The Electronics Designers' Optimum PCB Design Flow – Right First Time
Achieving an optimum PCB (printed circuit board) design flow that results in correct-first-time board layouts the first time is a goal for many electronics designers. With increasing time pressures and the need to avoid costly mistakes, having an efficient and error-free design process is critical. This article looks at key elements of an optimum PCB design flow and how to implement them.
Why First Time Right Matters
Getting the PCB layout right first time has multiple benefits:
The price of getting the design wrong can be high. Multiple design spins to fix issues are time-consuming and expensive. Faulty boards that go into production can mean field failures, costly product recalls and damage to a company's reputation.
Elements of an Optimal PCB Design Flow
An optimum PCB design flow that facilitates first-time-right layouts depends on several key elements:
1. Define Design Requirements Upfront
Clearly defining all the design requirements at the start of the project is essential. This includes:
Documenting all requirements in a specification helps ensure the PCB design meets expectations. It also helps manage sign-off by all stakeholders.
2. Simulation Early in the Design Process
Performing simulation and analysis of the PCB layout earlier rather than later can avoid many issues. Important analyses include:
Doing these analyses during the design process flags any problems early when changes are easier. This avoids late-stage issues after layout is complete.
3. Design Reuse Where Possible
Reusing proven schematics, circuit blocks and layout elements from previous designs saves significant time. It also leverages previous design expertise and avoids reinventing the wheel.
Common approaches for design reuse include:
Reuse works best when standardized, modular design is employed within a product family. This facilitates combining common design building blocks across multiple products.
4. Rules-Driven Layout
A rules-driven approach to PCB layout embeds designer knowledge into design rules and constraints. This automates many routine design tasks while still meeting layout requirements.
Typical design rules cover:
This automation simplifies layout tasks for the board designer while adhering to sound design practices. Violations of the rules during layout are immediately flagged.
5. Cross-Discipline Design Reviews
Reviews of the PCB layout at multiple stages by other engineering disciplines can identify potential issues early. Important cross-reviews include:
By representing all stakeholders during design reviews, problems can be found and addressed before board fabrication. This avoids costly change orders after design release.
6. Prototype Boards Prior to Production
Building and evaluating prototype PCBs prior to committing to full production can derisk the design. Prototyping helps confirm:
Prototypes also provide an opportunity to tweak the design prior to release. This useful feedback then improves the production design.
Implementing the Optimal Design Flow
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Hire Skilled PCB Designers
Having skilled designers who understand the entire electronics development process is key. Look for expertise in:
Provide ongoing training to expand designers' knowledge and skills. Mentoring less-experienced designers also improves quality.
Adopt a Modular, Hierarchical Design Style
A modular design methodology which breaks the design into reusable functional blocks aids reuse and simplifies layout. Maintaining schematic and layout hierarchy also improves designer productivity and reduces errors.
Utilize Modern Design Tools
EDA tools have advanced PCB design flows significantly. Critical capabilities include:
Using these tools in an integrated design flow prevents errors and improves results.
Institute Design Reviews and Approvals
Build formal design reviews into the project schedule at multiple stages e.g. requirements, schematic, layout. Use checklists to verify completion of each stage prior to sign-off. This governance process ensures no steps are missed.
Develop Scalable Rules and Libraries
Create libraries of generic layout cells, schematic macros, and symbol definitions which can scale across product families. likewise, craft design rulesets to be reused across multiple designs. This aids consistency while minimizing manual work.
FAQs
What are some key ways to reduce PCB design errors?
Some key ways to reduce errors in PCB design include:
Following these practices catches more errors during design rather than after fabrication.
How can you cut down PCB design time?
Methods to help cut down overall PCB design time include:
An efficient design flow minimizes manual work and avoids late-stage changes.
What DFM checks help ensure manufacturable PCBs?
Key DFM checks that help ensure manufacturable PCB layouts include:
Running DFM analyses early and working closely with manufacturers prevents production issues.
What are some benefits of a rules-driven PCB layout?
Benefits of rules-driven PCB layout include:
Overall, rules-driven layout boosts designer productivity while improving quality.
Why are cross-discipline design reviews valuable?
Cross-discipline design reviews are valuable because they:
Reviews align the full product team and drive better results.
Senior HW Developer presso Coges S.p.A.
10 个月i do not 100% agree with this flow. Component creation, in my opinion, need to be completed as a part of schematic drawing, including also attributes, and assembly drawing. If you do as a furder actions, somebody can be lost on the way.