What does Pcb layout mean?

The layout of printed circuit board (PCB) may be regarded as an art form by circuit designers for many reasons. It may be a challenging task to manufacture the most reliable, powerful and cost-effective circuit and finished PCB, especially the increasingly complex requirements for compact, light and even flexible printed circuit boards.

The primary consideration of PCB layout is size and shape. The final result must adapt to the environment in which the circuit board is installed and used, so as to promote the design process. Due to space considerations, it may be necessary to use multi-layer or high-density interconnect (HDI) design. Some projects require special circuit board shapes and weight restrictions, which makes the layout particularly challenging.

Although this may not be the main consideration when designing the initial circuit function, it will become higher in prototype design and other cases, and it will be given priority when arranging PCB for manufacturing.

Consider your manufacturer in the PCB layout stage. Not all manufacturers can produce more multilayer boards or HDI.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In most cases, PCB layout designs that require flexible or flexible rigid structures need to be reviewed with the proposed suppliers to ensure compliance with layout design and material requirements.

Special requirements, such as the need to adopt lead-free structure or avoid potentially dangerous materials, may be the key points of layout and structure decision.

Technical PCB layout problem

Other more technical factors should be considered in PCB layout:

Trace width

Trace spacing

Tolerance of electrical factors that may affect the function of the circuit board.

Clear traces and components at the edges of traces.

Component availability-

Components that are difficult to find or dedicated will significantly increase the cost of the final circuit board. If low-cost substitutes can be produced, it is expected that a large number of circuit boards will be produced, which may be a major problem.

Construction method-

PCB layout largely depends on the physical structure of the circuit board: through-hole assembly, surface mount technology (SMT) or a combination of the two. In recent years, the design of multilayer board and HDI board has developed rapidly, and these technologies have many specific layout requirements.

Importance of PCB layout

Lack of effective and accurate layout may lead to almost unlimited problems, including:

Electromagnetic interference from conflicting components or wiring layouts

Conflicts between two members of the board of directors

Designer's rework and manufacturing delay

Limited board functions

The board always fails.

Solve many PCB layout problems

At present, most PCB designers and manufacturers can use complex computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software systems. Compared with traditional engineering methods, these professional procedures have many advantages:

Drag-and-drop design-easily and accurately place components, and then let the software generate traces of connections. Move or add components easily and quickly.

Layout verification-tolerance, compatibility, component location, etc. Verified during design and before PCB production, even the prototype.

Reuse-Once the layout is approved and saved, it can be reused as a template for new PCB projects and other engineers.

Efficiency-Using these professional programs can speed up development, reduce errors and speed up time to market.

Cost savings-Efficiency equals saving redesign or manufacturing errors.

Error detection-Capture basic errors in real time to avoid manufacturing defects or delays detected by manufacturers.

Rule Creation-Many of these programs support the creation of customized rule sets specific to the designer's purpose. Creating and storing these rules can make designers enjoy and enhance the functions of the software.

Documentation-Design can generate detailed documentation about component usage, error reports, design status and version.

Generate Manufacturing Files-Quickly and easily create Gerber files or other formats for manufacturers to ensure accurate manufacturing specifications, including component layout, specifications, tracks, screens, welding masks and drilling files.

Always keep DFM in mind in PCB layout and design. If it can't be made within the project budget, or the designated manufacturer can't make it, then the wonderful and creative PCB layout is of little value.