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56 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2021 each circuit is composed of two sub-sections distinctly spaced apart horizontally (Figure 2). ese PCBs and circuit boards that exhibit symmetry are typically easier to troubleshoot and repair because defects that disrupt the symmetrical nature of the design are easy to identify. In Figure 3, we see an example of symmetri- cal component population, and aer the sym- metry is broken due to a missing component (R3). e use of symmetry attracts the attention of the observer and repeated patterns are more easily recognized. I designed the following volt- age and current MUX board (Figure 4) for a customer. e connectors that provide the interface to the MUX (in/out, voltage/current) are level with each other and spaced relatively evenly across from each other on the board. e connector responsible for the support func- tions (power, control, monitor- ing) is placed asymmetrically to one side of the board. As much as we tend to like symmetry and patterns, we tend to dislike asym- metry just as much. In Figure 4, off to either side are distinct grouping of circuits used which provide suppor t functions to the main functions of the design (power, control, Figure 2: PCB designers use the artistic principals of symmetry to transform PCBs into functional works of art. Figure 3: Pattern replication is often used hand in hand with symme- try as reinforcement of functional groupings of circuits in a design.