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Jenan , 06-01-2026, 02:38 PM

Hello, I have graduated a year ago from EEE and I’ve been working as an electronics engineer for less than a year. I always edit or create new PCBs but usually I have a reference old work. The thing is, I think due to that I don’t have much of hardware knowledge, I do have some basics but I think I’m more used to schematic capture/ copying more than thinking what does everything do and why would it be placed here. I use Chatgpt to ask about everything single thing in the schematic but it’s a never ending process which made me realize I lack knowledge in HW.

My question is, could you please recommend a HW Design basics course, preferably free, where there is a guide on how to start thinking and so on.

Thanks!

, 06-01-2026, 02:43 PM

🤖 In the meantime, here’s a response from the [FEDEVEL AI HW Assistant]().
It helps to find relevant resources for your question, but it may make mistakes as it’s still in early development.

This is the response from the AI Assistant:
Here's a practical path to build your hardware design foundation based on professional insights from the videos:

**1. Start with Strategic Hobby Projects**
- Design simple microcontroller boards (temperature sensor + LED + display) where you *force yourself to understand every component*. The debugging process (cutting traces, reworking parts) will teach you more than any course. [Source 4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_MNw4EWer0&t=4094)
- Use free tools like KiCad or EasyEDA - these professional-grade tools let you learn proper design flow without cost. [Source 7](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_MNw4EWer0&t=3906)

**2. Reverse-Engineer Reference Designs**
- When using existing designs:
1. First implement the reference circuit
2. Then compare each section with the datasheet's recommendations
3. Ask "Why did they use this value? What happens if I change it?" [Source 12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_MNw4EWer0&t=4246)
- DigiKey/Mouser have thousands of free reference designs - analyze 1 power supply circuit per week

**3. Free Learning Resources That Work:**
- **Fedevel YouTube** (especially hardware design workflow videos): [Example](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8TLB34p_qo&t=905)
- **Datasheet Deep Dives** - Pick 1 IC/week. Study:
- Recommended operating conditions
- Typical application circuits
- Layout guidelines
- **Component Manufacturer Webinars** (TI, Analog Devices, Microchip offer free technical training)

**4. Critical Mindset Shift:**
- Treat every copied circuit as a prototype.

, 06-01-2026, 02:43 PM

Add test points and validation steps:
*"When I reuse a DDR4 interface, I breadboard just the power supply section first. Measure noise margins with different decoupling approaches before committing to layout."* [Source 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_MNw4EWer0&t=3024)

**5. Free Practical Course Substitute:**
1. Design a USB-C PD board using:
- STMicro's UM2552 doc
- TI's TPS65988 app note
- Compare 3 reference implementations
2. Build it, measure power-up sequencing
3. Modify one parameter (e.g., output current limit) and validate

This approach mirrors how professionals actually learn - through targeted experimentation and failure analysis. The key is to create structured "why" investigations within your existing projects rather than seeking passive courses.

You can continue chatting with the AI Assistant here:
https://fedevel.com/hw-assistant

Robert Feranec , 06-02-2026, 05:49 AM

You have done the first steps - repeat after others + your simple modifications. This is already very good. Now you just need to move to the projects that are outside of your comfort zone - something where you have to add more of your work. I would recommend to read design guidelines of the chips you would like to use or if you don't know where to start - watch my youtube videos with Eric Bogatin ... these videos will help you to understand what is happening on your PCB. After watching my videos with Eric, you can watch more interview videos e.g. with Rick, Bert, Yuriy and also other channels, for example Phil's Lab youtube channel. These are all very good resources - not because they are on my channel, but I honestly believe these interview videos will help you a lot https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXvLToQzgzdeG8r9IEuAq6ft6r4f_1Ub_