2 layers47.6 × 27.3 mm
2 layers77.9 × 90 mm
PCB design using KiCad for a 48-pin DIL breadboard in the shape of a hexagon
- Size
- 77.9 × 90 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 27
- Nets
- 52
- Pads
- 362
- Tracks, vias
- 522, 0
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
- Created
- 28 Aug 2023
- Updated
- 11 Jun 2025
Overview
Hex48 is an open-source printed circuit board by anachrocomputer, from the anachrocomputer/Hex48 repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 77.9 × 90 mm with 27 parts on 52 nets, routed with 522 tracks and 0 vias.
Its parts include 14 connectors, 2 diodes and 2 switches.
README
README.mdHex48
PCB design for a hexagonal prototyping board capable of holding DIL chips with up to 48 pins.
The Problem
Everybody has prototyping PCBs in rectangular form, but what other shapes tesselate well? How about hexagons, would they work? And why stop at 40-pin DIL packages when chips like the 68008 come in 48-pin DIL?
The Solution
This PCB design mounts the DIL part on a hexagonal board that can be easily tesselated. It has mounting holes for M3 PCB standoffs, or it can be fitted with non-slip feet. In extreme cases, a heavy base can be made out of an insulator such as slate.
KiCad
This design has been created using the Open Source CAD package KiCad, V8.0.
To install it on Ubuntu Linux:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kicad
I'm using Ubuntu 22.04 LTS which would give me the very outdated KiCad V6.0 by default. As I write this, the latest KiCad is V8.0.5, which is a big upgrade from the V6.0 which I started with.
PCB Photo
Photo of the PCB, as manufactured.
PCB with sockets and headers soldered on, mounted on a base made out of slate.
Parts
27| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Conn_02x08_Odd_Even | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_2x08_P2.54mm_Vertical | J9, J10, J11, J12, J13, J14 |
| 6 | MountingHole | MountingHole:MountingHole_3.2mm_M3_Pad | H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6 |
| 3 | Conn_02x24_Odd_Even | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_2x24_P2.54mm_Vertical | J2, J3, J6 |
| 2 | Conn_02x02_Odd_Even | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_2x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | J4, J5 |
| 2 | Conn_02x12_Counter_Clockwise | Package_DIP:DIP-24_W7.62mm_Socket_LongPads | J7, J8 |
| 2 | LED | LED_THT:LED_D10.0mm | D1, D2 |
| 2 | SW_Push | Button_Switch_THT:SW_PUSH_6mm | SW1, SW2 |
| 1 | Conn_02x24_Counter_Clockwise | Package_DIP:DIP-48_W15.24mm_Socket_LongPads | J1 |
The 24 most common of 27 parts.
Questions
How big is the Hex48 PCB?
It measures 77.9 × 90 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Hex48 use?
27 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Hex48 KiCad files?
From the anachrocomputer/Hex48 repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Hex48.kicad_pcb and its schematic Hex48.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Hex48 design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask anachrocomputer before reusing the design.
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