P-04 / PCB Design

Ultrasonic Sensor and Servo PCB

Designed a KiCad PCB integrating HC-SR04, servo, and microcontroller connections, then completed ERC, DRC, copper-zone, and Gerber preparation.

PrototypeDocumented evidenceRecruiter summaryKiCadArduinoHC-SR04Servo controlC / C++Gerbers

Organization: Independent PCB design project
Engineering problem: Create a compact, documented interface for directional distance measurement using an ultrasonic sensor, servo, and microcontroller.
My role: Created the schematic and PCB layout, checked electrical and layout rules, added copper zones, and prepared manufacturing outputs.
Verified result: Completed the design files and manufacturing-output preparation; fabrication and full hardware validation are not claimed.

INTERACTIVE / ARCHITECTURE

Trace the system.

N-01Scan command

The controller selects a servo angle.

N-02Servo position

The sensor is aimed in a chosen direction.

N-03HC-SR04 trigger

A timed pulse begins an ultrasonic measurement.

N-04Echo timing

Return-pulse duration represents round-trip travel time.

N-05Distance calculation

Firmware converts time of flight into range.

N-06Directional sample

Angle and distance form a scan point.

Note — Functional architecture based on the currently documented project scope.

MORE DETAIL AVAILABLE / ENGINEERING VIEW

Open the technical investigation.

Trace the project’s physics or control logic, subsystem interactions, failure modes, and evidence boundaries.

Project Overview

The project packages the connections required for a microcontroller, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and servo into a purpose-built PCB suitable for directional distance measurement.

My Role

Created the schematic, assigned footprints, laid out and routed the board, added copper zones, ran electrical and design-rule checks, and prepared Gerber manufacturing outputs.

Testing and Validation

Validation completed at the design-file level: schematic ERC, PCB DRC, visual layout inspection, copper-zone review, and Gerber preparation. Fabrication, bring-up, and end-to-end ranging tests remain unverified.

Results

The verified result is a completed KiCad design package with manufacturing outputs prepared. The status remains Prototype because board manufacture and hardware validation have not been documented.

What I Learned

The project developed practical PCB workflow discipline: connectivity, footprint selection, physical layout, rule checking, and manufacturing outputs are separate verification layers.

Media and Documentation

The case study is ready for schematic, front and back copper renders, a 3D board view, Gerber screenshots, and eventual bring-up photographs.

Next case studyEmbedded Vision and Sensor Bench