2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

In response to the growing need to foster microchip literacy among K-12 students and the CHIPS and Science Act, educational institutions and educators are exploring innovative ways to introduce young learners to the world of microelectronics. This creates an opportunity to develop design projects that not only nurture students' interest but also equip them with practical skills for the digital age. In this context, the "Milling Circuit Pathways" project aims to empower students by enhancing their competencies in microelectronics through hands-on experiences. To comprehend the intricacies of circuitry, students will embark on the journey of designing and crafting their own circuit boards. The pivotal aspect of this project lies in the use of milling techniques, which enables students to create intricate circuit pathways. Milling offers an efficient and precise method for etching circuit boards, providing students with a tangible and immersive learning experience. This goes beyond traditional electronic prototyping projects, such as breadboarding, where students can struggle with conceptual understandings by simply following schematics in the reproduction of specific projects. Also, breadboarding limits the permeance of any circuit designs that students do create. With this project, students can gain a deeper understanding of microelectronics but also acquire desirable 21st-century skills tied to circuit design and digital fabrication. Students will learn to use CAD software to create integrated electrical and mechanical designs and can carry those designs into physical products using printed circuit board manufacturing techniques that have historically been unavailable at the K-12 level. As an outcome, students will have a strong understanding of microelectronics regarding both how they work and how they are manufactured and be better prepared to enter the growing semiconductor/microelectronics industry.