Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- other:kicad_overview [2020/04/25 12:07] – [Part 2: Create a Schematic Symbol] formlab
+++ other:kicad_overview [2020/09/11 04:55] (current) – [Part 2: Create a Schematic Symbol] formlab
@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
     * ''tools > assign footprints''. A 3 columns window pops up. On the left are the different footprint libraries. On the right, the contents of all library collections. In the middle a list of all the components.
     * click on the first component. Use the filter options at the top to narrow down the footprints in the right column. Take your time here. Make sure you'll select the right footprint for the symbol.
-      * ''TFT'': through hole technology
+      * ''THT'': through hole technology
       * ''SMD'': Surface mount technology
       * ''Radial'': two leads coming from one side of the component (ie: a regular electrolytic capacitor)
@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 **set design rules**
-Set following values according to PCB manufacturer. The values here are an example.
+Set following values according to PCB manufacturer. The values here are set by [Seeed Studio ](https://www.seeedstudio.com/). It's always a good idea to have larger margins. If 6 mils of trace width is specified, you could go with 10 mils to be on the safe side.
   * ''File > Board Setup > Design Rules > Solder Mask/Paste''
-    * Solder mask: ''2mil'' (0.002 inches)
+    * Solder mask: ''16mil'' (0.4mm)
   * ''File > Board Setup > Design Rules''
-    * Min track width: ''6 mil''
+    * Minimum track width: ''10 mil''
-    * Min via diameter: ''27 mil'' (total width of the drill hole including both sides of the annular ring)
+    * Minimum via diameter: ''32 mil'' (total width of the drill hole including both sides of the annular ring)
-    * Min via drill diameter: ''13 mil''
+    * Minimum via: ''15 mil'' (The drill diameter)
   * ''File > Board Setup > Design Rules > Net Classes''. In the default net-class, change the following values:
-    * Clearance: ''10 mils''
+    * Default class (for signal traces)
-    * Track Width: ''10 mils''
+      * Clearance: ''10 mils''
-    * Via size: ''32 mils''
+      * Track Width: ''10 mils''
-    * Via Drill: ''15 mils''
+      * dPair Width: ''10 mils''
+      * dPair gap: ''9,8 mils''
+      * Via size: ''32 mils''
+      * Via Drill: ''15 mils''
+    * Power class (for power and GND traces)
+      * Clearance: ''12 mils''
+      * Track Width: ''30 mils''
+      * dPair Width: ''30 mils''
+      * dPair gap: ''19,8 mils''
+    * Assign the right class for each net by selecting it in the drop down menu on the right of each item.
   * click OK
+  * Read manufacturers specifications and panelization pages carefully.
+**Part layout**
+  * move your parts to the locations you'd like them to be. Hover your mouse over a part and press ''m''.
+  * Try to make the air-wire structure as simple as possible. (At least as possible crossovers).
+  * Using the 'route tracks' icon, change the air-wires into actual traces. It's best to do this manually.
+    * choose the layer (F.cu = front copper, B.cu = back copper)
+    * Use ''d'' on elements of the traces to move them around
+  * Keep space for fingers in mind when using connectors
+  * keep conductive things underneath the PCB in mind (for example: programming pins or the USB connector on a microcontroller). Make sure you don't get unwanted connections
+  * When layout is finalised perform a design rule check: ''Inspect > Design Rules Checker''
+  * Arrange the silkscreen elements to give info when the PCB is made.