The PCB board design process is divided into six steps
1. Netlist input
There are two ways to enter the netlist. One is to use PowerLogic's OLE PowerPCB Connection function, select Send netlist, and apply the OLE function to keep the schematic diagram and PCB diagram consistent at any time to minimize the possibility of errors. Another method is to load the netlist directly in PowerPCB, select File->import, and import the netlist generated by the schematic diagram.
2. Rule setting
If the design rules of the PCB board have been set in the schematic design stage, there is no need to set these rules, because when the netlist is input, the design rules have been entered into PowerPCB along with the netlist. If the design rules are modified, you must Synchronize the schematic diagram to ensure that the schematic diagram is consistent with the PCB board. In addition to the design rules and layer definitions, there are also some rules that need to be set, such as Pad Stacks, which need to modify the size of the standard vias. If the designer creates a new pad or via, be sure to add Layer25. Note:
The PCB board design rules, layer definitions, via settings, and CAM output settings have been created as default startup files, with the name Default. $tp, after the netlist is input, according to the actual situation of the design, the power supply network and ground are allocated to the power supply layer and the ground layer, and other advanced rules are set. After all the rules are set, in PowerLogic, use the Rules from pcB function of OLE Power PCB Connection to update the rule settings in the schematic to ensure that the rules of the schematic and PCB are consistent.
3. Component layout
After the netlist is entered, all components will be placed at the zero point of the work area and overlapped together. The next step is to separate these components and arrange them neatly according to some rules, that is, the component layout PowerPCB provides two methods. Manual layout and automatic layout. 2.3.1 Manual layout
a. Draw the board outline for the structure size of the printed board of the tool
b. Disperse the components (Disperse Components), the components will be arranged around the edge of the board.
c. Move and rotate the components one by one, put them inside the edge of the board, and place them neatly according to certain rules
3.1 Auto layout
PowerPCB provides automatic layout and automatic local cluster layout, but for most designs, the effect is not ideal and it is not recommended. 2.3.3 Matters needing attention
a. The first principle of the layout is to ensure the wiring rate, pay attention to the connection of the flying leads when moving the device, and put the devices with the connection relationship together
b. Digital devices and analog devices should be separated and kept as far away as possible
C. The decoupling capacitor is as close as possible to the device ⅴCC
d. Consider future soldering when placing the device, not too dense
e. Use the Aray and Union functions provided by the software more to improve layout efficiency
4. Wiring
There are also two ways of wiring, manual wiring and automatic wiring. The manual wiring function provided by PowerPCB is very powerful, including automatic pushing and online design rule checking (DRC). Automatic wiring is performed by Specctra's wiring engine. Usually these two methods are used together. The common steps are manual-automatic-manual.
3M double-sided tape
4.1. Manual wiring
a. Before automatic wiring, first hand-lay some important networks, such as high-frequency clocks, main power supplies, etc. These networks often have special requirements for wiring distance, line width, line spacing, shielding, etc.; in addition, some special packaging, Such as BGA, it is difficult to arrange automatic wiring regularly, and manual wiring must be used.
b. After the automatic wiring, the wiring of the PCB must be adjusted by manual wiring.
4.2 Automatic wiring
After the manual wiring is over, the remaining network is handed over to the automatic router for cloth. Select Tool-> SPECCTRA, start the Specctra router interface, set the DO file, press Continue to start the Specctra router automatic wiring, after the end, if the wiring rate is 100%, then you can manually adjust the wiring; if not If it reaches 100%, it indicates that there is a problem with the layout or manual wiring, and the layout or manual wiring needs to be adjusted until all the connections are made.
Precautions
a. The power cord and ground wire should be as thick as possible
b. Try to connect the decoupling capacitor directly to ⅴCC
c. When setting the Spectra DO file, first add the Protect all wires command to protect the manually clothed wires from being redistributed by the automatic router
d. If there is a mixed power layer, the layer should be defined as Split/mixed Plane, and it should be divided before wiring. After wiring, use Pour Manager's Plane Connect for copper pour
e. Set all device pins to thermal pad mode by setting Filter to Pins, select all pins, modify attributes, and tick the Thermal option
f. Turn on the DRC option when manually routing, and use Dynamic routing
5. Check
The items to be checked are Clearance, Connectivity, HighSped and Plane. These items can be selected by Tools-> Verify Design. If the high-speed rule is set, it must be checked, otherwise you can skip this item. If errors are detected, the layout and wiring must be modified.
Notice:
Some errors can be ignored. For example, a part of the outline of some connectors is placed outside the board frame, and errors will occur when checking the spacing; in addition, each time the traces and vias are modified, the copper must be re-coated.
6. Review
The review is based on the "PCB board manufacturer checklist", which includes design rules, layer definitions, line width, spacing, pads, and via settings; also focus on reviewing the rationality of the device layout, the wiring of the power supply and the grounding network, The routing and shielding of high-speed clock networks, the placement and connection of decoupling capacitors, etc. If the recheck is unqualified, the designer shall modify the layout and wiring. After passing, the rechecker and the designer shall sign separately