From: "Saved by Internet Explorer 11" Subject: PCB Design Layout Rules Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:47:27 -0700 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; type="text/html"; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0000_01D0DB57.22142E50" X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.1.7601.17609 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01D0DB57.22142E50 Content-Type: text/html; charset="utf-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://www.electronics-project-design.com/PCB-Design.html =EF=BB=BF
In the PCB design of electronics circuit, it is important that one = plan and=20 has a checklist of the do's and don'ts before proceeding to do the = printed=20 circuit board layout. The understanding of the circuit is critical to = the=20 design, for example one needs to understand the maximum current and = voltage that=20 are carried by each conductor in order to determine the track width of = the=20 conductor and the type of PCB that will be used.
=20The voltage difference between each track will determine the = clearance=20 between each conductor. If the clearance is not enough, chances are that = the=20 electrical potential between each track will cause spark over and short = circuit=20 the PCB.
This will cause functional failure to the product and the safety of = the users=20 that are using the product will be compromised. It is therefore critical = for one=20 to understand some of this basics requirements before one proceed to = design the=20 PCB.
Tracks=20
Restricted Area
Tracks should not be located on the areas that can caused them to be = peeled=20 off easily. One of the restricted area is holes on the PCB which are = used to=20 mount screws or PCB spacers. These holes are usually used to secure the = PCB to a=20 casing or to secure it in a fixed place.
The edges of the PCB should not have any tracks as these areas are =
usually=20
used to transport the PCB from one process to another process by using a =
conveyor belt. These edges are places where the possibility of scratches =
and=20
cracking of the PCB happens. The recommended areas that should not have =
any=20
track is as shown in the diagram below assuming a hole diameter of 4 mm =
which is=20
used to mount a PCB spacer.
Conductor = Thickness=20 and Width
The PCB conductor thickness and width will determine the current = carrying=20 capacity of the track. The IPC standard for the conductor thickness and = width of=20 the common 1 oz/square-feet PCB is as shown below. However, it is always = advisable to use a bigger value due to the tolerance and variation of = the PCB=20 processes. If higher current carrying capacity is required, a 2 = oz/square-feet=20 or 3 oz/square-feet type of PCB is preferred. Many electronics hobbyist = prefer=20 to solder a thick cooper conductor on the PCB track to increase the = current=20 carrying capacity of the track.
PCB = Design=20 Electrical Clearance
Many safety standards call for a minimum of 8mm clearance between 40V = mains=20 and other isolated signal tracks. These safety standards are to ensure = that the=20 users that are using the products will be protected from any electrical=20 hazards.
For non main voltages, IPC recommend the electrical clearance between = adjacent tracks. It is important to know the maximum difference in = voltage that=20 are applied on the adjacent tracks of a PCB. The electrical clearance = specs of=20 IPC standard is as shown below for various condition of the PCB.
Coating the PCB will help to reduce the requirements of the track = clearance.=20 However, the quality of the coating as well as the material used are = critical to=20 ensure that these requirements are met. Again, it is always advisable to = increase the clearance to cater for the variations of the PCB = processes.
Back=20
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