1. Researched different idea and learned about shift registers and 555-timers

2. Develop a prototype on breadboard to ensure that the circuit works

3. Create a schematic using the breadboard prototype

4. Designed the PCB using KiCad (checked over and over and over to prevent mistakes)

5. Fabricate the PCB 

6. Solder the components onto the board (worked on first try!)

The idea of this circuit was to create a fun, user friendly kit for students to learn and have fun with. I decided to create this LED chaser circuit that uses 555-timer (NE555)  to control the speed of the LED lights and shift register IC chips (SN74HC595).

Manual mode: The potentiometer is used to adjust the frequency or speed of the shift registers. The push button is used to activate the shift registers by shifting a HIGH into the first chip. The user is basically shifting in HIGH's (pressed) and LOW's (not pressed) into the 74HC595 chips which powers specific LED lights with the speed of the 555-timer.

Automatic mode: Another mode that this circuit has is the ablility to be connected to an Arduino. I designed an input where the data of an Arduino can connect its digital pin into and act as the "push button". In our case, we tested this port using a music sensor from the computer. Programed on Arduino IDE and Processing, this allows the Arduino IDE and Processing to talk to one another, similarly to working between Arduino IDE and python (for example). In the code, we can adjust the music's bandwidth to capture a higher pitch or lower pitch. Similarly to the previous manual mode, the Arduino's automatic mode sends HIGH's and LOW's to the shift registers. The potentiometer is still used to adjust the speed of the LED lights, however the push button is no longer working. This mode was mainly programmed by Yash Karwal. 

This PCB was designed for CPP Hyperloop's weekly workshops, specifically the soldering workshop (03/24/2023). Over 90+ students registered for this workshop, resulting to it being the largest record of registrants present. The PCB teaches students of all levels the basics of soldering (soldering different components like IC chips, resistors, LEDs, and even SMD components).