PCB DESIGN

Skill Tree: Color in the boxes and level up your skills

Use for individuals or as a group by picking a colour each and coloring in a part of the box. Everyone’s journey is different and you can interpret the goals flexibly. The aim is to inspire you to learn and try new things. Not everything needs to be completed.

Start Here

Learn to read a schematic
Learn to Solder
Test a PCB with a Multimeter
Desolder / Resolder Through hole parts on a PCB
Design a Through-Hole part PCB
Learn PCB Software
Export Gerber Files
Import Schematic file to PCB
Order a PCB for the first time
Use an Autorouting tool
Use alcohol to clean PCB
Hand solder SMD Parts
Order a PCB in any colour but Green
Design a PCB with Art on the Silkscreen layer
Make a design with RGB LEDs
Use hot air for soldering SMD
Learn SMD component codes
Design an SMD PCB
Get something wrong and re-order a board
Use SMD tweezers in a project
Get something wrong and apply a hot fix to the board
Create your own footprint
Repair a broken PCB
Assemble something with a QFP
Teach a friend how to design a PCB
Use ENIG finish on a PCB
Calculate trace width for power capacity
Use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean a PCB
Assemble something with a QFN
Use 0805 size SMD parts on a PCB
Panelise a design with multiple parts
Design a PCB with an embedded controller
Use 0603 size SMD parts on a PCB
Debug a project with an oscilloscope
Design with CMOS or TTL Logic with no firmware
Use 0402 size parts on a PCB
Use thermal vias in a project
Design a multilayer PCB with more than 2 layers
Use a hotplate to rework a PCB
Use a solder paste stencil to assemble lots of PCBs
Get a PCB assembled by the factory
Debug a project with a logic analyzer
Use a vacuum pen to assemble a PCB
Use USB in a PCB design
Design a PCB including both SMD and through hole parts
Chemically etch a PCB yourself
Design a PCB with a speaker or buzzer
Use a pick & place machine
Mill a PCB from a copper sheet
Order an Aluminium PCB
Document your PCB Design
Use a reflow oven to solder a PCB
Teach a class on PCB Design
Design a PCB with a display
Design a PCB with EEPROM
Use a a solderpot
Use a BGA in a PCB
Design a Flex PCB
Design an enclosure for a PCB
Design a PCB Badge or business card
Design a two sided PCB
Design a PCB with a weird shape
Use gold fingers in a design
Sell a PCB on tindie
Design a PCB with a real time clock
Sell a product on something other than tindie
Contribue to someone else’s open source project
Register a design with OSHWA