7 ESSENTIAL THINGS A GOOD PCB DESIGN ENGINEER SHOULD KNOW

Overview

Numerous engineers aspire to excel as PCB design professionals, yet they often encounter challenges in knowing how to get started. 

The path to becoming a proficient PCB design engineer may seem unclear, as it involves understanding the essential steps and acquiring various necessary skills. 

This complex process can be daunting for those new to the field, leaving them uncertain about the specific steps to take and which skills to focus on.

TIP: Start with basics, have patience while learning, be consistent in putting in time every single day, work hard. More designs you will make better designer you will become.

An example of a Printed Circuit Board

A good PCB design engineer should know following things:

1. Basic Electronics

A profound grasp of PCBs is pivotal to the success of any electronics design, making it essential to comprehend electronic components and their interfaces. 

To truly excel as a PCB design engineer, having a thorough understanding of electronic components is paramount. 

This knowledge is akin to how an embedded firmware developer must be well-versed in embedded hardware to become a proficient embedded design engineer. 

Just as embedded hardware knowledge enhances the capabilities of a firmware developer, a comprehensive grasp of electronic components empowers PCB designers to create innovative and efficient designs.. 

One good video is here.

2. Basic knowledge of PCB

Printed Circuit Board(PCB) is nothing but a fiber board which keeps electronics components together in a most optimized space and provides an electrical connection between them. 

One should be aware of basic terminologies [1], [2],[3], [4] used. It is good to know how it acts as a component in an electronic design, how tracks, pads, vias, power planes, etc. works. 

Also, how these PCBs are manufactured. This helps in understanding many design rules which are directly related to manufacturing or physical nature of PCB.

PCB Manufacturing

3. PCB Design Software

Next is good knowledge of using at least one PCB design software. One should know how to draw schematic, component placement, PCB layout, create component library, generate gerber, review via Gerber viewer tools. 

There are many PCB design software available in the market but it is advisable to pick the one which is widely used in the industry. 

Some time back I did an online research and created a comprehensive list of popular PCB design software available in the market. 

I have also mentioned my recommendation, which tool could be considered to learn.

4. PCB Layer Stack-up

When designing a multi-layer board, a very clear understanding of PCB layer stack up is critical for the first time right design. Here is a document which explains it well.

5. PCB Design Rules

There are many common design rule which need to followed while designing a PCB. Some rules are explained in the videos available here. They fall under the following category:

• General rules
• Noise reduction, EMI/EMC considerations, signal integrity rules
• Considerations for thermal integrity (heat dissipation due to power circuits)
• Considerations for power integrity (power loss in the traces)
• Design for test like what all considerations are required so that testing of the boards is made possible. Some of the things like adding test points, accessibility of signal (which need testing) on the top or bottom side of the board, etc.
• Design for manufacturing rule like track width, clearance, via/pads size, drill size, etc. One need to understand manufacturability constraints w.r.t to the design and also it’s impact on the cost. Her is a comprehensive guide.

PCB Design for testing

6. 3D Model / Mechanical Design

Nowadays, the majority of PCB Design software incorporates the capability to integrate 3D models of components, allowing users to visualize how the PCB will appear once it is manufactured and all components are assembled. 

This integration of 3D models offers several advantages during the design phase. 

By utilizing 3D models for each component, potential issues regarding inter-component spacing can be identified early on, resulting in the detection and resolution of problems before manufacturing. 

As a result, the use of 3D models helps to minimize the need for multiple PCB revisions, saving both time and cost.

Additionally, this feature enables designers to swiftly create mock-ups of the PCB with connectors and other elements, offering a realistic preview of the final product. 

This visualization aids in planning for mechanical enclosure requirements, ensuring that all components fit properly and verifying the overall aesthetics of the design. 

The incorporation of 3D models within PCB design software proves to be a valuable tool for enhancing efficiency and accuracy in the development process.

7. Detailed design review process

Design reviews play a crucial role in achieving a first-time-right design. 

I recommend implementing three levels of reviews to ensure the highest quality. Firstly, the designer should conduct a thorough self-review, scrutinizing the design for potential issues and improvements. 

Subsequently, a joint review involving the hardware engineer should be conducted to leverage their expertise and perspectives.

For the final review, it is essential to engage another qualified engineer or an external consultant, as their unbiased evaluation can provide valuable insights and catch any overlooked errors.

In addition to technical proficiency, two bonus points for a PCB design engineer would involve cultivating a basic understanding of aesthetics (look and feel) and mastering documentation practices. 

Aesthetics are essential because component placement and silk screen detailing impact the visual appeal of the PCB, especially in consumer electronics products.

Documentation is equally critical, and the engineer should pay careful attention to detail when preparing the required files for the PCB manufacturer. 

This documentation includes comprehensive guidelines, relevant notes, stack-up details, assembly sketches, and precise drill information.

For products designed as electronics circuit boards, it becomes essential to create board sketches with clear labeling of all connectors, jumpers, and other elements. 

This level of detail facilitates user-friendly interfaces and allows users to easily understand and interface with external boards or circuitry.

Ultimately, by following these practices and emphasizing the significance of design reviews, aesthetics, and comprehensive documentation, PCB design engineers can significantly enhance the quality and reliability of their designs while streamlining the manufacturing process.

 See this video Robert has explained documentation for PCB Design really well.

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Thanks for reading. Happy Learning to you!