Single-Layer PCB Design for PICO


I’ll create an editable fork if required, inspect the board and component geometry, then place everything in functional groups and check for overlaps and out-of-bounds parts.
Forked a project
PiStrument - grouped placement
Raspberrypi Pico-based sampler, sequencer + drum machine w/ an embedded speaker, Adafruit I2S amplifier and momentary step switches, evoking the tr808 synthesizer ⁠
I created an editable fork and confirmed the board is 160 × 100 mm, two-layer, with 32 physical footprints. I’m now reorganizing it into mechanical controls, compute/display, audio, and power groups while preserving mounting-hole positions.
The fork is being placed now. The board is dense because the speaker and display consume most of the area, so the placement pass is iterating to clear mechanical overlaps without breaking the control and audio grouping.
Placed all 32 PCB footprints on an editable fork: PiStrument – grouped placement. Controls, resistors, display/compute, audio, power, and mechanical parts are grouped; placement has zero body overlaps, keepout violations, or out-of-bounds parts.
Open items
  • Existing traces were not rerouted after placement, leaving 59 airwires plus legacy dangling/floating copper.
  • Routing congestion remains near SIPO1/PICO and the resistor row.
  • Execution stopped because no ACUs remain.
Suggested next steps
  1. Spread the congested SIPO1/PICO area.
  2. Remove obsolete routing and reroute the board.
  3. Run final DRC and routing checks.
Improve congested placement
Inspect placement constraints
Prepare routing cleanup

B0
B5
B8
MicroAmp
B3
B2
B4
DAC AMP
Display
Speaker
B1
B7
B6
This power supply line comes from the display internal regulator

2y
Connect them
3y
What is it
3y
This power supply line comes from the display internal regulator
3y
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14
The display has its own regulator + level shifter. For this reason we give it 5V...

DisplayPort
2y
The display has its own regulator + level shifter. For this reason we give it 5V supply. The digital I/O should use 3.3v thanks to the level shifter.
We use its regulator output to power the LEDs, to avoid stressing the Pico regulator.
3y
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deleted comment, thread stayed

deleted comment, thread stayed
3y
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please explain what ENCODER does.

@copilot my midi needs a USB connection. Let's make the necessary connection.
2y
Sure, I can help you with that. If you're looking to connect your Raspberry Pi Pico (designator PICO) to a USB MIDI device, you'll need a USB breakout board. However, it seems that there is no USB component in your project yet.
If you had such a component, you would connect it as follows:
  1. Connect the USB breakout board's VCC pin to the Pico's VSYS or VBUS pin
  2. Connect the USB breakout board's GND pin to any of the PICO's GND pin
  3. Connect the USB breakout board's D- pin to the PICO's USB D- pin (which it doesn't have)
  4. Connect the USB breakout board's D+ pin to the PICO's USB D+ pin (which it doesn't have)
Unfortunately, I don't see USB D+ or USB D- pins on your Raspberry Pi Pico (designator PICO) in your description. This might be due to the board version or the way your PICO is represented in the schematic provided. If your board does have these connections available (e.g. on a micro USB B port or as exposed pins), make sure they're included in your project components and connections for an accurate connectivity assessment.
If these pins aren't available in the version of the board you're using, you might need to consider a different version of the board or a module that provides these pins.
2y
@copilot please explain what ENCODER does.
2y
The ENCODER in your project is a rotary encoder, specifically a Bourns PEC11R-4215F-S0024. It's an electromechanical device that can convert the angular position or motion of a shaft into analog or digital output signals.
In your design, it's likely being used for user input. For example, it may be manipulating some parameter on the PiStrument like volume, pitch, sample selection, etc.
It has two signal outputs (A and B) that can be used to determine the direction of rotation and one output (~) for the integrated push button. These outputs are usually connected to the GPIOs of a microcontroller, in your case to GPIO27_ADC1, GPIO28_ADC2, and GPIO22 on the Raspberry Pi Pico (PICO). It's a handy part to use in an interface where a potentiometer might otherwise be used, but continuous rotation or an integrated switch are necessary.
Its advantage is that it can fully rotate without stops (unlike potentiometers). And by observing its output, it can determine both the direction of rotation and the degrees of rotation. The latter could be useful to make a selection from a list of options (e.g., sound samples) or increment/decrement a value with precision (e.g., volume or pitch).
2y
@copilot help what do I need to connect a midi organ to the project
2y
If you wish to connect a MIDI organ to your project, you'll need a microcontroller that can process MIDI data. Here, your Raspberry Pi Pico can be used for this purpose. You'll need to establish a MIDI interface between your MIDI organ and the Pico. This will typically be done through a standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connector or through a USB connection.
To use the Raspberry Pi Pico to receive and interpret MIDI messages, you will require additional software. You can write a MIDI handler in MicroPython or C/C++. Midiutils could be a good library to use if you decide to write your software in C/C++.
Now, because MIDI operates at a 31.25 kbaud rate, which doesn't match any standard UART baud rates, you'll need a MIDI to UART bridge or a driver that can handle the non-standard baud rate.
For traditional 5-pin DIN MIDI interface, here are the electrical connections you need to make:
  • Use an opto-isolator such as the 6N138, which is standard for MIDI inputs. It helps eliminate ground loops and isolates your Raspberry Pi Pico.
  • Connect the MIDI In (PIN 4) to the cathode of a diode, and anode to the voltage source.
  • Connect the emitter of the opto-isolator to GND.
  • Connect the collector to the RX pin (any GPIO can be used) on the Raspberry Pi Pico via a resistor.
  • The RX pin should also be connected to the voltage source via a pull-up resistor.
If you are using USB MIDI, you won't need to worry about the above hardware setup. But you will need to handle the USB host functionality. Unfortunately, the Raspberry Pi Pico doesn't natively support USB Host functionality, so you would need a separate chip for that, such as the USB Host Shield, along with a MIDI USB library that can run on the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Please note: it's important to power off all the equipment before making any connections and follow safety precautions.
2y
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create a high level mermaid block diagram of this project. Include key component...

@copilot create a high level mermaid block diagram of this project. Include key component's manufacturer part number in each block whenever possible.
1y
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list all B0 pins in a table format. For each pin provide its pin number, pin nam...

@copilot list all B0 pins in a table format. For each pin provide its pin number, pin name and function.
1y
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Here we are using the USB 5V as power supply but 3.3V logic from the pico. Every...

What is used
3y
Testing if I can add to this thread
3y
Here we are using the USB 5V as power supply but 3.3V logic from the pico. Every one of them is an input and 3.3v tolerant so it should be ok.
3y
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what is controller ?

@copilot what is controller ?
2y
The controller in the user's project is a Raspberry Pi Pico, designated as PICO. It's a small, low-cost microcontroller board with flexible digital interfaces.
Here are some of its features:
  • Dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ processor
  • 2MB of Flash memory
  • 26 multifunction GPIO pins, including 3 analog inputs
  • A variety of interfacing options, such as I2C, SPI, and UART.
It's great for learning electronics and programming, rapid prototyping of IoT projects, and building low-cost embedded systems.
2y
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Testing

Testing from main
3y
Add another comment
3y
3y
Testing again
3y
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@docbrown, tell me more about this project?

@docbrown, tell me more about this project?
3y
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What this circuits does ?

@copilot What this circuits does ?
2y
This circuit is designed to function as a Raspberry Pi Pico-based musical instrument, specifically a sampler, sequencer, and drum machine, drawing inspiration from the iconic TR-808 synthesizer. Here's a breakdown of its functionality based on the components and connections outlined in the project:
Core Components and Their Functions:
  • Raspberry Pi Pico (Designator: PICO): Acts as the brain of the device, controlling the sequencing, sound synthesis, and user interaction based on the programming loaded into it. The wide range of GPIO pins on the Pico are utilized for interfacing with various peripherals.
  • Momentary Step Switches (Designators: B0 to B8): These switches likely serve as input for triggering samples or sequences, allowing users to program and control the rhythm.
  • Adafruit I2S Amplifier (Designator: MicroAmp): Amplifies audio signals to drive the speaker, enabling the output of sounds generated or sampled by the device.
  • Embedded Speaker (Designator: Speaker): Outputs the audio signals processed by the Pico and amplified by the I2S amplifier, producing the actual sound that can be heard by users.
  • Display (Designator: Display): Provides a visual interface for the user, probably showing parameters, sequences, or other important information to aid in the operation of the device.
  • SIPO (Serial-In, Parallel-Out) Shift Register (Designator: SIPO1): Is used to expand the number of digital outputs of the Pico, likely to control more LEDs or other indicators without occupying many GPIO pins.
  • Rotary Encoder (Designator: ENCODER): Allows users to navigate through menus or adjust parameters smoothly, contributing to the overall user interface.
Functionality Overview:
The device allows users to:
  • Create rhythms and sequences using the momentary switches that emulate the step-sequencing functionality of a drum machine.
  • Manipulate sounds or control parameters through the rotary encoder, providing a tactile interface for real-time sound shaping or navigation.
  • View sequences, samples, and operational modes on the display, enhancing usability and interaction.
  • Hear the produced musical patterns through the embedded speaker, making it a standalone instrument with auditory feedback.
Connections between the components, such as those leading to the amplifier and speaker for sound output and to the switches and encoders for input, are specifically designed to enable this functionality. The use of a microcontroller like the Raspberry Pi Pico allows for programmable and flexible software implementations that can emulate classic devices like the TR-808 or introduce new digital instruments based on the requirements and creativity of the user.
2y
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26
list all ICs and the decoupling capacitors attached to each. Ensure to include a...

@copilot list all ICs and the decoupling capacitors attached to each.
Ensure to include all ICs present in the design, including digital ICs, power converters, LDOs, etc.
For every IC, clearly state:
  • What power net the decoupling capacitors are attached to. What is the stated voltage of that net.
  • The voltage rating and value of the attached decoupling capacitors.
  • Signal with the expression “[WARNING]” if any of the following conditions are met:
    no decoupling capacitors are attached;
    the voltage of the power net is higher than the voltage rating of the capacitor;
    No voltage range was stated for the capacitor.
    Give a separate “[WARNING]” for each condition. Signal with the expression “[OK]” if none of those conditions are met
  • Express the result in a markdown-formatted table
2y
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27
explain this project.

@copilot explain this project.
2y
This project, named PiStrument, is a creative endeavor to design a Raspberry Pi Pico-based musical instrument that integrates the functionalities of a sampler, sequencer, and drum machine, taking inspiration from the iconic TR-808 synthesizer. The design utilizes various components, including an embedded speaker for audio output, an Adafruit I2S amplifier for sound amplification, and momentary step switches for operation. Below is a simplified breakdown:
Core Components:
  • Raspberry Pi Pico (Designator: PICO): Serves as the brain of the instrument, handling digital signal processing, user inputs, and controlling other components.
  • Momentary Step Switches (Designators: B0, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8): These are used for input, similar to the step sequencer buttons on a drum machine, allowing the user to program sequences and trigger sounds.
  • Adafruit I2S Amplifier (Designator: MicroAmp): This component amplifies the audio signal generated by the PICO before it's sent to the speaker.
  • Embedded Speaker (Designator: Speaker): Outputs the audio signals as sound, allowing the user to hear the sequenced beats or samples directly from the device.
  • Display (Designator: Display): Provides a visual interface for the user, potentially to navigate through menus, adjust settings, or visualize sequences.
  • Rotary Encoder (Designator: ENCODER, Model: PEC11R-4215F-S0024): Offers input for navigating the interface or adjusting parameters within the PiStrument.
  • SIPO (Serial-In Parallel-Out) Register (Designator: SIPO1, Model: SN74HC595N): Used to increase the number of outputs from the PICO, facilitating control over multiple LEDs or other indicators without exhausting all GPIO pins on the PICO.
Design Features:
  • Integration with Standard and Power Nets: Various nets are defined to organize connections, like power distribution (VCC5v, VCC3v3_LCD) and ground connections (numerous GND designations) efficiently across the project.
  • LEDs in Switches: Most of the buttons (B0, B1, B2, etc.) have designated pins for LED control, allowing visual feedback through lighting, which enhances user interaction.
  • Sound Generation and Amplification: Through the DAC AMP (Designator: DAC AMP) component and an external amplifier (MicroAmp), the system is capable of producing complex audio signals. The Raspberry Pi Pico, with its GPIO capabilities, interfaces with these components to generate sounds.
Connectivity and Controls:
A significant part of the project involves connecting these components through logical nets to ensure they communicate effectively, power distribution is managed, and user input is accurately captured and processed. This includes specific nets for power distribution, ground connections, data transfer for the display, audio signal paths, and control signals for toggling LEDs and interfacing with the rotary encoder.
Final Objective:
The project aims to create a portable, versatile musical instrument that combines the nostalgic feel of classic drum machines with modern microcontroller technology, enabling users to create music interactively.
2y
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24
list all ICs and the decoupling capacitors attached to each. Ensure to include a...

@copilot list all ICs and the decoupling capacitors attached to each.
Ensure to include all ICs present in the design, including digital ICs, power converters, LDOs, etc.
For every IC, clearly state:
  • What power net the decoupling capacitors are attached to. What is the stated voltage of that net.
  • The voltage rating and value of the attached decoupling capacitors.
  • Signal with the expression “[WARNING]” if any of the following conditions are met:
    no decoupling capacitors are attached;
    the voltage of the power net is higher than the voltage rating of the capacitor;
    No voltage range was stated for the capacitor.
    Give a separate “[WARNING]” for each condition. Signal with the expression “[OK]” if none of those conditions are met
  • Express the result in a markdown-formatted table
1y
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30
How this circuits works ?

@copilot How this circuits works ?
2y
The PiStrument project described is a multifunctional device based on the Raspberry Pi Pico, designed as a sampler, sequencer, and drum machine, inspired by the iconic TR-808 synthesizer. It incorporates various components including an embedded speaker, an Adafruit I2S amplifier, momentary step switches, and more. Let's break down its operation focusing on key components and nets:
Raspberry Pi Pico (PICO)
The Raspberry Pi Pico serves as the brain of the PiStrument. It controls various peripherals through its GPIO pins and manages the audio processing required for the sampler and drum machine functionalities.
Buttons (B0, B1, ... B8)
These momentary step switches provide user input. They could be used to trigger samples, change sequences, or modify drum machine patterns. Each button has output pins connected to specific GPIO pins on the Raspberry Pi Pico for input detection.
Encoder (ENCODER)
The rotary encoder allows for menu navigation, parameter adjustment, or any other cyclic input needed in the device’s operation.
MicroAmp (MicroAmp)
This component amplifies the audio signal before being sent to the speaker. The Pi Pico sends the audio output, which is then amplified and delivered to the speaker, enabling sound playback.
DAC AMP (DAC AMP)
The Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) and amplifier module is crucial for converting digital audio signals from the Pi Pico into analog signals that can drive the speaker to produce sound.
Display (Display)
The display is likely used to show the current state of the device, such as the selected sound, current pattern, or settings. The Pi Pico controls the display via SPI and other control pins.
Speaker (Speaker)
The speaker outputs the sound. Its input is connected to the DAC AMP, which provides the analog signal converted from the digital audio signals processed by the Pi Pico.
Serial-in Parallel-out Shift Register (SIPO1)
The SN74HC595N serial-in parallel-out shift register expands the GPIO capabilities of the Raspberry Pi Pico by converting serial input to parallel output. This is useful for controlling multiple LEDs or reading from multiple buttons with fewer GPIO pins.
Power Supply
The VCC5v and VCC3v3_LCD nets indicate power supplies for different components. The Raspberry Pi Pico, likely powered by the USB input (VBUS), distributes 3.3V and 5V to various components as needed.
Operation Flow
  1. User Input: Through buttons and the encoder, the user can interact with PiStrument, selecting different modes, sounds, or sequences.
  2. Signal Processing: The Raspberry Pi Pico processes these inputs, generating or modifying audio signals accordingly. This may involve playing a sample, starting a sequence, or modifying parameters.
  3. Audio Output: Digital audio signals are sent to the DAC AMP, converted to analog, amplified, and played out through the speaker.
  4. Visual Feedback: The display shows information related to the current operations, selections, and settings, providing visual feedback to the user.
This circuit cleverly combines input devices, processing power, and output components to create a versatile musical instrument. The use of GPIO expanders and efficient power distribution enables a compact yet powerful design.
2y
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25
explain this project.

@copilot explain this project.
2y
This project, named PiStrument, is a RaspberryPi Pico-based sampler, sequencer, and drum machine, which pays homage to the famous TR808 synthesizer. Some specific characteristics of the project include an embedded speaker, an Adafruit I2S amplifier, and momentary step switches.
Here's an overview of the key components used in the project:
  1. Raspberry Pi Pico: This is a microcontroller board based on Arm’s Cortex-M0+ cores and is the brain of the project.
  2. Switches (B0, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8): These are momentary step switches. They input sequences into the drum machine. Each button also includes an LED indicator. The URL for these switches leads to adafruit's product page, which means these are probably Adafruit's soft tactile buttons with built-in LEDs.
  3. Resistors (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9): These resistors likely limit the current flowing through various parts of the circuit.
  4. SN74HC595N (Designator: SIPO1): This is a serial-in, parallel-out shift register. The SN74HC595N is commonly used for extending the number of outputs in a microcontroller. In this case, it appears to be controlling the LEDs in the switches, since its outputs are connected through resistors to the LEDs.
  5. Encoder (Designator: ENCODER): This could be a rotary encoder used for menu control or parameter adjustments. It has signal lines (A and B) that are wired to GPIO inputs on the Raspberry Pi Pico.
  6. Adafruit I2S Amp (Designator: DAC AMP): This is a digital audio amplifier. The I2S (Inter-IC Sound) protocol carried by the Raspberry Pi Pico is used as the input to this amp. Its output feeds into the next component, the Speaker.
  7. Speaker (Designator: Speaker): This is the output device for the audio generated by the project.
  8. Display (Designator: Display): This is probably used to display sequences and status info to the user. The datasheet URL indicates an Adafruit display, which most like uses an SPI interface to communicate with the Pico.
  9. Micro Amp (Designator: MicroAmp): The Micro Amp might be used to further amplify the audio signal before it is sent to the speaker.
In summary, this project appears to be a musical instrument based on the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, which generates and plays back sequences of sounds, with the capability for the user to input sequences using momentary step switches. The generated sequences are played back through a speaker.
2y
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PICO
R8
Resistance
1kΩ
R1
Resistance
1kΩ
ENCODER
R2
Resistance
1kΩ
R3
Resistance
1kΩ
R7
Resistance
1kΩ
R5
Resistance
1kΩ
R6
Resistance
1kΩ
R9
Resistance
1kΩ
SIPO1
R4
Resistance
1kΩ
RESET
PWR 5v
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please explain what B6 does.

@copilot please explain what B6 does.
1y
The B6B6 component in your project is a momentary step switch with an integrated LED, similar to other buttons like B1B1, B2B2, etc., evoking the TR-808 synthesizer's style. Here are the functions of its pins:
  • Common (Pin 1): This is the common terminal for the switch, which connects to either the DefClosed or DefOpen pin based on whether the button is pressed or not.
  • DefClosed (Pin 2): This pin is shorted to the Common pin when the button is not pressed (default state).
  • DefOpen (Pin 3): This pin is shorted to the Common pin when the button is pressed.
  • LED - (Pin 4): This pin is the negative terminal for the integrated LED.
  • LED + (Pin 5): This pin is the positive terminal for the integrated LED.
In your current schematic, this button is used for step-switch functionality. The LED can be used for indicating button status or other visual feedback. It is wired as follows:
  • Common (Pin 1): Connected to PICO:GPIO9PICO:GPIO9 to read button presses.
  • LED + (Pin 5): Connected to R8:P2R8:P2 for controlling the LED.
The LED is likely used to provide visual feedback whenever the switch is engaged. If you have specific questions about its application, feel free to ask!
1y
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Watch out for this floating ground island

Watch out for this floating ground island
3y
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There are a lot of little fill islands - I see you stitched a lot of them. Recom...

There are a lot of little fill islands - I see you stitched a lot of them. Recommend either stitching or removing the rest - I don't know if we give an option for removing them yet
3y
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PiStrument