Whether it is your first design or your hundredth, there are some key things you need to think about every time you sit down to work on a PCB. This design process is one which can so easily result in errors and other issues if you don’t approach it in the right way. Here are some of the things you need to focus on every time you design a PCB.
Are You Using the Right Software for the Job?
More often than not, we are tempted to stick with the software we know best. However, it might not always be the best one for the job. Taking a look at what is topping the PCB design softwares list might help to give you an idea about which software the experts currently think deserves to be on top.
A list like the one provided by Altium above can show you that there might be a better software out there for you to try. If you have recently found that you are frustrated by certain aspects of your current software, looking at another might help answer some of the frustrations you are facing.
Are You Making Basic Mistakes?
Some of the basic things which can go wrong with a PCB can always make their way into your design no matter how experienced a designer you are. From not leaving room for the [[[solder]]] to crossing components, there are plenty of little mistakes you can make which could be a detriment to your design overall.
These little mistakes can be fixed incredibly easily with the right practices. First of all, you should make sure that you are using a software which will allow you to run various tests and simulations. Tests like these can help you to catch critical mistakes which could cause serious problems when a prototype has been manufactured. You can also go over the PCB yourself manually once you have taken a short break to relax so you can approach the design with fresh eyes.
Are You Designing in the Most Efficient Manner?
Some PCB’s have some strict guidelines which can dictate how the design needs to be laid out. With those restrictions already in place, some designers can feel like they have not got much scope for the rest of the design.
By having your other designs on hand, you might be able to come up with some solutions which suit the project better. By taking a look at what you have already done, you might be able to adapt something you did previously. You should also make sure you look at your design software’s component library. Someone else might have already made the perfect solution for your issue.
A PCB can be a fickle thing and you need to make sure that you are designing to the best of your ability each time you sit down to design. Take your time and make sure the design is right, no matter how complex or simple it might be.
