1、 Manually wiring as much as possible

Generally speaking, PCB design software includes the function of automatic routing, but in reality, no automatic routing can completely replace the skills, experience, and flexibility of PCB layout engineers. (Manually give a thumbs up to the PCB Layout engineer）

In some cases, you can use automatic routing:

• After placing all the components, you can use automatic routing to check your completion rate. If it is below 85%, you need to adjust the placement of your components.

• During wiring, bottlenecks and other critical connection points may detach from cracks and can be identified using automatic routing functionality.

  
  

• When you don't know how to start wiring or encounter difficulties, you can use automatic wiring as a source of inspiration.

In summary, wiring is both a science and an art, and it is recommended to manually route as much as possible to ensure accuracy and reliability.

2、 Understand the manufacturer's specifications

When you start laying copper traces, take the time to ask your manufacturer if they have requirements for minimum trace width, trace spacing, and the number of PCB layers they can assemble.

By understanding this information in advance, you can set the routing width and spacing values in the design rules to avoid rewiring the entire PCB layout.

3、 Choose the appropriate wiring width

The geometric shape (thickness and width) of the wiring ensures that the circuit operates normally under all environmental and load conditions. The wiring of PCBs is used to transmit electrical signals, so it must have a width compatible with the current passing through them.

PCB layout engineers must determine the minimum width of each trace to avoid the risk of overheating of the circuit board; This parameter directly affects the wiring process as it reduces the available space on the PCB.

If available space is not a problem, it is recommended to use wiring with a width greater than the minimum value to improve the thermal management and reliability of the circuit board. The wiring on the outer layer can achieve better heat exchange, so it may have a smaller width.

Line width

4、 Leave enough space between the wiring and solder pads

It is crucial to leave sufficient space between PCB routing and solder pads (as shown below) to avoid short circuits during PCB manufacturing or assembly stages.

Generally speaking, it is recommended to leave appropriate gaps between each adjacent wire and pad, and there must always be sufficient space around them without wires or pads to avoid the risk of electric shock.

Distance and thickness of wiring

5、 PCB component placement

The placement of components determines the success of PCB design. To properly place components, it is necessary to fully understand their characteristics.

For example, thermal electrolytic capacitors must be kept away from heating diodes, resistors, and inductors.

Here are some simple rules of thumb:

• Attention must be paid to components with multiple pins, as these components occupy a significant amount of space.

  
  

• Keep components placed in the same direction

  
  

• Consider the functionality of each component and its relationship with other components before placement.

• If the components have already been purchased, it is recommended to print the layout on paper according to the size and check if the components are suitable.

PCB component placement diagram

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