Six Common Mistakes in PCB Design (Part 2)

4. Use Inefficient Layout Techniques or Incorrect Components

Smaller and faster devices allow PCB design engineers to lay out complex designs. This design will use smaller components to reduce the footprint, and they will also be placed closer together. The use of some technologies, such as embedded discrete devices on the internal PCB layer, or ball grid array (BGA) packaging with a smaller pin pitch, will help reduce the size of the circuit board, improve performance, and reserve space, making it easier when you make a mistake and need to restart. When used with components with high pin counts and smaller pitches, it is important to select the correct circuit board layout technology at design time, so as to avoid problems in the future and reduce manufacturing costs as much as possible.

In addition, you must carefully study the value range and performance characteristics of the replacement components you intend to use, even those that are marked as drop-in replacements. A small change in the characteristics of the replacement component may be enough to mess up the performance of the entire design.

5. Forgot to Back up Your Work

Back up important data. Do I still need to remind you? At the very least, you should back up your most important work results and other hard-to-replace files. Although most companies back up all the company’s data every day, some smaller companies may not do this, or if you work from home, neither will you. Nowadays, backing up data to the cloud is so convenient and cheap. There is really no excuse not to back up the data and keep the data in a safe place to prevent it from being stolen, encountering fires, and other local disasters.

6. Become a Single Island

When I was a programming engineer in my early years, I remember that we spent too much time reviewing code design. But looking back now, I have to admit that this part of this process is really important, and this importance is also the same in PCB design. Although you may think that your design is flawless, and making mistakes is not your style at all, but many times, your peers will see some mistakes in your design that you did not notice. Sometimes, even if you know the intricate details of the design, people with less exposure to it may be able to maintain a more objective attitude and provide valuable insights. Checking your design frequently with your peers can help find unforeseen problems and keep your plan on the right track, keeping costs within budget.