How to make your own Arduino UNO PCB – ATMega328p

To make your own Arduino UNO PCB using the ATMega328p chip, follow these comprehensive steps:

Components Required:

  • ATMega328p IC
  • 16 MHz crystal oscillator
  • Breadboard
  • Capacitors and resistors (typically 10K resistor, capacitors for the crystal oscillator)
  • USB to TTL converter or an existing Arduino board for programming
  • Copper clad board and etching tools (for making the PCB)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Component Collection and Preparation:

    • Gather all necessary components: ATMega328p, breadboard, crystal oscillator, capacitors, resistors, and a USB to TTL converter .

  2. Circuit Design and Layout:

    • Design the schematic for the Arduino UNO. Various software tools are available for this, such as EasyEDA, Fritzing, or KiCad, which help in creating the PCB layout based on the Arduino UNO design .

  3. Burning the Bootloader:

    • Insert the fresh ATMega328 IC into an existing Arduino board after removing its original IC.
    • Connect your board to the computer and open the Arduino IDE. Go to the File menu, select Examples, then ArduinoISP.
    • Select the appropriate board and COM port in the Tools menu.
    • Upload the ArduinoISP sketch to the board.
    • Connect the new ATMega328 IC to the Arduino board using appropriate connections and use the “Burn Bootloader” option in the Tools menu .

  4. Create the PCB:

    • Once your schematic and PCB layout are ready, print the design onto a Press-n-Peel (PnP) sheet using a laser printer.
    • Clean the copper surface of your copper clad board and transfer the printed design onto it by ironing the PnP sheet onto the board.
    • Submerge the board into ferric chloride solution to etch away unprotected copper, leaving behind your circuit trace.

  5. Drilling and Soldering:

    • Drill the necessary holes for through-hole components using a 1mm drill bit.
    • Insert and solder the components onto the PCB starting with the smallest components. Check all connections with a multimeter to ensure continuity.

  6. Testing the Custom Arduino Board:

    • Insert the burned ATMega328 IC onto your custom board and connect it to your computer via USB using a USB to TTL converter.
    • Open the Arduino IDE and select the appropriate board and COM port.
    • Upload a simple sketch to test the functionality, ensuring the board communicates correctly with the IDE.

Using these steps, you will have created a functional, custom Arduino UNO PCB with an ATMega328p chip. This process allows for deeper insights into the workings of the Arduino UNO and offers the flexibility of customizing the board to specific needs.

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