PCB modular layout idea

In the face of electronic products with more and more integrated hardware platforms and more and more complex systems, modular thinking should be adopted for PCB layout. Modular and structured design methods should be used in both hardware schematic design and PCB wiring. As a hardware engineer, on the premise of understanding the overall system architecture, he/she should first consciously integrate the modular design idea in schematic diagram and PCB wiring design, and plan the basic idea of PCB layout according to the actual situation of PCB.

PCB module for modular design layout overview

Placement of fixed elements

The placement of fixed components is similar to the placement of fixed holes, and also pays attention to a precise position. This is mainly placed according to the design structure. Center and overlap the silkscreens of components and structures, as shown in Figure 9-6. After the fixed elements on the board are placed, the signal flow direction of the whole board can be combed according to the principle of proximity of flying lines and the principle of signal priority.

Schematic diagram and PCB interaction Settings

In order to facilitate the search of components, the schematic diagram and PCB need to be corresponding, so that the two can map each other, referred to as interaction. By using interactive layout, components can be positioned more quickly, thus reducing design time and improving work efficiency.

(1) In order to achieve the interaction between schematic diagram and PCB in pairs, it is necessary to execute the menu command “Tool-Cross selection mode” in both schematic diagram editing interface and PCB design interface to activate the cross selection mode, as shown in Figure 9-7.

(2) As shown in FIG. 9-8, it can be seen that after a component is selected on the schematic diagram, the corresponding component on the PCB will be selected synchronously; Conversely, when a component is selected on the PCB, the corresponding component on the schematic is also selected.

PCB module for modular design layout overview

Modular layout

This paper introduces the function of a component arrangement, that is, the arrangement of components in a rectangular area, which can be combined with the interaction of components at the initial stage of the layout to conveniently separate a bunch of chaotic components by modules and place them in a certain area.

(1) Select all components of one module on the schematic diagram, then the components corresponding to the schematic diagram on the PCB will be selected.

(2) Execute the menu command “Tools-Devices-Arrangement in rectangular area”.

(3) Select a range in a blank area on the PCB, then the components of the function module will be arranged in the selected range of the box, as shown in Figure 9-9. With this function, all functional modules on the schematic diagram can be divided into blocks quickly.

Modular layout and interactive layout go hand in hand. Using interactive layout, select all components of the module on the schematic diagram and arrange them one by one on the PCB. Then, you can further refine the layout of IC, resistor and diode. This is the modular layout, as shown in Figure 9-10.

In modular layout, you can run the Vertical Partition command to split the schematic diagram editing interface and PCB design interface, as shown in Figure 9-11, for quick layout by viewing views.