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What beginners mistakes have I made?

mpiechotka

Sorry if this is incorrect forum/basic question. While I have a background in programming and some experience with FPGAs the I didn't know much about EE before. I run into a hobby project for which I'd like to create a PCB and soon I found myself in deep waters. So I decided to step back and create a simple PCB to learn basics. I tried to create a simple AVR board with an GPIO header, JTAG connector and USB-to-UART bridge. I've created something but I'm sure I've done many basic mistakes and strange decisions so I'd be grateful for pointing them out.

 

PS. I know there is no power switch but I couldn't find one on with eagle library.

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  • Things you might consider:

     

    1) use a ground plane on the lower (non component side) of the baord.

    2) keep all the components on one side (if you will hand solder a couple of prototypes this doesn't matter but for production it always costs more to populate both sides.)

    3) don't ever make sharp V shapes with track - it causes problems in etching

    4) try to take tracks out of sm components on axis and the same for all

    5) you have some very thin tracks and some tiny vias - you don't need to use such aggressive design rules a board like this.

     

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    Michael,

     

    I agree with all of your statements. Can you explain better your #4 advice?

  • in reply to eagleenthusiast

    Hi S D,

     

    Basically it means that whatever the orientation of the component (typically they are at zero or 90 degrees orientation to each other and the board edges), then ideally the traces out of the pads of the component should be placed at these angles too, i.e. if you start at the pad of a component, then preferably the trace from it should be routed at zero or 90 degrees too, and not at some other angle. Once the trace is a distance away from the component pad, then it can be routed at a different angle if desired.

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  • in reply to eagleenthusiast

    Hi S D,

     

    Basically it means that whatever the orientation of the component (typically they are at zero or 90 degrees orientation to each other and the board edges), then ideally the traces out of the pads of the component should be placed at these angles too, i.e. if you start at the pad of a component, then preferably the trace from it should be routed at zero or 90 degrees too, and not at some other angle. Once the trace is a distance away from the component pad, then it can be routed at a different angle if desired.

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