Avoiding Ambiguities for Non-Standard PCB Shapes
2 min
- 1. Routing Only Along the Outer Layer
- 2. Routing Along the Indents
Typically, PCBs have regular rectangular shapes. However, nowadays, many PCBs are becoming smaller in size, and with the changing market, they are incorporating more functions and accommodating more diverse casing shapes. This has led to more complex designs, especially for non-standard shapes that often require more care in design and manufacture.
Now, let's explore the different outcomes that can arise due to the improper design of non-standard shapes.
1. Routing Only Along the Outer Layer
(Green line in the image is the track of the router bit) The final result will look like the image below:
2. Routing Along the Indents
For this kind of non-standard design with ambiguity, different outcomes can emerge. Some design engineers might be careless and might simply say "produce it as per the original drawing." In such cases, the result might be:
The produced board could be like this:
A PCB file should convey your manufacturing intentions clearly. Engineering design should be rigorous and meticulous. A casually designed or ambiguous approach can lead to misunderstandings and produce products that don't align with your expectations. It's important to avoid these ambiguities by ensuring precise and detailed design in order to achieve the desired outcomes in production.
Keep Learning
PCB Design : How to Resolve Short Circuit Defects Caused by HASL
Key Takeaways In high-density PCB designs, HASL frequently causes solder bridging and short circuits due to its uneven surface and molten solder flow, especially on fine-pitch and dense traces. The most effective solution is to switch to ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold), which provides superior planarity, significantly reduces bridging risks, and improves assembly yield. By selecting ENIG for dense layouts, optimizing solder mask design, and running DFM checks, designers can effectively elimin......
Design Process of a Surface Mount PCB
Key Takeaways Mastering the surface mount PCB design process is essential for creating compact, high-density, and reliable electronic boards. This comprehensive guide walks through the complete SMT workflow — from schematic capture and component selection to optimized layout, precise routing, DRC/ERC verification, and Gerber file generation — enabling designers to achieve superior performance, better manufacturability, and cost efficiency compared to traditional through-hole methods. By following thes......
Implications of border lines and 3D footprint lines on Mechanical Layer 1
Key Takeaways Mastering Mechanical Layer 1 is essential for accurate PCB manufacturing. Always place the complete board outline, mounting holes, and irregular slots on Mechanical Layer 1 (GM1), as JLCPCB prioritizes the lowest-numbered Mechanical Layer while ignoring KEEP-OUT and higher Mechanical Layers. 3D footprint lines serve only as design references and will not be fabricated. Following these layer priority rules and best practices ensures correct board dimensions, proper slot formation, and avo......
How to Avoid Shorts and Open Circuits in Dry Film Etching Process
When utilizing the dry film etching process, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent short circuits and open circuits in printed circuit boards (PCBs). JLCPCB emphasizes specific considerations to ensure the integrity and functionality of PCB designs. This article provides guidelines for maintaining adequate trace width and spacing as well as utilizing hatched copper pours effectively to avoid defects during the dry film etching process. Maintaining Adequate Trace Width and Spacing JLCPCB employs......
How to Set PCB Via Tenting in PCB Design Software
Introduction Via tenting refers to covering the via pads and holes with solder mask ink (also known as solder resist), preventing solder from adhering to the pads. This is a process widely used in most circuit boards. It's a critical part of PCB design, protecting the vias and enhancing the board’s durability and performance. In this guide, we'll show you how to configure PCB via tenting in commonly used software such as Altium Designer (AD) and Protel 99 to ensure your Gerber files meet the required ......
FPC Panelization Design Standards and Requirements
FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) panelization is the process of arranging multiple FPC boards onto a single panel for efficient production. Proper panelization is crucial for optimizing material utilization, reducing production costs, and ensuring product quality. JLCPCB recommends following these standards to achieve the best yield and compatibility with SMT processes. General Panelization Guidelines Irregularly Shaped Frames: For irregularly shaped FPC frames, consider using JLC's irregular pane......