How can we make devices so slim?

the_future over 12 years ago

As a novice in the electronic world i have wondered for so long

now how we can make devices so slim like a phone. I wonder

how all the components fit in so nicely and don't affect the

sleek appearance of the device. Are there slim ardunio boards

or do i have to make my own PCB (Are there tutorials around

on making PCBs)

0 ootbrobo over 12 years ago

Condensing electronics is all about selecting component packages, this includes connectors too. cell phones use a lot of QFN and BGA based ICs because they are generally low profile, and they consume the smallest board area. In designs containing multiple PCBs you commonly see FFC (flat flexible cable) or flex PCBs making the connections between boards.

As for slim arduinos, I think some of the Sparkfun pro series boards are reasonably low profile, but as soon as you add on the typical .1" headers the board becomes fat as ever. You really can't make a slim arduino, while maintaining shield compatibility.
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 the_future over 12 years ago in reply to ootbrobo

Ahhh Okay, so if I really wanted to make a slim product would it just be best to
create my own PCBs? and How can you create one?

Sorry for all my questions I am still at school
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 ootbrobo over 12 years ago in reply to the_future

Yep, you create a PCB using a software package such as EAGLE. Once you come up with a design you send it out for fabrication. If you are just starting out the best option out there, in my opinion, is oshpark.
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 magnus2112 over 12 years ago

Or you can create one yourself
i suggest that you watch this tutorial by Ben
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3DGbwVXyN8
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 ootbrobo over 12 years ago in reply to magnus2112

True, but if you are just learning how to design a PCB you already have enough on your plate. Adding the learning curve and inherent constraints of homebrew PCB manufacturing overly complicates the learning process. When you factor in the purchase of the copper clad etching solution, and tiny drill bits, you really don't even save much money. OSHPARK gives you 3 boards for 5$ per square inch at 2 layers. Putting that in perspective a standard arduino is about 5.6 sq inches. So you could get 3 quality arduino PCBs made for $28.
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 kidiccurus over 12 years ago

A solution for some projects is to use an attiny. It is a smaller version of the chip in the uno with only a few pins, and it can be programmed via an arduino. See this instructable for more info. http://m.instructables.com/id/Programming-the-ATtiny/
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 fidelsalinas over 12 years ago

If you wanna go really thin you can always go with flexible PCBs. Seeeduino Film, maybe the first Arduino(TM) compatible board on FPC – Seeed-3
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel
0 the_future over 12 years ago

Thank you all for your help I am just a beginner and i will just try all
the suggestions and see what works but I am really thankful for
your support and advise
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Verify Answer

Cancel