Getting Started in PCB Design

Getting Started in PCB Design
PADS®

Getting Started in PCB Design
PADS®

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Welcome 3 New to PCB Design? 5 Getting Organized 13 Design Flow 17 PADS Environment 21 Library Parts 27 Schematic 33 Netlist Creation 37 PCB Design Setup 41 Placement 45 Design Rules 49 Routing 55 Design Verification 59 CAM Documents 63 References

GETTING STARTED IN PCB DESIGN WELCOME

Welcome

W

elcome to Getting introduction to the

Started in PCB Design, a PCB design process and

high-level how PADS®

PCB solutions can improve your design flow.

Perhaps you're new to printed circuit board design, or maybe you're a seasoned professional. It might be that recent changes in your company have brought you new tasks and responsibilities, including those associated with the design and production of state-of-the-art electronic products. Or perhaps you might just be interested in exploring the advanced capabilities now available to help you increase your productivity and improve your product's quality.

Regardless of your motivation, in just 60 easy-to-read pages, this guide will show you how to take a design from concept to completion in a format that will prepare you to develop your own designs with confidence and accuracy. Each chapter will start with an overview of basic design concepts, and then proceed with a section on how PADS solutions can be used to streamline the process.

{ } PADS PCB Design Solutions offer you considerable power and control over the design process. Whether your designs are simple interface boards or complex system designs, you’ll find all the features and performance you’ll need to get the job done.
1

GETTING STARTED IN PCB DESIGN NEW TO PCB DESIGN?

New to PCB Design?

The Design Process
Any process is easier to learn when there is an underlying structure that holds it all together. Printed circuit board design is no exception; there is a simple flow that keeps the process organized and helps to ensure design success. Once you're familiar with it, you're well on your way to creating consistent designs that can be manufactured and tested easily. Using the many advanced design capabilities available in the PADS products, you will learn how to set up your working environment, capture your design, verify the integrity of the design, produce the physical layout, and generate all necessary manufacturing outputs. At the same time, you will be establishing a structured and repeatable design process. As we explore the design process in the upcoming chapters, we'll help you establish the knowledge and confidence you need to accomplish your design and production goals. The next section outlines a comprehensive process for collecting and organizing your design data. If you’re new to the design process, you’ll find lots of useful information and ideas on how to approach a new design.
3

GETTING STARTED IN PCB DESIGN GETTING ORGANIZED

Getting Organized