What to do when you start a new PCB layout?

[arm_learner]

Beginner of PCB layout

Hi All,

When you start a new PCB layout, the first thing you do is place all the components right? or place some components and then do that part of layout?

Thanks

 

[binu G]

Beginner of PCB layout

no

If have a custom product, then it is better first look over the mechanical details before begining with.
if it is prototyping then no restriction you can do as per your convinence.

binu g

 

[platonas]

Re: Beginner of PCB layout

Hi,
Depending on your needs you can decide. But, first thing is to find the shape and area coverage of your board according to the needs. Then, you must place (preferably manually, not with autoplacer) the components that must be in spacific places, like connectors or power transistors who need heatsinks etc.
After this, you can deside if you can affort autoplacement of the rest of the components or place them manually again. Manual is always better.
There are programs that do not offer autoplacement.
Finally you draw the tracks. This can be done with the aid of autorouter or you can draw them manually of a mixture of both.
Personally I run the autorouter first, usually the results are not suttisfying my needs hence I make modifications in an autorouted board. If result is far away from what I expected then I reject and manually route everything.

 

[EEHardware]

Beginner of PCB layout

i think the first thing is place all the components right

 

[binu G]

Re: Beginner of PCB layout

i think the first thing is place all the components right

have a look at this.

Binu G

 

[btbass]

Beginner of PCB layout

Layout of a PCB is 90% placement and 10% routing.
The placement of components is the critical part.
Take your time placeing, then the routing is easy.

 

[binu G]

Re: Beginner of PCB layout

Layout of a PCB is 90% placement and 10% routing.

The ratio changes when in highspeed circuit designs.
can come to 50% placement and 50% routing

Binu G

 

[madjid]

Re: Beginner of PCB layout

Hi,
First you must specify the board dimension and its shape and plot a keep-out for it, the next step is placing components.