Designing a printed circuit board (PCB) isn’t rocket science, but it’s not a walk in the park either. You need a decent level of technical and electrical knowledge, as well as the ability to use specialized software to design board layouts.
However, with a little practice and research, most technicians, entrepreneurs, and electronics specialists can figure out how to design their own board, whether for trial purposes or the discovery of a new Internet of Things (IoT) device you’re planning. on bringing to market.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you get started:
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The Scheme is always the Foundation
If you’ve researched PCB design, you’ve probably noticed that you’ll learn how to use software to create a layout schematic before building the physical board itself. The importance and difficulty of this initial step should not be overlooked, as it is usually the most challenging part of the entire process.
Fortunately, PCB design software providers like Altium are usually good at providing detailed support, so if you run into any problems along the way, you’ll find it easy to get the guidance you need.
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Start with Quality Ingredients
When you are designing your first board, it may be tempting to choose the cheapest PCB material you can find. After all, you don’t want to waste money on resources when there’s a good chance you’re wasting money on mistakes caused by inexperience.
However, getting a quality finished product should be your main concern, so don’t be afraid to buy the best PCB material while building your prototype.
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Make sure the Board Fits the Designated Place
Since most PCBs are tucked into tech devices and hidden within their own compartments, it’s important to make sure you design your board to the right size dimensions.
This is a common mistake that novice PCB design software users make, but can be easily avoided by considering the space consumed by the additional components attached to the board.
A good way to do this is to print a copy of your PCB layout and then place each component on the printout to simulate the amount of space it will take up.
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Tried Several Manufacturers Before Choosing One
Finally, once you have successfully designed a working prototype, the next step is to get it mass-produced by the manufacturer of your choice. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the first manufacturer that provides satisfactory product.
Instead, be sure to list the top 5-10 options and then order a sample of all of them to see which offers the best overall experience in terms of price, delivery time, and product quality.
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Your First Board Will Be A Learning Process
If you’re preparing to tackle your first PCB design, you’re going to encounter some bumps and mishaps along the way, especially if you’re trying out complex configurations.
Therefore, it’s a great idea to start with a small, simple project that offers a high chance of success, rather than trying to come up with an amazing board the first time.
