As an electronics hobbyist, it’s exciting to see how the PCBWay Design Contest has consistently encouraged participants to dive into open-source innovation projects. This contest has become a platform for makers, tinkerers, and enthusiasts alike to showcase their creativity and inspire others in the electronics community.
Last year, PCBWay expanded the contest by introducing a mechanical design category, and it’s awesome to hear that it’s back again this year! For those of us who enjoy merging electronics with mechanics, this is the perfect opportunity to explore new ideas and build something even more impactful.
What makes this year’s contest even more exciting is the introduction of a special theme: STM32. For those familiar with the power and versatility of STM32 chips, this is a golden opportunity. Designs that incorporate STM32 microcontrollers will not only get recognition but also have the chance to earn extra rewards! Whether you’re a seasoned STM32 user or just starting to explore it, this theme opens up endless possibilities for innovation.
So if you love creating electronic or mechanical designs, or you’re curious about STM32 development, this year’s PCBWay Design Contest is a perfect place to showcase your skills and join the global community of makers!
Theme
Electronic Project
Electronic design encompasses a vast and dynamic field that spans a wide range of technologies and applications. It begins with the basics of simple circuits, which form the foundation for more complex designs. As projects advance, they incorporate microcontroller units (MCUs) and delve into the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT), where devices connect and communicate in smart, integrated systems.
This area also covers embedded systems, which combine hardware and software to perform specific tasks efficiently. Power electronics is another critical aspect, focusing on the control and conversion of electrical power, while analog and digital electronics work in tandem to process signals and data in various formats. Additionally, audio electronics deal with sound reproduction and manipulation, playing a key role in everything from consumer gadgets to professional equipment. At the forefront, IoT bridges these components, enabling devices to interact intelligently, making electronic design an exciting and ever-evolving discipline.
Mechanical Project
Mechanical design, product design, and 3D design encompass a broad range of disciplines that play a critical role in the development of various devices and structures. These fields are integral to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing products, ranging from everyday consumer goods to complex systems like robots and drones. In the context of robotics and drones, mechanical design focuses on creating robust and efficient casings that protect internal components while ensuring aerodynamic and structural integrity.
Structural design considers factors like strength, weight, and material properties to create durable frameworks that can withstand stresses and environmental conditions. Meanwhile, 3D design tools enable engineers to visualize and simulate the physical and mechanical properties of a product, allowing for precise customization and optimization. From intricate robotic systems to lightweight drone frames, these design principles are essential for ensuring performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
TM32 Project
When working on projects that incorporate STM32 series chips, you’ll find a wide range of applications, particularly in smart home devices, consumer electronics, and robotics. These microcontrollers are known for their versatility and performance, making them ideal for tasks that require efficient processing and low power consumption.
In smart home devices, STM32 chips can enable seamless communication and control, allowing users to manage their environments effortlessly. In consumer electronics, they provide the computational power needed for features like touch interfaces and connectivity options. For robotics projects, their capability to handle complex algorithms and sensor integration enhances the functionality and responsiveness of robotic systems, paving the way for innovative solutions in various fields.
Evaluation Criteria
Project Design – The PCBWay team will thoroughly assess the project design based on its complexity and level of innovation. They will examine how challenging the design is to implement and how creatively it addresses the intended purpose. This evaluation helps ensure that the most advanced and original designs receive appropriate recognition.
Project Description – A complete project description should include all essential elements such as functions, videos, and programs to provide a clear understanding of the project. Offering comprehensive information enhances others’ ability to grasp the project’s scope and details. Additionally, whether the files are fully open source plays a crucial role in the review process.
Popularity of the Project – Sharing your project is crucial to gaining visibility and support from a wider audience. By showcasing your work, you increase the chances of attracting collaborators, feedback, and potential backers. Remember, the more people know about your project, the more opportunities you have to build a strong community around it.
Social Significance of the Project – Welcoming an increasing number of innovative projects that have the potential to create a positive impact on society. These initiatives, driven by passion and purpose, aim to address real-world challenges and improve lives.
Rules
- Each entry must be original and uploaded within the specified time, otherwise it will be considered disqualified.
- The intellectual property of the entries belongs to the participants, and they must ensure that their submissions do not infringe on any third party’s intellectual property rights. The competition has three themes: Electronic Project, Mechanical Project, and STM32 Project. Each participant can choose any theme to participate in and is allowed to upload multiple projects.
- Each entry must include original design files: electronic projects should include their PCB designs, and mechanical designs should include their mechanical design files. We strongly recommend sharing all files related to the project (such as Gerber files, BOM list, schematics, layouts, code, mechanical design files, CNC machining files, etc.) to help judges better understand your creativity.
- How to participate? Click the “Participate Now” button on the competition page. Alternatively, create a new project in the PCBWay community, click the “submit project to..” button on the page, and select the appropriate theme: “Electronic Project,” “Mechanical Project, ” or “STM32 Project.”
- Regarding the participation award of the Raspberry Pi Pico, once each entry is approved by PCBWay, 500 points will be allocated to your PCBWay account, which you can use to redeem the Pico in the store.
- The additional rewards for using STM32 series chips will be granted based on a thorough evaluation by our judges and will be awarded only to great projects. Not every STM32 project will receive this reward.
- The event organizers reserve the right to interpret and adjust the rules of the event and have the right to cancel or modify the event plan. l you have any questions, please contact anson@pcbway.com
Click Here to Participate : PCBWay 7th Design Contest
Prizes
1st Prize : $1500 Cash Prize, $200 Coupon and A Palm-sized Robot Dog*1
2nd Prize : $1000 Cash Prize, $100 Coupon and Raspberry Pi 5 4GB *1
3rd Prize : $500 Cash Prize, $50 Coupon and OpenMV4 H7 R2 Cam Smart Camera *1
Popular Design Prize : For 10 winners
$100 Cash Prize, $20 Coupon, $10 3D Printing Coupon and Multimeter ZTY890DPro *1
Participation Prize: Raspberry Pi Pico * 1
STM32 Great Project Prize : Six-Claw Multifunctional Aluminum Alloy Soldering Table *1
Time
Project Release Time : 2nd September 2024 – 19th January 2025
Project Review Time : 20th January 2025 – 28th February 2025
Result : 10th March 2025
Conclusion
Participating in PCBWay’s 7th Project Design Contest has been an invaluable experience for electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike. The contest not only provided a platform to transform innovative concepts into functional prototypes but also fostered a sense of community among designers from around the world. PCBWay’s commitment to quality, precision, and support throughout the design and manufacturing process has been instrumental in enabling participants to bring their ideas to life. This contest has demonstrated the importance of creativity, technical skill, and collaboration in advancing the field of electronics. It serves as a testament to PCBWay’s dedication to empowering designers to push the boundaries of innovation and contribute to the future of electronics design.
