PCB News - A prerequisite for Layout masters! do you know?

1 Tools and skills Software: Allegro, WG and EN must be one of them. The work efficiency of these tools is much higher than that of Protel and PADS. Experts cannot waste a lot of time on tools. In addition, only those who use these tools will often do simulations. If you use the PADS drawing board, Hyperlynx can also do simulations, but there are fewer people doing this, like our moderator yang. When actually drawing boards, I have hardly seen anyone use PADS to draw boards with more than 20 layers, but Allegro and WG are used a lot. Only people who often do simulations can have the theoretical foundation of high-speed design. If you haven't done simulation, you can only talk about theory on paper. In addition to mastering one of the above tools, Protel, PADS and even ZUKEN also need to know some, know the general characteristics and file formats of these tools, be able to convert common EDA file formats, and understand package library design. Gerber files can be checked with conventional CAM tools. In addition, you must master at least one impedance calculation tool, be familiar with the operating system, and be able to install and configure commonly used EDA software. Can understand mechanical drawings in mainstream CAD formats. Proficient in using rule parameters to constrain the design, have designed single-sided and 10-layer PCB boards, no less than 5 pieces for 10,000 pins or more, no less than 10 pieces for 5,000 pins or more, and no less than two years of pure Layout experience.

Hardware: Simple operation of commonly used instrumentation tools, such as multimeters, soldering irons, oscilloscopes and signal generators, can help hardware engineers perform simple board debugging and easily locate PCB-related layout design issues.

2 Theoretical basis: Familiar with analog and digital electronics, able to analyze simple circuit diagrams, basic understanding of the design ideas of hardware engineers, and familiar with the high-frequency characteristics of common passive small devices. Familiar with transmission line principles, familiar with basic concepts such as bus, topology, timing, impedance matching, etc., able to analyze the characteristics of common topologies, and provide layout solutions for common multi-load buses. Familiar with the common parameters of signal quality, understand the generation mechanism of up and down, ringing, etc., and be able to initially evaluate the pros and cons of eye diagrams. Understand the basic principles of electromagnetic compatibility and know common electromagnetic compatibility certification types.

3 Process knowledge: understand the PCB manufacturing process, familiar with common plates and their dielectric constant characteristics, know common board surface heat treatment methods, understand the sequence of main processes such as lamination, drilling, electroplating, and understand gold fingers, slotting, and grooving And common production methods such as jigsaw. Understand the SMT production process, understand the characteristics of wave soldering and reflow soldering, and know several common component assembly methods and their assembly sequence. Able to formulate the main layout process design rules according to the board manufacturing process and the SMT assembly process.

4 Language: Ability to read and write in English, able to understand more than 80% of Hi-Speed Digital Design with the help of translation tools, and basically understand foreigners' technical speeches.

5 Personal qualities: Good sense of teamwork, able to work smoothly with other colleagues in difficult PCB design. Lead a team or group of no less than 5 people, and be able to train new employees to get started.