This module develops the knowledge, understanding and skills required for the design, manufacture and testing of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
A mixture of lectures and practical sessions will be delivered.

You will be covering the following steps in this module:

- Obtaining requirement definitions
- Resource considerations
- Producing design specification
- Circuit schematic design
- Simulation Tests
- PCB design
- Prototyping using assembly and manufacturing techniques
- Environmental Testing
- Final product tests
- Production management

1. An individual report (1500 words, weighted at 50%) describing the design and test plan of a printed circuit board, which will assess learning outcomes 1 and 2. (AHEP3: D1, D2, D3b, D5, D6, P4, P8)

2. A group report (1500 words, weighted at 50%) describing the process for selection of the most appropriate design, manufacture and testing of a populated printed circuit board as well as showing the ability to work in an engineering team, which will assess learning outcome 3. (AHEP3: D4, D5, EL4, P1, P2, P3, P8, P11b, G4)

Both Elements of Assessment must be passed in order to pass the module.

The learning strategy of this module requires 36 hours of class supported learning.

As guidance, students may typically be expected to allocate the hours indicated below to the following activities during independent and self-directed study time, reading and preparation for lectures (34), additional research and reading (30), preparation of coursework assignments (50).

During this module students will take part in:
- Formal lectures
- Discussions
- Practical work

1. Identify and critically evaluate the design requirements and constraints to prepare a design solution and test plan for an electronic product. (AHEP3: D1, D2, D3b, D5, P4, P8). Learning, Enquiry, Problem Solving

2. Communicate effectively by preparing a report suitable for technical and non-technical audiences. (AHEP3: D6). Communication

3. Work within an engineering team to produce and critically evaluate a printed circuit board based prototype. (AHEP3: D4, D5, EL4, P1, P2, P3, P8, P11b, G4). Analysis, Application

PCB design software
PCB manufacturing facility

Williams, T. (2016) EMC For Product Designers, 5th Edition, Newnes

Zungeru, A.M. et al. (2017) Handbook of Laboratory Experiments in Electronics and Communication Engineering: Vol. 2, Chennai: Notion Press.

Alexander, C. K., & Sadiku, M. N. (2020) Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, 7th Edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.

Virtually all electronic products use Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). This module will give you practical experience of how to design and assemble PCBs. The module will also introduce the topic of electromagnetic compatibility and how to design circuits to minimise its effects. This module uses a highly practical approach to enable you to learn skills which are essential for anyone wishing to pursue a career in circuit design.