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How to Design Your Own Custom Microcontroller Unit – MCU PCB

What is an MCU PCB?

A microcontroller unit (MCU) serves as the main processing unit on an

MCU PCB, also known as a microcontroller unit printed circuit board. An

MCU is a tiny computer with a CPU core, memory, and input/output

peripherals on a single chip. The MCU offers system intelligence and

control, enabling it to carry out various activities, from straightforward

control operations to intricate computations and data processing.

An MCU PCB generally incorporates extra parts including sensors,

actuators, communication interfaces, and power management circuits to

support the MCU’s capabilities. To provide the necessary electrical

connections, these components are placed on the PCB in a specified

layout and connected by traces and vias.

MCU PCBs are ideal for various applications, such as consumer electronics,

automotive systems, industrial control systems, and medical devices. They

are highly appealing because of their adaptability, affordability, and

simplicity. Additionally, their capacity to accommodate a variety of

peripherals and interfaces is essential.

Microcontrollers, digital and analog circuitry, programming languages,

and PCB layout and design are all specialist skills needed while designing

an MCU PCB. To assist their clients in creating custom PCBs that fit their

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unique specifications, many PCB manufacturers provide design services

for MCU PCBs.

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How do Microcontroller Units Work PCB

Microcontroller Units (MCUs) are integrated circuits that combine memory,

input/output peripherals, and communication interface capability with the

computational capacity of a central processor unit (CPU) on a single chip.

MCUs are designed to carry out particular tasks and do these tasks by

carrying out instructions in a predetermined order.

Several programming languages, including C, C++, and assembly language,

can be used to create MCUs. We usually program the MCU using a

programming device once we create the code on a computer. The MCU

executes the instructions in the order the programmer specified once you

load the code.

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Memory, another component of the MCU, houses the instructions it

carries out. The memory may be either non-volatile. As a result, the data

remains even when the power is off. On the other hand, when volatile, we

lose the data when the power is off.

An MCU’s input/output peripherals enable communication with other

electronics or sensors. The features of the peripherals, which can

be analog or digital, include pulse-width modulators, timers,

analog-to-digital converters, and serial communication interfaces like SPI,

I2C, and UART.

The MCU can use input from peripheral devices to conduct computations

or other tasks. The output peripherals, such as a motor

controller, LED driver, or display, can output the results.

The MCU collaborates with other components on a PCB to carry out the

required task. To ensure that the MCU runs appropriately, the PCB

designer must consider the power needs, communication interfaces, and

other considerations when creating the PCB layout.

System/Preliminary Design

An MCU PCB’s system or preliminary design specifies the system’s general

architecture, its functional requirements, component choices, and

high-level design considerations.

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Determining the system’s functional requirements is the first step in the

system design process. This entails determining the system’s inputs and

outputs, the needed processing power, and any other constraints the

system must satisfy. A system specification document, employed to direct

the design process, frequently includes descriptions of the functional

requirements.

The next stage is to select the system’s components after establishing the

functional requirements. This entails choosing the microcontroller and

any additional parts, such as sensors, actuators, communication interfaces,

and power management circuits, which may be needed.

While choosing components, it’s necessary to consider the

microcontroller’s compatibility, the system’s power needs, and the

intended communication interfaces. Along with performance criteria,

availability and the cost is also necessary while choosing components.

We can establish the high-level design of the system once we choose the

components. This involves figuring out the PCB’s layout, the system’s

architecture, and the electrical connections between its many parts. Finally,

we depict the system’s components and their relationships in a block

diagram, a common form of documentation for high-level designs.

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It’s crucial to consider noise, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and

power consumption while designing a system. These variables may affect

the system’s performance and require additional design aspects or

components.

In general, choosing components, defining the high-level architecture and

layout of the PCB, and specifying the functional needs of the system are all

steps in the system design process for an MCU PCB. The system design

guides the PCB’s intricate design and implementation, which entails

developing the schematic and organizing the board’s lines and

components.

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Schematic Circuit Design

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An MCU PCB’s schematic circuit design entails visually depicting the

circuit’s electrical connections and constituent parts. A schematic capture

program is often ideal for this. It enables the designer to position

components and create connections between them.

We must choose the microcontroller and any other components utilized in

the circuit before creating the schematic circuit design. This entails

choosing the right sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, power

management circuits, and other parts necessary to fulfill the system’s

functional needs.

After choosing them, the components can go into the schematic editor

and connect with wires or nets. The schematic should be labeled and

organized to read and comprehend.

The electrical properties of the components and how they interact with

one another are essential during the schematic design process. This

considers required current flows, signal integrity, and noise levels.

A stable power supply for the microcontroller and other components

should be ensured by including appropriate power regulation and

decoupling circuits in the schematic design. In addition, the schematic

design should also contain any essential protective circuits, such as

over-voltage or over-current protection.

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We can examine and validate the schematic circuit design once finished to

ensure it complies with the system’s functional requirements and that

there are no mistakes or omissions. This may entail executing simulations

or testing to validate the circuit’s performance.

Overall, because it gives a visual representation of the circuit and acts as

the foundation for the layout and implementation of the PCB, the

schematic circuit design is a crucial phase in the design process for an

MCU PCB.

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PCB Layout Design

MCU & MPU Modules

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Making the PCB layout design is the following stage after finishing the

schematic circuit design for an MCU PCB. First, the components must be

on the board and route the connecting traces.

We choose the physical size and shape of the PCB as the initial stage in the

PCB layout design process. The size and location of the components, as

well as any mechanical or thermal factors, will determine the PCB’s

dimensions and form.

A PCB layout program helps to arrange the components from the

schematic circuit design on the board. The components are ideal for

optimal signal integrity, power supply, and thermal management. Apart

from noisy or high-current components should be located components

that are noise-sensitive or need consistent power. Also, heat-generating

components must be close to heat sinks or well-ventilated regions.

Routing the traces that connect the components comes after positioning

them. We should optimize the routing for signal integrity, power supply,

and noise immunity. Onw should route signal traces to reduce cross-talk

and interference as much as feasible. Power and ground planes are

necessary for reliable power and ground connections.

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Adherence to design standards and guidelines during the PCB layout

design process is crucial. This covers specifications for component

location, clearances, and trace widths.

The finished PCB layout design should go through inspection and

validation. It ensures it satisfies the system’s functional requirements and

that there are no mistakes or omissions. To check the PCB’s performance

can entail executing simulations or testing.

The PCB layout design determines an MCU PCB’s physical implementation.

It is a crucial phase in the design process. This is because it may

significantly affect the circuit’s performance, reliability, and manufacturing

ability.

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4. The History of Wurth PCB – Custom PCB Design, Fabrication, and

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