The design process of a PCB will essentially begin by creating a schematic. This schematic is then developed into a PCB layout using CAD software.
Overview of PCB design
The first step involved in PCB design is to draw your concept block diagram on a paper. This block diagram is then developed into schematic designs using CAD software. A schematic consists of component symbols and net connections between the symbols. These nets will become traces on the circuit board.
The next stage of design is the pre-layout stage, in this stage, the BOM from the schematic is validated for long lead time components and obsolete components. During the validation process, the manufacturing part numbers (MPN) and vendor part numbers are verified. During this stage, the stack-up design is also completed.
The PCB layout stage is next. In this stage, the board parameter settings, board outline, component placement, routing, and production document generation are completed.
What are the basic steps of PCB design?
Step 1: PCB schematic creation
Step 2: Pre-layout stage
Step 3: PCB layout stage
Step 4: Generate the production files