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Rev.1 PCB arrived

A project log for 4014 LED minimodule

A cheap, small module that displays two 7-segments digits with simple multiplexing

yann-guidon-ygdesYann Guidon / YGDES 08/29/2016 at 16:492 Comments

I received the very first order recently, and it won't be of much use...

We already know that the circuit is wrong because of the protection diode (which could also be a Zener but at this point, who cares ?).

Now, it's time to examine the PCB of the first version and look at other problems.

The PCB did not get my "tented vias" and there are exposed signals under the LEDs.

I have put the vias under the LEDs because I didn't want visual distractions.

However the LEDs have heatsink pads that are electrically connected so short circuits will happen.

Even worse: the HASL treatment increases the height of the via and adding insulating Kapton will make the part unsolderable because the pads won't touch the contacts...

Fortunately, Rev.2 indirectly solved this problem because it's a single-sided PCB. No via.

The diameter of the connectors seems to be ok and standard pins can go through it.

I should try to solder a few LEDs, now...



20160902:

I soldered a few LEDs and it's not for beginners but it's not hard either. Just use very thing soldering wire, and apart from the problems with the vias etc., the layout and the footprints don't need to be modified. That's a relief :-)

(yes, I didn't care much about the quantity of solder but it's not critical and it matters that it is easy to solder by hand)

Discussions

Alex wrote 09/06/2016 at 15:12 point

If you need it for testing: I do have running (tested with ugly prototype) code for controlling it with a Atmel AVR controller. 

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Yann Guidon / YGDES wrote 09/06/2016 at 15:53 point

Don't hesitate to add the files to this project. I'm sure others (including @Dylan C. ) will find it useful :-)

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