This week, I focused on getting the PCB layout off the ground. My first obstacle was finding the proper layout footprint in a PCB design tool. My familiarity with Autodesk Fusion360 led me to look into finding a footprint in the Fusion360 library. After conducting extensive research in the Fusion360 library and looking for download options online, I concluded there were no options to proceed with Fusion360. I looked into alternatives and settled with using KiCad for my layout tool as the Daisy footprint was uploaded to the open source library in KiCad. I have attached a screenshot of the print below.
I then looked into the standard sizing of guitar pedal casing to determine the size of the board. After conducting brief research, I decided to size my board with a width of 2.85” and a height of 5”. I have defined the board outlines in my layout. In addition, I contributed to the design requirements and system implementation portions of the design report, amongst other minor formatting contributions. As part of the report, we finalized an initial draft of the bill of materials. While further discussion is needed to determine if any more components are required for our product, this initial list allowed me to begin my search for layout footprints of materials in the KiCad library and online. My next goal is to use the pinout of the Daisy Seed to begin connecting the I/O pins and power pins to the appropriate components.
I am still on schedule as the barebones of the PCB are coming together. I hope to have a board layout next week. I also want to begin prototyping my components on a breadboard. However, this might temporarily be on hold until I can determine basic tests to prototype as waiting for full functionality of our desired features will take too long and limit the duration of time for which I can prototype.