When it comes to designing a modern PCB (printed circuit board), it is crucial that you create a cost-effective and reliable board with both component selection and circuit design. However, it is also important that you don’t forget about PCB layout and to dedicate enough time to accurately design the required layout.
A lot of different considerations go into designing a PCB, so it can naturally be easy to miss out certain aspects or components. However, if you don’t include and consider the most important components, you may find that you are left with a product with design flaws or that doesn’t work at all. Common issues include limited board functionality, and in some cases, the board could even be a total failure. Therefore, to make the process a bit easier for you, we have put together this guide on the 4 things that you should consider when designing your PCB.
Concept
Once you have identified why you need a PCB, you need to then determine the final concept for the board. By identifying this concept, you can define the different uses that the PCB will have, including its functions and the interconnection that it has with other components. This is what will make your PCB work successfully. You may also want to consider some external factors, such as the temperature range that the board will be placed and operated in as well as some other environmental factors that may be of concern.
Design Rules
There are some design rules that you should follow in order to ensure that you get the best product that meets all of your requirements. These will address the design features, such as crosstalk budgets, component placement, and layer allocation. You should also include DFM (design for manufacturer) rules so that the finished design can go on and be manufactured. This is an essential part of designing a circuit board, and the linked guide will provide you with everything that you need to know.
Signal Integrity
Signal integrity is one of the most commonly considered aspects of a good PCB design, and it is often the key to good performance. When designing a PCB, an expert will usually consider the signal rise and fall times as well as characteristic impedances and track lengths. SI (signal integrity) simulations will also need to be carried out both pre- and post-layout.
Testing
Once you have completed the design, even if you think it is perfect, you must conduct a series of different tests so that you can ensure that the product meets all your needs. This is a great way to find any flaws in your design and give you the opportunity to go back and make any adjustments.
There can be a lot of different aspects and technical terms to consider when designing your PCB, so whether you are an expert yourself or are getting in the help of a professional design team, these tips should help you with the design process.
