Component side on Double Sided PBC

Question

I'm a new starter at pcb construction, but have used Eagle to successfuly design and make a single sided project board. I'm now designing a more complex double-sided board and have come up against a practical problem. The board will not have through hole plating, so I want to minimise soldering amongst the components. I'm sure this is very commonly asked, but can I solder the components on either side? I have designed the board with a ground plane on both 'top' and 'bottom' layers. Looking at the pads, it will be far easier to locate all the components on the 'bottom' layer. There will be a few soldered connections on this side, but far fewer than if I put the components on the 'top' layer as defined by Eagle. Does it make any difference or am I missing a very obvious point?

Many thanks for you advice.

auspoundy · Accepted Answer

For simple stuff, for example capacitors and resistors that have two pins, yes you can. For more complex things, for instance a TO-220 package, you can as long as you carefully think about pin orientation. For complex parts, usually the answer is no. Take for example a 6-pin DIP IC, if you were to route to the pins, the intent of these pins would only match the IC orientation in one way, and swapping it's side would mean the pins are wired incorrectly. So I would say in general, the more complex your circuit the more likely it is that you will need to put the device on the side you designed it on. But as others have said, just "mirror" the part and your orientation problems are solved.

robotonics · Answer

Hi If a part is on the top layer, and you wish it be on the bottom layer, then you only need to mirror the part.

robotonics · Answer

Hi If a part is on the top layer and use wish it be on the bottom layer then you only need to mirror the part.