PCB DESIGN

1 Assign Board shape requirements , mounting hole requirements, plated / non plated. 
2 circuit function flowchart 
3 simulation (multisim if possible) 
4 set up initial B.O.M. 
5 Order Samples 
6 Test circuit on prototype board 
7 Make component upgrades / optimizations 
8 Over voltage check 
9 ESD Testing if necessary 
10 Draw schematic in orcad if not already done 
-Determine circuit current to assign minimum trace width
-Determine circuit current to assign minimum trace width
-assign symbols to components if not already there.
-May need to create symbols in symbol editor program or download one (snapeda.com [close program before running batch file])
-draw custom pads if needed for symbols.
- Be sure to assign pin numbers to pads in symbol
11 Output Bom and netlist from orcad 
- Netlist may have a few errors the first couple time doing this. No connects / unassigned pins, missing pin numbers
-For unused pins, create property in part properties 'NC' and enter in pins that will be unused. Comma separated.
-Be sure to remember where netlist outputted to. You will need this to import netlist to the PCB in PCB Editor
12 Draw PCB shape in PCB Editor 
-assign # of board layers.
-assign default clearances. This will help to avoid running into issues later. They can always be ignored if necessary.
-Draw inner planes (gnd, vcc) Easiest to x-copy board outline and assign to inner layer with smaller size.
13 draw plated & non plated drill holes (only for mounting holes - all through hole components should be set up by default) 
14 import netlist into PCB Editor 
15 Place parts on board ( be wary of clearance issues) Also noise, heat, space for traces, orientation of polarized parts. 
16 Route traces keeping in mind trace width and current issues. Autoroute is horrible. Thinking ahead will help to avoid 
-Check ratsnest to see if everything is connected. May need to update shapes for connections to register.
17 Line up Component Reference Designators to components on silkscreen layer 
18 Draw Extra Copper Pads Needed (heatsinks etc) 
19 DRC Check - ignore trace width issues / clearance issues that can not be helped 
20 Update Shapes 
21 Smooth Traces. 
22 Visually inspect to make sure all traces look ok 
23 Check DRC 
24 Line up Component Reference Designators to components on silkscreen layer. (There is a flip design option for a better view of bottom of board) 
25 Export Drill file (be sure to check Non-plated and Plated ). (For certain manufacturers, these will later need renamed to .txt files) 
26 Assign Name to each section of board in gerber output screen 
27 Assign All necessary parts of board to each section. (IE - top silkscreen to top silkscreen Layer) 
-There should be the following Sections
-Board Outline
-Top Copper Layer
-Bottom Copper Layer
-All inner copper layers if there are any
-Soldermask top
-Soldermask bottom
-Silkscreen Top
-Silkscreen Bottom
-Pastemask Top
-Pastemask Bottom
28 Make sure all layers have minimum line width set - this will cause error 
29 Export Gerber 
30 Wrap up all files in a zip file and name with project name and revision. 
31 Check Gerber output for any obvious errors - 4pcb.com check works great. 
-Free DFM Check. This will pick up manufacturing errors and basic board design errors. Also will give you multilayered look of board.
32 Order sample pcbs - cheap manufacturers - elecrowbazaar / bay area pcbs (can import gerbers) 
33 Order small quantity of components for testing 
34 Test sample PCBs 
35 Make revisions if needed, component changes, trace width changes, pad size changes, pad assignment changes. 
36 Order revised board 
37 Rinse and repeat 
38 Order samples from in country supplier w/ ppap information. (have them panelize to standardized width if possible) 
39 Order Solder Paste Stencil (Stencils Unlimited has quick turnaround) 
- Double check that Pastemask Layer shows all surface mount surfaces in need of solder for component placement.
- If external company is panelizing PCB design, use the panelized output, make sure fiducials are shown or include copper layer with a note.
- Check plot should be reviewed before final go ahead. Fiducials @ least 1/4" from edge.
40 Setup New PN Datasheet BOM for purchasing, need all possible parts on reels for most efficient new build process. 