Introduction to PCB layout

ELEC391 - Spring 2020

 PCB Design support for ELEC391:
Altium 2018, 150 licenses

Talks:
• Jan 21 Introduction to PCB layout
• Mar 16 (TBC) Invited talk: PCB Fabrication

Fabrication deadlines, Mondays:

Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24, Mar 2, Mar 9, Mar 16

Support & submission instructions posted here

 Contents
• PCB design flow
• How to install Altium Designer 2018
• Overview of Altium Designer
• Design example as backdrop to introduce PCB
concepts
• Instructions for ELEC391 fabrication submissions
• Reference section: PCB design best practices

Credits:
• Unless explicitly stated all source material is from the Altium website and
Altium training documents.
• [B1] Complete PCB Design Using OrCad Capture and Layout \ Kraig Mitzner, 2007
3
PCB Design Flow

4
Typical PCB Design flow Separate tools
or integrated
environments

Front-end design
and capture

http://e2e.ti.com/
Typical PCB Design flow

Front-end design
and capture
Typical PCB Design flow

Placement

Physical
PCB
Design

Routing
DRC check
Typical PCB Design flow
Typical PCB Design flow Separate tools
or integrated
environments

Front-end design
and capture

http://e2e.ti.com/
 How to install
Altium Designer 2018

10
 How to install Altium 2018
• Link to instructions:
https://www.ece.ubc.ca/~eng-services/Altium/
– Create an account at Altium Live:
email: [email protected] (fast)
http://live.altium.com/#signin (slow & not linked to our license)
– Download Altium v2018
– Connect to license server

• Access to license server:

– Lab PC or a wired connection to ECE network
– Wireless connection at UBC (ubcprivate, ubcsecure)
– My VPN connection
 To set the license server

See instructions online

3
See instructions online

If you loose connection to server click here

If you have problems with server, Disconnect from
& Reconnect to server
To use a license
Right click

If you are having problems

with the license server:
Disconnect & Reconnect
Getting started with Altium Designer 2018
Exploring Altium Designer

Altium Designer documentation:

Do complete this tutorial

Best training material is on the Altium website. Info is updated, but beware that
menus and options change between versions. ver 2018 <> ver 2016
Overview of Altium Designer

15
 Altium Designer 2018
A unified design environment
System requirements (MS W7, W8, W10)

• Front-end design and capture

• Physical PCB design
• Mixed-signal circuit simulation
• Signal integrity analysis
• Multi-Board Assembly
• Power Integrity Analyzer
• PCB manufacturing
Professional Design Environment
• Unified platform for individual or corporate use
• Collaborative environment (corporate tool):
– Multiple users, some with dedicated tasks
– Design team incremental changes day-by-day
– Built-in version control (SVN subversion or CVS
concurrent versions system
– Design repositories / Vaults (accessible by multiple
users with different credentials
• Cloud oriented support:
– Save preferences online
– http://live.altium.com/ (forum, design content, blog)
– Altium Vault (dynamic library of components)
 Advice for ELEC391
• Keep it simple

• Focus on schematic entry & layout

• One page schematics

• Locate the right library models for your parts

• Stay away from very small SMD components

• Remember that ECE will take care of CAD file

generation and fabrication
Altium Design X2 Environment
Recommended basic panels

Libraries
&
Vault Explorer
Projects

Messages

For more help working with panels read this

Preferences Dialog
 Tips
(Basics for the single user)

• Use Keyboard shortcuts

<Shift + F1> while running a command for a
list of shortcuts
• <Esc> or Right Click to exit a
command mode
• Save documents and project
often
Design Example

23
 Design example
L298 Motor Driver Board
( by Matt Winship) 3D View on Layout Editor

L298_Motor_Driver_Board_Datasheet.pdf
Create project files
1. Project file

2. Schematic file
3. PCB file

When creating the project

file remember to use
“Save As” to rename.
Otherwise your project will
be called “PCB_Project1”

Create Schematic &

PCB files.
Remember to rename
accordingly.
It is good practice to
save all files in the
same directory
 L298 Motor Driver Board Schematic
C-Block3 C-Hdr1x5
PartsDatabaseV16.1.IntLib PartsDatabaseV16.1.IntLib

Q-LN298HS
Additional Parts 391.IntLib

C-Block2
PartsDatabaseV16.1.IntLib
G-Cap
PartsDatabaseV16.1.IntLib

T-DiodeRect
PartsDatabaseV16.1.IntLib
 Steps to create the Schematic

1. Load libraries
2. Draw the schematic
Set electrical type for connector pins
3. Compile Project:
Project → Project Options
More on: Compiling and Verifying the Design
4. Place no ERC labels if necessary
Modify connection matrix with caution
More on: No ERC Directive
 Wiring Tips
• Left-click or <Enter> to anchor the wire at the cursor position.
• <Backspace> () to remove the last anchor point.
• <Spacebar> to toggle the direction of the corner.
• <Shift+Spacebar> to cycle through all possible corner modes.
• Right-click or <Esc> to exit wire placement mode.
• To graphically edit the shape of a wire, Click once to select it
first, then Click and hold on a segment or vertex to move it.
• Whenever a wire crosses the connection point of a
component, or is terminated on another wire, a junction will
automatically be created.
• A wire that crosses the end of a pin will connect to that pin,
even if you delete the junction.
• To move a placed component and drag connected wires with
it, hold down the Ctrl key while moving the component, or
select Move » Drag.
 About Libraries
More on: Understanding Models, Components and Libraries

• Component representations
for different phases of design:
– Schematic symbol
– PCB footprint
– SPICE model definitions
– Signal integrity description
– 3D graphical description
 Libraries = collection of components

• Collection of components, models or both

• Model Libraries (*.MDL, *.CKT, *.PCBLib)
– Simulation models are one file per model
– PCBLib libraries are typically a collection of footprints
• Schematic Libraries (*SchLib)
– Symbol and a link to a model library
• Integrated Libraries (*.IntLib)
– Symbol, footprint and other models are compiled into
a single portable file to create …
– Unified components with links to all domain models +
parametric information
 Obtaining integrated libraries
1. Altium default libraries
Miscellaneous Connectors
Miscellaneous Devices
2. Altium Vault
Cloud dynamic collection of unified components
includes real-time supply chain information
3. Frozen (legacy) libraries: from here
you can install anywhere but it is a good idea to make a subfolder under:
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Altium\AD18\Library
or a cloud storage service if you work from more than one PC
4. AltiumLive website: Resources / Design Content
5. IC Manufacturer sites (specially simulation models)
6. ELEC391 libraries from last year: here
7. Make your own
 Accessing libraries

1. Library Panel 2. Explorer Panel

(with an Altium Live account)
 Configuring libraries
Installed: All installed libraries.
Project: part of and available only to the Components are available to all open
active project and its documents projects and list is persistent across
You have to keep track of where these are design sessions
if you move the project files

Search Path: Additional Libraries

accessible via a search path and sub-
folders
The search paths are valid for the
active project
Current library
Select a different library
Set library browse mode
Libraries Panel:
Search in current library
All libraries available to the
active project
List of components. Project + Installed + Search
Select the component of
interest Path

When placing component:

Schematic symbol for <spacebar> to rotate
selected component
<x> or <y> to flip
<Tab> open properties dialog
Models linked to the
selected component <L> for PCB footprints
to flip component side
Graphical display of the
selected model
To search across libraries:
Icons used to show/hide
panel sections
Search …
 How to select items from the Vault?
Often you will get several choices for the same part, e.g.

These are typically different component or shipping packaging

options. Read the description and check the footprints carefully

Bulk (TO-92) = loose parts RoHS = Compliance

Ammo Box (TO-92)

2N2222 (TO-18) 2N2222 (3-Pin SMD)

Through-hole Packages & Components
• Use holes drilled through the PCB for mounting the
components which are (typ.) soldered on the bottom layer

• Dual in-line package, DIPn → DIP14

Pin spacing is 0.1”
TTL, CMOS, Linear (Analog) ICs
 Surface Mount Packages
• Use SMD for high density, small parasitics, or a specific IC
• Passives Flatchip (ceramic Rs, Cs) 4-digit size code
http://www.topline.tv/SMT_Nomenclature.pdf
 Surface Mount Packages

Difficult to
solder by hand

• There are many types of packages (with leads, lead-less)

• List of integrated circuit packaging types (wikipedia)
List of integrated circuit package dimensions
• Good visual reference is the NXP posters
Discretes_package_poster.pdf
Discrete_Flat_No-leads_DFN_package_poster.pdf
 Ref [B1]
Footprints are made out of pads
• Pads: contact areas for soldering components, test points, and solder traps
• Pads can have any shape
• Single layer pads: Top/bottom layer, common for SMT, end launch
connectors
• Multi-layer pads: for through hole components
• Footprints are a collection of pads

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 LM298 Motor Driver Board Layout

• Size 1.2” x 2”
• 2 layers
• Mounting holes
• Thick traces for V-
and V+
• Power planes
for Vs and GND

Top Metal Bottom Metal

2 starting points for PCB design
1. From a companion schematic package
– Prepare project schematics
– Import schematic design
– Component footprints are added automatically
– Connectivity is indicated with rats nests
– Net names are imported from the schematic
2. Directly from the PCB editor
– You need to select and place manually each
component footprint from a library
– No rats nest – connectivity
– You must assign nets manually (at least GND)
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 Steps to complete the Layout
1. Choose work units (metric or imperial)
you can switch at any time
2. Set the grid
Setup

3. Define the board shape

plan for mounting holes and account for connectors
4. Set the origin
although you can move it for convenience as you work
5. Transfer the design from the schematic
6. Place components and mounting holes
Layout

7. Route
8. Draw a board outline, add labels (group #)
9. DRC Check
 Working units
• Imperial (inches) • Metric (mm)
• 1/1000th of an inch = 1 • 1 mm ≠ 1mil !
mil = 1thou • Common unit in SM
• 100mils (0.1”) is a parts
common dimension

• Remember: 100mils = 2.54mm

• To switch units in Altium Press <Q>
 About the grid …
• The PCB Editor is a grid based environment
• Objects are placed on a ‘placement or snap grid’
• Placement is assisted such as the user doesn’t need to
aim with absolute accuracy
• Unified Cursor-Snap System >> Properties Panel
• User defined grids (Cartesian & Polar), that can start
at any location and cover different size areas
Default snap grid is called: Global Board Snap Grid
• Press <G> to set Global grid step, define grids etc.
• You can work with just the Global Grid, and adjust the
step to coarse when placing parts, and fine values when
routing 44
• More about the PCB Grid system here
 PCB Editor view modes
• Viewing modes:
• Board Planning Mode <1>
– Design » Edit Board Shape
– Design >> Move Board Shape
• 2D Layout Mode <2>
• 3D Layout Mode <3>

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 Design transfer
Design >> Update PCB Document …
Setup steps

Rat’s nests indicate connectivity as per

schematic (Net names are assigned to
part terminals)

All parts in the schematic with their selected footprints

 PCBs are multi-layer entities
Top view all layers Top overlay layer Top copper layer
 Top overlay
Top solder mask
This is a 2 layer PCB Top copper
Plated holes and vias
1 dielectric substrate with Bottom copper
top and bottom copper Bottom solder mask

You as a designer specify the

location of objects and
features of every layer

Holes, vias, and footprints are

grouped multi-layer objects

More complex PCBs

have a stack-up of
multiple boards and
hence more layers
 Ref [B1]
PCB Laminates
• Substrate (laminate)
– Rigid board of insulating material, provides structural support.
– Available in different materials and thicknesses, e.g:
FR4, Rogers/Duroid, Teflon (PTFE) 8mils (0.2mm) → 240mils(6.1mm)
– Most commonly used material type is FR4, 62mils thick
– Available with different copper thicknesses
Cu thickness measured in weight oz/ft2
½ oz → 0.7mils
1 oz → 1.4mils
2 oz → 2.8mils

1mil = 25μm 49
 PCB Anatomy: Layer Stackup
Design >> Layer Stack Manager …
This will enable additional layers as required

Information on substrate thickness, type and dielectric is not included in Gerber

CAM files, these need to be explained separately to the manufacturer.

This is a two-sided board with only: Top Layer & Bottom Layer
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 Working with Layers
• Use the tabs at the bottom of the editor to switch
between layers

To switch to single layer mode To set relevant layers

View » Panels » View Configuration
or press <L>

<Shift>
<S>
 Configuring the Display Layers

• Electrical layers
32 signal layers and 16 internal power plane layers.
• Mechanical layers
32 general purpose mechanical layers, used for design tasks such
as dimensions, fabrication details, assembly instructions, or special
purpose tasks such as glue dot layers. These layers can be
selectively included in print and Gerber output generation. They can
also be paired, meaning that objects placed on one of the paired
layers in the library editor, will flip to the other layer in the pair when
the component is flipped to the bottom side of the board.
• Special layers
these include the top and bottom silkscreen layers, the solder and
paste mask layers, drill layers, the Keep-Out layer (used to define
the electrical boundaries), the multilayer (used for multilayer pads
and vias), the connection layer, DRC error layer, grid layers, hole
layers, and other display-type layers.

52
 Mechanical Layers

• Multi-purpose layers
• E.g. Altium supports 32 Mechanical layers: M1 … M32
• Typically
– M1 Board outline
– M2 PCB manufacturing info
– M11-M12 Top and bottom layer dimensions
– M13 Top layer 3D models and mechanical outlines
– M14 Bottom layer 3D models and mechanical outlines
– M15 Top layer assembly information
– M16 Bottom layer assembly information

53
Positioning components & routing

Place a plane on top for GND

Place a plane bottom for Vs

54
 Positioning components & routing
• When placing components:
– Try to align parts (same orientation)
– Ensure that labels are all set in the same direction
– Beware of bulky connectors (use 3D view with
caution)
Yellow (top overlay) lines
in footprints typically mark
the physical boundaries of a part
However you must be cautious and
think about it.
This footprint includes the space taken
by a heatsink, but does not show it in
the 3D view
 Ref [B1]

About Traces / Tracks

• Copper traces are patterned either by:
– Photolithography: requires photomasks
– Laser: used to draw patterns on photoresist
– Mechanical milling: Cu is removed to isolate
the traces.
• Trace width and thickness determines:
– Ampacity (current carrying capacity)
– Characteristic impedance for RF designs
• Practical limitations:
– Minimum trace width and gap for e.g.
7mils/7mils is typical fab. spec.

Negative view:
Copper planes, Drill
holes, Solder Masks

56
 Determining trace width

Use the following online trace width calculator:

http://circuitcalculator.com/wordpress/2006/01/31/pcb-trace-width-calculator 57
 Handy shortcuts for routing
• Press * on the numeric keypad while routing to cycle through the
available signal layers. A via will automatically be added, in
accordance with the applicable Routing Via Style design rule.
Alternatively, use Ctrl+Shift+Roll shortcuts to move back and forth
through the available signal layers.

• Shift+R to cycle through the enabled conflict resolution modes,

including Push, Walkaround, Hug and Push, and Ignore. Enable the
required modes in the PCB Editor - Interactive Routing page of
the Preferences dialog.

• Shift+S to cycle single layer mode on and off, ideal when there are
many objects on multiple layers.

• Spacebar to toggle the corner direction (for all but any angle mode).

• Shift+Spacebar to cycle through the various track corner modes.

The styles are: any angle, 45°, 45° with arc, 90° and 90° with arc.
There is an option to limit this to 45° and 90° in the PCB Editor -
Interactive Routing page of the Preferences dialog. 58
 Design Rules
• Design >> Rules
Rule Constrain Query
Electrical, Clearance Min clearance = 7mil All

Routing, Width* Min width = 7mils All

Max width = 500mils
Preferred = 10mils

Routing, Width_IO Min width = 7mils Advanced (Query)

Max width =500mils (InNet(‘V+') OR
Preferred =100mils InNet(‘V-'))

Width_Vss Min width = 7mils Net Vss

Max width =500mils
Preferred =20mils
59
 Custom Routing design rules

Rename to “Width_IO’ Use ‘Custom Query’ to set” Set rule execution

Belongs to net V+ priority
OR
Belongs to V-
 Auto route
• Rout » Un-Route » All
• Auto Route » All

• You can also set

single layer
routing
 Ref [B1]
Holes
Holes can be:
• Vias, multi-layer pads,
mounting holes, or cuts
• Plated or non plated
Altium pad properties dialog

You must specify whether a hole is plated or

non plated during the design process
Plating reduces hole size by 0.003”
62
 Hole sizes
• Comon hole sizes: non-plated vs. plated sizes
Drill
Drill Finishe
Number Approximate Use
Size d Size
Set
#76 .020" .017" via holes

#70 .028" .025" via holes, fine lead devices such as trim pots etc.

#65 .035" .032" IC's, 1/4 watt resistors, small diodes, ripple caps etc.

#62 .038" .035" Square posted pins that measure .025" on the flat.
TO-220 packages, IDC type square posted headers,
#58 .042" .039" 1/2 watt resistors, 1N9000 series diodes, IC chip
carriers, etc.
#55 .052" .049" larger connectors, transformer leads, etc.

#53 .060" .057" similar to .052" above

#44 .086" .083" TO-220 mounting holes, screw holes, general mounting

1/8 in. .125" .122" mounting holes

#24 .152" .149" mounting holes

 Ref [B1]
Vias

Source: wikipedia.org: Thermal pad

• Connection between layers is accomplished with via holes
• After the holes are drilled, their inner walls are plated
• Top and bottom traces are patterned after plating

Thermal relief is needed

when connecting a via
to a copper plane

PWR and GND planes

are commonly inner
layers
Teardrops:

64
 Ref [B1]

Types of Vias
• Types of via holes:
– Plated and un-plated through-hole, blind, buried

65
 Ref [B1]

Solder mask
• Solder mask or solder resist:
– Thin polymer layer deposited on top and bottom layers
– Protects outer layers from oxidation and prevents solder bridges
– Allows for wave or reflow soldering of components
– Holes are opened with photolithography wherever components
will be soldered
– Default color is green, but any other color is possible

Source: Printed Circuit Board Basics: An Introduction to the PCB Industry, by: Michael Flatt

66
 Ref [B1]

Legend / Silkscreen / Overlay

• Legend or silkscreen:
– Applied on top of the
solder resist
– Can be applied to one or
both outer layers
– Default color is white but
any other color is
possible
Tip: add (Top) and (Bottom)

67
Instructions for ELEC391
fabrication submissions

68
 Submission Instructions
• No limits to # of boards (7 deadlines)
• Cost: $25 + $10/ sq-in, from project budget
• Submission dates:
Midnight, Mondays
Feb 3, Feb 10, Feb 17, Feb 24,
Mar 2, Mar 9, Mar 16
we will check submissions and accept fixes
until 5PM the following Tuesday M T W Th F Sa S
M T W Th F Sa S
• Turn around: 5-6 business days
• Work within the given guidelines
• Verify PCB layout and design - prior to design submission
• Submissions will be rejected if guidelines are not followed69
We will panelize your designs to speed up
fabrication and reduce costs

Panelized designs from elec391 Spring 2016

 Submission Instructions
• You can send several different boards per submission
• You can request several copies of each but that increases
your area & cost
• Email [email protected]
Subject: [PCB] ELEC391, Group #, submission#
• Attach: Zipped file with your PCB Project file (*.PrjPcb) and
all associated files, also include the latest DRC report.
(make sure all files are under the same directory)

Body:
Total number of boards to fabricate:
Name of boards to fabricate and number of copies for each
71
 Design constrains 1/2
1) Layers:
1) Maximum number of electrical layers = 2

2) Bottom overlay (PCB underside text) will not be manufactured -

please use "bottom layer" for bottom text

2) Try to minimize the size of your PCB

Components can be placed side by side (recommend 50-100 mil IC's
separation for most cases

3) Do not forget to:

Add your group number on the top overlay – make it visible
Draw a board outline on layer “Mechanical 1”
if several boards in a single file, draw a board outline for each
(min spacing from edge of board for any feature is 10mils)
72
 Design constrains 2/2
4) Install provided Design-Rules file (available here)
please do not modify base rules, but you can add custom
routing rules.
Submissions that do not pass DRC will be rejected

73
 How to load design rule file
• DRC file and these same instructions from here
• Download and save as “.RUL” file
• On your PCB design select:
Design >> Rules
• On the 'PCB Rules and Constrains Editor', Right
click anywhere on the left column
– Select: Import Rules
– Select all rules in window (using shift and mouse or
<Ctrl> +<A>) → OK
– Browse to select .RUL file
– Clear existing rules prior to import? → NO
74
• Component clearance and (electrical) clearance:
– Minimum distance = 7 mil
• (Routing) width:
– Minimum trace width = 7 mil
• Annular ring size:
– Minimum annular ring size = 7 mil
– Minimum annular ring size for vias = 5 mil
• Board outline clearance: 10mils
• No limit to allowed hole sizes

75
PCB Design Best Practices
 Best Practices: Estimating board size
• Before starting layout it is good to
have an idea of the target size of
wasteful
the PCB board and all other
relevant dimensions.

• It is very helpful to have the

components at hand to plan the
floor-plan.

• An old good trick of the trade is to http://circuitcellar.com/cc-blog/the-perfect-pcb-prototype/

print the PCB layout at a 1:1 scale,

place the printout on a foam and
stick on the through hole
components.
77
 Best Practices: Floor planning
• Choose your units and set the grid
• Carefully plan the placement of components
– Place analog and digital sections apart
– Group components into ‘functional blocks’
– Place ICs in the same direction
– Align ICs, resistors, labels, capacitors etc.
– Place de-caps close by their ICs
– Place Op-amp resistors near the Op-amp
– Plan for mounting holes and heat sinks
• Aim for symmetry when possible
• Do use Design Rule check

78
Background: Apple Macintosh PCB from http://www.digibarn.com/collections
Best Practices: Routing strategy
• On two sided boards keep traces perpendicular as much as possible
• Avoid 90 degree bends in tracks (reduced chances of acid traps)
• Keep traces a short as possible
• Always connect a trace to the center of the pad
• Use teardrops (Tools >> tear drops), and use vias to avoid lockout
• Do not place vias under SMD pads
• Layout first all critical traces
e.g. CLK, diff pairs, controlled length
• Polygons as fills:
Connect to GND (EMC), or do not leave ‘dead copper’
• Rout nicely

[Ref 3] 79
 Best Practices: Labelling
• Always sign your design: add date,
version, and name of board

• Label all relevant inputs and outputs

• Default sizes for comments and

designators are 60mils x 10mils

• If you have silkscreen on both sides

add a 'TOP' label to the top overlay.

80
 Best Practices: Finishing touches
• Add mounting holes
• Confirm Board Information
– Properties panel: Board information section (when no
objects are selected)
– Click on Reports and select:
• Board Specifications
• Non-Plated Hole Size
• Plated Hole Size
• Using the hole size editor:
– Minimize the total number of holes sizes
– Verify that all vias are the same size (if possible)
• Verify that there are no unwanted leftovers on
any Mechanical layer
81
 Online resources
1. Ten best practices of PCB design – EDN
Magazine, Edwin Robledo & Mark Toth

2. Circuit Board Layout Techniques – Texas

Instruments, Chapter 17 of Op-amps for
everyone

3. PCB Design Tutorial – David L. Jones

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