Showcasing My 4-Layer PCB Board Design

[Shraddha]

Hello everyone,

I'm excited to share my latest project: a 4-layer PCB board designed using basic electronic components. This has been a fulfilling journey from concept to creation and I'd love to walk you through the process and details of the design.

Project Overview:
The goal of this project was to create a compact and efficient controller PCB that could serve as a main control unit of "The smart energy meter". Here's a breakdown of what went into this design:

1. Multi-Layer Design:
a) 4 layers to ensure minimal interference and optimal signal integrity.
b) Dedicated ground and power planes for improved stability and noise reduction.

2. Component Selection:
a) Microcontroller- GD32, chosen for its powerful functions, affordable cost and ease of use.
b) Power Supply: A robust 5V regulator to ensure stable operation.
c) Passive Components: Resistors, capacitors selected for basic filtering and signal conditioning.
d) Connectors: Standard headers for easy interfacing with other modules.

3. Design Considerations:
a) Signal Routing: Careful routing to minimize crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.
b) Thermal Management: Heat sinks and thermal vias to manage heat dissipation.
c) Size Optimization: Compact design to fit into a compact enclosures.

4. PCB Layout:
The layout process involved several iterations to ensure all components fit perfectly while maintaining electrical performance. Here are some highlights:
a) Top Layer: Primarily for signal traces and component placement.
b) Inner Layers: Dedicated ground and power planes to reduce noise and provide a stable reference.
c) Bottom Layer: Additional signal routing

5. Assembly and Testing:
a) Initial Power-On Test: Checked for shorts and verified the power supply voltage levels.
b) Functional Test: Ensured the microcontroller was operational and able to communicate with connected peripherals.
c) Signal Integrity Test: Used an oscilloscope to check for any signal integrity issues.

Old and new board.png

MCU.png

Primary testing.png

I'm thrilled with how this project turned out. The 4-layer PCB design has proven to be both reliable and efficient. This board can be used in various applications, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs in different scenarios.


I would love to hear your thoughts and any feedback you might have. If you have any questions or suggestions for improvement, please feel free to share!