Biscuit Board PCBs Enhance Home Prototyping Efficiency

Modern PCB fabrication services offer high-quality products at affordable prices within a short timeframe. However, for those needing rapid iteration of PCB designs, home fabrication techniques become essential. To address this, Stephen Hawes introduced the innovative 'Biscuit Board' concept.

Vias, which are copper tunnels connecting traces between PCB layers, are crucial for routing without crossing existing traces. Yet, adding vias to DIY PCBs using traditional home lab techniques like etching, milling, and laser engraving is challenging.

Hawes' solution, known as the 'Biscuit Board' or 'Viagrid' on GitHub, involves PCB blanks with pre-placed vias in standardized positions. Designers can load a template with these via locations to route traces as needed, using lasers or CNC mills to cut the traces while the vias remain correctly positioned.

Another important aspect of the Biscuit Board is its design consideration for origin and placement. Hawes designed it with UV laser engraving machines in mind, featuring special corner shapes for easy alignment. This ensures precise overlap of traces with existing vias. CNC mill users can set the origin more accurately using traditional methods.

This concept proves highly practical. Stocking up on Biscuit Boards allows for immediate prototyping with vias. If successful, Biscuit Boards could become available in various shapes, sizes, and via densities.

For those interested in experimenting, the current PCB design and template are accessible on the Viagrid GitHub page. Hawes is open to requests from individuals keen on testing and development.