PCB Cards

From TapTo Wiki

Different size PCB cards next to a standard size NFC card
Different size PCB cards next to a standard size NFC card.

Want to have some cool little PCB cards for your favorite games? All you need to do is order some of these, print some labels and stick on an NFC sticker. Please note that the small Switch cards will need smaller rectangle type NFC tags but the medium and large sized cards can take either. PCB cards project for TapTo was created by TheTrain.

Ordering

Which PCB Type To Order?

These cards are currently done in either 2-layer PCBs or 6-layer PCBs. This is because JLC PCB has great offers for doing small batch runs of green 6-layer PCBs with ENIG (gold) finish.

Due to size limitations on this deal (max 50mm x 50mm) it will only work for the switch and medium sized cards and you are limited to green PCBs. If you want to get another color, or do normal sized cards you will need to get some of the 2-layer PCB files.

JLC PCB has the same great offers on 2-layer PCBs without ENIG finish (boards will be silver) at a size up to 100mm x 100mm.

Gerber files to be uploaded to PCB manufacturer:

2-Layer PCBs from JLC PCB

  1. Go to JLCPCB.com
  2. Click on Order Now
  3. Click on Add Gerber file and choose the 2-layer gerber you wish to have fabricated
  4. Choose the following options for the board:
    1. Base Material = FR-4
    2. Layers = 2 (should auto-populate)
    3. Dimensions = (should auto-populate)
      1. 21.5mm * 31.1mm for the Switch cards
      2. 30.25mm x 50.25mm for the medium sized cards
    4. PCB Qty = 5
    5. Product Type = Industrial/Consumer electronics
    6. Different Design = 1
    7. Delivery Format = Single PCB
    8. PCB Thickness = 1.6[1]
    9. PCB Color = Any color you like
    10. Silkscreen = (defaults to white for all except white boards which is black)
    11. Surface Finish = HASL(with lead)
    12. Outer Copper Weight = 1oz
    13. Via Covering = Tented
    14. Board Outline Tolerance = +0.2mm(regular)
    15. Confirm Production file = No
    16. Remove Order Number = Yes
    17. Flying Probe Test = Fully Test
    18. Gold Fingers = No
    19. Castellated Holes = No
    20. Edge Plating = No
    21. No advanced options
  5. Click on SAVE TO CART
  6. Go through checkout process, ensure to select Global Standard Direct Line shipping to keep costs low[1][2]
Examples of 6-layer Switch style PCB cards.

6-Layer PCBs from JLC PCB

  1. Go to JLCPCB.com
  2. Click on Order Now
  3. Click on Add Gerber file and choose the 6-layer gerber you wish to have fabricated
  4. Choose the following options for the board:
    1. Base Material = FR-4
    2. Layers = 6 (should auto-populate)
    3. Dimensions = (should auto-populate)
      1. 21.5mm * 31.1mm for the Switch cards
      2. 30.25mm x 50.25mm for the medium sized cards
    4. PCB Qty = 5
    5. Product Type = Industrial/Consumer electronics
    6. Different Design = 1
    7. Delivery Format = Single PCB
    8. PCB Thickness = 1.6[1]
    9. PCB Color = Green
    10. Silkscreen = White
    11. Surface Finish = ENIG
    12. Gold Thickness = 2 U"
    13. Outer Copper Weight = 1 oz
    14. Inner Copper Weight = 0.5 oz
    15. Specific Layer Sequence = No
    16. Impedance Control = No
    17. Via Covering = Epoxy Filled & Capped
    18. Min via hole size/diameter = 0.3mm/(0.4/0.45mm)
    19. Board Outline Tolerance = +0.2mm(Regular)
    20. Confirm Production file = No
    21. Remove Order Number = Specify a location
    22. Flying Probe Test = Fully Test
    23. Gold Fingers = No
    24. Castellated Holes = No
    25. Edge Plating = No[1]
  5. Click on SAVE TO CART
  6. Go through checkout process, ensure to select Global Standard Direct Line shipping to keep costs low[1][2]

Labels

Please check the Labels page for advice on label printing.

Card dimensions:

  • Switch: 20mm x 20mm
  • Medium: 28mm x 28mm
  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 If you are making the Switch cards then 1.6mm should be fine. If you are doing the medium cards then you can go as thin as 0.8mm for the same price but you may not be able to do it in all colors for the same price.
  2. 2.0 2.1 In most cases an order of 5 pieces should cost less than $5 USD/CAD. This may be different if you are located somewhere else in the world. Please ensure you check this before ordering.