Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1537388
JULY 2025 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 29 ▼ F i g u re 4 : E xa m p l e of p hys i c a l r u l e s : t ra c e a n d v i a p ro p e r t i e s w i t h t h e c o n st ra i nt s m a n a g e r. ▼ F i g u re 5 : E xa m p l e of e l e ct r i c a l r u l e s w i t h i n t h e c o n st ra i nt s m a n a g e r. • Give your copper features enough separa- tion to enable the best performance possi- ble. This also includes balancing the copper within the same layer (X-Y axis). • Solder mask clearances must be addressed. This includes addressing any solder paste concerns. • Provide appropriate component spacing for assembly. The goal is to automate compo- nent placement as much as possible. • Implementation of test points should not be an afterthought. It costs more, in both time and money, to go back and add them after the layout is initially completed. Some tips to make constraint management easier: • Document everything » Write stuff down. The future you will thank present you. » Create an Engineering Input or Guidelines document that captures the engineering intent of the design. » Keep a cheat sheet of your rules. » Establish constraint template(s) for reuse. Don't reinvent the wheel every time. Reuse is a powerful methodology that is a game changer. » Make notes about why you chose certain constraints.