Optional but useful things to include in prototype PCBs for testing and debugging // KiCad

#pcb #prototype #kicad
There are some useful optional things we can include in our PCBs to make debugging and testing easier. In this videos, I share about 6 optional things that I wish I had included so that I did not waste time searching or testing various configurations. I share how we can incorporate these items with KiCad in any PCBs.

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⏰ TIMESTAMPS AND RESOURCES
0:00 Intro
1:01 Modularity with logical blocks
2:00 Options with DNP, solder jumpers, 0Ω resistors
5:24 Debugging with test points, multimeter, and pogo pins
6:45 Helpers with silkscreen notes, power, polarity, project, writable area
8:25 Mounting holes with standards and sizes
9:58 LEDs for power, indication, TX/RX, power consumption
11:24 My Twitter question & Thanks to open source projects

🛍️ PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Single row pin headers 2.54mm

Pin header jumper blocks 2.54mm

Spring test probe pogo pins

Screw set

🎩 DEMO FILES

📺 WATCH NEXT

🔗 LINKS SHOWN

🔌 TOOLS USED

🎶 MUSIC
Spring Field by Godmode from YouTube Audio library

[ThinklikeTesla]

I'm a fan of rectangular test points that fit a Keystone 5015 SMD test point. On initial prototypes, you can solder these on for easier test hook clipping, then leave them off in production. Still works for factory bed-of-nails testing too. KiCad has nice footprints for this.

[ffreak]

This might be the best channel on youtube for helping learn best practices to actually ship embedded products

[優さん-nm]

Is this the only person discussing topics of such practical nature?

[ahoe]

Thank you so much! Now I know how to keep my mounting holes from disappearing.

[wyattr]

Great tips! Im a big fan of including a zero ohm resistor between a voltage regulator output and the rest of the supply rail, that way you can depopulate it to make current measurements or disconnect the regulator and wire up an external supply

[davidtaylor]

Great video! I think a 2 pin header makes a good current measurement point. Put a jumper on it when you want normal operation.

[Leezorc]

I find your tips tricks really awesome!

[Dad-ijqy]

Sayanee Basu, thank you for sharing your PCB evaluation tips. I have learned so much about modular test & evaluation of a PCB from your video. Now I know how to plan footprints and artwork for test & evaluation. This will make PCB evaluation a breeze.I have subscribed to your youtube channel.

[krishnawa_]

I learnt lot of things from your channel 😍

[mahmudulislam]

Really helpful tips. I have learnt many new things. Thank you so much for uploading this useful video.

[ChrisFredriksson]

Love this! Hope you'll do more PCB videos, especially with tips 😊

[Ferreira]

Watching this video did make me wonder if it was very hard to create an edge connector like a PCI slot. The reason for doing so could be for quick testing as well as connecting to other peripherals. This can be very useful if you create designs for mass production. It does imply creating an automated test bed, but then you can get not only full tests every time. You can also run endurance tests and get automated reports, all possible of being performed by a non-technical person, or simply just have a station that requires attention to switch the boards.
Obviously, we cannot fall into the trap of having a test bed for the test bed. That would create an infinite loop, and we would get nowhere. At some point, we have to go to the nitty-gritty with our instruments and make sense of what's happening.
This approach I find to be justifiable only for large productions, otherwise it won't be neither cost nor time effective. For small batches, the solution you use is perfectly fine, and it makes more sense.

[alejandroperez]

09:21 Well, you're wrong. They are part of the schematic too. At least in KiCad 6!

[優さん-nm]

I am a bit confused about using a 0ohm resistor as fuse, how long will it take for it to burn out?

[dhruvajindal]

What do you prefer- easy EDA or kicad?