1. Learn to design rules
In fact, now not only advanced PCB design software needs to set the wiring rules, some easy-to-use PCB tools can also set the rules. After all, the human brain is not a machine, it is inevitable that there will be negligence and mistakes.
So set some easy to ignore the problem to the rules inside, so that the computer to help us check, try to avoid making some low-level mistakes.
In addition, the perfect rules can be set up to better regulate the work behind. As the saying goes, the more complex the scale of the board the more prominent the importance of rule setting.
2. as far as possible to implement DRC (Design Rules Check, design rules check)
Although it takes only a short time to run the DRC function on the PCB software, but in more complex design environments, as long as you always perform checks during the design process can save a lot of time, it is a good habit worth maintaining. Every wiring decision is critical, and by performing DRC you can always be prompted for the most important wiring.
3. Draw a good schematic
Many engineers feel that layout work is more important, the schematic diagram is to generate a netlist to facilitate the PCB to do the inspection. In fact, the role of the schematic diagram in the subsequent circuit debugging process will be greater.
Whether it is to find the problem or to communicate with colleagues, or schematic diagrams are more intuitive and convenient. In addition, get into the habit of labeling in the schematic diagram, the parts of the circuit in the layout to note the problems marked on the schematic diagram, for themselves or to others is a good reminder.
Hierarchical schematic diagrams, the different functions of different modules of the circuit into different pages, so that both reading the diagram or later reuse can significantly reduce the workload.
4. Optimize PCB layout
Eager engineers draw the schematic diagram, the netlist into the PCB after the impatience to put the device and start pulling lines. In fact, a good PCB layout allows you to pull the line behind the work becomes simple and allows your PCB to work better.
Each board will have a signal path, PCB layout should also try to follow this signal path, so that the signal on the board can be transmitted smoothly, people do not like to walk the maze, the signal is the same. If the schematic is designed in accordance with the module, the PCB can also be the same.
According to the different functional modules can be divided into several areas of the board. Separate analog and digital, separate power signals, separate heat-generating devices and susceptible devices, larger devices do not get too close to the edge of the board, pay attention to the shielding of RF signals and so on ... spend one more minute to optimize the layout of the PCB, you can save more time when pulling wires.
5. More consideration for others
In the time of PCB design, try to give more consideration to the needs of some end users.
For example, if the design is a development board, then the PCB design should be considered when placing more silkscreen information, so that it will be more convenient when using, without having to go back and forth to find schematics or find the support of the designer.
If the design is a mass-production products, then more consideration should be given to the problems that will be encountered on the production line, the same type of device as far as possible in the same direction, whether the device spacing is appropriate, the width of the process edge of the board, and so on.
The earlier these issues are considered, the less they will affect the design of the later, and can reduce the workload of the later support and the number of changes to the board. Seems to start the design with increased time, in fact, is to reduce their subsequent workload.
In the case of the board space signal allows, try to place more test points to improve the testability of the board, so that the same in the subsequent debugging phase can save more time, to find the problem to provide more ideas.
6. Repeatedly and customer communication to confirm
As a good PCB layout engineer, to learn to communicate effectively with customers.
Layout in some important issues it is best to communicate with customers repeatedly to confirm, such as the confirmation of the package.
Especially containing positive and negative, triode, structure of the location of the connector, these will directly affect the later board installation positioning.
7. Details determine success or failure
PCB design is a meticulous work, the need is to be careful and patient.
Just started to do the design of the novice often make mistakes is some details of the error. Device pins are wrong, the wrong device package, the order of the pin is drawn backwards, etc. Some can be solved by flying the line, some may let a board directly into the scrap.
When drawing the package more than once, before the board to print out the package and the actual device than a look, more than once to check is not OCD, just so that these easy to make low-level mistakes to avoid.
Otherwise, the design of a good-looking board, covered with flying lines, it is far from excellent. Good work habits that benefit you.
