Designing electronic circuits can be a challenging and rewarding skill, but also a frustrating and time-consuming one. If you want to simplify your circuit design process and avoid common pitfalls, you need to follow some basic principles and use some helpful tools. In this article, we will show you how you can design electronic circuits with ease, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
The first step in designing any electronic circuit is to choose the right components for your project. You need to consider factors such as functionality, cost, availability, compatibility, and reliability. You also need to know the specifications and datasheets of each component, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, and power. To make your selection easier, you can use online databases, catalogs, or software that provide detailed information and ratings of various components.
The process of component selection works like this. Use components that you know from previous designs. Not necessary to stick to them but it's a good starting point. Components such as opamps, dc:dc converters, filters, protection diodes and much more have massive ranges from multiple manufacturers. A component you've proven and know how it works is always good. Following this step, parametric search is the key! pick one of the large online distributors and start searching for the components you need. Enter as many specific parameters as you need and sort by price, looked at the cheapest cheapest components an read the datasheets. This is important as many times you can pick a very expensive (and specialized) component for no reason.
"How can you tell a good painting from a bad one? [...] All you have to do my dear," he said, "is look at a million paintings, and then you can never be mistaken." It's true! It's true! Kurt Vonnegut, Bluebeard (1987)
Designing electronic circuits involves defining the requirements and fully understanding the requirements, creating a general block diagram, breaking the general block diagram into circuits, and following design rules. Selecting components based on specifications, reviewing component data sheets, simulating the circuit, conforming to standards, using evaluation boards when needed, and creating a printed circuit diagram are essential steps. Thorough documentation, testing under various conditions, learning from experience, and staying current with technology contribute to successful circuit design.
This is by far the biggest step. Today, this involves a broader process which looks something like this: 1) Choose your vertical market ? Understand your regulatory constraints. 2) Figure out ecosystem constraints (SW, AI, OS, etc) 3) Are there good reference designs from which to build my design ? 4) Understand function, power, performance at a high level 5) Think about everything in terms of Lifetime costs.
One thing I have found helpful is, going through the datasheet again and again. One on two things may be overlooked at the first time. Reading it again and again will make things clear.
The next step is to draw a schematic diagram of your circuit, which is a graphical representation of the connections and symbols of the components. A schematic helps you to visualize, analyze, and troubleshoot your circuit, as well as to communicate your design to others. You can draw your schematic by hand, or use a software tool that allows you to create, edit, and export your diagram. Some software tools also offer simulation and testing features that let you check the functionality and performance of your circuit before building it.
Following are some of the popular tools for schematic design KiCad, Eagle (Autodesk Eagle), Altium Designer, OrCAD, Fritzing, EasyEDA, DipTrace, Proteus, PADS (PowerPCB), LTspice
Start from bottom up. You can start with an empty sheet or you can base your design on verified and proven Hardware design templates. When starting fresh, you need to take care of proper schematic symbols and properly designed footprints. For the safe design, you need to choose from official library parts delivered with your EDA tool.
Starting with a block diagram and eventually transform it into a schematic is easier to understand. A piece of paper or an EDA Software both can help for drafting. Simulation is a plus however, sometimes simulation and real time testing are not always similar.
In my view, the design process commences by outlining the functions of each circuit component, followed by the actual drafting. After completing the initial draft, it's essential to refine it for optimization, aiming for efficiency with minimal components.
Hi there are a lot of AI tool’s available for the circuit designing now just you need is to be a good prompt sender else you can forward your journey with manual circuit professional designing tools like EDA, Altium, Eagle etc
The third step is to select the type and size of the board that will hold your circuit. There are different types of boards, such as breadboards, stripboards, perfboards, or printed circuit boards (PCBs), that have different advantages and disadvantages. For example, breadboards are easy to use and modify, but not suitable for permanent or complex circuits. PCBs are more durable and professional, but require more design and fabrication skills. You need to choose the board that matches your needs, budget, and level of expertise.
I recommend starting with a regular PCB. The reason is the cleanliness and simplicity. Yes, breadboards offer a much faster run but for quite a high price-chaos, wires everywhere, only THT components which are limited in a market-offer.
Think of EMC, DFM, MTBF, Thermal, Electrical safety, Radio conformity, Security... Enjoy. Always Keep GOLDEN sample. POC, MVP are essential to check commercial / technical viability.
Today's PCB complexities and performance capabilities require an actual PCB for proof of design. An often missed opportunity for success is to work closely with your PCB manufacturer to understand how your design decisions can impact cost, performance and reliability. It's a no-cost career development that will pay dividends throughout your entire career--and save you from many respins, headaches, lost opportunities and cost!
This is the tricky part. If possible I always try a breadboard testing before jumping to any permanent (PCB) of semi permanent (Stripboard/perfboard) structure.
Take advantage of currently available knowledge databases. Use popular technologies such as Arduino (Atmega microcontrollers) or similar. You can collaborate and get help from other users in the forums. You will find reference schematics and common error cases. There are also footprint databases that save a lot of time during layout. Select active components with good stock. Think about what you want to do and choose the best components for your project. Schematic design is as important as layout. Take your time to review the design and test some prototypes before placing bulk orders. Separate analog signals from digital signals to avoid interference issues.
The fourth step is to place your components on the board according to your schematic. You need to arrange them in a logical and efficient way, minimizing the length and crossing of wires, and avoiding short circuits and interference. You also need to consider the orientation and polarity of some components, such as diodes, transistors, and capacitors. You can use a software tool that helps you to layout your board and generate a bill of materials (BOM) that lists the required components and their quantities.
One of the recommended ways to place your components is to start with SMD components, as they are more difficult to solder due to their smaller size. The PTH components can be placed next, as they are typically larger and easier to handle.
When placing components manually, organization is key to avoiding a messy build. First, clearly label parts and sort them into boxes or packets by type and value. If your CAD software generates a 2D layout, print it out to visualize the placement. You can also print a pick and place file to ensure you have all required components and to know where they go. As you place each part based on the row (i.e. C1, C2, C7 - Value 100nF , Size 0603 ; could be on one row),? once done highlight it on your printout so you don't miss any or duplicate efforts.? With some preparation and diligent marking, manual placement can be straightforward. The goal is to eliminate guesswork and establish a systematic approach.
For larger components placement is way easier than the tiny components. SMD components are smaller in sizes which allowes placing more components in a small area, but requires precision. I will suggest to choose PTH components if microsizing is not a priority.
Place your components on the board according to your schematic. This involves arranging them logically and efficiently, minimizing wire length and crossings, and avoiding short circuits and interference. Consider the orientation and polarity of components like diodes, transistors, and capacitors. Software tools can assist in board layout and generate a bill of materials (BOM) listing the required components and quantities.
I agree, Skillfully position components on the board, adhering to best practices for layout and minimizing signal interference. Consider thermal management and ensure compliance with design specifications. Strategic placement facilitates ease of assembly and contributes to the overall reliability of the
The fifth step is to solder your connections, which is the process of joining the components and wires with a metal alloy. Soldering requires some practice and caution, as you need to use a hot iron and avoid damaging the components or yourself. You need to follow some basic rules, such as cleaning the surfaces, heating the joints, applying the solder, and cooling the joints. You also need to use the right type and amount of solder, and check the quality and continuity of your connections.
Prepare materials, inspect components, and set up a well-ventilated workstation. Turn on the soldering iron, clean the tip, and apply flux. Tin the tip and heat components, then feed solder for even distribution. Inspect joints for shininess and absence of bridges. Repeat for all connections, cool joints naturally, and clean excess flux. Use desoldering tools if needed. Power off the iron, let it cool, and store safely. Prioritize safety, wear eye protection, and work systematically for reliable soldering.
Just like it says in the tip here: It's mainly practice. However, from an engineering point of view there are some other points to add: 1: Choose the correct solder for the intended purpose. EG. ROHS, High Temp, Automotive, BGA... 2: Ensure component leg/pin has proper physical connection to PCB pad before soldering and does not move during soldering and cool down process.
Electronic Design Engineer @ PWB Design Service | Circuit Design, Embedded Systems
Choosing the right solder paste is critical for good solder joints. For fine-pitch boards, use a higher grade T4, T5, or T6 paste with very small particles to avoid bridging. Match the alloy to the pads - often SAC305 or Sn63Pb37. For lead-free paste, use a no-clean formula. Check the paste's reflow temperature profile matches the board. Only apply a thin layer of paste to pads with a stencil matched to the board.Inspect applied paste for proper volume and tack. Keep the stencil clean for consistent paste deposit. With the right paste and careful process control, you will produce reliable soldered connections.
Soldering takes practice and patience. It seems to be a skill that new engineers don't spend enough time perfecting. Taking an SMT soldering course is highly advisable. For any modern design a good microscope is essential. For most SMT rework, this is micro surgery. Have a variety of tip types and at least 2 soldering irons. Desoldering certain types of SMT components is much easily with 2 irons. Many IC packages require hot air soldering. BGA packages are not hand solderable. Certain circuits should only be assembled by a qualified assembly house.
Again, build a relationship with an EMS provider that can give you insight and skills that will improve you designs and success!
The final step is to test your circuit, which is the most exciting and rewarding part of the design process. You need to connect your circuit to a power source and a load, such as a LED, a speaker, or a meter, and observe the results. You need to verify that your circuit works as expected, and that there are no errors, faults, or defects. If you encounter any problems, you need to troubleshoot your circuit, which involves identifying and fixing the source of the issue.
Increase your engineering judgement and intuition by applying Eric Bogatin's Rule #9: Know what you expect to see before you test. And whenever possible--simulate!
Yes, Implement a rigorous testing protocol covering functional, stress, and performance tests. Verify that the circuit operates according to the design specifications under various conditions. Iterative testing and debugging refine the design, ensuring it meets or exceeds performance expectations.
Luego de la planificación, dise?o, construcción del circuito electrónico es hora de poner a prueba y verificar su óptimo funcionamiento, revisa minuciosamente la funcionalidad, para que puedas de ésta manera ir mejorando la construcción de circuitos electrónicos para futuros proyectos, recuerda que es mejor si tienes puntos de vista de personas externas para poder mejorar continuamente tu trabajo.
Test your circuit and verify its functionality. Connect your circuit to a power source and a load to observe the results. Ensure that your circuit works as expected and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Check connections, test components, and review your design if needed
Place your testpoints in a grid so you can reuse the bed of nails test circuitry again and again. Be mindful of the fact that after conformal coating your whole board you won't be able to access your testpoints using bed of nails (or any probe for that matter). So, test first coat later.
After 25 years of intensive R&D in EDA, I can claim that the real obstacle in the field EDA is the lack of communication between design experts and EDA developers. Regardless of the reasons behind, this phenomenon created FALSE research problems that consumed lots of wasted efforts in an attempt to solve analog related problems. This led to tools such as optimizers that made it even harder. Without true and sincere communication, analog EDA is going nowhere further. Unfortunately, artificial intelligence will act like optimizers and will be a real blocker for true innovations. My 2 cents ! Ramy Iskander
I agree. EDA software development need to be innovative again, and implement a higher speed of development. And this is only possible with a tight feed back loop between users and developers. You do not teach old dogs new tricks.
Agree with Edmund - also Opensource is THE way to make this easier for wider reach. Yosys is a great example when it comes to Opensource Synthesis. Verilator and Icarus are great simulators both Opensource. Also with Opensource lexers and parsers such as PySlang becoming available, this industry is posed for more innovation in coming months.
I couldn't agree more! I've been a reseller for EDA software for over thirty years. The main focus is always on marketing perceived features versus solutions and design methodology.
My 40+ years of design both as a hardware and IC designer, if it does not work in simulation, it won’t magically work in silicon or on the board. margining circuits on the bench for hardware designs is tedious and time consuming. You have no idea if you over spent or under spent on your components. Simulate! In the same way for silicon designs, without margining we never know if the die is too big, ( and probably not profitable) or too small and will require an expensive re-spin pushing back the completion schedule. Reworking designs, is a resource waste, since it means you are not available for the next project.