Board layout preparation
Check component libraries
The Electronics component libraries are developed by practising engineers, and correspond closely to present-day standards. The variety of components available is so wide that it is impossible to supply libraries suitable for every user without modification.
There are even different footprints supplied by various manufacturers using the same identification! Manufacturers recommend very different sizes for SMD pads, and these depend again on the soldering procedure applied.
In the case of SMD components, take particular care to ensure that the footprint from the library agrees with the specifications of your component.
Consult the board manufacturer
If you plan to have your PCB professionally manufactured, ask your board manufacturer whether they stipulate particular values for these parameters.
- track width
- shape of solder lands
- diameter of solder lands
- dimensions of SMD pads
- text size and thickness
- drill hole diameters
- number of signal layers
- in case of multilayer boards: manufacturing directions for Blind and Buried vias and composition of the board
- clearance values between different potentials
- parameters concerning solder stop mask and cream frame
Knowing this information beforehand can save you time and money.
Specify design rules
Open the DRC dialog to edit design rules for a board.
- Click Rules DRC/ERC > DRC.
