So my research group is developing some atmospheric sensors to stick on UAVs and fly them about. So I did a lot of sensor selection based on what concentrations we’d be wanting to monitor rather then sensor design. My current problem is that a lot of my sensors are surface mount and I need to test and prototype them before we design our PBC to stick them all on. Does anyone have some advice for how I would best get around this? I’ve only learned through hole soldering so far and I’m worried about damaging my sensors.
The tutorials and things I’ve found here so far have been stellar in broadening my knowledge I’m just a chemist - I think the things everyone here makes are just mind-bogglingly cool.
For SMD, I’ll design single PCB’s that are easily breadboard-able then solder/test prototypes on those. Or you can also checkout some of the available sensors SparkFun already has on a breakout board.
Do you already have sensors? What packages are they in?
We have a couple that are on mini breakout boards, but they have an unusual connector piece to use with the breakout board. The other sensors are in route and they just are coming as the sensor alone with no other attachments. They are like little RH and temperature sensors. one is an ozone sensor. They are in little metal cases with the pads on the bottom.
I dont really have good access to PCB design, but if that’s the way around it then I can sort it out. Would it be possible to just attach hook up wires to the correct pads? Or is that too likely to fry the electronic connections.
EmeraldDusk:
We have a couple that are on mini breakout boards, but they have an unusual connector piece to use with the breakout board. The other sensors are in route and they just are coming as the sensor alone with no other attachments. They are like little RH and temperature sensors. one is an ozone sensor. They are in little metal cases with the pads on the bottom.
I dont really have good access to PCB design, but if that’s the way around it then I can sort it out. Would it be possible to just attach hook up wires to the correct pads? Or is that too likely to fry the electronic connections.
You can do that if you’re careful. The problem isn’t heat: the pad would see the same temperature regardless of how you solder it, but you might create solder bridges.
I’ve done the same procedure to prototype SOIC packages without etching a board. It’s not at all difficult.
EmeraldDusk:
We have a couple that are on mini breakout boards, but they have an unusual connector piece to use with the breakout board. The other sensors are in route and they just are coming as the sensor alone with no other attachments. They are like little RH and temperature sensors. one is an ozone sensor. They are in little metal cases with the pads on the bottom.
I dont really have good access to PCB design, but if that’s the way around it then I can sort it out. Would it be possible to just attach hook up wires to the correct pads? Or is that too likely to fry the electronic connections.
For the oddly spaced breakout boards, you can try something like male-female jumper wires.
Sounds like you’re looking for a non-permanent solution. There are special adapters that hold the packages in place although the prices a usually pretty steep for these.
If you could design something with raised contacts (preferably “springy”), a home made adapter of the sort of would work, even for a ball-grid package.
If you want to try your luck at PCB designing, EAGLE is free for non-commercial and OSH Park is a great PCB house that will make your boards for you.
Here’s one I made for an xFN package–the sensor measures 2mm x 2mm across and “hand soldered.”
I’m just a chemist - I think the things everyone here makes are just mind-bogglingly cool.