News and New Products

SchmartBoard offers prototype-PCB systems, modules, social networking, and more

By Paul Rako, Technical Editor -- EDN, 2/19/2009

SchmartBoard has developed a series of prototype PCBs (printed-circuit boards) that you can snap together into complete systems. To provide for prototyping using fine-line surface-mount components, the novel system uses a patented, extra-thick solder-mask layer. This layer provides a pocket that locates the parts and prevents solder-bridging between pins. To solder the part to the board, you need only to run a soldering iron along the pad; this step melts the solder, forcing it under the board’s IC pin. The same thick solder mask that locates the part also guides your soldering iron to ensure that there are no solder bridges.

Available boards provide for 0.4-mm-pitch components. Others allow you to solder of BGA components by using a via in each pad for the BGA. By heating from the underside of the board, you can wick away the solder to the BGA solder ball and make a reliable contact. Boards are also available for conventional DIP parts.

In addition to prototyping boards for most surface-mount components, SchmartBoard also offers SchmartModules, which include Microchip PIC microcontrollers along with the requisite support circuitry for USB (universal-serial-bus) programming. Other boards contain RS-232 drivers and various peripheral functions. By snapping the boards together, you can prototype an entire embedded system. SchmartBoard works with semiconductor companies to develop modules for their microcontroller lineups. Other boards provide for power, connectors, and switches.

SchmartBoard also offers a social-networking site, for electronics engineers and hobbyists. The site provides a way for experienced designers to post designs that use various SchmartBoard prototyping boards. With the site, you create solder bridges that wire the SchmartBoard designs across pads on a board. The pattern of these solder bridges defines a schematic, hence the solder-by-numbers moniker. Anyone wishing to build that design pays a $5 royalty to the developer. In exchange, the developer must answer any questions and provide e-mail assistance to the royalty purchaser.

SchmartBoard can also design and fabricate custom boards to provide for engineering, prototyping, or manufacturing. Prices are $5 for simple boards, $20 for a 10-pack of connector or power boards, and $49.99 for a 400-pin BGA prototyping board. Combo kits and accessories are also available.