Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1400005
32 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2021 started by reading the main IC's datasheet and I found a reference design for the part, as well as design suggestions and additional part rec- ommendations. Most (if not all) ICs have ref- erence designs in their datasheets, and they are a great starting point for designers. I created a schematic, ran my design rule check and sur- prisingly, everything passed. I moved on to layout. Once I got started, the whole process was flowing. At that point, I couldn't remember why I was initially so stressed out about it. I had some doubts and worries along the way, but I was hoping if I had followed all the rules and design specifications that the board would work. Aer a nerve- wracking two weeks for fabrication and assem- bly, the boards came back fully functional, and we still use them to this day. Looking back, I realize that experience played a big part in my PCB design education; everyone has to start somewhere. As I was designing more boards and working on more complex designs, I got comfortable using the tool and more confident about my skill. Even as I was gaining more experience, I still had ups and downs along the way. ere was a time I sent out boards for fabri- cation and heard back from the manufacturer that my design was not manufacturable. I've had to modify designs quickly in order to meet deadlines and schedules, and I've made hand alterations when I have accidentally missed something in the design. All of it—the good and bad—was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Being under pressure to deliver functioning boards, on time, made me aware of what could go wrong, and it forced me to employ a systematic approach to every design I work on. I started keeping notes of the tricks I learned along the way and because of that, I ensured that I wouldn't make the same mistakes again. Here are some of the design practices that I've been following while designing boards. 1. Understand your manufacturer's capabilities. Altium Designer allows designers to set rules to anything you want: trace width, spac- ing, impedance control, via size, etc. But it is important to be aware that once you are done with your design, you need to send it to a fabri- cator to bring it to life. Unfortunately, design- ers sometimes create designs that are not fea- sible in real life. I've found that it is best to speak to your fabricators first and understand their design limitations and capabilities. ere are industry standards that can be followed, but for more complicated designs that are con- strained with space and rules, it is always best to start with getting all the information you need to deliver the best design. 2. Understand your design requirements. I always spend a significant amount of time understanding what needs to be done and familiarizing myself with the parts. Read- ing the datasheet and application notes thor- oughly can considerably decrease the amount of time you spend on the design. In addition, I like to validate my designs before I send them out for fabrication. By simulating and testing the design beforehand with soware, development kits, and breadboard compo- nents, I ensure design functionality and have the freedom to test multiple configurations of the design before I hand off the data package. It also makes me more confident about my design. After a nerve-wracking two weeks for fabrication and assembly, the boards came back fully functional, and we still use them to this day.