Learn how to create a custom ESP32 board using Altium Designer in this comprehensive 8-hour tutorial. Master the entire process from schematic design to PCB layout, manufacturing, and programming. Begin by creating symbols and footprints for various components, including the ESP32, capacitors, resistors, and connectors. Progress through connecting components, annotating the schematic, and importing it to PCB. Dive into PCB layout techniques, including component placement, layer setup, and routing. Explore advanced topics such as impedance control, differential pairs, and thermal management. Generate manufacturing outputs, order components and PCBs, and assemble the final product. Conclude with programming and testing the custom ESP32 board, including a Wi-Fi example. Gain hands-on experience in hardware design, from concept to functional prototype.
Custom ESP32 Board Design in Altium Designer - Full Tutorial
Overview
Syllabus
What is this tutorial about
Starting a new project
Creating ESP32 symbol
100nF symbol
Connecting ESP32
1uF symbol
10k resistor
Creating and connecting buttons
27R resistor
USB-C connector
5k1 resistor
ESD protection
3 pin jumper header
Jumper cap
5V to 3V3 regulator
USB to UART
4u7 capacitor
0R resistor
4k7 resistor
Transistor
Connecting regulator
Headers
2 pin jumper header
Green LED
1k resistor
Red LED
Annotating schematic
Transistor footprint
FTDI footprint
Regulator footprint
USB-C footprint
Button footprint
Resistor footprint
Capacitor footprint
24 pin header footprint
3 pin jumper header footprint
2 pin jumper header footprint
ESD protection footprint
ESP32 footprint
Jumper cap footprint
Green LED footprint
Red LED footprint
Importing schematic to PCB
Drawing board outline
Big component placement
Updating footprint of a component on PCB
Creating layer sets
Placing small components
Customize toolbar
Set net color
Setting up rules
PCB Layout - ESP32
Setting up stackup
PCB Layout - FTDI
Room rule for smaller clearance
Impedance and Differential pairs rule
Routing USB
Changing rule priority
Run DRC
Checking and improving layout
Drawing polygons
Thermal relief rule for plane
Plane pullback distance
Tenting VIAs
Adding board shape/outline layer
Improving silkscreen / overlay layers
Fixing errors on overlay layer
Placing gold logo
Updating tracks to 50 OHMS - Custom filter
Generating outputs for manufacturing
Creating variants
Print board 1:1
Generating Gerber files and Drill files
Generating Pick & Place file
Generating Bill of Materials BOM
Ordering boards
Ordering missing components
Download project on FEDVEL github
Confirming and checking production
Manufacturing our board
Unpacking the boards and components
Soldering down missing components
Measuring and connecting to power
Programming our board
Wifi example
Testing second USB-C
Thank you
Taught by
Robert Feranec
