Intro to Eagle PCB Design Software
Posted by Sarah Todd on July 30th, 2008
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 7-10pm
Cost: $45 (members) $60 (non members)
Instructors: Jess Brouse and Luis Hernandez
Learn how to design your very own circuit on the computer with this graphical software.
What is EAGLE?: EAGLE stands for Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor, and is a program aimed at letting you design clean, precise, and complex circuit board layouts.
EAGLE actually contains two distinct programs that function and communicate with each other, in order to make the layout process as readable as possible. These two programs are the Eagle Schematic Editor, which allows the user to either author custom designs, or redraw schematics found from the internet, magazines, and other sources. These schematics can then be brought into the other half of Eagle, the Board Layout Editor. The Layout Editor reads files created in the schematic editor, and translates them into a web components that can be rearranged much like a jig-saw puzzle. Once these parts have been arranged in a coherent manner, board traces can be drawn and edited, creating a complete PCB layout.
About the Workshop: There comes a time when making circuits on breadboards is too cluttered/gross, and too temporary to be worth your time. This workshop is the first part of a two part series on making your own robust (and sexy!) Printed Circuit Boards.
This workshop will introduce you to the Freeware Version of EAGLE. First, we will take you through the process of redrawing a provided schematic (a simple audio amplifier) in the EAGLE Schematic editor. Then, we will be demonstrating how to transfer that schematic to the EAGLE Board layout editor in order to make a completed layout. During the Schematic Layout portion, we will be discussing good rules of thumb when redrawing a schematic. The Board Layout portion of the class will focus on important design rules to remember, and techniques in keeping your layout as clean, readable, and real estate efficient as possible. Techniques in overcoming some of the limitations of the freeware version of Eagle will also be discussed.
Those who decide to take the PCB Etching workshop would then be able to use their completed Eagle layout in order to create a completed copper-clad circuit board.
Prerequisites: This course is aimed at students who can read schematics, and have built simple-to-intermediate circuits on vectorboard, perfboard, or even breadboards. Students should be familiar with basic circuit components, such as IC, transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, etc, as well their their respective schematic symbols.
Bring with You: You will probably want to bring a book to take notes in, as EAGLE is stuffed with many little hidden features. Ideally the student can bring in their own laptop, but if you don’t have one, there will be several computers available on site, with EAGLE loaded onto them.
About the Instructors:
Luis Hernandez is a Toronto based artist, electronic composer, and designer. He has attended Ryerson University for Photography and Japanese Language studies. His work utilizes a wide range of mediums, including slitscan photography, analog video synthesis, ceramic sculpture, virtual architecture, human interface devices, and electronic feedback systems. Luis specializes in restoring and reproducing vintage electronic musical instruments. He is currently researching the subtractive synthesis possibilities of Electron Tubes.
Jess Brouse is an interactive artist, designer and educator. He is a graduate of Ryerson University with a BFA in New Media. Jess is interested in studying the nature of energy that connects hardware, software and wetware circuits. His projects include virtual environments, robotics, interactive exhibits, and microscopic exploration. Jess is also an enthusiast for the open source movement, hacktivism, and participatory culture.
References: EAGLE website: http://www.cadsoftusa.com/index.htm.
For more information visit: http://www.interaccess.org/workshops/series.php
