What it does
A custom PCB that simplifies lab delivery by replacing complex setups with a plug-and-play system, reducing instructor preparation time and allowing students to explore core engineering concepts hands-on, bridging theory and practice in one streamlined system.
Your inspiration
The idea stemmed from the long preparation times instructors face when setting up labs for growing student cohorts. Existing commercial kits are not only costly but also difficult to maintain, often requiring shipment abroad, added taxes, and long delays. We wanted to eliminate that burden. Our custom PCB allows full in-house maintenance and simplifies lab delivery. Students plug and play, visualize signals, and analyze outcomes, while instructors deliver sessions more efficiently and at scale.
How it works
The PCB features a collection of pre-wired circuits and modules covering essential electronics topics such as logic gates, amplifiers, diodes, sensors, motors, and microprocessors. Each section corresponds to a specific lab experiment and is labeled for ease of use. Students connect inputs and outputs using simple jumper wires, enabling them to run experiments without building circuits from scratch. The board supports both analog and digital systems, with components like LEDs for visual feedback and headers for Arduino integration. This plug-and-play approach removes the need for complex component handling and minimizes setup errors. It allows multiple experiments to run on a single board, making it ideal for instructors handling large groups and for students seeking hands-on understanding of theoretical concepts.
Design process
The design process began with identifying the key pain points faced by lab instructors and students: complex setups, time-consuming preparation, and high maintenance of existing boards. We mapped out the most commonly used experiments across multiple engineering courses and translated them into an initial PCB layout, integrating circuits such as logic gates, amplifiers, and microprocessor interfaces. The first prototype was printed and tested in a live lab environment. This phase revealed several limitations, including overcrowded layout sections, suboptimal signal clarity, and difficulty in isolating specific circuits. Based on that, we revised the board’s layout, optimized the spacing of components, improved signal routing, and added clear labeling for ease of use. The second version was then manufactured and tested again under real classroom conditions. It proved significantly more efficient in both instructional delivery and student interaction. The current version integrates analog and digital systems in a modular plug-and-play format and supports in-house repair, reducing dependency on external suppliers.
How it is different
Most lab boards on the market are generic, not built for specific course needs, and often rely on fragile setups or external components. Our board is purpose-built for local engineering curricula, combining analog, digital, and microprocessor-based experiments into one compact, durable platform. Unlike other systems, it does not require breadboards, soldering, or long setup times. Students can jump straight into hands-on work, and instructors can run sessions for large groups without bottlenecks. What makes it stand out is its maintainability, where any issue can be handled in-house without the delays or costs of sending it back to a supplier. It is designed not just to teach, but to last, scale, and adapt.
Future plans
The board has already been manufactured and deployed across multiple lab sections at our university. Our next step is to extend its use to partner universities through pilot programs and collect feedback across different teaching environments. We a33re also developing tailored lab manuals and training materials for external instructors. Plans are underway to manufacture the next batch locally and begin discussions with academic departments interested in course-aligned, ready-to-use lab solutions.
Awards
While the project has not yet received awards, it was nominated for exhibition at the Make It In the Emirates event, attended by industry leaders and government representatives, where it was showcased among top industrial and academic projects.
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