(They also have a free Community Version of the tool for makers and students). We like Quadcept, as it is optimized for designing PCBs for manufacturing (for example, you can export your Bill of Materials (BoM) directly from the tool) and, being cloud-based, it can be conveniently used anywhere. To create a schematic file, you will need a software tool.

It is a document, like a blueprint, that describes how components relate to each other and work together.

Copper Weight (1 oz (35 um), 2 oz (70 um), 0.5 oz (18 um)…etc.)įor this step you need to create a schematic.

Surface Finish (ENIG (Electroless Nickel/Immersion Gold), DIG (Direct Immersion Gold), OSP (Organic Solderability Preservatives…etc.).

Material (FR-2 (phenolic cotton paper), FR-3 (cotton paper and epoxy), FR-4 (woven glass and epoxy…etc.).

Information you will need to provide to the PCB manufacturer: Make sure you read the guidelines about pacing, traces size, power isolation, and file naming before you start designing. 6 to 8 layers usually for Smart phone or smart watch.ģ.4 layers usually for IoT related products.2 layers usually for simple toy products.The more layers the PCB has, the more costly it will be to manufacture it). ( Note: even a single layer PCB can be a complex one, but here we are talking about complexity to manufacture the PCBs. PCB layers - the more layers, the more complex the manufacturing of the PCB will be. Product size is defined during electronic engineering design process. PCB size - this depends on your product size (or enclosure size). Things to know before starting the PCB design:ġ.

Without electronics, you basically have just a bunch of metal and plastic in your hands. EE creates the “brains” of how your device will work. PCB design happens during the Electrical engineering (EE) process. Buckle your seat belt, Dorothy, cuz Kansas is going Bye Bye.

Diptrace vs kicad eevblog