PCB Layout Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering with JLCPCB

Making a printed circuit board (PCB) may be enjoyable and fulfilling, particularly when you see your vision realized. This tutorial will walk you through ordering PCB designs at JLCPCB and provide helpful advice grounded on our own experiences. We will go over everything you need to know to get your PCBs made quickly, from choosing the type of board you want to placing your order.

Step 1: Define Your PCB Type

It is important to know the type of PCB you need before you start creating it. JLCPCB has a number of types, and each one is good for a different purpose:

a. Normal Board

· Characteristics:

The design does not have any blind or hidden holes, and all of the holes are through-holes. Perfect for circuits that do not need a lot of high-frequency signals or power sources.

· Application:

General electronics that can do basic things.

b. Power Supply Board

· Characteristics:

The power source takes up more than 30% of the design. High-frequency waves can not go through this type.

· Application:

Boards that distribute power in bigger systems.

c. High-Speed or High-Frequency Board

· Characteristics:

Fits circuits where the frequency is higher than 1GHz. Needs careful thought about controlling radiation and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

· Application:

RF applications, high-speed data processing tools, and advanced telecommunications.

d. HDI (High-Density Interconnector)

· Characteristics:

Microvias with an inner width of less than 6 mil (0.15 mm) are one of its features. It usually has more than 130 pins per square inch and more than 170 inches per square inch of route.

· Application:

For use in small, complicated systems that need high-performance circuits.

Step 2: Determine PCB Dimensions

Next, you need to decide what size your PCB will be. JLCPCB will make a rectangular shape by default if you do not tell it otherwise. You can tell the design team what sizes are acceptable, and they will do their best to stick to them.

Tip: If your plan goes over these limits, you may have to make changes, which could take more time and cause delays.

Step 3: Specify Layer Count

It is very important to know how many levels your PCB will have. You can tell JLCPCB this, and it is also a good idea to find out the highest number of layers that are needed. Each layer makes the plan more complicated, so give it a lot of thought.

· Layer Count Optimization:

If you have specific needs when it comes to layer count and stack-up structure, make sure the seller knows about them during the buying process.

Step 4: Count Your Pads

The pad count is an important detail. It tells you how many pads are on your board, in both through-hole and surface-mounted types. The number of pads has a direct effect on the design and layout of the PCB.

· Why It Matters:

A higher pad count usually means that the design is more complicated, which might need more advanced production methods.

Step 5: Complete the Requirement File

JLCPCB gives you a template that you can fill out with detailed information about your needs. This file is very important for making sure that the planning and production go smoothly.

· What to Include:

Make sure to list all the details, such as the type of PCB, its size, the number of layers, the number of pads, and any special requests.

Step 6: Prepare Related Files

For a PCB order to go well, you must upload the right linked files. Make sure your files are in the right format and well organized. Usually, you need to give these things:

· Schematic Files:

To make these, you can use design tools like EasyEDA Pro.

· DXF Files:

Give your PCB CAD structural models.

· Datasheets:

You should include datasheets for the parts you used in your plan.

Step 7: Submit Your Order

After you have done these things, it is time to place your order. Check all of your requirements to make sure they are correct before you send them in. After sending, you will get a proof, and you may need to talk to the JLCPCB team about any problems or changes.

Step 8: What to Expect as Deliverables

You can expect to get a number of items from JLCPCB after you send in your order. Some of these are:

· Gerber Files:

274X file for making PCBs.

· CPL (Component Placement List) File:

In XLS or CSV format for putting together a PCB.

· BOM (Bill of Materials) File:

For buying parts and putting them together.

· DXF File:

For building models in CAD.

· 3D Model File:

Usually in OBJ format, but EasyEDA Pro users can also get it in STEP format.

· Assembly Drawing:

A PDF file that shows how the top and bottom silkscreens are put together.

· Source/Design Document:

A detailed record of your creation.

· PCB Production Instructions:

Rules for making the board, including impedance, layer stack-up, and production methods.

Step 9: Quality Control and Production

As soon as JLCPCB gets your order, they will start making it. They do very thorough quality checks on your PCBs to make sure they meet the standards. You can check on the progress at their website.

Stay Informed: Regular updates will help you figure out when the delivery is due.

The process of ordering PCBs can be easy if you follow the right steps and give clear instructions. When you use JLCPCB's services, you not only get high-quality manufacturing but also an easy buying process. Every step, from choosing the type of PCB to getting your results, is necessary to reach your design goals.