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
Using Via-in-Pad Technology: What You Need to Know, Design Guidelines, and More…
In the world of multi-layer PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, vias are essential parts that connect different layers of a board. As electronic devices become more compact and complex, designers must employ advanced technologies to optimize board space and performance. One such technology is via-in-pad technology, which has become increasingly popular in high-density and high-performance PCB designs. This article explores the essentials of via-in-pad technology, including guidelines for its implement......
Castellated PCBs: Introduction and Design Requirements
With the rapid development of electronic technology, electronic products are moving towards miniaturization, portability, multi-functionality, high integration, and high reliability.Consequently, printed circuit boards (PCBs) are frequently designed to integrate pre-existing, off-the-shelf modules. For example, IoT Bluetooth modules or NB-IoT modules, which are indispensable communication modules, can be soldered onto PCBs just like chips. These carrier boards are characterized by their small size and......
How to Run a Design Rule Check (DRC) for Your PCBs
Any time you design a PCB, and you want to turn it into a real product, you will have to make sure the design obeys all the constraints within the standard PCB manufacturing process. These constraints in the PCB design are known as Design rules and to check these rules in a CAD software we have to run the DRC(Design Rule Check) algorithm. The ever-increasing complexity of boards has made it nearly impossible to carry out the design rule verification process manually, so designers have to program the r......
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......
The Role of PCB Test Fixtures in High-Volume Manufacturing
In high-volume manufacturing of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), quality, efficiency, and reliability are paramount. One of the most crucial tools in achieving these goals is the PCB test fixture. These fixtures play a vital role in ensuring that PCBs meet the required performance standards before they are integrated into electronic devices. This article delves into the importance of PCB test fixtures, their types, and how they contribute to the efficiency of high-volume manufacturing. Specialized and c......
SMT or Through Hole Technology？Which is Better for Your Project？
When designing and manufacturing electronics, one of the most important steps is selecting the appropriate assembly method. Nowadays we have through-hole technology and surface mount technology, which become the industry standards and are the two main approaches. The surface-mount technology (SMT) uses components that are perfectly aligned with the PCB surface. On the other hand through-hole technology (THT) uses leads that are placed into pre-drilled holes in the PCB and thereafter soldered. Consider......