One of the most important aspects of electronic product design is PCB layout. That’s why Advanced Circuits offers PCB Artist, a free, professional-grade PCB layout software that allows you to create up to 28 layers of PCBS and easily integrate them into your PCB using its library of over 500,000 components. When you create a printed circuit board layout using PCB Artist, you can place your manufacturing order directly through the software, making it easier to transfer the layout file to us for manufacturing, knowing that your design will be produced as expected. If you are designing printed circuit boards for the first time, here are some general tips to help you get the perfect layout.

Check manufacturer’s tolerances & & Start using functionality before PCB layout

Before starting, it is a good idea to check the PCB manufacturer’s features and manufacturing specifications so that you can set up the PCB layout software accordingly. If you have completed your PCB layout and want to check that it meets all manufacturing requirements, you can use our FreeDFM tool to upload your Gerber file and run a manufacturability check in a few minutes. You will receive a detailed report on any manufacturability issues found in the PCB layout delivered directly to the inbox. Each time you run a PCB layout through the FreeDFM tool, you also get discount codes to use advanced circuits in a PCB manufacturing order, up to $100.

Determine the number of layers required for PCB layout

It is important to determine the number of layers required for the PCB layout that best fits your application and functional requirements. While more layers can help accommodate more complex designs and functions and take up less space, keep in mind that more conductive layers can also increase production costs.

Consider space requirements for PCB layout

Calculating how much physical space a PCB layout can take up is key. Depending on the final application and requirements, space can also be a limiting and cost driver. Consider not only the space required for components and their tracks, but also the board installation requirements, buttons, wires, and other components or boards that are not part of the PCB layout. Estimating the size of the board from the beginning can also help you calculate the cost of production.

Identify any specific component placement requirements

One of the key steps in the circuit board layout process is knowing how and where to place components, especially if the placement of a particular component is dictated by factors other than the board itself; Such as buttons or connection ports. At the beginning of the circuit board layout process, you should develop a rough plan detailing where the major components will be placed so that the most convenient design can be evaluated and used. Try to leave at least 100 mils of space between the component and the PCB edge, and then place the component that needs a specific location first.