First attempt at PCB design

Robb;

Speaking for Sunstone, I invite you to submit your design file through our DFMplus tool, currently in beta on our website. DFMplus is free to use, and gives you a full set of feedback on your design, flagging manufacturing design rule issues (like vias that are too small, or trace/space issues). The information in the report can also help you submit a quote that is accurate. Once you've got your design violations worked out, you can place the order with Sunstone using the service that best fits your board and your needs.

I should point out, though, that routing under the footprint of a component is a design issue, not strictly a manufacturing issue. Some parts on your board are unaffected by traces underneath, some need you to keep out from that space. That specific kind of check, unfortunately, is not one easily done by us during preparation for fabrication, as we won't necessarily have any knowledge of what part you're putting on that landing pad, or whether that trace is a problem for that particular component or not. That specific issue still falls back to the designer knowing the constraints for their parts. Sorry...

Give DFMplus a try, it won't cost you anything and will tell you a lot about your board.

Kindest Regards,

Nolan Johnson

When it comes to components, footprints, and assembly-related issues, I'd recommend reading Duane Benson's blog over at Screaming Circuits (www.screamingcircuits.com). Duane has a treasure trove of tips, tricks and techniques for handling board design so that components will fit and solder correctly. And successfully connecting components is, if you think about it, the whole reason for a PCB's existence! <GRIN!>

Nolan Johnson

Hi,

I use Design Spark and it is easy and intuitive and can easily do double sided. The printing onto acetate sheets for use in a UV cabinet are easy.

I also use DesignSpark PCB due to its lack of size limitations and it is free for commercial use.

For board manufacture I tend to use PCB Pool and found them helpful with their board checks which is good for beginners. Like many manufacturers they also have useful documents and FAQ's. Although one off prices might be higher than other cheap imports their quality is excellent and the price disappears in the overall design cost

As for what PCB software you use, check the restrictions as well as the features you require, make your choice and then learn it. Most do a pretty good job once you learn the ropes, but don't fall into the trap of using lots of different free packages and never learning to drive them!

@Robb Gosset, some general advice:-

Check the PCB footprints against the manufacturers data, don't take anything for granted.

Don't rely on autorouters for the 'best' layout, pcb artwork is part of the designers process, layout for performance not for neat regular arrays of components.

If hand assembling use the larger pad options for SMD's and allow space for soldering.

I don't like side entry tracks or under component tracks connected to pads, think of testing and modifications.

Don't go for the smallest of everything, try to go as big as your available space allows.

Use 'standard' tracks, pads, vias etc. and check with the PCB manufacturers website what they allow as standard prices and don't accidentally go for premium options.

For prototypes I sometimes use vias without solder resist (when not under components) such that they can be test points and also allow easier mods such as track breaks and wire links.

There's lots more to learn, but that hopefully gives some pointers.

Dear Robb,

Look at the PCB layout, there are unrouted trace and broken trace at some of the 5 pin IC.

Please included some GND via for better grounding. Base on the PCB layout look like some grounding island there.

I suggest you included some name for the component to the PCB for manufacture. This will make you life easy when doing the assembly work unless you plan for out source.

Good luck and enjoys.

ES