http://www.opencircuits.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=194.149.117.170&feedformat=atomOpenCircuits - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T14:01:20ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.34.2http://www.opencircuits.com/index.php?title=Toner_Transfer&diff=18474Toner Transfer2009-07-16T21:00:24Z<p>194.149.117.170: /* External Links */ 404, the blog seems to have moved</p>
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<div>Toner Transfer, like [[photoetching]], is a popular [[techniques | PCB fabrication technique]].<br />
<br />
== Introduction ==<br />
<br />
Press-and-Peel(tm), photoresist, Sharpie, nail polish...<br />
<br />
I have used this method for etching some fairly fine lines when fabricating a microstrip microwave filter using Tom Gootee's method linked to below. My two cents on this is the fact that the type of toner you use matters. In an admittedly small sample set of two different printers, the genuine HP microfine toner performed far better than the generic toner that was installed in a second printer that we tried. We used the Staple's glossy inkjet paper, and with the HP toner, it worked quite well.<br />
<br />
Also, the etching solution of 1 part muriatic acid to 2 parts hydrogen peroxide is worlds better than the ferric chloride solution as it is clear and doesn't stain everything it touches. It is also available locally (hydrogen peroxide is in every drug and grocery store, muriatic acid can be found at almost any hardware store).<br />
See [[Chemical Etchants]] for details.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, we worked in a school lab that had access to pure acetone for cleaning off the traces, so we didn't have to resort to foul-smelling nail polish. <br />
<br />
== Toner Transfer Tip and Tricks From around the World ==<br />
<br />
Leave your tips and tricks here, it is ok if you found it on the web (give reference if you have them) or if you picked it up somewhere else even figured it out yourself. If you have a long write up do not leave it here, make a new page and link to it.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Paper ===<br />
<br />
Experiment with paper, keep shifting around to find the right stuff. I use magazine paper. You want a glaze (usually clay) so the toner will transfer, and soluble paper so you can easily remove it. Right now, my favorite is the RISDI catalog. If the paper is too thin it may jam in the printer (check printer settings by the way). Some have suggested attaching (perhaps just by folding the leading edge over) it to standard paper as a carrier to get it through the printer. There are, of course, photo papers for laser printers and stuff made just for toner transfer.<br />
<br />
=== Roller === <br />
<br />
A roller may help focus pressure, especially at the edges. This has to be done while hot. One way I have seen is to put a dowel (perhaps several) under the board and roll back and forth on that.<br />
<br />
=== Padding === <br />
<br />
A couple of layers of paper towel as padding between the board and the iron can help even out the pressure and improve adhesion at the edges.<br />
<br />
=== Electric Grill as Ironing Board === <br />
<br />
I [[russ_hensel]] was having trouble getting enough heat. My breakthrough was to use a temperature controlled electric grill (great for pan cakes by the way) set for 350°f and iron as usual.<br />
<br />
=== Remember high temperature is required === <br />
<br />
This is not like ironing a shirt, the thing has to get hot, move the iron slowly or almost not at all. Pressure is good, experiment to find out how much.<br />
<br />
=== Edges === <br />
<br />
The edges are usually the problem focus your attention there, if you get the edges you will probably do fine on the center with only minimal attention there.<br />
<br />
== Touchup ==<br />
<br />
Touchup with a Sharpie marker.<br />
Some people draw their entire board with the Sharpie marker, completely bypassing all that hassle with computers, laser printers, special paper, ironing, etc.<br />
<br />
Scrape off any toner or Sharpie ink that is covering metal you don't want.<br />
<br />
Now you're ready to drop it in the [[Chemical Etchants]].<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.pulsarprofx.com/PCB/a_Pages/1_Menu/overview.html Direct Etch PCBs] These guys are selling a product for toner transfer, might be good or bad, ( how about a review by a user? ) but in any case they also have a bunch of very useful tips.<br />
<br />
* [http://www.ceunes.ufes.br/downloads/2/sandramuller-pci_metodo_termico.pdf Tonner transfer - By Lucas Zampar Bernardi - Article in Brasilian Portuguese]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.veys.com/2001/11/21/making-home-made-pcbs Toner transfer]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.fullnet.com/u/tomg/gooteepc.htm Toner transfer - by Tom Gootee]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.karosium.com/2007/03/clean-simple-cheap-toner-transfer.html Clean, Simple, Cheap Toner Transfer - By Karo-sama]<br />
<br />
* [http://diycircuits.net/makepcb/pcb_making PCB Making Photo Etching Toner Transfer including Using Matte Paper - by Hilary Cheng]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.riccibitti.com/pcb/pcb.htm How to make PCBs at home in 1 hour & W I T H O U T special materials]<br />
<br />
* [http://myweb.cableone.net/wheedal/pcb.htm Decent PCB's on the cheap.]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/5pcb/ 5pcb]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/Two-sided-PCB-using-toner-method/ Two sided PCB using toner method]<br />
<br />
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY_Printed_circuit_board/ DIY Printed circuit board ] A video, pretty good.<br />
<br />
* [http://www.5bears.com/pcb.htm Printed Circuit Boards for the Masses] A pretty quick tutorial.<br />
<br />
* [http://revision3.com/systm/etching/ Episode 15 PCB Etching] A video, the safety warnings are a bit over the top.<br />
<br />
* [http://more.random.stuff.googlepages.com/howtomakepcbs How to make PCBs with a laser printer] <br />
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* [http://www.mouldy.org/making-a-pcb "Making a PCB"] toner transfer method; 0.1mm tracks; all surface mount with a tiny fine-pitch QFN IC. [http://www.mouldy.org/assembly later] he uses the Sparkfun tutorial for [[skillet reflow]].<br />
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* [http://www.instructables.com/id/Quickie-PCB-Production-with-Bonus-NiCd-Battery-Ch/ "Quickie PCB Production (with Bonus NiCd Battery Charger)"] is entirely drawn with Sharpie markers (no computer, no laser printer).<br />
<br />
[[Category:Techniques]]</div>194.149.117.170http://www.opencircuits.com/index.php?title=Microcontrollers&diff=15542Microcontrollers2008-06-03T16:19:22Z<p>194.149.117.170: /* Microchip PIC */ reordered for easier comparison</p>
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<div>=Microcontrollers=<br />
<br />
<br />
First, a few definitions:<br />
<br />
* a '''CPU''' is something that can execute software programs. The earliest CPUs were built out of many parts, but now most CPUs are microprocessors.<br />
* a '''microprocessor''' is a kind of CPU that all fits on one [[integrated circuit]]. The earliest microprocessors, and some famous kinds of microprocessors still being made, fill the entire chip, and so require external RAM and ROM/FLASH memory. But now most CPUs sold are microcontrollers[http://www.circuitcellar.com/library/designforum/silicon_update/3/index.asp].<br />
* A '''microcontroller''' is a kind of microprocessor that, in addition to the CPU, also includes RAM and ROM/FLASH memory on a single die/package.<br />
<br />
<br />
A microcontroller is a little computer on a single Die/Package. The computer includes a CPU core, RAM, ROM/FLASH, and peripherals including UARTS, A/D converters, SPI, and I2C. Microcontrollers differ from microprocessors in that the microporcessors generally have bigger more powerful central processing units, but need support chips for ram, rom and other peripherals. Most modern microcontrollers use FLASH ram instead of a ROM so they can be programmed over and over. Many modern microcontrollers allow self-flashing to enable bootloading or a firmware update without pulling the chip from the circuit or using a programmer/debugger. Microcontrollers tend to be more optimizated for writting in assembly than PCs, but C and Basic are becoming more standard programming languages.<br />
<br />
==General==<br />
<br />
<br />
Many hobbyists use microcontrollers, sometimes even multiple microcontrollers, in their [[projects]].<br />
Prices have fallen below $5 for the cheapest 32-bit microcontroller and below $1 for the cheapest 8-bit microcontroller.<br />
<br />
''I've written a little about the various kinds of microcontrollers at [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Embedded_Systems/Particular_Microprocessors Wikibooks: Embedded Systems]. --[[User:DavidCary|DavidCary]] 06:15, 10 March 2007 (PST)''<br />
<br />
<br />
About 55% of all CPUs sold in the world are 8-bit microcontrollers. Over 2 billion 8-bit microcontrollers were sold in 1997.[http://www.circuitcellar.com/library/designforum/silicon_update/3/index.asp]<br />
''(Anyone have more up-to-date statistics?)''<br />
<br />
Somebody always thinks their microcontroller is the best microcontroller, so we have listed all of them as best.<br />
<br />
<br />
[http://www.ladyada.net/library/picvsavr.html "PIC vs. AVR"]: "OK, I know what you people want. You want ultimate fighting, embedded E.E. style. You want to know WHICH IS BETTER, PIC OR AVR?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[[MC RS232 Comm|Some notes on Microcontroller RS232 Communications]]<br />
<br />
== Microchip PIC ==<br />
The best microcontroller.<br />
<br />
* [[PIC Links]] A bunch of links to PIC based information and projects<br />
* [[Microchip]] PIC 8 bit FLASH microcontrollers<br />
* [[Microchip]] dsPIC/PIC24 16 bit FLASH microcontrollers <br />
* [[DsPIC30F 5011 Development Board]] <br />
* [[Microchip]] PIC32 32 bit FLASH microcontrollers<br />
<br />
: ''consider merging the following section to [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Embedded_Systems/PIC_Microcontroller#Which_PIC_to_Use Which PIC to use], to gain the advantages of [http://communitywiki.org/ConsolidateInformation consolidating information].''<br />
<br />
Note about choosing a PIC:<br />
<br />
The number of PIC models is huge so it is worth saying a few words on how to choose a PIC. <br />
<br />
Things to consider as a hobbiest or making a small production run:<br />
<br />
* Microchip tends to produce the same chip with minor variations. The exact same chip with the exact same pinout may be available in 8k, 16k, or 32k flash. Spend a few extra pennyies and take the best.<br />
* SMT parts take practice to work with, so beginners should focus on DIP package parts with <= 40 pins. On the other hand, SMT parts can yield simpler and smaller PCB designs so they are worth consideration even for a hobbiest. <br />
* Contrary to common sense, older parts are often more expensive then newer parts. <br />
* Consider if a free/student version of a C compiler is availible. Microchip provides free/student student versions for the 18f,dsPIC/PIC24, and PIC32.<br />
<br />
List of some of the best PICs for hobby purposes:<br />
<br />
{| border="1"<br />
|PIC<br />
|Pin Count<br />
|Important Features<br />
|Typical Use<br />
|-<br />
|PIC12F683<br />
|8<br />
|ADC, I/O PWM, Comparator<br />
|Very Simple Projects/Glue Logic<br />
|-<br />
|PIC16F88<br />
|18<br />
|ADC, I/O PWM, Comparator, UART, I2C/SPI<br />
|General Purpose<br />
|-<br />
|18F2620<br />
|28<br />
|ADC, I/O PWM, Comparator, UART, I2C/SPI<br />
|General Purpose<br />
|-<br />
|18F4620<br />
|40<br />
|ADC, I/O PWM, Comparator, UART, I2C/SPI, 8 Bit Parallel Port<br />
|General Purpose<br />
|-<br />
|18F2550/18F2553<br />
|28<br />
|ADC, I/O PWM, Comparator, UART, I2C/SPI, USB<br />
|USB Connectivity<br />
|-<br />
|18F4550/18F4553<br />
|40<br />
|ADC, I/O PWM, Comparator, UART, I2C/SPI, USB, 8 Bit Parallel Port<br />
|USB Connectivity<br />
|-<br />
|P24FJ64GA002<br />
|28<br />
|ADC, I/O PWM, Comparator (with software selectable pin assignment), 2 UART, 2 I2C, 2 SPI<br />
|General Purpose<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Note: J means the PIC is a native 3.3V part. Other PICs will run at 3.3V but only at slower clock speeds.<br />
<br />
External Links:<br />
<br />
== Atmel AVR ==<br />
The best microcontroller.<br />
<br />
The AVR series is split into 4 different types:<br />
{| border="1" <br />
| Series<br />
| Description<br />
| Processors<br />
| Facts<br />
|-<br />
|ATtiny<br />
| Small (2 Ports or less) 8 bit RISC PU but extremely powerful (20MHz System Clock, 20MIPS, 64MHz Fast Peripheral Clock)<br />
| ATtiny25/45/85, ATtiny 26/46/86, ...<br />
| 10bit ADCs, USI, 8/16bit timer, PWM, I²C, SPI , BOD, WDT, ...<br />
|-<br />
|ATmega<br />
| Powerful 8bit RISC PU with up to 10 IO Ports and up to 256k flash (20MHz system clock, 20 MIPS)<br />
| ATmega88, ATmega16/32, ATmega640/1280/2560, ATmega1281/2561, ...<br />
| 10bit ADCs, USARTs, 8/16bit timer, I²C, SPI, BOD, WDT, ...<br />
|-<br />
|ATxmega<br />
| Extremely powerful 8/16bit RISC CPU with up to 10 IO Ports and up to 256k flash (32 MHz system clock, 32 MIPS)<br />
| ATxmega64A1/128A1/192A1/256A1, ATxmega64A3/128A3/192A3/256A3, ....<br />
| 12bit ADC, 12bit DAC, 16 bit timer, USARTs, SPI, I²C, DMA, Real time clock, crypto engine,..<br />
|-<br />
|AVR32<br />
| High End 32bit RISC CPU for multimedia purposes (system clocks up to 200 MHz and more)<br />
| AP7000, AP7001, AP7002, AT32UC3A0128/0256/0512, ...<br />
| A lot =), see atmel.com for futher details<br />
|}<br />
<br />
Especially the ATmega series is very easy to use and is the best processor for beginners. All small chips are available in the easy to use DIL package and combined with an AVRDragon for about 60€ everybody with a budget of about 70€ is able to build and debug his own microprocessor applications. The AVRDragon allows you to debug all ATmega & ATtiny processors with less than 32k flash using DebugWire or JTAG and to program all ATmega / ATtiny devices using HVPP, ISP and JTAG.<br />
<br />
* [[Atmel]] AVR 8 bit FLASH microcontrollers<br />
* [http://www.atmel.com/products/AVR/ Atmel] ATmega & ATtiny<br />
* [http://www.atmel.com/products/AVR/default_xmega.asp Atmel] ATxmega<br />
* [http://www.atmel.com/products/AVR32/ Atmel] AVR 32<br />
<br />
== Development Boards ==<br />
Development Boards are printed circuit boards that contain a microcontroller and enough circuitry to get it going, typically at least some of the following: clock, voltage regulator, reset button, communications chip, buffer amplifiers, led's, prototyping area, and/or off chip connections. Sometimes the manufacturer of the chip sells development boards ( often called evaluation boards ). Development boards can be really basic, just enough to make the processor run, with connections to the IO pins. Or the boards can include communications, displays, input buttons etc. Often you can jump start a project by using a development board that does the boring standard stuff and let you focus on your project. The development board can let you use high density parts and surface mount parts that you might not want to mess with. The BitWacker kit from [[SparkFun]] is priced close the to the total price of the parts. This is probably true of some other development boards as well. Note that some development boards require you to build them they have not been made available as kits, some come both ways.<br />
<br />
*[[Chalk Roach]]<br />
*[[Arduino Links]]<br />
* [[USB Bit Whacker]] ... can be used with [[BitWacker Java Communications]]<br />
*[[RS232 Dev Board]]<br />
*[[dsPIC30F 5011 Development Board]]<br />
<br />
== Cypress PSoC ==<br />
The best microcontroller.<br />
* Cypress PSoC 8 bit FLASH microcontrollers.<br />
<br />
External Links:<br />
* [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Embedded_Systems/Cypress_PSoC_Microcontroller Wikibooks: Cypress PSoC]<br />
<br />
== ARM ==<br />
The best microcontroller.<br />
<br />
* [[Image:lpc2103.jpg|69px|LPC2103]] [http://www.k9spud.com/arm/lpc2103/ LPC2103] Low cost 70MHz ARM7TDMI-S FLASH Microcontroller from Philips. The [http://coridiumcorp.com/arm7/ "$49" "Coridium ARMmite"] does use this chip.<br />
<br />
<br />
== further reading ==<br />
<br />
* [http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-choose-a-MicroController/ Instructables: How to choose a MicroController]<br />
* [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Embedded_Systems/Particular_Microprocessors#brief_selection_guide Wikibooks: brief selection guide]<br />
*[http://www.veys.com/index.php?title=Main_Page Main Page] May have been a one man effort, now dropped. Has a bit of content that looks good.</div>194.149.117.170