First PCB design - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Zip
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 12:31:13 pm
content: Is their somewhere that has current pcb design files open source online so i can copy portions of parts i like from different designs?I want to make a usb stick for my first run to learn the process.Can i see other people assemblies how they made their usb pcb files to design mine in a similar wayCan someone recommend a pcb design online program for meTo get started so i can organise my layers and ground rails?What are the best chips to use for an 8GB usb stick

author: Etesla
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 07:43:26 pm
content: Kicad has a really strong community that can help you through any troubles you may have. Its open source so there are also plenty of plugins available for features that are not included in the base version. It's what I use.I also recently tried EasyEDA and was pleasantly surprised by its functionality. I thought it would be too simplistic to get any real work done, but its actually a lot more powerful than it looks if you dig around. If you want to learn some PCB design stuff in the absolute easiest to use software environment, maybe try EasyEDA before Kicad. I think it also gives you access to some demo boards or other peoples designs like you wanted.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2019, 07:57:59 pm
content: I think you should pick a lower speed design for your first project.At 8GB, to achieve any reasonable transfer rate you're going to want USB2.0 throughput, which means differential, controlled impedance traces that are length matched for performance up to spec. It's also the case that the vast majority of USB sticks are fully integrated - a single chip, or often, a die bonded directly to the board, so it probably wouldn't make for a terribly interesting project even if you design it successfully. What's more, those chips are probably hard to find individually - they are sold in bulk to flash memory manufacturers and aren't seen as often on the general market - and if they are, it's probably cheaper to buy a 8GB drive, desolder the chip, and use it in your design.... which again seems silly to me.There are lots of complaints to be had with it, but I've been using CircuitMaker with good success. Some options/hotkeys are hidden, but are usually still functional, and while it does require a login and some degree of public sharing, it's not really a problem for hobby use, and the software itself is powerful. I've heard plenty of good things about KiCad as well, and I think it's come a ways since I picked software initially.

author: Zip
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 25, 2019, 09:51:07 am
content: How about current assembly components required my understanding is to make an 8gbUsb2.0 or usb3.0 board i would need1 x nand flash memory chip1 x crystal osccilator1 x usb mass storage controller1 x led24 x resistors

author: Amper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 25, 2019, 11:01:41 am
content: Sadly there is much much more to it then just trowing those components on the board. Not saying its not possible, but you wont do it for your first project.