This project is a custom-designed printed circuit board (PCB) created as an interactive, high-tech gift. The physical board itself acts as the canvas, featuring the text "#1 DAD" integrated directly into the front using high-contrast silkscreen or shiny exposed copper, alongside a personalized message printed on the back.
The board features a sleek, low-component electronic circuit powered by a 3V coin cell battery. A tactile push-button serves as the trigger; when held down, power is delivered to a parallel circuit of 4 to 5 accent LEDs positioned around the perimeter of the board. Each LED is paired with its own dedicated current-limiting resistor to guarantee optimal brightness and protect the components from burning out.
Component List:
To build this exact design, you will need the following parts:
1x Custom PCB: The bare fiberglass board designed in software like EasyEDA or KiCad, manufactured by a fabrication house.
1x CR2032 Coin Cell Battery: A standard 3V battery to provide power.
1x CR2032 Battery Holder: A mount (either through-hole or surface-mount) soldered to the back of the board to hold the battery.
1x Tactile Push Button: A momentary switch that completes the circuit only while you are actively pressing it.
4x or 5x LEDs: Standard indicator LEDs (e.g., Red, which typically have a 2V forward voltage drop and run at 20mA).
4x or 5x Resistors: To limit the current to the LEDs. 47 ohm or 51 ohm resistors will provide maximum safe brightness, while 68 ohm or 100 ohm resistors will make the LEDs slightly dimmer but extend the battery life.