Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're unable to fit all of your components and routes within your board outline, you
may need to repeat the process by redefining your board outline in your CAD package and
re-importing it into Eagle, or consider a smaller part package, if possible. Ideally, you will
have used a parameterized model that will enable you to easily accommodate dimensional
changes!
Manufacturing Your Board
The process used to prepare your board for manufacturing heavily depends on the manu-
facturing process you select (e.g., chemical etching, milling, or using an external service).
Read
Chapter 12
for tips on how to prepare your newly designed board for manufacturing.
Make sure you send the .oln file with your Gerbers to the manufacturer. The .oln (outline)
file tells the machine to route your board with that outline. Many manufacturers will send
you a confirmation email to double-check your board details. Before you give them the
green light to continue with manufacturing, verify that the image sent shows the dimen-
sions of your board or that your irregular shape has been communicated correctly.
If you're creating a housed board, it is often helpful to put together and program a
single, fully assembled product (including the housing and electronics) to ensure that your
mechanical constraints are respected before you invest in manufacturing a complete set of
boards and enclosures. Check that you have enough clearance to turn on, reset, and repro-
gram your board. If you are incorporating any moving parts, ensure that there is enough
clearance between your enclosure and the actuated components. You certainly don't want
to waste time and money on manufacturing a set of parts before you know for sure that
everything fits!
Summary
Whether you're designing the shape of your board to communicate its function or simply
to integrate it within an angular form factor, modifying the shape of your circuit board
creates new possibilities for aesthetics and personalization. The process of designing your
boardshape involves acareful interplay between understanding mechanical constraints and
accommodating aesthetic concerns. While this process is generally a multi-tool endeavor,
each step can be done using freely available software. Remember to name your derivative
something other than Arduino. We hope this guide will inspire you to create boards of all
shapes and sizes and consider the form as well as function of your next circuit board!
Resources
For more information, refer to the following sources:
