The proper PCB layout design is necessary to develop a reliable board. You have to pay attention to the details like copper traces, components, and holes. Use PCB designing software to achieve maximum efficiency. Using such a program is necessary to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the board. There are many things to consider when developing the layout of a printed circuit board.
Interference and Conflicts
PCB designers have to ensure there is no or minimum electromagnetic interference. Conflicts can arise not only due to components placed on the same side but also by those placed on the other side. These issues can delay the board development process. If the faulty board is passed through the quality checks and released, it can lead to problems in the product that will appear only when the product ends up in the market. Any product recall will prove highly expensive. Minor issues can include production delays and added costs in a redesign.
The First Step
The first step is to develop the concept of the product and then the concept of the board. What will be the functions of the PCB? What features does it require? How it will be connected to other parts and components? How the heat generated by different components will be dissipated? In what environments the board will be used? What level of quality is needed? Will it be used by the consumer, commercial, industrial or military users? These are some of the questions that must be answered at the initial stage when designing the PCB layout.
Schematic and Diagram
The circuit schematic is prepared based on the board concept. It is a diagram of electronic components. Data like names, values, ratings and part numbers of the components are provided to denote the components. Schematic is also used to prepare the bill of materials. A block diagram to describe the final PCB dimensions is prepared. All sections of the components are marked properly. The goal is to keep the traces short.
In the next step, the locations of the components are designed. This step can involve lots of iterations. It helps achieve maximum efficiency and avoid conflicts and interferences. The next step involves the first pass routing. It determines which route goes where and which one gets the priority in the circuit. Several tests are conducted to make sure it meets all PCB layout design requirements. If it passes those tests, the design is ready for use.