Key Takeaways

• Effective component, design and product lifecycle data management are key attributes for electronic product design, deployment and reliability.

• Understanding the challenges is essential in determining how to improve PCB design data management.

• OrCAD X has various capabilities that enable you to optimize your PCB design workflow.

PCB design is an incredibly involved process with numerous details, from component selection to final layout. As engineers constantly push boundaries, the question of how to improve PCB design often comes up. Some aspects of improving PCB design include optimizing the physical layout and efficiently managing the data that flows throughout the design process. Read on as we discuss key strategies for improving PCB design, focusing on data management as a critical element.

How to Improve PCB Design With Optimized Data Management

For extremely large projects, effective data management is an important method of improving PCB design. With a lot of (usually metaphorically) moving parts and different integration needs, ensuring that processes are streamlined, errors are minimized, and collaboration is accessible is important.

Efficient design data management can improve PCB design by organizing and controlling design files, such as schematics and layouts, to maintain consistency and prevent data loss. PLM integrates design data with manufacturing and supply chain processes, ensuring that product development aligns with market needs and lifecycle stages.

Advanced and involved PCB design faces challenges such as data silos, version control issues, and managing component availability. Breaking down these silos, implementing robust version control using advanced PCB software, and using real-time data management tools are essential steps to overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, integrating design data with manufacturing requirements through PLM can bridge gaps and improve the overall design process. Addressing these challenges is key to achieving high-quality, efficient PCB designs.

General Tips For Improving PCB Design

Important tips for improving PCB design regarding traces and copper include adequate spacing between traces to prevent short circuits, balancing copper distribution across layers to avoid warping, and using 45-degree trace angles to prevent etching issues.

• Using as many solid copper layers for power planes aids in EMI shielding and heat sinking, and adding fiducials enhances surface mount assembly accuracy. For dense designs, buried vias can maximize routing space, and a symmetrical stack-up improves board stability.

• For connecting your board to the broader device, mounting hole placement is crucial—ensuring they have sufficient clearance and are positioned thoughtfully to avoid interference with other components.

• The silkscreen layer, often overlooked, is valuable "real estate" for documenting important information like labeling connectors and components.

Find a Mentor

Improving PCB design involves several factors, and one of the most effective ways is by working with a mentor. Many consider PCB design almost an art form, and there are many nuanced techniques that can be learned from someone who has mastered the craft. Presenting your design to an experienced individual can provide invaluable insights and help you refine your skills.