Build a devboard

KaiPereira·build-a-devboard·PCB_DESIGN/devboard.kicad_pcb

About the Build a devboard PCB

Build a devboard is an open source RP2040/RP2350 PCB design by KaiPereira, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 21 × 51 mm, with 33 components from 16 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the RP2040, from the RP2040/RP2350 family. Other key parts include the MCP1700x-330xxTT and W25Q16JVUXIQ TR. By type, the board carries 17 capacitors, 7 resistors, 4 connectors, 3 ICs, 1 crystal and 1 switch.

It belongs with the dev boards & breakouts designs in this gallery.

From the project

This is a detailed tutorial on designing and building a minimal, RP2040 based Pi Pico clone using KiCad

Today, we're going to be designing our own dev board, using one of the most popular and beginner friendly SoC's, the RP2040. This guide doesn't serve as just a tutorial, but also as an opportunity to learn what everything on the PCB fundamentally does, and what every single component on your PCB is actually for!

All the source files for this tutorial can be found here, so if you need any help, feel free to resort to the repository!

Main components on the Build a devboard

RP2040 MCP1700x-330xxTT W25Q16JVUXIQ TR

Build a devboard bill of materials (BOM)

33 components, 16 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.

Qty	Part	Footprint	Refs
1	RP2040	QFN-56-1EP_7x7mm_P0.4mm_EP3.2x3.2mm	U1
1	MCP1700x-330xxTT	SOT-23	U2
1	W25Q16JVUXIQ TR	Winbond_USON-8-1EP_3x2mm_P0.5mm_EP0.2x1.6mm	U4
1	12 MHz	Crystal_SMD_3225-4Pin_3.2x2.5mm	Y1
1	USB_C_Receptacle_USB2.0_14P	USB_C_Receptacle_HRO_TYPE-C-31-M-12	J1
2	Conn_01x20	PinHeader_1x20_P2.54mm_Vertical	J2, J3
1	Conn_01x03	PinHeader_1x03_P2.54mm_Vertical	J4
1	SW_Push	SW_Push_SPST_NO_Alps_SKRK	SW1
2	1uF	C_0402_1005Metric	C1, C10
11	0.1uF	C_0402_1005Metric	C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9 +3
2	10uF	C_0603_1608Metric	C13, C14
2	33pF	C_0402_1005Metric	C15, C16
2	5.1K	R_0402_1005Metric	R1, R2
2	27	R_0402_1005Metric	R3, R4
2	1K	R_0402_1005Metric	R5, R6
1	10K	R_0402_1005Metric	R7

Build a devboard design files

The KiCad project lives in the KaiPereira/build-a-devboard repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Build a devboard: common questions

What microcontroller does the Build a devboard use?

The Build a devboard is built around the RP2040, from the RP2040/RP2350 family.

How big is the Build a devboard PCB?

The Build a devboard measures 21 × 51 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Build a devboard?

33 components, from 16 distinct parts, with part numbers taken from the project's own BOM. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Build a devboard design files?

From the KaiPereira/build-a-devboard repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout, the schematic and the BOM; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Build a devboard design in my own project?

The repository has no license, so all rights stay with KaiPereira. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.

Can I test firmware for the Build a devboard without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug RP2040/RP2350 firmware against it before you order a PCB.