TIP #058: Create board variants (if your CAD software supports it)
Why? It’s going to save you a lot of time and minimise mistakes in BOMs Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready, just fill...
View ArticleTIP #059: Use optional resistors to re-route one interface to more places
Why? You will have one PCB with more options to meet different customers needs. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready, just...
View ArticleTIP #060: Use the same number of Pins and Pads between Schematic Symbol and...
Why? You want to clearly see from schematic where each pin is connected. It’s very important when checking schematic and connections. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you...
View ArticleTIP #061: Do not forget about VIA aspect ratio
Why? If you do not follow VIA ratio recommendations, it may not be possible to manufacture your PCB. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when...
View ArticleTIP #062: On the cover page, include status of the schematic
Why? Everyone reading your schematic will know how accurate it is and if they should report you any possible mistakes. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be...
View ArticleTIP #063: Consider to place analogue circuits in corners of your PCB
Why? You may not want to place it in the middle of the board where all the currents and signals are running. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified...
View ArticleTIP #064: Backup and possibly do versioning of your project folders
Why? Anyone can lose the data on hard drive. And it can happen anytime … Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready, just fill...
View ArticleTIP #065: If you are not sure, if put something into your schematic, add it...
Why? It will speed up development process. You can always remove it later. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready,...
View ArticleTIP #066: Include voltage value in power net name
Why? You need to be sure, that you are connecting signals with the same voltage levels. It also helps during debugging and schematic checking. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing....
View ArticleTIP #067: Be sure you fanout all the BGA pins and place all the BGA VIAs...
TIP #067: Be sure you fanout all the BGA pins and place all the BGA VIAs before you start connecting signals to it. Why? It is very hard to add something later. Note: This is a tip from my new book...
View ArticleTIP #068: Place tall components on one side of PCB
Why? One wrongly placed tall component can increase the total height of the board. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready,...
View ArticleTIP #069: You can use an industrial hot air gun to replace (solder /...
TIP #069: You can use an industrial hot air gun to replace (solder / desolder) components on your prototype boards Why? Cheap, easy and works. You may need some practicing. Note: This is a tip from my...
View ArticleTIP #070: You may want to use 1% resistors instead of 5% resistors
Why? The price is almost the same and you do not need to stock both. Also, it may help with reliability and stability. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be...
View ArticleTIP #071: Consider not using autorouter
Why? People still do the best job. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready,...
View ArticleTIP #072: Name schematic pages by short and clear names
Why? You will quickly find the page which you would like to open. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be notified when this book is ready, just fill out this...
View ArticleTIP #073: If you are not 100% sure if a circuit is going to work correctly,...
#073 If you are not 100% sure if a circuit is going to work correctly, add some optional components and a bypass circuit Why? This helps you to minimize number of revisions of your board. Note: This is...
View ArticleTIP #074: If it’s not necessary, you may not want to use a hierarchical...
Why? Hierarchical design may be hard to follow and read. It adds additional work and it can bring in unnecessary mistakes. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like...
View ArticleTIP #075: Consider not using dot (“.”) in symbol description e.g. 2.2uH. Do...
Why? Dot may not be very well visible in PDF or printed schematics. Values can be easily mixed up, for example using 22uH inductor instead of 2.2uH can cause problems. Note: This is a tip from my new...
View ArticleTIP #076: Consider to place small SMD LEDs on the edge of PCB, so you can …
#076 Consider to place small SMD LEDs on the edge of PCB, so you can simply drill a hole into enclosure and see them Why? It makes the enclosure design simple. Note: This is a tip from my new book...
View ArticleTIP #077: Make component outline a little bit bigger than component real size
Why? You want to be sure that you will be able to fit all components on your PCB, even if their outlines are touching. Note: This is a tip from my new book which I am preparing. If you would like to be...
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