Chapter 1
I know you're eager to get started right away, but it's good to know a little of what you're getting into before you plunge in completely. You'll need to have certain background in electronics. I'll mention some available alternatives to doing reverse engineering completely by hand, though they're not necessarily affordable unless you have deep pockets and are willing to part with your hard-earned cash. I'll also share my personal story on what started me on this journey (hopefully a good and inspiring read to you). Then there's the copyright issue which I'll give my personal take on it, before rounding up the chapter with a little work philosophy.
Chapter 2
This chapter may be thought of as a practical introduction or revision to electronics in terms of the various building blocks of a PCB—resistors, capacitors, inductors, fuses, relays, diodes, zeners, transistors, MOSFETs, and ICs, etc. You may think it's boring or too elementary but I've put in quite a substantial amount of information here, so you should be able to find some rare gems among the junks (to borrow a phrase from the PCB recycle industry). I'll deal with components without markings and reference designators, touch on a bit about conformal coatings, as well as how component datasheets will be a great help later on. These elements formed what I call the ABCD's of preparation work—an essential step that will save you a lot of time and trouble when you start to do the real work.
Chapter 3
We'll get down to serious business and start doing some interesting PCB layouts and components beginning with this chapter. I will provide a brief introduction to Microsoft Visio, the diagramming software we'll be using throughout the book. You will learn how to setup and navigate the Visio workspace, familiarize yourself with its various tools and functions, decide on which template to use or begin from scratch, create your own component layouts in relation to their datasheets, and more. I have included some of my very own PCB artworks to motivate you and show you what you can possibly do with Visio.
Chapter 4
Things will get more exciting as we begin to draw the schematics of a PCB. Besides showing you how to create the various component symbols and elements of a schematic, I will also teach you the strategic approaches to reverse engineering different types of PCBs (digital, analog, power, etc.). At the same time, you will also learn why it is advantageous to have a PCB layout and BOM in the first place. Having a good sense of proportion and direction is important, especially if your schematic diagram is going to span multiple pages; I will lay down specific guidelines so you know how to plan your schematics for better readability and consistency.
Chapter 5
In this chapter, I will show you some advanced techniques you can apply to achieve a more professional level in creating both the PCB layout and schematic diagram. One word of caution: attaining mastery of anything does come with a price tag (Einstein would agree with that, being one of the greatest minds in the twentieth century). If you're willing to put in the extra efforts, I guarantee that you'll not only excel in the art of PCB reverse engineering, you'll pick up a life skill—an attitude—that will enable you to go farther, and a new found confidence to face challenges in your engineering career.
Chapter 6
There's no limit to what you can learn or do, unless you choose to stop learning or doing. I'm no motivational speaker, though I've conducted various training courses related to my work, and some outside of my work (such as MATLAB® at a friend's training company). As such, I know the importance of life-long learning and decided to devote this final chapter to discussing some possible areas of expanding your engineering knowledge and skills.
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