By Hazwan Halim, Lecturer School of Engineering, INTI International College Penang
School of Engineering (SOE) in collaboration with the INTI Engineering Club (IEC) in line with the INTI International College Penang’s aim to provide individual development education to students organized the workshop “PCB Workshop 2.0”.
The two-days workshop held on May 25 & 26, was proposed by Ronald Jackson, Head of Programme for Electrical and Electronics Engineering to enhance students’ technical abilities and promote engineering activities, particularly in printed circuit board (PCB) developments.
PCB is familiar among engineering students, especially those pursuing electrical and electronic engineering. It is a non-conductive board widely found in electronic appliances used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways. PCB developments are usually divided into three stages: design, manufacturing, and testing.
The workshop conducted in the IICP electrical lab was participated by 30 students from diploma and degree levels. Several SOE faculty members also attended the workshop to help students with their tasks. On the first day, students are guided on software exploration where they have to design an AC Detector. An AC detector is an electrical tester used to detect the presence of Alternating Current (AC) voltage in an electric circuit. On the second day, students proceed with the manufacturing (development and soldering) and testing of the AC detector.
Technical experience is richer than theoretical knowledge. During the workshop, students are encouraged to learn through hands-on experience. While actively training their ability to think critically, they also have to find creative solutions to the problem presented to them. The workshop also works as a medium to expand rapport between staff and students and to promote what is the prospects and benefits of the engineering programmes.