Sierrathon – The Ultimate Prototype
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November 22nd, 2025 | 9 AM to 5 PM
COST: FREE
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223
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18
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6
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46
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The Ultimate Prototype
Pushing the Boundaries of PCB Technology
One-day FULLY ON SITE competition at San Jose State University
The winners and runner-ups will be awarded:
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2 boards (fab and assembly on 1 panel)
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5 boards (fab and assembly on 1 panel)
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10 boards (fab and assembly on max. 2 panels)
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$500 sponsorship towards a school project
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And more surprise giveaways
Competition overview
Put your PCB skills to the test!
Sierrathon is not your average design competition—it’s a high-energy, fast-paced challenge where engineering students tackle real-world PCB design problems under pressure. Over the course of one intense day, teams will simulate the rapid iteration process of prototyping, earning points at each phase for accuracy, efficiency, and innovation. The team with the highest score takes home the Sierrathon Champion title!
Competition details
📍 Venue: San Jose State University, Room 285
📅 Date: Saturday, November 22nd
⏳ Duration: One full day from 9 AM to 5 PM (~8 hours, including breaks and awards)
🎯 Teams: 1-4 students per team
Check your eligibility!
Only students with basic PCB design skills will be qualified to sign up.
One-day FULLY ON SITE competition
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Phase 1: Schematic design (30 minutes)
- Convert a functional block diagram into a complete schematic in PCB design software.
- Scored on: Component selection, connectivity, and error-free design.
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Phase 2: Stack-up and material selection (45 minutes)
- Choose the optimal PCB stack-up configuration and justify material choices.
- Scored on: Layer selection, impedance control, and manufacturability.
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Phase 3: Placement and routing (90 minutes)
- Finish component placement and routing while meeting design rules.
- Scored on: Routing efficiency, proper trace widths, and signal integrity.
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Phase 4: DFM and DFA review (45 minutes)
- Analyze a pre-designed PCB layout and identify manufacturing and assembly issues.
- Scored on: Ability to spot and correct critical errors.
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Phase 5: Live presentation (45 minutes)
- Present design decisions, optimizations, and trade-offs to a panel of judges.
- Scored on: Clarity, justification, and innovative thinking.
The mission behind Sierrathon
Sierra Circuits launched Sierrathon in 2024 to inspire and empower the next generation of engineers by providing a hands-on opportunity to design innovative circuit boards. Through this second hackathon, we aim to foster creativity, technical skill development, and collaboration among students, while also giving them access to our industry-leading tools and expert guidance. By engaging with the future leaders of electronics design, we strengthen the connection between academia and industry, ensuring a bright future for PCB technology.
