uCEthernet - PCB Fab & Assembly
There are a number PCB manufacturers that can be used by the hobbyist for producing low
cost prototype PCB's. For smallish boards in low quantities my first choice is normally Olimex.
Olimex require the Gerber files produced by the CAD package you have used or if you
have used Eagle then they can take the project file directly. Email the files
as described on Olimex website
and usually within a couple of weeks you shoud have your PCB.
Whilst waiting for your PCB to arrive, if you haven't already done so, start
buying the components. For the passive components if I havent got any in my component
box I order what I need from Farnell. For the ENC28J60 you can order upto three
free samples from
Microchip.
When the board arrives it will look something like this on the left.
It is worth checking for any manufactuing problems before soldering on any
components.
If all is well with the PCB then its time to start assembling.
For a simple design like this I find it easiest to solder the lowest height components
firsts. In more complex designs, where possible, I solder components down in blocks,
I then test and confirm each block is working before moving on to the next.
Whilst soldering I use a solder flux pen to make sure that all joints flow correctly.
For designs that do not have too many plastic connectors I use a hot air gun
to smooth off any sub standard looking solder joints.
Below is a picture of the fully assembled PCB.
We are now ready to begin the interesting
part of this project. Interfacing the uCEthernet board to the LPC2106 eval board and writing code.
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