EasyEDA & Cadence OrCAD - EEET2610

Overview

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design tools are used in WP2 to create electrical schematics and design custom circuit boards for the mecanum robot. This course recommends EasyEDA (web-based, beginner-friendly, free) with Cadence OrCAD as an advanced alternative for students with prior PCB design experience.

EasyEDA

Free, cloud-based, easy to learn, integrated with JLCPCB manufacturing

Cadence OrCAD

Industry-standard, powerful simulation, professional-grade features

Recommendation: Use EasyEDA for this project. It’s sufficient for simple power distribution and wiring diagrams, and integrates seamlessly with PCB manufacturers.

EasyEDA (Recommended)

Getting Started

Create Account

Visit easyeda.comClick Sign Up and create free account (or use Google/GitHub login)

EasyEDA is entirely web-based—no installation required!

Access EasyEDA Editor

Click EDA → Schematic or Go to EditorInterface loads in browser (works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge)

Create New Project

File → New → ProjectName: mecanum_robot_pcbClick Save

Interface Overview

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ File Edit View Place Route Tools Window           [?] [×]│  Menu Bar
├──┬────────────────────────────────────────────────────┬──┤
│ W│                                                    │L │
│ i│         Canvas (Schematic / PCB View)             │i │
│ r│                                                    │b │
│ i│                                                    │s │
│ n│                                                    │  │
│ g│                                                    │  │
│  │                                                    │  │
├──┴────────────────────────────────────────────────────┴──┤
│ [Schematic] [PCB] [Simulation]    Layers: Top | Bottom  │  Bottom Bar
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Key components:

Canvas (center): Schematic or PCB layout workspace
Wiring Toolbar (left): Components, wires, labels
Libraries Panel (right): Search and place components
Bottom Tabs: Switch between Schematic, PCB, and Simulation views
Layers Panel: Manage copper layers, silkscreen, and soldermask

Creating a Schematic

Workflow Overview

Place Components

Click Libraries icon (right panel)
Search for component (e.g., “ESP32”, “voltage regulator”)
Click component → Place → Click on canvas to position

Essential components for robot:

ESP32-WROOM-32 DevKit
LM2596 buck converter (12V → 5V)
Fuses (10A for motor power)
Terminal blocks (battery input, motor output)
Capacitors (100nF, 10µF for decoupling)

Draw Connections

Wiring toolbar → Wire (W)Click starting pin → Click ending pin to connect

Use Net Labels (Ctrl+L) for long-distance connections to avoid messy wires

Add Power Rails

Place → Power PortCommon symbols:

VCC / +12V: Battery positive
+5V: Buck converter output
+3.3V: ESP32 regulator output
GND: Ground (common reference)

Place power symbols, then connect with wires

Annotate Components

Components auto-assigned designators (R1, C1, U1, etc.)Add values by double-clicking component:

Resistors: “10kΩ”
Capacitors: “100nF”
ICs: Part number (e.g., “LM2596”)

Electrical Rules Check (ERC)

Tools → ERC (Electrical Rules Check)Verifies:

No unconnected pins
No power rail conflicts
Correct component connections

Fix any errors/warnings before proceeding to PCB

Example: Power Distribution Circuit

Battery Input (3S LiPo, 11.1V)
    │
    ├─ Fuse (10A)
    │     │
    │     ├─ Terminal Block → Motor Controllers (12V rail)
    │     │
    │     └─ LM2596 Buck Converter (12V → 5V, 3A)
    │           │
    │           ├─ Raspberry Pi (5V, 2.5A)
    │           ├─ LiDAR (5V, 0.5A)
    │           └─ ESP32 (via onboard 3.3V regulator)
    │
    └─ GND (common ground)

Schematic symbols:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  +12V                                           │
│    ├─[FUSE 10A]─┬─ Motor Power Out            │
│    │             │                              │
│    │          ┌──┴──┐                          │
│    │          │LM2596│  +5V                     │
│    └─────────►│  IN  OUT├──┬─ Raspberry Pi     │
│               │  GND │    ├─ LiDAR             │
│               └──────┘    └─ ESP32 (5V → 3.3V) │
│                 │                               │
│                GND                              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Designing a PCB (Optional)

For this course, custom PCB fabrication is optional. Most students use perfboard or breadboard for wiring. Only design a custom PCB if you have prior experience or extra time.

If you choose to design a PCB:

Convert Schematic to PCB

Click Convert to PCB button (top toolbar)EasyEDA imports footprints and nets automatically

Arrange Components

Drag components to logical positions:

Large components (connectors) near board edges
Group related circuits (power, ESP32, sensors)
Keep signal paths short

Route Traces

Track (T): Draw copper traces connecting padsWidth guidelines:

Power traces (12V, 5V): 1.5mm+ (high current)
Signal traces (GPIO, I2C): 0.3-0.5mm
Ground pour: Flood fill with copper

Use Auto Router for quick routing, then manually fix critical traces

Add Ground Plane

Tools → Copper AreaDraw polygon covering board → Assign to GND netGround plane reduces noise and improves heat dissipation

Design Rule Check (DRC)

Tools → Design Rule CheckValidates:

Trace width and spacing
Clearance to board edges
No overlapping components

Fix errors before manufacturing

Order PCB (via JLCPCB)

Fabrication → Generate GerberExports ZIP file with manufacturing dataUpload to jlcpcb.com for pricing:

5× PCBs: ~$2 USD + shipping
Lead time: 2-5 days production + shipping

EasyEDA Features

Component Libraries

EasyEDA has extensive built-in libraries:

Category	Search Examples
Microcontrollers	ESP32, STM32, Arduino Nano
Power Management	LM2596, AMS1117, L7805
Sensors	MPU6050, BMP280, DHT22
Connectors	Terminal block, JST-XH, USB-C
Passives	Resistors, capacitors, LEDs

Can’t find a part?

Search LCSC (EasyEDA’s component database)
Import from SnapEDA or SymbolStock
Create custom symbol/footprint (advanced)

Simulation (SPICE)

EasyEDA supports basic circuit simulation:

Add Simulation Components

Use Simulation library parts (marked with ⚡ icon)

Configure Simulation

Simulate → New SimulationChoose analysis type:

DC Sweep: Test voltage/current ranges
Transient: Time-domain analysis
AC Analysis: Frequency response

Run and View Results

Click Run → View voltage/current waveformsUseful for validating power supply ripple, filter responses

Simulation is optional for this project but useful for understanding power distribution

Exporting Schematics

# Export formats
File → Export
├─ PDF (for documentation)
├─ PNG/SVG (for reports)
├─ Gerber (for PCB manufacturing)
└─ Netlist (for other EDA tools)

Cadence OrCAD (Advanced)

Installation (RMIT Students)

Access RMIT Software Portal

Visit RMIT Software DownloadCheck if Cadence OrCAD is available (varies by semester)

Alternative: Free Version

Download OrCAD Lite (free, limited to 2-layer PCBs)Visit orcad.com/products/orcad-lite

Install OrCAD

Windows only (no macOS/Linux support)Installation size: ~10GB

OrCAD vs. EasyEDA

Feature	EasyEDA	Cadence OrCAD
Cost	Free	~$1,500 (or RMIT license)
Platform	Web (cross-platform)	Windows only
Learning Curve	Easy (1-2 hours)	Steep (weeks)
Simulation	Basic SPICE	Advanced PSpice
PCB Layers	Unlimited	Lite: 2, Full: Unlimited
Libraries	Good (LCSC/JLCPCB)	Excellent (industry parts)
Industry Use	Hobbyist, startups	Aerospace, automotive
Collaboration	Easy (cloud)	File-based (harder)

When to use OrCAD:

Complex multi-layer PCBs (6+ layers)
Advanced signal integrity analysis
Professional projects requiring industry tools
Not recommended for this course (overkill for simple power boards)

Wiring Diagrams (Alternative to PCB)

Most students create wiring diagrams instead of custom PCBs, using:

Perfboard / Protoboard: Solder connections manually
Breadboard: Temporary prototyping (not recommended for final robot)
Terminal blocks: Connect wires to power rails

Creating Wiring Diagrams in EasyEDA

Draw Schematic

Use same schematic approach as PCB designFocus on clear labeling and logical grouping

Add Wire Colors

Double-click wires → Change color:

Red: +12V, +5V, +3.3V (power)
Black: GND (ground)
Yellow/Green: Signal wires (GPIO, I2C, serial)

Annotate Connections

Add text labels for:

Pin numbers (e.g., “ESP32 GPIO4”)
Wire gauge (e.g., “16 AWG for 12V”)
Terminal block numbers

Export Diagram

File → Export → PNG (high resolution for printing)Include diagram in WP2 report and use as assembly reference

Example Wiring Diagram

Power Distribution Wiring Diagram:

Battery (3S LiPo 11.1V)
  ├─[Red 16AWG]─► Fuse (10A) ─► Terminal Block (12V Rail)
  │                               ├─ Motor Controller 1 (Red)
  │                               ├─ Motor Controller 2 (Red)
  │                               └─ Buck Converter IN+ (Red)
  │
  └─[Black 16AWG]─► Terminal Block (GND Rail)
                      ├─ Motor Controller GND (Black)
                      ├─ Buck Converter GND (Black)
                      ├─ Raspberry Pi GND (Black)
                      └─ ESP32 GND (Black)

Buck Converter (LM2596)
  ├─ OUT+ [Red 18AWG] ─► Raspberry Pi 5V (GPIO Pin 2)
  └─ OUT- [Black 18AWG] ─► Raspberry Pi GND (GPIO Pin 6)

Best Practices

Schematic Clarity

Use net labels for long connections
Group related components (power, sensors, motors)
Add notes explaining critical connections
Use color coding (red=power, black=ground)

Power Design

Add fuses on power rails (prevent battery fires!)
Use appropriate wire gauge (see power.mdx)
Include decoupling capacitors (100nF near ICs)
Keep power traces short and thick

Documentation

Export PDF of final schematic
Include in WP2 report
Add BOM (Bill of Materials) table
Document any deviations from original design

Safety First

Never bypass fuses (fire hazard!)
Verify polarity before connecting battery
Use heat shrink tubing on soldered connections
Test voltage rails with multimeter before powering electronics

Common Schematic Symbols

Resistor:      ─▭▭▭─           Fuse:         ─┤├─
Capacitor:     ─┤├─            LED:          ─▷|─
Diode:         ─▷|─            Switch:       ─┘ └─
Transistor:    ─┤►             Battery:      ─||+ ─
IC:            ┌──┐            GND:          ─┬─  (three lines)
               │  │                           ⊥
               └──┘
Voltage Reg:   ┌────┐          Terminal:     ○──
   IN ────────►│VREG│OUT                     (circle)
   GND ───────►└────┘

Troubleshooting

Can't find component in EasyEDA library

Solutions:

Search LCSC Parts Library (integrated with EasyEDA)
Try alternative part numbers (e.g., “LM2596” → “LM2596S”)
Search SnapEDA or PCB Libraries for import
Create custom symbol (advanced):
- Library → New Part → Create Symbol

Schematic ERC errors: 'Unconnected pins'

Solutions:

Check all component pins have wires or power symbols
Use No Connect (X) flag for unused pins
Verify power pins connected to VCC/GND nets
Check for duplicate net names (case-sensitive!)

PCB DRC errors: 'Clearance violation'

Symptoms: Traces too close to each other or padsSolutions:

Increase trace spacing:
- Design → Design Rule → Clearance: Min 0.2mm
Move components farther apart
Re-route traces with more space
Reduce trace width if space-constrained

PCB traces not connecting (ratsnest visible)

Symptoms: White/yellow lines (airwires) remain after routingSolutions:

Manually route remaining traces (click Track tool)
Use Auto Router (may not route 100% successfully)
Add vias to switch between top/bottom layers
Check if pads are on correct net (may need re-annotation)

Gerber export fails or JLCPCB rejects files

Solutions:

Verify board outline exists:
- Must have closed polygon on Board Outline layer
Run DRC before export (fix all errors)
Use EasyEDA’s JLCPCB Fabrication button (auto-generates compatible Gerbers)
Check minimum trace width: 0.15mm (JLCPCB standard)

Project Deliverables (WP2)

For the course submission, include:

Schematic Diagram

Complete electrical schematic (PDF export)
Clearly labeled components with values
Power rails and ground clearly marked
Include in report as Figure

Wiring Diagram

Simplified diagram showing physical connections
Color-coded wires (red/black/yellow)
Pin numbers and wire gauges labeled
Use as assembly guide

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Component	Quantity	Part Number	Supplier	Price
ESP32 DevKit	1	ESP32-WROOM-32	AliExpress	$5
Buck Converter	1	LM2596	Jaycar	$8
…	…	…	…	…

Export from EasyEDA: BOM → Export CSV

Assembly Notes

Document any:

Component substitutions (e.g., used LM2596S instead of LM2596)
Wiring modifications from original design
Troubleshooting steps taken

Learning Resources

EasyEDA Tutorial

Official documentation and video tutorials

PCB Design Basics

YouTube: Phil’s Lab - PCB design fundamentals

Power Supply Design

Texas Instruments app note on buck converters

EasyEDA Community

Ask questions and share designs

Next Steps

PCB Design Tutorial

Step-by-step electrical design for the robot

Power System

Understand battery, voltage regulation, and safety

CAD Design

Design mechanical chassis to mount electronics

ESP32 Wiring

ESP32 pinout and connection diagrams

Hardware

Software Tools

ROS2 Concepts

Code Examples

​Overview

EasyEDA

Cadence OrCAD

​EasyEDA (Recommended)

​Getting Started

​Interface Overview

​Creating a Schematic

​Workflow Overview

​Example: Power Distribution Circuit

​Designing a PCB (Optional)

​EasyEDA Features

​Component Libraries

​Simulation (SPICE)

​Exporting Schematics

​Cadence OrCAD (Advanced)

​Installation (RMIT Students)

​OrCAD vs. EasyEDA

​Wiring Diagrams (Alternative to PCB)

​Creating Wiring Diagrams in EasyEDA

​Example Wiring Diagram

​Best Practices

Schematic Clarity

Power Design

Documentation

Safety First

​Common Schematic Symbols

​Troubleshooting

​Project Deliverables (WP2)

​Learning Resources

EasyEDA Tutorial

PCB Design Basics

Power Supply Design

EasyEDA Community

​Next Steps

PCB Design Tutorial

Power System

CAD Design

ESP32 Wiring

​References

Overview

EasyEDA (Recommended)

Getting Started

Interface Overview

Creating a Schematic

Workflow Overview

Example: Power Distribution Circuit

Designing a PCB (Optional)

EasyEDA Features

Component Libraries

Simulation (SPICE)

Exporting Schematics

Cadence OrCAD (Advanced)

Installation (RMIT Students)

OrCAD vs. EasyEDA

Wiring Diagrams (Alternative to PCB)

Creating Wiring Diagrams in EasyEDA

Example Wiring Diagram

Best Practices

Common Schematic Symbols

Troubleshooting

Project Deliverables (WP2)

Learning Resources

Next Steps

References