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🧸🔊 Squeaky Toy PCB

A simple Squeaky Toy PCB designed as a hands-on project to learn KiCad and understand the complete PCB design workflow — from schematic to Gerber files.

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🎯 Project Purpose This project was created to learn KiCad practically by designing a real, working circuit instead of just doing theory.
It focuses on schematic design, PCB layout, and manufacturing-ready outputs.

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⚙️ Circuit Overview The circuit is based on a 555 Timer IC configured to drive a buzzer, producing a squeaky sound when powered.

🔩 Main Components

• IC 555
• Resistors
• Capacitors
• Buzzer
• Battery / External power source

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🔌 Power Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 3.3V – 12V
• PCB Type: Single-layer PCB

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🛠️ Tools Used

• EDA Tool: KiCad
• Design Time: ~3 hours

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📁 Project Contents

• 📐 Schematic (.kicad_sch)
• 🧩 PCB Layout (.kicad_pcb)
• 🏭 Gerber files (ready for manufacturing)
• 📋 Project configuration files

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🧠 Learning Outcomes Through this project, I learned:

• Proper component placement
• Efficient PCB routing
• Correct footprint selection
• Generating Gerber files for fabrication
• Understanding the end-to-end PCB design flow

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🚀 Future Improvements

• Add enclosure-friendly layout
• Optimize trace routing
• Convert to double-layer PCB (advanced version)

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👤 Author MANIKANDAN K