AltiumLive 2017:

ANNUAL PCB
DESIGN SUMMIT
Robert Feranec San Diego
FEDEVEL Academy October 3-4, 2017

© 2017 FEDEVEL
 How to design boards that work the first time

Why this topic?

© 2017 FEDEVEL What does it mean, boards that work …

 How to design boards that work the first time

You may be asking: “Why should I listen to this guy?”

© 2017 FEDEVEL That is an excellent question. You know, I can not convince you …
 How to design boards that work the first time

1 Import reference schematics

=>

© 2017 FEDEVEL Now, this seems to be like: Of course, just import reference schematic
 How to design boards that work the first time

2 Use the same pinout / connections as in the reference circuit

© 2017 FEDEVEL This may be a little bit specific for digital boards …
 How to design boards that work the first time

3 Build simple test circuits

© 2017 FEDEVEL Once we needed to design a circuit …

 How to design boards that work the first time

Add bypass resistors, pull ups & downs, optional components, …

4
into your schematic

© 2017 FEDEVEL Sometimes you can not build test circuits …

 How to design boards that work the first time

5 Check, double check and triple check your libraries

© 2017 FEDEVEL Do you remember the times when you were starting with HW design? I remember mine ☺
 How to design boards that work the first time

6 Go through schematic check and layout check documents

© 2017 FEDEVEL Not every company provides these. However, these documents …
 How to design boards that work the first time

7 Take time to browse and check your schematic

© 2017 FEDEVEL This is absolutely the most important tip from all. Every single time …
 How to design boards that work the first time

8 Once placement is ready, build a paper model

© 2017 FEDEVEL This is another very useful tips. It saved me sooo many …
 How to design boards that work the first time

9 Reuse reference layout

© 2017 FEDEVEL When I was starting with hardware design, I didn’t feel confident in …
 How to design boards that work the first time

1
0 Read and follow design guides

© 2017 FEDEVEL I love this point. Design guides helped me a lot especially …
 How to design boards that work the first time

1
1 If, during layout, you have to break important rules, simulate

© 2017 FEDEVEL This I a very interesting point. Because, normally I do not simulate. However, I do consider …
 How to design boards that work the first time
Imagine what will happen when you connect your board to
1
2 power. Imagine what you are going to do when you receive your
first prototype ….

© 2017 FEDEVEL Always, when you are creating schematic, you should have a look at your board from …
 How to design boards that work the first time

Do not do silly mistakes!

© 2017 FEDEVEL We re almost finished. During my carrier in hardware design, I have seen …
 Thanks for your Attention!

Contact: robert.feranec@fedevel.com
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Google for “FEDEVEL Academy”

Questions?

© 2017 FEDEVEL