Tools for testing, prototyping and asesmbly. After that we dive into the software stack for the hardware.
Electronics, PCBs and 3D Model
Power Supply
Provides adjustable, stable power for testing circuits. Prevents damage by ensuring safe power levels during testing.
Oscilloscope and Multimeter
Visualize signals (oscilloscope) and measure voltage, current, resistance (multimeter). Essential for accurate testing and troubleshooting.
Logic Analyzer
Debugs digital communication (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART). Verifies data flow and pinpoints issues in digital circuits.
Breadboard and Jumper Wires
Build and modify circuits without soldering. Quick, flexible prototyping.
Soldering Station
Permanently connect components on custom PCBs. Ensures strong, precise connections.
3D Printer
Print enclosures from FreeCAD designs. Speeds up prototyping with custom cases.
GitHub for Code Management
Track code changes and collaborate. Keeps code organized and versioned.
KiCad with Ngspice – PCB Design and Simulation
KiCad is a free PCB design software for creating custom circuit boards. Built-in Ngspice simulation validates circuit designs before production, saving time and money by catching issues early.
Ngspice in KiCad offers three simulation approaches:
-
Pure Analog: Simulates gates at transistor level using controlled voltage sources. All signals remain analog.
-
Pure Digital: Fast, event-based simulation for digital circuits, without analog interfaces.
-
Mixed-Mode: Combines analog and digital simulation using DAC/ADC interfaces, ideal for complex circuits with both components.
Each method offers different speed/accuracy tradeoffs, with digital being fastest and analog most detailed. Built-in components like D flip-flops and state machines enable sophisticated circuit validation.
FreeCAD – 3D Modeling for Enclosures
Open-source 3D CAD software for designing custom enclosures and mechanical parts. Creates precise, parametric models for 3D printing and manufacturing.
Arduino – Simple Prototyping Platform
Beginner-friendly microcontroller platform with vast library support. Perfect for rapid prototyping and learning electronics basics.
Raspberry Pi – Power for Complex Applications
Single-board computer running Linux, ideal for projects requiring OS-level features, networking, and multimedia capabilities.
ESP32 (RISC-V) – Wireless Connectivity
Powerful microcontroller with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. Perfect for IoT projects and wireless applications.
GNU Octave – Data Analysis and Simulation
MATLAB-compatible platform for numerical computations and algorithm testing. Simulates complex systems before hardware implementation.
C and C++ – Firmware Development
Low-level programming languages for efficient microcontroller code. Provides direct hardware control and optimal performance.
Blender – Visualization and Rendering
Professional 3D modeling software for creating photorealistic renders. Transforms technical designs into presentation-ready visuals.
JLCPCB - PCB Manufacturing and CNC Services
Upload KiCad PCB designs or 3D models directly to JLCPCB’s manufacturing service. They handle PCB fabrication, component assembly, and CNC machining with quick turnaround times and affordable pricing. Perfect for turning designs into physical products.