LabPcb: graphical tools for learning PCB manufacturing, assembly and testing

Abstract

This work presents LabPcb, a graphical environment to facilitate the verification of PCB designs sent to the factory and their subsequent assembly and testing. LabPcb is the global name of the work environment made up of three applications. LPEditor to handle the creation and visualisation of PCBs by importing Gerber files, drill files, pick & place coordinates, test point coordinates or images of the PCB. LPMachine to simplify the control of machines working with printed circuits. LPController to handle multi-protocols communications between LabPcb and the compatible machines. The proposed solution allows the user to work with different workflows: a) manufacture of printed circuits, b) automatic assembly of SMD components, c) optical inspection, d) performance of electronic fault location tests, e) generation of assembly information and f) help to obtain diagrams through reverse engineering. It also allows the user to perform these workflows on physical or simulated machines, fulfilling assembly and teaching functions. This system has been tested on different drilling/milling and pick&place machines and with a large set of PCBs, demonstrating its educational capability.