How to move a circuit from a Breadboard to a PCB

[PCBEnthusiast]

Hello,

So I recently started getting into electronics, and I have built a little light circuit. I would like to know how to move that to a proper PCB board as a permanent circuit?? (In terms of how to connect it). Sorry if this seems like an easy question but I haven't really been able to get a solid answer.

[Nitrousoxide]

That's quite a big question. And its not an easy question (which is probably why you cant find many solid answers to it).

Dave has posted many videos about PCB design, so if you search the EEVBlog channel you can find a couple:



My best recommendation is to just go ahead and attempt to layout a PCB yourself, post it on the forum and get the feedback of other users. The best way to get good at PCB layout is to just practise.
Sure, there are some key rules that you should adhere to, such as:

- General layout and flow of components (connectors on side of board, power "section", digital "section")
- Grounding practises (Either star or planes depending on application)
- Isolation (HV, supply domains)
- Length/Impedance matching (more of an advanced topic, you probably wont find the need to do so)
- Minimise/Prevent dI/dt or dv/dt parasitic (current loops or parallel coupling)
- Good decoupling practices (moreso a schematic issue)

In terms of process? You can do that once you've drawn up the schematic in your CAD of choice (I'd recommend Altium, you can use KiCad or whatever pleases you), you can then lay out the PCB by placing components and routing traces/via.

Perhaps you could share the schematic/a first attempt and we could give you a pointer on where to get started?

[tooki]

Hello,

So I recently started getting into electronics, and I have built a little light circuit. I would like to know how to move that to a proper PCB board as a permanent circuit?? (In terms of how to connect it). Sorry if this seems like an easy question but I haven't really been able to get a solid answer.

Well, spinning a PCB is one option. For a simple circuit, though, building on protoboard may be sufficient. Or Manhattan construction. (I need to try that sometime!)

[Peabody]

Ebay has pre-etched PC boards laid out in the same pattern as a breadboard, so moving a circuit over is pretty simple.  Of course at some point you may want to get into board layout, but for just-one projects, these can save you some time and money.  Also available are adapters that let you use some of the SMD parts as through-hole DIP.

Something like this could be an intermediate step for you:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/192510393485

[ggchab]

I would do a real PCB. This will take some time to learn the software, draw the schematic,... But when you have the PCB in your hands, you will be very happy 
And this is an experience you'll need for the following projects 

[tggzzz]

What benefit do you wish to gain?

• a less temporary "one off" circuit? Have a look at the last section in https://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/2020/07/22/prototyping-circuits-easy-cheap-fast-reliable-techniques/
• making several identical circuits? If many, you have to use a decent PCB. If a few then it may be quicker to build several "one-off"s
• knowing how to fabricate PCBs? Consider any homebrew etch resist (e.g. stick-on plastic, nail polish, pcb pen) and use ferric chloride to etch the pcb
• knowing what's involved in designing a PCB? Choose a schematic/layout CAD application, learn how to use it, send gerbers off to DirtyPCBs or similar. Takes time to learn and time to fabricate

Unless you are specifically wanting to learn how to design PCBs, I suspect "manhattan" techniques might suit you.

[PCBEnthusiast]

Ok, will definitely post results soon. Thank you very much for your feedback and help. Much appreciated.

[PCBEnthusiast]

Thank you very much. Will take your tips onboard!

[VEGETA]

Use KiCAD then JLCPCB and you will get what you want.