Skip to main content

​
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.

​
Getting Started

1

Create Account

Visit easyeda.comClick Sign Up and create free account (or use Google/GitHub login)
EasyEDA is entirely web-based—no installation required!
2

Access EasyEDA Editor

Click EDA → Schematic or Go to EditorInterface loads in browser (works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
3

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

1

Place Components

  1. Click Libraries icon (right panel)
  2. Search for component (e.g., “ESP32”, “voltage regulator”)
  3. 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)
2

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
3

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
4

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”)
5

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:
1

Convert Schematic to PCB

Click Convert to PCB button (top toolbar)EasyEDA imports footprints and nets automatically
2

Arrange Components

Drag components to logical positions:
  • Large components (connectors) near board edges
  • Group related circuits (power, ESP32, sensors)
  • Keep signal paths short
3

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
4

Add Ground Plane

Tools → Copper AreaDraw polygon covering board → Assign to GND netGround plane reduces noise and improves heat dissipation
5

Design Rule Check (DRC)

Tools → Design Rule CheckValidates:
  • Trace width and spacing
  • Clearance to board edges
  • No overlapping components
Fix errors before manufacturing
6

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:
CategorySearch Examples
MicrocontrollersESP32, STM32, Arduino Nano
Power ManagementLM2596, AMS1117, L7805
SensorsMPU6050, BMP280, DHT22
ConnectorsTerminal block, JST-XH, USB-C
PassivesResistors, capacitors, LEDs
Can’t find a part?
  1. Search LCSC (EasyEDA’s component database)
  2. Import from SnapEDA or SymbolStock
  3. Create custom symbol/footprint (advanced)

​
Simulation (SPICE)

EasyEDA supports basic circuit simulation:
1

Add Simulation Components

Use Simulation library parts (marked with ⚡ icon)
2

Configure Simulation

Simulate → New SimulationChoose analysis type:
  • DC Sweep: Test voltage/current ranges
  • Transient: Time-domain analysis
  • AC Analysis: Frequency response
3

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)

1

Access RMIT Software Portal

Visit RMIT Software DownloadCheck if Cadence OrCAD is available (varies by semester)
2

Alternative: Free Version

Download OrCAD Lite (free, limited to 2-layer PCBs)Visit orcad.com/products/orcad-lite
3

Install OrCAD

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

​
OrCAD vs. EasyEDA

FeatureEasyEDACadence OrCAD
CostFree~$1,500 (or RMIT license)
PlatformWeb (cross-platform)Windows only
Learning CurveEasy (1-2 hours)Steep (weeks)
SimulationBasic SPICEAdvanced PSpice
PCB LayersUnlimitedLite: 2, Full: Unlimited
LibrariesGood (LCSC/JLCPCB)Excellent (industry parts)
Industry UseHobbyist, startupsAerospace, automotive
CollaborationEasy (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

1

Draw Schematic

Use same schematic approach as PCB designFocus on clear labeling and logical grouping
2

Add Wire Colors

Double-click wires → Change color:
  • Red: +12V, +5V, +3.3V (power)
  • Black: GND (ground)
  • Yellow/Green: Signal wires (GPIO, I2C, serial)
3

Annotate Connections

Add text labels for:
  • Pin numbers (e.g., “ESP32 GPIO4”)
  • Wire gauge (e.g., “16 AWG for 12V”)
  • Terminal block numbers
4

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

Solutions:
  1. Search LCSC Parts Library (integrated with EasyEDA)
  2. Try alternative part numbers (e.g., “LM2596” → “LM2596S”)
  3. Search SnapEDA or PCB Libraries for import
  4. Create custom symbol (advanced):
    • Library → New Part → Create Symbol
Solutions:
  1. Check all component pins have wires or power symbols
  2. Use No Connect (X) flag for unused pins
  3. Verify power pins connected to VCC/GND nets
  4. Check for duplicate net names (case-sensitive!)
Symptoms: Traces too close to each other or padsSolutions:
  1. Increase trace spacing:
    • Design → Design Rule → Clearance: Min 0.2mm
  2. Move components farther apart
  3. Re-route traces with more space
  4. Reduce trace width if space-constrained
Symptoms: White/yellow lines (airwires) remain after routingSolutions:
  1. Manually route remaining traces (click Track tool)
  2. Use Auto Router (may not route 100% successfully)
  3. Add vias to switch between top/bottom layers
  4. Check if pads are on correct net (may need re-annotation)
Solutions:
  1. Verify board outline exists:
    • Must have closed polygon on Board Outline layer
  2. Run DRC before export (fix all errors)
  3. Use EasyEDA’s JLCPCB Fabrication button (auto-generates compatible Gerbers)
  4. Check minimum trace width: 0.15mm (JLCPCB standard)

​
Project Deliverables (WP2)

For the course submission, include:
1

Schematic Diagram

  • Complete electrical schematic (PDF export)
  • Clearly labeled components with values
  • Power rails and ground clearly marked
  • Include in report as Figure
2

Wiring Diagram

  • Simplified diagram showing physical connections
  • Color-coded wires (red/black/yellow)
  • Pin numbers and wire gauges labeled
  • Use as assembly guide
3

Bill of Materials (BOM)

ComponentQuantityPart NumberSupplierPrice
ESP32 DevKit1ESP32-WROOM-32AliExpress$5
Buck Converter1LM2596Jaycar$8
……………
Export from EasyEDA: BOM → Export CSV
4

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

​
References