuracy-in-the-stm32-mcus-stmicroelectronics.pdf">AN2834</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://wiki.stmicroelectronics.cn/stm32mcu/wiki/Getting_started_with_ADC">Getting Started with ADCs</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubeide.html">STM32CubeIDE</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0ys155xv1Q&ab_channel=Phil%E2%80%99sLab">DSP Overdrive Algorithm</a></li>
 
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses/advanced-digital-hardware-design">Advanced Digital Hardware Design course</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses/mixed-signal-hardware-design-with-kicad">Mixed-signal Hardware Design course</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses">FEDEVEL courses</a></li>
 </ul>
 </div> 
</div>

STM32H7 ADC + DMA + Timer Firmware Tutorial - Phil's Lab #138

<div class="entry-content">
 <div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M6_an34wQJk" class="youtube-player" width="740" height="416.418" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content">
 Tips for designing with only two copper layers on a PCB (layer assignment, component placement, routing, GND jumps, RF considerations).
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-chapters">
 <div>
 Chapters:
 </div>
 <ul class="chapters-list">
 <li class="chapters-list-item">00:00Introduction</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">03:33Why 2 Layers?</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">05:54Design Constraints</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">08:34Layer Assignment & Board Thickness</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">11:24Component Placement</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">14:40Routing Order, Power Routing</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">16:49Signal Routing, GND Jumps/Pours/Stitching</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">23:06RF & Controlled Impedance</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">28:542- vs 4-Layer PCB Considerations</li>
 <li class="chapters-list-item">31:23Outro</li>
 </div>
 <div class="blog-content-links">
 <div>
 Links:
 </div>
 <ul class="links-list">
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://resources.altium.com/p/everything-you-need-know-about-stitching-vias">Stitching Vias Article</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crs_QLuUTyQ&ab_channel=EEVblog">2- vs 4-Layer EMC Video</a></li>
 
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses/advanced-digital-hardware-design">Advanced Digital Hardware Design course</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses/mixed-signal-hardware-design-with-kicad">Mixed-signal Hardware Design course</a></li>
 <li class="links-list-item"><a href="https://fedevel.com/courses">FEDEVEL courses</a></li>
 </ul>
 </div> 
</div>

2-Layer PCB Design Tips - Phil's Lab #137

Bundle of two hardware design courses, taking you from beginner level to expert in no time.

Company package of the essential online courses teaching about Hardware Design

Hardware Design Courses Package

Mixed-Signal Hardware Design with KiCad

Advanced Digital Hardware Design

Includes: Online video access for 6 months Can be extended by 1 month for FREE All lessons are available after payment1 certificate (if you complete the course activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Online

Includes: Online video access for 6 months Online access for up to 3 people per each course Every online access can be extended 2 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available (after 30 days) Certificates for up to 3 people from your company (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Online and Download

(Recommended)

Includes: Online video access for 6 months Online access for up to 5 people per each course. Every online access can be extended 3 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available immediately after payment Certificates for up to 5 people from your company (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Quick Download

Extra Online licenses for Online and Download or Quick Download options You will get 2 extra Online licenses, one for each course in this package

Additional Online license

Extra Online licenses for Online and Download or Quick Download options. For Companies, which need additional online access to this course for their engineers.

Paper certificate

The essential bundle of courses covering the most important topics needed for board design.

The essential online courses teaching about hardware design and PCB Layout

Essential Hardware Design Courses

Learn Altium Essentials Second Edition

Advanced Hardware Design

Advanced PCB Layout Course

FREE: Advanced Hardware Design Second Edition - Early Access

Includes: Online video access for 8-16 weeks (different between courses) Can be extended by 1 month for FREE The first lesson is available after payment, then next lessons open every 7 days (depending on course)1 certificate (if you complete the course activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Includes: Online video access for 8-16 weeks (different between courses) Online access for up to 3 people per each course. In total, up to 15 Online licenses. Every online access can be extended 2 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available (after 30 days) Certificates for up to 3 people from your company (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Includes: Online video access for 8-12 weeks (different between courses) Online access for up to 5 people per each course. In total, up to 25 Online licenses. Every online access can be extended 3 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available immediately after payment Certificates for up to 5 people from your company (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Extra Online licenses for Online and Download or Quick Download options You will get 5 extra Online licenses, one for each course in this package

English,Italian,Portuguese,Spanish,Turkish

In this course, you'll learn how to design a mixed-signal (analogue and digital) product prototype from scratch - all the way from concept to manufacturing. I will guide you, step-by-step, through all required design stages for a USB-capable, microcontroller-based signal analyser and signal generator.
 
This includes system-level design, component selection, analogue (e.g. op-amps, filters, ADC/DAC interfaces), digital (e.g. microcontrollers, USB), and power supply (e.g. switching converter) circuitry design, simulation, and schematic capture, as well as PCB layout and routing of a four-layer board in KiCad 6, with final processes to get your boards manufactured and assembled!

What will you learn?

This course is for graduate engineers, advanced hobbyists, and electronics enthusiasts. 
Pre-requisites: knowledge of electronic engineering fundamentals, basic knowledge of the PCB design process, and some familiarity with KiCad (v5 or above).

Who is this course for?

The following content is covered in this course:
 
<ul>
<li>Introduction 
Course overview, pre-requisites, overview of product we'll be designing.</li>
<li>System-Level Design 
Requirements capture, basic and detailed system descriptions with block diagrams, design choices, part selection (power supplies, ICs, MCUs, connectors, etc.), how to read a datasheet, mechanical constraints.</li>
<li>Circuit Design, Simulation, and Schematic Capture 
Datasheets, linear vs switching regulator, switching (buck) regulator design, LED calculations, power supply filtering, RC and RLC filters, microcontroller circuitry (STM32), pin assignment (STM32CubeIDE), decoupling capacitors, ESD protection, EMI/EMC considerations, crystal oscillator design, USB circuitry and USB Type C, ADC/DAC circuitry, analogue front-end design (anti-aliasing filters, buffers, single-ended to differential conversion), simulation of analogue circuitry using LTSpice (free). Schematic tips and tricks for readability. ERC (electrical rules check).</li>
<li>Symbol and Footprint Creation 
How to create good and easy-to-use symbols in KiCad and how to create good footprints for ICs in KiCad. Both via the aid of the datasheet. Adding 3D models to footprints.</li>
<li>PCB Design Essentials 
Stackups, manufacturing capabilites and design for manufacturing, layout and routing principles, return paths, vias and traces, copper pours, mechanical considerations.</li>
<li>PCB Layout and Routing 
Complete and real-time layout and routing of the four-layer PCB in KiCad 6. Setting up design rules in KiCad, setting up board stack-up, track widths, vias, controlled impedance trace calculation and routing, mechanical outline, mounting holes, connector placement, component placement, sectioning, mixed-signal guidelines, EMC/EMI guidelines, silkscreen. Design rule check (DRC).</li>
<li>Getting Your Hardware Produced 
Generating files for manufacturing (Gerber) and assembly (assembly information, footprint positions, and bill of materials). Ordering process using generated files and cost estimation.
</li>
<li>Outro 
Final notes and tips, how to get certificate, and contact to instructor.</li>
</ul>

Description

Every student who submits their own PCB design and activity files will receive a certificate, after the files have been checked by the instructor (Phil).

Certificate

Price

16 lessons with a total length of 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Duration

To follow along, you will need a PC with KiCad (v5 or above) installed.
 
Pre-requisites: knowledge of electronic engineering fundamentals, basic knowledge of the PCB design process, and some familiarity with KiCad (v5 or above).

Requirements

A wonderful explanation, setting up the IOC and the discovery of the pull up on the USB D+ line! Really well conveyed thought process, articulated into a seamless and easy to understand flow.

I like the expanding level of detail and the systematic design approach.

I appreciate hearing the rationale behind the decisions made. Great for an isolated hobbyist like myself.

Routing is personally my greatest challenge in my personal projects. This course contains several lessons that I have found very valuable and will go back to my current project and create a new revision to incorporate the lessons I have learned here.

Covers a lot of great considerations that are optional sometimes. ESD, Bypass Caps, Line Filtering, etc.

In this course, you'll learn how to design a complete, mixed-signal product from scratch - all the way from concept to manufacturing.

In this course, you'll learn how to design a complete, embedded, mixed-signal product from scratch - all the way from concept to prototype manufacturing.This includes system-level design, component selection, analogue (op-amps, filters, ADC/DAC interfaces) and digital (microcontrollers, USB, switching converters) circuit design, simulation, and schematic capture, as well as PCB design, layout, and routing of a four-layer board in KiCad 6.This course is perfect for graduate engineers, advanced hobbyists, and anyone interested in the complete hardware design life cycle. Subtitles are available in English and Turkish.

In this course, you'll learn how to design a complete, mixed-signal product from scratch - all the way from concept to manufacturing. This includes system-level design, component selection, analogue and digital circuitry design, simulation, and schematic capture, as well as PCB layout and routing of a four-layer board in KiCad 6

1) System-Level Design 2) Part Selection 3) Understanding Datasheets 3) Power Supply Design 4) MCU and USB Circuitry 5) ADCs, DACs, and Analogue Circuitry 6) Symbol and Footprint Creation 7) Circuit Simulation with LTSpice 8) PCB Design, Layout, and Routing 9) Product Manufacturing

Welcome to this course on mixed-signal hardware design! 

In this lesson, I'll tell you more about this course, the pre-requisites, what you will learn in this course, and how the course is structured. 

Lesson length: 00:05:23

Discovering the course structure, prerequisites, and the knowledge you'll gain throughout. The course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of mixed-signal hardware design.

Introduction

Starting from a very basic system description, we will go through - step-by-step - and define our system requirements.Initially, we'll start with a broad overview of what our product needs to be capable of, then gradually 'hone' in on far more detailed system requirements. 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Basic System Description We'll get given a very basic product brief, defining what our system should be capable of.</li>

 <li>Defining Basic System Requirements Given the product brief, we will define a number of basic system requirements.</li>

 <li>Refining System Requirements Once we have basic system requirements in place, we can hone in and refine our system requirements adding more and more detail along the way. Following that, we'll look at individual, sub-system requirements.</li>

 <li>USB Requirements Power, data rates, connector type, version/protocol, 'Host, Device, or OTG'.</li>

 <li>Processor Requirements Storage capabilities (flash/RAM), programming tools, peripherals, processing power, packaging, brand?</li>

 <li>Power Supply Requirements Linear or Switching, current-/power-handling requirements, filtering, input and output voltages, USB capabilities.</li>

 <li>Data Converter Requirements ADCs and DACs, number of channels, number of bits, sampling rate, additional features, interface (SPI, parallel, ...).</li>

 <li>Analogue Anti-aliasing/reconstruction filters, buffers, impedances, single-ended/differential.</li>

 <li>Miscellaneous Mechanical constraints, connectors, peripherals, ESD protection, EMC, biasing, timing.</li>

 <li>System Block Diagram Given our more detailed system requirements and system description, we can create an initial block diagram.</li>
 </ul>
Lesson length: 00:20:38

Defining system requirements, starting with a basic product brief and refining it to detailed specifications. Learning about USB, processor, power supply, and data converter requirements, along with analog and miscellaneous considerations. Creating an initial system block diagram.

System Requirements

How to choose suitable parts (ICs, passives, ...) for our specific design, given our derived system requirements. 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Part Selection Basics Which parts to choose first, calculating power requirements, choosing additional components (passives), choosing connectors.</li>

 <li>Finding Suitable Parts How to find suitable parts (stock, PCB assembler, familiarity with parts, distributor part search).</li>

 <li>Distributor Part Search Example demonstration of Mouser's part search to find a suitable microcontroller.</li>

 <li>Microcontroller Selection Important microcontroller (MCU) parameters: speeds, flash and RAM sizes, peripherals, brands, packages, ....</li>

 <li>ADC and DAC Selection Important data converter parameters, part choices given our requirements.</li>

 <li>DC/DC Converter Selection Supply requirements leading to converter selection, LDO for analogue, switching (buck) for digital, specific part choices and reasons for choosing them, preview of required surrounding circuitry.</li>

 <li>Analogue Component Selection Low-noise design principles (resistor Johnson noise), op-amp selection (input type, rail-to-rail, bandwidth, etc.), ADC and DAC interfaces, filters.</li>

 <li>Additional Component Selection Voltage/current/power ratings, material/process types, temperature coefficients and tolerances, package sizes, ESD protection and EMI filters.</li>

 <li>Final Points BOM consolidation, standard value compoennts, easy-to-assemble/debug packages.</li>
 </ul>

Lesson length: 00:24:20

Selecting suitable parts for your design based on derived system requirements. Basics of part selection, including finding appropriate components and using distributor part searches. Exploring microcontroller, data converter, and DC/DC converter selection, as well as analog and additional component choices. Insights into BOM consolidation, and standard value components.

Part Selection

How to read a datasheet (typical and useful sections) and introduction to the next part of the course: circuit design. 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Datasheet Overview and Table of Contents Standard layout of a datasheet, and typically most useful sections.</li>

 <li>Pin Configuration and Functions Section Pinout of specific device, useful for schematic symbol creation.</li>

 <li>Ratings and Operating Conditions Section Absolute maximum ratings, recommended operating conditions, incorporated ESD protection.</li>

 <li>Application and Implementation Section Example schematic, component values and sizing for required external circuitry</li>

 <li>Layout Guidelines Section Important information for laying out and routing the specific part.</li>

 <li>Package and Footprint Section Package/footprint information to aid the design of a suitable component footprint in our ECAD software.</li>

 <li>Circuit Design Introduction Moving to KiCad to examine schematic in next lesson, looking at following sections: power supplies, microcontroller and USB, ADC and analogue circuitry, DAC and analogue circuitry.</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 00:05:43

Reading a datasheet effectively by understanding typical and useful sections. Exploring pin configuration, ratings, application, layout guidelines, and package information. Getting introduced to the circuit design process, including KiCad schematic examination, and the design of power supplies, microcontroller and USB, ADC and analog circuitry, and DAC and analog circuitry.

How To Read A Datasheet and Circuit Design Introduction

Starting with circuit design and analysis, we'll move over to KiCad and examine the schematic in sections of our mixed-signal demo hardware. In this first schematic lesson, we'll look at some basic schematic tips for readability and sectioning, as well as the entire power supply circuitry for our prototype product. 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Schematic Overview and Tips How to section a schematic, tips and tricks for readability, and a brief overview of our entire schematic in KiCad.</li>

 <li>Power Supply Overview Input filter, analogue supply, digital supply, and op-amp bias generator.</li>

 <li>Input Filter and RLC Filters Filtering noisy USB power rails, RLC filter theory, choosing suitable component values, RLC filter design using online tools.</li>

 <li>Analogue Supply Linear, low drop-out (LDO) regulators and surrounding circuitry.</li>

 <li>RC Filters RC filter theory and design, analogue supply filtering, power dissipation in resistors.</li>

 <li>Labelling Nets Incredibly important design step: label ALL nets.</li>

 <li>Digital Supply Switching, buck converter for digital circuitry supply rail. Buck convert component selection and sizing (inductor, capacitors, feedback network).</li>

 <li>LEDs and Current-Limiting Resistors Extracting relevant information from LED datasheet, typical current requirements and forward voltages, calculating suitable current-limiting resistor values to adjust LED brightness.</li>

 <li>Bias Generator Configuring an op-amp as a voltage follower to generate a stable bias voltage for op-amps in the analogue front-ends. Supply filtering and reference generation.</li>

 <li>Decoupling/Bypass Capacitors Decoupling capacitor theory, reasons for requiring decoupling capacitors, rough sizing and placement guidelines.</li>

</ul>

Lesson length: 00:31:36

Learning schematic design in KiCad.basic schematic tips for readability and sectioning, as well as the entire power supply circuitry for our prototype product. Exploring Input, RC and RLC filters, analog and digital supply, net labeling, LED current-limiting resistors, and bias generators. Decoupling capacitor theory, sizing, and placement guidelines.

Schematic Design - Power Supply

Moving on to the next schematic page, containing the microcontroller (STM32), programming interface (SWD), and USB circuitry. We'll also examine circuit protection features, such as current-limiting resistors and ESD protection. 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Overview Overview and sectioning of schematic page into logical groups.</li>

 <li>Microcontroller Circuitry Decoupling capacitors, VDDA filtering, configuration pins, crystal oscillator connections.</li>

 <li>Crystal Oscillator Circuitry Crystal oscillator component selection and sizing, load capacitors and feed resistor calculations.</li>

 <li>Pin-Out Planning Initial pin-out, including peripheral selection (SPI, USB, SWD, Timers, ...) for STM32 microcontroller using STM32CubeIDE.</li>

 <li>Pull-Up Resistors Required pull-up resistors on certain datalines, app notes that detail requirements.</li>

 <li>RGB LED Current-limiting resistors for RGB LED, decoupling, connection to timer channels for PWM duty-cycle-based control via MCU.</li>

 <li>USB Type C connector specifics, CC resistors for power delivery, ESD protection, and filtering using common-mode chokes.</li>

 <li>Serial Wire Debug SWD header pinout, protection circuitry with current-limiting resistors and ESD protection, adding capacitance to NRST line.</li>

 <li>TVS Diodes How to quickly choose the right TVS diode for ESD protection, depending on voltage requirements and bus speeds.</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 00:31:39

About the STM32 microcontroller, programming interface (SWD), and USB circuitry. Circuit protection features, such as current-limiting resistors and ESD protection. Exploring crystal oscillator circuitry, pin-out planning, pull-up resistors, and RGB LED control. Specifics of USB Type C connector and Serial Wire Debug header pinout. Choosing the right TVS diodes for ESD protection.

Schematic Design - Microcontroller, USB, SWD, and ESD Protection

In this lesson, we'll examine the final two schematic pages - those of the ADC and DAC, as well as all corresponding analogue circuitry ('front-ends').

 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>ADC Datasheet Overview of ADC, including features, and pin-out.</li>

 <li>Symbol Creation How to create a custom symbol in KiCad 6 using the datasheet as a reference, including proper sectioning of symobls (digital, analog, ground, and power).</li>

 <li>ADC Surrounding Circuitry Using the datasheet to add the required external circuitry to the ADC, such as decoupling capacitors.</li>

 <li>Voltage Reference Using an additional IC voltage reference to feed the ADC, voltage reference filtering and bypassing.</li>

 <li>Analogue Front-End BNC input connector, ESD protection, RF filter, AC coupling, biasing, op-amp buffer with defined input impedance, analogue anti-aliasing filter design (3rd order Butterworth, Sallen-Key), single-ended to 'pseudo'differential/balanced conversion.</li>

 <li>DAC and Analogue 'Rear-End' Required surrounding circuitry for DAC, analogue reconstruction filter, output buffer, ESD protection, and BNC connector.</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 00:23:23

Finalizing ADC and DAC schematic design pages and their corresponding analogue circuitry. Creating custom symbols, and designing the ADC and DAC surrounding circuitry using datasheets. Voltage reference integration, analogue front-end design. Studying the DAC and its analogue 'rear-end' components.

Schematic Design - ADC, DAC, and Analogue Circuitry

Final steps when creating the schematic, as well as selecting and creating custom footprints in KiCad. 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Annotation How to logically annotate multi-page schematics.</li>

 <li>Electrical Rules Check Performing an ERC to catch any schematic capture mistakes.</li>

 <li>Footprint Selection Guidelines to help choose suitable footprints, for example, passive sizes depending on requirements.</li>

 <li>Footprint Creation Using the ADC datasheet to create a custom footprint in KiCad.</li>

 <li>3D Models Retrieving a 3D model, and adding it to our footprint.</li></ul>

Lesson length: 00:08:56

Finishing the schematic design process with annotation, electrical rules checks, and footprint selection in KiCad. Annotating multi-page schematics and performing ERCs to catch mistakes. Discovering guidelines for choosing suitable footprints, create custom footprints using datasheets, and add 3D models to enhance your design.

Final Schematic Tips, Footprint Selection, and Footprint Creation

After creating our initial schematics, we can simulate parts of our circuitry using free tools. We will use LTSpice to simulate a simple op-amp bias generator, both with a DC operating point and AC frequency response analysis. 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>LTSpice Overview Placing components, voltage sources, net names, and navigating around the LTSpice GUI.</li>

 <li>DC Operating Point Anaylsis Steady-state, DC analysis of an op-amp bias generator to check DC node voltages and currents.</li>

 <li>AC Frequency Response Analysis Simulating and analysing the frequency response of an RC, low-pass filter across a defined frequency band.</li></ul>

Lesson length: 00:09:35

Using LTSpice for circuit simulation. Getting an overview of the LTSpice GUI, placing components, voltage sources, and net names. Performing a steady-state DC analysis of an op-amp bias generator to check node voltages and currents. Simulating and analyzing the frequency response of an RC low-pass filter across a defined frequency band.

Circuit Simulation with LTSpice

Once we have our schematic and footprints in place, we can move over to PCB design. We'll start off our design with a discussion about some PCB design basics and guidelines.
 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Checking Your Work Before continuing, make sure to thoroughly check schematics, symbols, datasheets, footprints, and simulations.</li>

 <li>Recommended Resources Several recommended (free) videos to cover PCB design basics.</li>

 <li>PCB Stack-Up Looking at general PCB stack-ups, comparing two four-layer PCB stackups, and benefits and drawbacks of each.</li>

 <li>The Signal Path Discussing how electrical signals flow through a PCB and how this influences our decision of which stack-up to use.</li>

 <li>Traces Guidelines for trace thickness, width, spacing, depending on power or signalling requirements, example current-handling capability calculations in KiCad.</li>

 <li>Controlled Impedance Traces Brief overview of controlled impedance traces, why they are necessary, and using various methods to calculate required trace widths - depending on stack-up - to control impedance.</li>

 <li>Vias and Through-Holes Determining via properties, pad width, drill sizes, and annular rings, recommended sizing, and guidelines.</li></ul>

Lesson length: 00:21:15

Exploring PCB design basics and guidelines. Checking your schematics, symbols, datasheets, footprints, and simulations. Learning about PCB stack-ups, signal paths, trace guidelines, and controlled impedance traces. Understanding vias and through-holes, including properties, pad width, drill sizes, annular rings, and sizing recommendations.

PCB Design - Introduction

Before we can begin with our rough board layout and component placement, we need to set up our PCB in KiCad, as well as to import design rules from our chosen PCB manufacturer.
 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Board Set-Up Defining board in KiCad, layer count, stack-up, signal and power layers, and surface treatment.</li>

 <li>Design Rules Walking through design rules available in KiCad, looking at typical PCB manufacturer capabilities, figuring out design rules from capabilities, importing design rules into KiCad.</li>

 <li>Track and Via Dimensions Adding standard track and via dimensions to our predefined settings in KiCad, importing controlled impedance calculations.</li>

 <li>Miscellaneous Set-Up Brief look at KiCad's default custom net class editor, custom rules editor, and violation severity settings.</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 00:08:02

Setting up your PCB in KiCad, define the board, layer count, stack-up, signal and power layers, and surface treatment. Understanding design rules and how to import them from a PCB manufacturer. Exploring track and via dimensions, controlled impedance calculations, and miscellaneous set-up, such as custom net class editor and violation severity settings.

PCB - Design Rules and Set-Up

We are now ready to begin with the layout of our PCB. Beginning with a very rough placement of the circuitry, we'll hone into the final layout, section-by-section and step-by-step. Throughout, we'll be discussing tips and tricks for properly laying out mixed-signal PCBs that'll make our routing life easier afterwards.
 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Importing Footprints Importing the data from our schematics and placing footprints on the blank PCB.</li>

 <li>Adding Missing 3D Models Sometimes links are broken between footprints and their 3D models. Here's how to fix that!</li>

 <li>Microcontroller Laying out the microcontroller, decoupling capacitors and their best placement, surrounding circuitry.</li>

 <li>Crystal Recommended distance and placement to MCU, correct load capacitor and feed resistor placement.</li>

 <li>Pull-Up Resistors Determining priority of components, placing components in the signal path to avoid stubs.</li>

 <li>Serial Wire Debug Determining best placement of connector, ESD protection, and current-limiting resistors w.r.t. the microcontroller.</li>

 <li>USB Connector, ESD protection, filtering and pull-up resistor placement. Which signal order to place components in, preparing for differential routing later on.</li>

 <li>ADC, DAC, and Analogue Circuitry Creating a boundary between digital and analogue sections, sectioning circuitry, component placement for lowest cross-talk, coupling, and noise, filter placement, and analogue circuitry layout.</li>

 <li>Power Supplies LDO regulator layout with bypass capacitor and filtering resistor, switching regulator layout with best practices, proper placement of analogue and digital supplies.</li>

 <li>Fine-Tuning Layout and Improving Placement Starting with 'islands' of components and component groupings, improving the layout step-by-step, and adjusting connector positions.</li>

 <li>Mechanical Determining a board layout after initial component placement, rounding PCB corners, adding standardises mounting holes to the design.</li>
 </ul>

Lesson length: 01:03:40

Laying out your PCB, importing footprints, fixing broken links of the 3D models, and placing components for optimal performance. Tips and tricks for laying out mixed-signal PCBs, including boundary creation, component prioritization, filter placement, and power supply layout. Improving your layout, fine-tune placements, and adding mechanical elements to your design.

PCB - Layout

Having created an initial layout, we are ready to route our PCB. In this lesson, you'll learn best practices and guidelines for mixed-signal PCB routing, as we route all sections of this board together.
 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Layer Designation Routing layers, ground plane layers, adding ground planes, hiding/showing layers in KiCad.</li>

 <li>Routing Guidelines Controlled impedance routing, spacing, trace width, via placement, grounding, decoupling capacitors, etc. - all to minimise noise, cross-talk, EMI.</li>

 <li>Tips and Tricks Power puddles and how to best link several, adjacent pads of the same net, ground return path vias for field control, improving routing by changing microcontroller pin-out.</li>

 <li>Digital Controlled impedance, differential USB routing, SPI, crystal.</li>

 <li>Analogue Routing to minimise interference from digital section, analogue routing guidelines.</li>

 <li>Power Supplies Best practices for routing LDO regulators and switching converters. Routing of power traces on signal layers.</li>

 </ul>

Lesson length: 00:49:09

Mixed-signal PCB routing with best practices and guidelines. About layer designation, routing guidelines, and tips and tricks for optimal routing. Understanding controlled impedance routing, trace width, and via placement. Mastering digital and analogue routing, along with routing for power supplies. Improving routing skills to minimize noise, cross-talk, and EMI.

PCB - Routing

We need to add some finishing touches to our PCB, including stitching vias and silkscreen.
 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Via Stitching Reasons for stitching vias, how to place stitching vias.</li>

 <li>Silkscreen Labelling connectors and pins, indicating component orientations, adding a custom logo.</li>

 </ul>

Lesson length: 00:04:46

Adding finishing touches to your PCB. Discovering the reasons for and techniques to place stitching vias, and exploring how to create a professional-looking silkscreen. Understanding how to label connectors and pins, indicate component orientations, and adding a custom logo to your PCB design.

PCB - Finishing Touches

Once we've cleaned up our PCB and added finishing touches, we can prepare the necessary files to order our boards at a PCB manufacturer with assembly.
 

Lesson Sections: 

 <ul>
 <li>Preparation Checking design files, minimum production files required.</li>

 <li>Production Files How to export Gerber and drill files, and how to use KiCad's Gerber viewer to check them.</li>

 <li>Assembly Files How to export the footprint position file (CPL), and bill of materials file (BOM), including how to edit the export scripts in KiCad, and add manufacturer names, and manufacturer part numbers.</li>

 <li>Example PCB Manufacturers Brief look at two PCB manufacturers that offer PCB assembly, checking out the rough ordering process, and how to provide the files.</li>

 </ul>

Lesson length: 00:09:51

Preparing and exporting the necessary production and assembly files for your PCB. Checking design files, exporting Gerber and drill files, and creating the footprint position file (CPL) and bill of materials file (BOM). Example of two PCB manufacturers that offer assembly services and the steps to provide them with your design files for a seamless ordering process.

Getting The Product Manufactured

Congratulations on reaching the end of this mixed-signal hardware design course! 

In this final video, I'll show you how to contact me regarding course questions, as well as links to the Phil's Lab YouTube channel and website for more educational engineering content.

 
Lesson length: 00:01:51

Learning how to get in touch for any course-related questions and exploring additional educational engineering content on the Phil's Lab YouTube channel and website. Keep enhancing your skills and stay connected for more learning opportunities.

Outro

Includes: Online video access for 5 weeks (can be extended by 1 month for FREE) The first lesson is available after payment, then next lessons open every 7 days1 certificate (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Includes: Online access to this course for 1 person with access for 6 months Every online access can be extended 2 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available (after 30 days) Certificate for up to 3 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Includes: Online access to this course for up to 5 people, each access for 5 weeks Every online access can be extended 3 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available immediately after payment Certificate for up to 5 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

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This course will guide you through the design of a complex, digital system. From system-level, schematic and PCB design, through to power distribution network design, how to design with modern FPGAs/SoCs/CPUs, DDR3 memory and termination, high-speed peripherals (Gigabit Ethernet, USB HS, eMMC), and finally manufacturing.

This course is for intermediate-level hardware designers (incl. students and hobbyists) that have experience designing hardware (circuitry and PCBs) and wish to advance their skills to tackle larger, and more complicated projects containing FPGAs, SoCs, and high-speed peripherals.

A walkthrough of all aspects of a complex, modern digital hardware design featuring real-life, functional hardware designed specifically for this course.
 
The course hardware ('ZettBrett') features an AMD/Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC, 1GB of DDR3 memory, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 HS OTG, 4GB eMMC memory, and more.
 
(Although this course has a particular focus on an AMD/Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC, the guidelines in this course can be used to design for most FPGAs, SoCs, or advanced processors, with high-speed peripherals interfaces, and high-speed memory.)
 
<ul>
<li>Introduction 
Course overview, course demo hardware (ZettBrett), choice of ECAD tool, target audience & pre-requisites, course materials & certificate</li>
<li>System-Level Design 
FPGA vs SoC vs MCU, complexity & cost, manufacturers & tools, system specifications & requirements, reference designs & system-on-modules, block diagrams, part selection, ...</li>
<li>Schematic Fundamentals 
Sectioning and flow, power flags, crossings & junctions, texts and calculations, schematic symbol design (via datasheet), net labelling, BoM consolidation, annotation, colour-coding, ...</li>
<li>PCB Design Fundamentals 
Fields/energy/return paths, grounding, sectioning, crosstalk, vias, transfer vias, traces (single-ended, differential), BGA basics & fan-out, delay tuning & matching, working with package delays, design for manufacturing (DFM), manufacturer capabilities & design rules, footprint design (via datasheet), double-sided assembly, ...</li>
<li>Build-Up, Stack-Up, and Controlled Impedance 
Build-up basics & design, stack-up basics, stack-up design rules for signal integrity (SI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance, impedance matching, critical length (analogue, digital), rise/fall times, controlled impedance basics, microstrip traces, stripline traces, controlled impedance differential pairs, power planes as references, manufacturers & impedance control, ...</li>
<li>Power 
Power distribution network (PDN) basics, PDN design & sizing, PDN requirements for FPGAs/SoCs, switching regulators (choice, sizing, layout & routing), PDN protection (ESD, eFuses), traces (non-idealities), vias (low-inductance design), power planes, capacitors (derating, non-idealities, self-resonance, finding non-ideal parameters), simulation of PDN using LTSpice (DC/AC analysis, resonances, ringing), decoupling (choice of PDN for FPGAs/SoCs, capacitor placement/layout/routing (QFP, QFN, BGA)), schematic design, ...</li>
<li>FPGA/SoC Config & I/O 
Part selection, programming circuitry (USB-JTAG, USB-UART), strapping options, boot modes, required external circuitry, configuration memory, clocking, programmable logic (PL) set-up, processing system (PS) set-up, bank voltages, pin-out, schematic design, layout/routing, ...</li>
<li>DDR3 Memory & Termination 
Termination basics, reflection vs load impedance, parallel termination, series termination (reflection mode switching), VTT termination, part selection (resistors, VTT regulator), DDR basics, DDR3 signals & power, pin-out, memory module selection, schematic design, fly-by layout & routing, impedance requirements, delay matching, ...</li>
<li>Gigabit Ethernet 
Ethernet hardware basics, signal interfaces (RGMII, MDIO, MDI), physical layer (PHY) (parameters, part selection, power supplies, ...), SoC pin-out, RJ45 connector (integrated vs external magnetics, part choice, placement), schematic design, layout & routing, ...</li>
<li>USB 2.0 HS & eMMC Memory 
ULPI basics, USB physical layer (parameters, part choice, power supplies, ...), load switches, USB connector choice, SDIO basics, eMMC memory part selection, SoC pin-out, schematic design, layout & routing, techniques for 0.5mm pitch BGAs, ...</li>
<li>Final Touches & Manufacturing 
Unused pad shapes, teardrops, copper pours & stitching vias, edge stitching (edge-fired emissions), testpoints, fiducials, layer indexing, silkscreen, generating Gerber files, manufacturing drawing (incl. build-up, impedance control requirements, ...), Bill of Materials (BoM), pick 'n' place file, assembly drawings, quoting process, cost & lead time, ...</li>
<li>Outro 
Additional free resources, contact, course certificate, ...</li>
</ul>

Every student who creates their own advanced hardware design according to the course guidelines, and submits screenshots of their design, will receive a course certificate.

Total of 10 main lessons, with a total runtime of approx. 11.5 hours.

You will need a PC with your ECAD tool of choice installed (Altium Designer, KiCad, ... The course is ECAD tool-agnostic!).

I am very motivated to start the course, it is a great challenge and I will repeat the lessons as many times as necessary until I learn every detail. Thank you Phil.

I think I will follow your rules for designing PCBs. They seem to be extremely efficient.

Learn how to design your own advanced hardware featuring FPGAs/SoCs/CPUs, DDR3 memory and high-speed peripherals.

Learn how to design your own advanced hardware featuring FPGAs/SoCs/CPUs, high-speed memory and peripherals.Looking at all aspects from system-level design, schematic design and PCB layout/routing, power distribution network design, incorporating modern FPGAs/SoCs/CPUs, DDR3 memory and termination, high-speed peripherals (Gig Ethernet, USB HS, eMMC), through to manufacturing.This course is ECAD tool-agnostic, and suitable for engineering students, advanced hobbyists, and professional engineers.

Learn how to design your own advanced hardware featuring FPGAs/SoCs/CPUs, high-speed memory and peripherals.
 
This course will take you all the way from system-level design, schematic and PCB fundamentals, power distribution network design, incorporating modern FPGAs/SoCs, DDR3 memory and termination, high-speed peripherals (Gig Ethernet, USB HS, eMMC), through to manufacturing.
 
This course is ECAD tool-agnostic, suitable for engineering students, advanced hobbyists, and professional engineers.

Advanced Digital Hardware Design Course

1) System-Level Design 2) Part Selection 3) Schematic Fundamentals 4) PCB Design Fundamentals 5) Build-Up, Stack-Up, and Controlled Impedance 6) Power 7) FPGA/SoC Config & I/O 8) DDR3 Memory & Termination 9) Gigabit Ethernet 10) USB 2.0 HS & eMMC Memory 11) Final Touches & Manufacturing

Welcome to the course! This session will give you an overview and what you will learn in this course.
 
<ul>
<li>Course Overview</li>
<li>Course Hardware (ZettBrett)</li>
<li>Choice of ECAD Tool</li>
<li>Target Audience & Pre-Requisites</li>
<li>Course Materials & Certificate</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 14m 49s

Overview and what you will learn in this course. About used hardware called ZettBrett. Choice of ECAD Tool. This course can be followed with your own design using whatever ECAD tool you are comfortable with. This is not a beginner course, it’s for people who already have some experience with designing circuitry and PCBs. Certification and where to find course materials.

Before digging deep into a new hardware project (including schematics and PCB), we need to approach the design from a high level. Looking at specifications and requirements, constraints, and from those choosing our main building blocks, components, and peripherals.
 
<ul>
<li>Why use FPGAs/SoCs? Why not?</li>
<li>Complexity & Cost</li>
<li>Manufacturers & Tools</li>
<li>System Specifications & Requirements</li>
<li>Reference Designs & System-on-Modules</li>
<li>ZettBrett Block Diagram</li>
<li>Part Selection: FPGA/SoC, Configuration Memory, DDR3 Memory, Programming, Peripherals, Power, Additional Components</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 51m 33s

Approaching the design from a high level. Looking at specifications and requirements, constraints, and from those choosing our main building blocks, components, and peripherals. Why use FPGAs/SoCs or why not? Complexity & Cost, Manufacturers & Tools, System Specifications & Requirements, Reference Designs & System-on-Modules, ZettBrett Block Diagram and Part Selection.

System-Level Design

Schematics need to be designed as much as the circuitry and the PCB. This lesson will teach you the fundamentals of how to create clean, user-friendly, and future-proof schematics and schematic symbols.
 
<ul>
<li>Sectioning and Flow</li>
<li>Power Flags</li>
<li>Crossings & Junctions</li>
<li>Titles, Texts, Calculations, Title Blocks</li>
<li>Schematic Symbols & Creation Example (with Datasheet)</li>
<li>Net Labelling</li>
<li>BoM Consolidation</li>
<li>Annotation</li>
<li>Colours</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 35m 40s

Schematics need to be designed as much as the circuitry and the PCB. Fundamentals of how to create clean, user-friendly, and future-proof schematics and schematic symbols. Sectioning and Flow, Power Flags, Crossings & Junctions, Titles, Texts, Calculations, Title Blocks, Schematic Symbols & Creation Example (with Datasheet), Net Labelling, BoM Consolidation, Annotation and Colours.

Schematic Fundamentals

Modern, high-speed PCB designs need to strictly follow a set of guidelines. This is with regards to overall function, signal integrity (SI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) performance, as well as taking into account the manufacturing and assembly process. This lesson highlights the core methods to creating well-designed PCBs, while providing practical examples throughout.
 
<ul>
<li>Fields, Energy, Return Paths</li>
<li>Grounding, Sectioning, Crosstalk</li>
<li>Via Sizing & Traces (Single-Ended, Differential)</li>
<li>Transfer Vias</li>
<li>BGA Design Basics & Fan-Out</li>
<li>Delay Tuning and Matching</li>
<li>Incorporating Package Delays</li>
<li>Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Guidelines</li>
<li>Manufacturer Capabilities & Design Rules</li>
<li>Footprint Design (with Datasheet)</li>
<li>Double-Sided Assembly Guidelines</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 1h 26m 54s

Modern, high-speed PCB designs need to strictly follow a set of guidelines. The core methods to creating well-designed PCBs, while providing practical examples throughout. About Fields, Energy, Return Paths, Grounding, Sectioning, Crosstalk, Via Sizing & Traces, Single-Ended, Differential), BGA Design Basics & Fan-Out, Delay Tuning and Matching and more.

PCB Design Fundamentals

Good build-up and stack-up design are essential for a functional, high-speed PCB for best-possible SI and EMI performance. Modern ICs with fast edge-rates and high-speed signalling additionally require tuned, impedance-controlled traces. 
This lesson will teach you guidelines, and show you how to design your own build-ups, stack-ups, and how to calculate and route controlled impedance traces for various high-speed interfaces.
 
<ul>
<li>Build-Up Basics and Design</li>
<li>Stack-Up Basics</li>
<li>Stack-Up Design Rules for SI and EMI</li>
<li>Impedance Matching</li>
<li>Critical Length (Analogue, Digital)</li>
<li>Rise/Fall Times vs Critical Length</li>
<li>Finding Rise/Fall Times</li>
<li>Controlled Impedance Basics</li>
<li>Microstrip Traces</li>
<li>Stripline Traces</li>
<li>Controlled Impedance Differential Pairs</li>
<li>Power Planes as References</li>
<li>Manufacturers & Impedance Control</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 1h 24m 12s

Guidelines and how to design your own build-ups, stack-ups, and how to calculate and route controlled impedance traces for various high-speed interfaces. Impedance Matching, Rise/Fall Times vs Critical Length, Controlled Impedance Basics, Microstrip Traces, Stripline Traces, Controlled Impedance Differential Pairs, Power Planes as References, Manufacturers & Impedance Control...

Build-Up, Stack-Up, and Controlled Impedance

For high-speed, digital PCBs, not only are signals critical to good performance but also the entire power distribution network (PDN). From the many high-current rails needing to be generated by switching regulators, to how this power is delivered to fast-switching ICs via various non-ideal interconnects, and decoupled with non-ideal capacitors. This lesson will explore the elements of PDN design, showing techniques and guidelines, real-world examples, and simulations along the way.
 
<ul>
<li>Power Distribution Network (PDN) Basics
 Elements (VRMs, Traces, Vias, Planes, Caps, ...), target impedance, non-idealities, thermals, sectioning, ...
</li>
<li>PDN Design & Sizing
 Voltage sources, number of voltage rails (FPGA/SoC/peripherals), current/power requirements & estimation, power supply sequencing, ...
</li>
<li>Switching Regulators
 Choice, sizing, noise considerations, layout & routing, ...
</li>
<li>PDN Protection
 ESD, eFuses: choice & key parameters, implementation, ...
</li>
<li>Traces
 Non-idealities (resistance, inductance), trace sizing, IPC-2221 calculations, ...
</li>
<li>Vias
 Via sizing, spacing for low inductance, low-inductance capacitor attachments, ...
</li>
<li>Power Planes
 Benefits, delivery for multiple voltage rails, perforations, necking, ...
</li>
<li>Capacitors
 Class 2 MLCC basics, derating (bias, temperature, ...), non-idealities, non-ideal impedance vs frequency, self-resonance, finding non-ideal parameters, choice guidelines, electrolytics, ...
</li>
<li>Simulation
 SPICE simulation of simple PDN (VRM, traces, caps, load), DC analysis, transient simulation, frequency response, ringing & resonances, ...
</li>
<li>Decoupling
 Choice of PDN for FPGAs/SoCs (type, size, value of capacitors per rail), capacitor placement & layout & routing (QFP, QFN, BGA), ...
</li>
<li>PDN Analyser Tool
 Example PCB DC analysis (voltage drop, current density) (Altium only)
</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 1h 52m 50s

Explore the elements of PDN design, showing techniques and guidelines, real-world examples, and simulations along the way. About Switching Regulators, PDN Protection, Traces, Vias, Power Planes, Capacitors, Simulation, Decoupling, PDN Analyser Tool.

Power

The course demo hardware (ZettBrett) uses an AMD/Xilinx Zynq-7000 series SoC (System-on-Chip). To even be able to boot-up a complex device such as this, we need to add a fair amount of external circuitry. This lesson will show you how the specific part was chosen, how to design the SoC's fundamental schematic and all of its supporting circuitry, assign pinouts, and more.
 
<ul>
<li>Part Selection
 Distributor part search, manufacturer product selection guides, datasheets, ...
</li>
<li>JTAG
 Pinout, USB-to-JTAG/USB-to-UART circuitry, ...
</li>
<li>Configuration
 Strapping options, config. pins, boot modes, configuration memory, clocking, ...
</li>
<li>Programmable Logic (PL)
 SoC FPGA section set-up, pin descriptions, bank voltages, clocking, layout/routing, ...
</li>
<li>Processing System (PS)
 Bank divisions, bank voltages, reset signals, clocking, pin-out, ...
</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 51m 13s

How to choose specific parts, how to design the SoC's fundamental schematic and all of its supporting circuitry, assign pinouts, and more. JTAG, including Pinout and SB-to-JTAG / USB-to-UART circuitry. Configuration such as Strapping options, config. pins, boot modes, configuration memory, clocking. Programmable Logic (PL) and Processing System (PS).

FPGA/SoC Config & I/O

High-speed DDR interfaces can be one of the most challenging sections to design, layout, and route on a modern PCB. This lesson will cover essential signal termination techniques, as well as DDR3 memory basics, schematic design, and layout/routing techniques to guide you through the entire process of adding high-speed memory to your design.
 
<ul>
<li>Termination
 Basics, reflection vs load impedance, parallel termination, series termination ('reflection mode switching'), VTT termination, part selection (resistors, VTT regulator), ...
</li>
<li>DDR3 Memory
 DDR basics, signals (CLK, ACC, DQ) & power, SoC pin-out, memory module selection, bit & byte-lane swapping, single module vs multiple modules, fly-by connection, layout & routing, power delivery & decoupling, controlled impedance, delay matching, diff. pair skew matching, ...
</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 1h 39m 47s

Essential signal termination techniques, as well as DDR3 memory basics, schematic design, and layout/routing techniques to guide you through the entire process of adding high-speed memory to your design. Basics of DDR memory, DDR3 memory signals & power, memory module selection, bit & byte-lane swapping, fly-by connection, power delivery & decoupling.

DDR3 Memory & Termination

Implementing a Gigabit Ethernet interface in your system is not trivial. This lesson will start from the basics, show you how to choose and connect required parts and interfaces, as well as show you how to layout and route this high-speed system.
 
<ul>
<li>Ethernet Hardware Basics
 Media-Independent Interface (MII), physical layers (PHYs), magnetics, RJ45 connectors, ...
</li>
<li>Physical Layer (PHY)
 Parameters, RGMII/MDIO/MDI interface, power supplies, registers, misc. signals (clock, LED, strapping options, ...), part choice, SoC interface and pin-out, schematic design, ...
</li>
<li>RJ45 Connector
 Parameters, part selection, external vs integrated magnetics, ...
</li>
<li>Layout and Routing
 RJ45 connector placement considerations, PHY placement, QFN fan-out and power delivery, RGMII/MDIO/MDI diff. pair routing, controlled impedance, delay matching, series termination, chassis connection, ...
</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 57m 36s

How to choose and connect required parts and interfaces, as well as how to layout and route this high-speed system. About basics of Ethernet Hardware. Physical Layer (PHY), parameters, registers, part choice… The RJ45 Connector selection and placement. Layout and Routing, PHY placement, pair routing, series termination, chassis connection, ...

Gigabit Ethernet

This lesson will show how to add a USB 2.0 high-speed on-the-go (HS, OTG) interface and large amounts of non-volatile memory (eMMC) to your design. We'll see what interfaces (ULPI, SDIO) and additional components (PHYs) we require, as well as how to layout and route these devices. Finally, we'll look at some techniques of how to fan-out a 0.5mm-pitch BGA!
 
<ul>
<li>USB 2.0 HS Basics
 ULPI interface, physical layer (PHY), part choice (PHY, connector), datasheets, ...
</li>
<li>USB 2.0 HS Implementation
 SoC pinout, PHY/load switch/connector schematic, PCB layout and routing (QFN, ULPI, USB HS diff. pair, controlled impedance, delay matching), ...
</li>
<li>eMMC Memory Basics
 SDIO interface, part choice, datasheets, ...
</li>
<li>eMMC Memory Implementation
 Schematic, SoC pinout, PCB layout and routing (SDIO, controlled impedance, delay matching), techniques for 0.5mm-pitch BGAs, ...
</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 43m 59s

How to add a USB 2.0 high-speed on-the-go (HS, OTG) interface and large amounts of non-volatile memory (eMMC) to your design. What interfaces (ULPI, SDIO) and additional components (PHYs) we require, as well as how to layout and route these devices. Techniques of how to fan-out a 0.5mm-pitch BGA!

USB 2.0 HS & eMMC Memory

PCB design does not end directly after layout and routing. We need to add various 'final touches' and then generate all necessary files and documentation for manufacturing and assembly. This lesson shows you how to do that!
 
<ul>
<li>Final Touches
 Removing unused pad shapes, teardrops, copper pours & stitching vias, edge stitching (to combat edge-fired emissions), testpoints, fiducials, layer indexing, silkscreen, ...
</li>
<li>Manufacturing
 Gerber file generation and checking, manufacturing drawing (build-up, impedance control requirements, ...), ...
</li>
<li>Assembly
 Generation of Bill of Materials (BoM), pick 'n' place (CPL) file, and assembly drawings, ...
</li>
<li>Ordering Process
 Getting a quote, adding design information & requirements, cost, lead time, ...
</li>
</ul>

Lesson length: 46m 37s

PCB design does not end directly after layout and routing. Adding various 'final touches' and generating all necessary files and documentation for manufacturing and assembly. All steps required during the ordering Process, such as Getting a quote, adding design information & requirements, cost, lead time, ...

Final Touches & Manufacturing

Congratulations on completing the course! This outro section will show you further, free resources for hardware design, and how to get in touch with the instructor.
 
Make sure to hand in your course submission in this lesson (requirements outlined in Lesson 1)!
 
Lesson length: 2m 38s

This outro section will show you further, free resources for hardware design, and how to get in touch with the instructor. Course submission.

Includes: Online video access for 12 weeks (can be extended by 1 month for FREE) The first lesson is available after payment, then next lessons open every 7 days1 certificate (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Includes: Online access to this course for up to 3 people, each access for 12 weeks Every online access can be extended 2 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available (after 30 days) Certificate for up to 3 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Includes: Online access to this course for up to 5 people, each access for 12 weeks Every online access can be extended 3 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available immediately after payment Certificate for up to 5 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

With a diverse skill set, Philip's areas of specialization span from high-speed, mixed-signal electronics for industrial drones to cutting-edge audio electronics. He is also a sought-after industrial consultant and content creator for Altium. Philip holds a degree in Electronics and Control Systems Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, and is certified by IPC CID+, demonstrating his expertise in the industry.His identity is greatly shaped by his renowned YouTube channel, Phil's Lab. As an experienced hardware and PCB design consultant, Philip uses his channel as a platform to share educational engineering content, covering topics such as PCB design, electronics, and real-time digital signal processing.

Philip Salmony

With a diverse skill set, Philip's areas of specialization span from high-speed, mixed-signal electronics for industrial drones to cutting-edge audio electronics.He is also a sought-after industrial consultant and content creator for Altium. Philip holds a degree in Electronics and Control Systems Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, and is certified by IPC CID+, demonstrating his expertise in the industry..

With over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry, Robert Feranec is a distinguished engineer who has contributed to numerous high-profile projects. His diverse roles include hardware designer at VOIPAC Technologies and senior hardware engineer at EUROTECH.Robert is known for his expertise in the field of hardware design, particularly in the areas of PCB design, signal integrity, and high-speed digital design. In addition to his role as a founder and CEO of FEDEVEL, he is a passionate content creator on YouTube. There, he provides valuable tips, tricks, and tutorials on PCB design and electronics engineering. Robert's commitment to education and innovation continues to inspire and empower the next generation of electronics engineers.

Robert Feranec

With over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry, Robert Feranec is a distinguished engineer who has contributed to numerous high-profile projects. His diverse roles include hardware designer at VOIPAC Technologies and senior hardware engineer at EUROTECH.

Steven is a power system engineering veteran with over 40 years of experience. As a globally acclaimed authority, Steve frequently lectures and conducts workshops on Power Integrity and Distributed Power System Design. He has been awarded the DesignCon 2017 and EDICON 2017 Best Paper Awards, and was a winner of the Jim Williams ACE Award for Contributor of the Year (2015), as well as DesignCon 2023 Engineer of the Year award. Steve is also a two-time Test & Measurement Test Engineer of the Year Finalist.With numerous publications and books on power supply and distribution network performance, including his latest book "Power Integrity Using ADS" (2020), Steve is a leading authority in the field. Additionally, he is the founder of AEi Systems, specializing in modeling and worst-case circuit analysis for high reliability industries. He is also the founder and CEO of PICOTEST.com, which is a company specializing in instruments and accessories for high-performance power systems and distributed system testing.

Steve Sandler

Steven is a power system engineering veteran with over 40 years of experience. As a globally acclaimed authority, Steve frequently lectures and conducts workshops on Power Integrity and Distributed Power System Design. He has been awarded the DesignCon 2017 and EDICON 2017 Best Paper Awards, and was a winner of the Jim Williams ACE Award for Contributor of the Year (2015), as well as DesignCon 2023 Engineer of the Year award. Steve is also a two-time Test & Measurement Test Engineer of the Year Finalist.

The founder and principal EMC consultant, who brings extensive expertise in power electronics, digital electronics, electric machines, and product design. With a PhD from Newcastle University's Electrical & Electronics Engineering department, where his research focused on novel power switching schemes to reduce EMI emissions, Min's work has been widely cited in research papers. He has worked as an EMC specialist on milestone projects with Dyson Technology in the UK, establishing EMC capabilities for the Dyson Electric Vehicle project.Following that, he joined Cherry Clough Consultants Ltd to provide independent expertise in cost-effective EMC design worldwide. Now he works as a principal EMC consultant in Mach One Design Ltd. Dr. Min Zhang's in-depth knowledge and proven track record in designing cutting-edge electronics and electric machines with minimal EMC issues make him a valuable asset in helping you achieve efficient and cost-effective product designs.

Min Zhang

The founder and principal EMC consultant, who brings extensive expertise in power electronics, digital electronics, electric machines, and product design. With a PhD from Newcastle University's Electrical & Electronics Engineering department, where his research focused on novel power switching schemes to reduce EMI emissions, Min's work has been widely cited in research papers. He has worked as an EMC specialist on milestone projects with Dyson Technology in the UK, establishing EMC capabilities for the Dyson Electric Vehicle project.

Keith has dedicated his career to solving real-life interference problems in high-tech products and systems across various industries. Graduating with a B.Sc (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London in 1972, he specialized in analogue circuit design and electromagnetic field theory, earning Upper Second Class Honours (Cum Laude).Throughout his career, he has managed critical projects, such as developing a new range of microwave test instruments (the 6200 series) for Marconi Instruments. As a Chartered Electrical Engineer since 1978 and a Group 1 European Engineer since 1988, Keith has authored numerous papers on EMC and EMC for Functional Safety. He has also held leadership roles in professional organizations, including chairing the IEE's Professional Group (E2) on Electromagnetic Compatibility and the IEE's Working Group on 'EMC and Functional Safety', and serving as the UK expert for the IEC 61000-1-2 maintenance team.

Keith Armstrong

Years in Electronic Design and Management

EMC Specialist & Chartered Electrical Engineer

Keith has dedicated his career to solving real-life interference problems in high-tech products and systems across various industries. Graduating with a B.Sc (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London in 1972, he specialized in analogue circuit design and electromagnetic field theory, earning Upper Second Class Honours (Cum Laude).

With nearly 20 years of experience developing CPU and network chips for high-performance computing systems and several years as founder and CEO of Redwood EDA, Steve Hoover brings a great deal of industry knowledge to his courses.Steve holds a BS in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MS in computer science from the University of Illinois. He contributed to multiple generations of Alpha microprocessors at DEC and Compaq as well as Itanium and Xeon server projects and Omni-Path HPC network switch microarchitecture for Intel. Recognizing the urgency for a new design paradigm, Steve left Intel to found Redwood EDA in 2015. He is fostering an open-source hardware ecosystem with the introduction of makerchip.com, and he is actively contributing to the evolution of the Transaction-Level Verilog standard.

Steve Hoover

With nearly 20 years of experience developing CPU and network chips for high-performance computing systems and several years as founder and CEO of Redwood EDA, Steve Hoover brings a great deal of industry knowledge to his courses.

With a decade of hands-on experience in Altium Designer and Altium Enterprise Systems, this engineering expert is passionate about training professionals to maximize their proficiency and efficiency using these powerful tools. Gaining extensive knowledge through his work as a hardware developer at IDS-Imaging Development Systems GmbH, Sven has managed the transition to Altium Designer, implemented Altium Vault and Altium Concord Pro, and overseen PLM integration.Over the years, he has continued to broaden, extend, and deepen his expertise through numerous development projects. Sven is the founder of the company EDATRON Solutions GmbH (link→ <a href='https://www.edatron-solutions.com/en' style='color: white; text-decoration: underline;'>https://www.edatron-solutions.com/en</a>), where he currently leads practical Altium training sessions. These sessions take place both at the customer's location and at a training center in Germany. As a skilled trainer, Sven has successfully supported several customers in implementing Altium's enterprise products, as well as consulting about Altiums software solutions.

Sven Ingelfinger

With a decade of hands-on experience in Altium Designer and Altium Enterprise Systems, this engineering expert is passionate about training professionals to maximize their proficiency and efficiency using these powerful tools. Gaining extensive knowledge through his work as a hardware developer at IDS-Imaging Development Systems GmbH, Sven has managed the transition to Altium Designer, implemented Altium Vault and Altium Concord Pro, and overseen PLM integration..

A talented FPGA engineer with degrees in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Jordan also has a patent pending for an innovative electronic monitoring device. Proficient in FPGA development, digital electronics, circuit board design, and VHDL design and modeling of hardware systems, his expertise is rooted in embedded systems.His passion for engineering extends beyond academia, as he actively pursues diverse interests that allow him to further develop his skills. These include mobile application development, PCB layout and assembly, computer application programming, and various other electrical engineering pursuits, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and innovation in the field.

Jordan Christman

A talented FPGA  engineer with degrees in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Jordan also has a patent pending for an innovative electronic monitoring device. Proficient in FPGA development, digital electronics, circuit board design, and VHDL design and modeling of hardware systems, his expertise is rooted in embedded systems.

Sierra Circuits excels in providing high-quality, quick-turn PCBs and medium production runs, prioritizing rapid delivery and unmatched product quality. Committed to offering customers exceptional resources and knowledge, their industry-leading circuit boards are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions.One striking example of their product resilience is a cubesat board that not only survived a catastrophic rocket explosion but also remained undamaged after plummeting back to earth. It is important to emphasize that their cubesat board was not the cause of the explosion. Sierra Circuits' steadfast dedication to engineering and innovation ensures their position at the forefront of the industry, meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Sierra Circuits

Sierra Circuits excels in providing high-quality, quick-turn PCBs and medium production runs, prioritizing rapid delivery and unmatched product quality. Committed to offering customers exceptional resources and knowledge, their industry-leading circuit boards are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

XJTAG specializes in enabling engineers to swiftly debug, test, and program complex electronic circuit boards, streamlining design, development, and manufacturing processes. With a focus on innovative product development and high-quality technical support, the company caters to a diverse array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications.XJTAG's global presence is supported by an extensive network of over 50 experienced distributors and technology partners, ensuring clients worldwide can access their products and services. By delivering exceptional solutions that facilitate efficient electronic circuit board management, XJTAG helps industries optimize their operations and achieve greater success.

XJTAG

XJTAG specializes in enabling engineers to swiftly debug, test, and program complex electronic circuit boards, streamlining design, development, and manufacturing processes. With a focus on innovative product development and high-quality technical support, the company caters to a diverse array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications.

Voipac provides scalable and compact COMs and SBCs, covering all of the technologically and development demanding parts, significantly cutting customers’ new products time-to-market.Since 2002, Voipac team has served numerous satisfied customers from all over the world. Its focus is to maintain close links with not only other commercial companies, but also with the technical institutes and university students that will once graduate and become the driving force of the future development teams.

Voipac

Voipac provides scalable and compact COMs and SBCs, covering all of the technologically and development demanding parts, significantly cutting customers’ new products time-to-market.

| OUR INSTRUCTOR

Philip Salmony

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Philip Salmony's Top Courses

Hardware Design Courses Package

Essential Hardware Design Courses

Mixed-Signal Hardware Design with KiCad

Advanced Digital Hardware Design

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| OUR INSTRUCTOR

Philip Salmony

Instructor Philip Salmony in numbers

Philip Salmony's Top Courses

Hardware Design Courses Package

Essential Hardware Design Courses

Mixed-Signal Hardware Design with KiCad

Advanced Digital Hardware Design

Videos with Philip Salmony

Videos with Philip Salmony

Get to know our highlyexperienced instructors

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Get to know our highly
experienced instructors