BobaMosfet
- Joined Jul 1, 2009
- 2,113
@champ1
I strongly recommend using a 2-layer PCB if you can. Ground on bottom, and Vcc on top. Makes layout much easier. A couple of points (and some others here may have mentioned some of these):
One of the things I _always_ do on PCBs, is I always put an LED on it after the power-circuit. It is the first thing I solder on the border after power-circuitry, because it lets me know a) board is hot, and b) board power is working and planes are divided.
My $0.02-- Good luck and welcome to jumping into this exciting aspect of empowerment
I strongly recommend using a 2-layer PCB if you can. Ground on bottom, and Vcc on top. Makes layout much easier. A couple of points (and some others here may have mentioned some of these):
- Consider PCB dimensions- the smaller it is, and the fewer vias, the less it costs (generally). It's going to take so many vias, regardless, so be smart about how you lay them out.
- Consider inductive and capacitive issues- these don't matter so much for slow stuff, but for signalling (like SPI, etc), this can cause an issue, so route those traces accodingly.
- Try to organize semiconductors always in the same orientation across the board. In fact, do this for most components- but only insofar as it makes sense to do so. Sometimes, rotating a component can make trace-routing far easier.
- Take advantage of space underneath through-hole components if you use any- That's a nice open space under a chip, or perhaps under a resistor that can help you route a trace that would otherwise be difficult to get from one point, to another.
- Be creative- but not crazy. Be aware of trace thickness, and corners, and the ability to use vias to jump from one side of a board to the other to and back gain to get around a choke-point.
- USE YOUR NETLIST to be sure your PCB connections MATCH your schematic connections after making sure your schematic is correct.
- Check your schematic and PCB layout 3 times before submitting.
- When you get a PCB back, do a continuity test on one of them immediately between Vcc & Ground to be sure you haven't accidently connected the two somewhere.
One of the things I _always_ do on PCBs, is I always put an LED on it after the power-circuit. It is the first thing I solder on the border after power-circuitry, because it lets me know a) board is hot, and b) board power is working and planes are divided.
My $0.02-- Good luck and welcome to jumping into this exciting aspect of empowerment