DIY PICMicro Low Pin Count DIP Prototype Board

Overview 

Using a prototype board for micro-controller firmware testing could save time and safer. Putting an on-board device programmer with prototype board could be more satisfy for electronic hobbyists.

I have some PIC18 and PIC16 series of micro-controllers left from previous projects. I don't know what to do with them anymore. So I put them on single board to PIC program testing next time I need them without checking their pin diagram, and wiring them on bread board. 

PCB Front View

PCB Back View

 

I designed a PCB with a 

1. PICKit2 device programmer (with AVR ISP header)
2. +5VDC and +3.3VDC low drop out power supply
3.  RS-232 to TTL logic converter
4. I2C DS1307 RTC and 24LC08 EEPROM 
5. 4-bit LCD (HD4478)
6. 3-digit 056'common cathode multiplexing display 
7. One passive buzzer with transistor driver (using CCP1 PWM output pin of PIC16F876A)
8. 8-LED that connects to PORTC of PIC16F876A
9. A 4x4 keypad matrix that connects to PORTB of PIC16F876A
10. Three analog inputs (one LM35 and two potentiometers) that connect to RA0...RA1 of PIC16F876A. 
11. A 28-pin IC socket for 28-pin PIC devices
12. A 20-pin IC socket for 20-pin PIC devices
13. A 18-pin IC socket for 18-pin PIC devices
14. A 14-pin IC socket for 14-pin PIC devices
15. And a 8-pin IC socket for 8-pin PIC devices

This board seem to be a large PCB with two copper layer near a size of an A4 paper that I'm not yet fabricate it. It need a PCB fabrication service.

Schematic

I use Protues VSM Release 8.16 SP3 to design draw its circuit diagram. Some components are not in its original libraries. So I find and download some devices symbol, footprints and 3D objects from snapeda website. I separate its schematic into A4 sheets. 

Sheet #1

Sheet #2

Sheet #3

Sheet #4

Sheet #5

This board could fit,

1. 28-pin PIC microcontrollers: PIC16F876A, PIC16F886, etc.
2. 20-pin PIC microcontrollers: PIC16F1459(USB), PIC16F690, etc.
3. 18-pin PIC microcontrollers: PIC16F1827, PIC16F84A, PIC16F818, etc.
4. 14-pin PIC microcontrollers: PIC16F630, PIC16F676, etc.
5. 8-pin PIC microcontrollers: PIC12F629, PIC12F675, PIC12F683, etc.

These are some mid-range PIC micro-controllers I have at my own workshop.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

This board size is 8.02x6.30 inches that could be a little bit expensive to order from any professional PCB fabrication service. But if we need to use it with classmate or friend the share cost is cheaper.

Top Copper non-mirror

Bottom Copper

Top Silk

I preview this PCB on an online Gerber viewer software.

Gerber View Top Copper

Gerber View Bottom Copper

 Click here to download its design file.