Circuit Prototyping

rsc

24 Jan 2022

I keep a bunch of small breadboards around for prototyping.

There are three types of circuit prototyping methods I tend to use.

The first is just a simple breadboard.

https://uk.farnell.com/global-specialties/gs-400/breadboard-abs-35-56mm-x-83-82mm/dp/2850738

I like having the power rails on either side, although it gets confusing with dual voltage power supplies.

Here's one of my current Arduino projects:

The second prototyping method I like to use is wire-wrapping.

https://uk.farnell.com/c/tools-production-supplies/tools-hand-workholding/wire-wrap-tools-pencil

https://uk.farnell.com/ok-industries/r-30-tri/wire-wrap-wire-50ft-30awg-copper/dp/7333675

Wire wrapping is useful when things don't fit nicely on a breadboard, and changes can be made quickly without soldering.

Here's a RPi4 project with an LCD running on battery power.

Before I make an etched circuit board, I usually solder it up on a Vectorboard.

If you have 1206 size surface mount components, they fit nicely between the 0.1in pads.