# pcb Published articles for pcb. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Design in KiCad, Quote with AIVON: A Faster Path to PCB Prototyping (Sponsored) DevFeed: [Design in KiCad, Quote with AIVON: A Faster Path to PCB Prototyping (Sponsored)]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Sponsored Post Published: 2026-09-15T02:00:57Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [CNX Software - Embedded Systems News]() Topics: [Hardware](), [systems]() Tags: [aivon](), [engineering](), [hardware](), [kicad](), [manufacturing](), [pcb](), [plugin](), [prototyping](), [sponsored](), [verification](), [workflow]() ### AI overview AIVON's official KiCad Plugin connects a completed PCB layout to an online quotation form. After design-rule checking, it prepares manufacturing data and reduces manual exporting, zipping, uploading, and form entry during PCB prototyping. ### Source excerpt Finished your PCB layout in KiCad? You don't necessarily need to leave the PCB Editor, export a separate set of manufacturing files, and manually upload them to a PCB manufacturer. AIVON's KiCad Plugin creates a direct path from your PCB design to an online PCB quote. AIVON has integrated an official KiCad plugin that connects a finished PCB layout to the company's online quotation page. After DRC, users can click the plugin in the PCB Editor, automatically prepare manufacturing data, and land on a pre-filled quote form instead of exporting, zipping, and uploading files by hand. Rather than introducing a new plugin framework, AIVON's integration leverages KiCad's existing Plugin and Content Manager ecosystem. For developers who already use KiCad for schematic capture and PCB layout, the integration provides another way to connect the design stage with PCB fabrication without manually repeating every manufacturing-file preparation step. Connecting KiCad PCB Design with [...] The post Design in KiCad, Quote with AIVON: A Faster Path to PCB Prototyping (Sponsored) appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News. ## Understanding RF Trace Impedance in a KiCad Sensor Hub PCB DevFeed: [Understanding RF Trace Impedance in a KiCad Sensor Hub PCB]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2026-09-10T03:45:45Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jessie Frazelle]() Topics: [Hardware](), [kicad](), [codex]() Tags: [codex](), [hardware](), [kicad](), [pcb]() ### AI overview The article explains how the author resolved differing impedance calculations for a Sensor Hub's RF layout. It shows that both inner PCB layers contained ground copper, and that the RF trace's reference plane, dielectric thickness, copper thickness, and adjacent ground gap affect the 50-ohm impedance calculation. ### Source excerpt We're back! Not with rework. This time we're talking about impedance and review. Apparently I can get into a heated argument about a board before it even gets here. In part one, I wrote about using Codex to design my own hardware because I'm sick of Control4, Savant, and the rest of that shit. The useful part wasn't one-shotting a PCB. It was having the agent work through datasheets, compare parts, and check the design. Then I had to notice that the connectors were facing the wrong fucking way. There was more to review. Which board are we arguing about? I was talking through the Sensor Hub's RF layout with Paul, and we were getting different answers for the impedance. This turned into a pretty heated argument, which might have scared some of the other people in the room. Honestly, we were just trying to figure it out. Paul started with this impedance calculator. I kept annoying him because I still didn't understand why we were getting different numbers. Eventually he switched to JLC's calculator, which was what the model was using. I wanted to understand the model's math and compare it with his. The KiCad view was part of the confusion. The connection looked orange, and the second interior layer, In2.Cu, was orange in the layer list. The first interior layer, In1.Cu, was green. So we thought ground was on the second one, and kept arguing about the thickness between layers. Then I realized both interior layers had ground copper, with ground vias connecting across layers. Seeing orange didn't mean the connection was only on that layer. There was ground on the green layer too, right under the RF trace. The model was right! I was just trying to understand what it was telling me. The confusing view, recreated in KiCad. In2.Cu is selected in orange; the green In1.Cu ground is there too. The RF trace is on F.Cu, the top layer. There is 0.1164 mm of insulating material between it and the first inner ground plane. If we used the second inner layer as the reference, we'd be i ## Tuning in FM Radio on a 3D Printer Heatbed DevFeed: [Tuning in FM Radio on a 3D Printer Heatbed]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: jeff@jeffgeerling.com (Jeff Geerling) Published: 2026-05-28T14:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Jeff Geerling]() Topics: [3D](), [Nanovna]() Tags: [3d](), [3d-printer](), [3d-printing](), [fm-radio](), [geerling-engineering](), [nanovna](), [pcb](), [radio](), [rf](), [sdr](), [signal](), [video]() ### AI overview The article tests whether a 3D printer heatbed can act as an FM radio antenna. Measurements with a NanoVNA found several potentially suitable frequencies, although the heatbed traces are not optimized for radio-frequency use. Near a high-power FM tower, the heatbed received a clear stereo signal. ### Source excerpt Pooch from Repkord dropped by my studio while he was in St. Louis, and asked a simple question: Can a 3D printer's heatbed act as an antenna? A fair question, as many an antenna is embedded in a PCB these days... and the traces on a PCB heatbed like the one used in Prusa's Core One look kinda like an antenna, if you squint the right way. Really, anything (or anyone) can be an antenna, given enough power. ## Advancing Fall Detection: Crafting a Custom PCB for the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W DevFeed: [Advancing Fall Detection: Crafting a Custom PCB for the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Ivan Ursul Published: 2024-11-26T00:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Ivan Ursul]() Topics: [Raspberry Pi](), [Altium Designer]() Tags: [battery](), [circuit](), [components](), [design](), [elderly-care](), [fall-detection](), [java](), [machine-learning](), [migrations](), [mongodb](), [pcb](), [power-management](), [prototypes](), [raspberry-pi](), [transformers]() ### AI overview This article describes designing and fabricating a custom PCB for a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W-based fall-detection device. It covers sensor selection, compact board layout, Altium Designer schematics, and power-management considerations. ### Source excerpt Schematics of the PCB module In my previous post, Developing a Fall Detection Device with Raspberry Pi, I delved into the initial steps of building a fall detection system using the Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. Today, I'm excited to share the next phase of this journey: designing and fabricating a custo... ## Building a Smart Curtains System with the ESP32 DevFeed: [Building a Smart Curtains System with the ESP32]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: John Lee Published: 2022-11-23T00:00:00Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Blog on Developer Portal]() Topics: [ESP32](), [Home Assistant](), [MQTT](), [Hardware]() Tags: [automation](), [blog](), [electronics](), [esp32](), [home-automation](), [mqtt](), [pcb](), [smart](), [smart-curtain](), [smart-home]() ### AI overview A project article describes building an adaptable smart curtain system controlled by an ESP32-DevKitC. It uses a stepper motor, light sensor, thermistor, reed switch, custom PCB, Home Assistant, and MQTT to automate curtain movement. ### Source excerpt Recently, I've been sitting behind my computer, which is unluckily situated against a window. Sharp late-afternoon sunlight made me think about some intelligent system that recognizes this light and closes the curtains. As home automation has become more and more widespread in recent years, there are many options available on the market that solve most of the common problems we have daily. ## PinePhone UBports Community Edition Pre-Orders Now Open DevFeed: [PinePhone UBports Community Edition Pre-Orders Now Open]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2020-04-02T00:00:00Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Community blog on PINE64]() Topics: [Pinephone](), [Operating system](), [Development]() Tags: [announce](), [community](), [community-edition](), [fcc](), [orders](), [pcb](), [pine64](), [pinephone](), [product](), [ubports](), [v1]() ### AI overview PINE64 announced that the PinePhone UBports Community Edition was available for pre-order, with estimated shipping in late May 2020. The edition includes UBports' operating system, a customized case, a revised v1.2 PCB, and CE and FCC certification; profits from sales are to be donated to the UBports Foundation. ### Source excerpt PinePhone UBports Community Edition mock-up; final product may differ in appearance. I am proud to announce that the PinePhone UBports Community Edition is now available for pre-order with an estimated shipping date of late-May, 2020. Community editions are meant to bring exposure to partner-projects operating systems and communities, as well as help finance ongoing development. UBports were some of the very first to embrace our initiative and to offer support for the PinePhone. Together with their friends and colleagues from other projects, UBports developers have now become an integral part of PINE64, actively shaping our goals and aspirations. It is therefore fitting that UBports Foundation will be the first partner in our Community Edition scheme, in which we will ship a customized PinePhone with UBports' operating system and donate all profit from sales to the foundation (more information on the scheme here). The PinePhone UBports Community Edition ships with a customized case (etched with the project's mascot - Yumi), a revised PCB (v1.2) featuring improvements based on feedback from Braveheart developers and testers, as well as CE and FCC certification. To learn about the state of the software and to pre-order this community edition the PinePhone, please click the button below - you will be redirected to UBports blog. UBPorts Blog Entry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ne6G0-hn9g ## Jane Street's custom mechanical keyboard hackathon prize DevFeed: [Jane Street's custom mechanical keyboard hackathon prize]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: James Somers Published: 2019-02-28T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Jane Street]() Topics: [Hackathon](), [Software](), [Quantum Mechanical Keyboard](), [Microcontroller](), [Embedded Software Dev](), [kicad](), [Arduino]() Tags: [arduino](), [competition](), [firmware](), [hackathon](), [keyboard](), [kicad](), [pcb](), [software]() ### AI overview Jane Street describes building custom 68-key mechanical keyboards as prizes for the MakeMIT hackathon. The keyboards use walnut cases, brass plates, Cherry MX switches, a Tada 68 PCB, and QMK firmware. ### Source excerpt Jane Street is sponsoring this year's MakeMIT hackathon, and we wanted to create a prize for the winners that would do justice to the maker spirit of the competition. As makers ourselves - it's not unusual to find a "software" engineer here who hacks on FPGAs or who has a CNC machine at home - it felt natural to get our hands dirty. ## Vita HDMI Mod (Attempt) DevFeed: [Vita HDMI Mod (Attempt)]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: yifanlu Published: 2017-12-31T08:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Yifan Lu]() Topics: [Hardware](), [hdmi](), [SOC](), [Development]() Tags: [components](), [connectivity](), [development](), [hacking](), [hardware](), [hdmi](), [i2c](), [lcd](), [mipi](), [oscilloscope](), [pcb](), [soc](), [vita]() ### AI overview The article documents an unsuccessful attempt to develop an HDMI mod for the PlayStation Vita. It explains the Vita's MIPI DSI outputs, the constraints of its hardware layout, and the proposed use of the ADV7533 to convert the display signal to HDMI. ### Source excerpt For the last couple of months, I've been developing an HDMI mod for the Vita on my free time. I thought it would be a fun project to practice my hardware design skills even though the end product would not be too useful (the VitaTV already exists). Unfortunately, this project did not end in success but I want to write about it anyways so you can see what I've been doing with some of the leftover money from my adapter project. ## psvsd: Custom Vita microSD card adapter DevFeed: [psvsd: Custom Vita microSD card adapter]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: yifanlu Published: 2017-08-22T07:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Yifan Lu]() Topics: [Reverse Engineering](), [Hardware](), [USB](), [pcie](), [Kernel](), [boot]() Tags: [debug](), [development](), [enso](), [hacking](), [hardware](), [henkaku](), [kernel](), [pcb](), [pcie](), [reverse-engineering](), [usb](), [vita]() ### AI overview This article describes reverse engineering work on the PlayStation Vita's hardware and software, including identifying UART debug connections and examining USB capabilities across Vita models. It discusses the 3G modem's custom mini-PCIe connector and related board connections. ### Source excerpt One thing I love about Vita hacking is the depth of it. After investing so much time reverse engineering the software and hardware, you think you would run out of things to hack. Each loose end leads to another month long project. This all started in the development of HENkaku Ensō. We wanted an easy way to print debug statements early in boot. UART was a good candidate because the device initialization is very simple and the protocol is standard. The Vita SoC (likely called Kermit internally as we'll see later on) has seven UART ports. However, it is unlikely they are all hooked up on a retail console. After digging through the kernel code, I found that bbmc.skprx, the 3G modem driver contain references to UART. After a trusty FCC search, it turns out that the Vita's 3G modem uses a mini-PCIe connector but with a custom pin layout and a custom form factor. The datasheet gives some useful description for each pin, and UART_KERMIT seemed like the most likely candidate (there's also UART_SYSCON which is connected to the SCEI chip on the bottom of the board, which serves as a system controller and a UART_EXT which is not hooked up on the Vita side). So finding a debug output port was a success, but with the datasheet in front of me, the USB port caught my attention. Wouldn't it be neat to put in a custom USB device?