PIC18F2550 Simple DIY Prototype Board

Overview

PIC18F2550 is a high-end 8-bit PIC micro-controller from Microchip Technology. I has a USB transceiver inside. Its Flash memory is 32kBytes and able to operates up to 48MHz (12MIPS) using its hardware PLL.

This chip is a little old but I have a dozen of of it. So I decided to make a prototype board with a PICKIT2 device programmer together since I have all required components at my workshop.

3D View of PIC18F2550 Simple DIY Prototype Board

 

3D View of PIC18F2550 Simple DIY Prototype Board

 

 

 

Using a prototype board could be safer and quicker than placing and wiring all components on breadboard.

 

There are some functions on this board:

1. PICKit2 device programmer
2. +5VDC voltage regulator
3. RS-232 to TTL converter
4. ICSP and AVR ISP header for PIC and AVR programming
5. DIP switch for device programming enable
6. Four LEDs
7. Two push buttons
8. Reset button
9. 28-pin male header
10. 20MHz crystal oscillator with DIP switch

 

Schematic

Protues VSM has schematic capture, PCB design tool, 3D visualization, Gerber generator and view, etc. The version I use is Protues 8.9 SP3 (Build 36097). Most of components used in this PCB projects exist in this EDA software. Some footprints with 3D models needs to download from snapeda website. It's free of use but I need to register and log in to download those models. 

Schematic Sheet #1

Schematic Sheet #2

Schematic Sheet #2

It contains three A4 sheets of schematics. Some identical components are used for IC sockets while other are used for IC(s).

PCB Design

PCB design tool in Protues is easy to use than other EDA tools. I make this PCB as a double-side PCB. I don't have to fabricate them by hands using a CNC machine or tone transfer method. Some PCB manufacturer could fabricate it at very low cost.

PCB View in Protues

PCB drill holes are not accurate since it's not a Gerber view of this board. 

This PCB size is approximately 10cmx10cm which is very low cost to order from any PCB manufacturer for instance PCBWay. For single or double sided PCB of 10cmx10cm it cost only 5USD exclude shipping cost. It's a standard and high quality PCB with fast manufacturing and delivery time.

We can order another PCB design at this size to save shipping cost.

PCBWay also offers sponsor project budget for student, electronics hobbyists for their products (PCB, PCBA, etc).

This standard PCB cost only 5USD for 5 to 10pcs (exclude shipping cost) for single or double-sided PCB. It has silk screen component legend and solder mask for both sides.

Top Layer

Bottom Layer

We can instantly upload the Gerber file of the PCB design and instantly quote for price. Additionally there are many shipping method for customer to choose.

If we prefer an in-house DIY PCB processing we can use the image below. Some electronics hobbyists prefer a toner transfer method which is common for most of a single sided PCB. For the double sided PCB with via we need a CNC machine to precisely drill the holes of PCB before it can be putted into an electroplating bath that connect both copper sides.
 

Copper sides pattern making could be make using a CNC machine or a dry film process that require a chemical acid element to etch the copper clad.

Click here to download this design file.