PCB Layout Process :
- Acquire all information needed, reviewing and verifying the accuracy.
- schematic capture and netlist generation (if not done yet)
- Create part library for the project
- PCB component placement
- Submit intermediate placement to engineer for reviewing. This is usually a discussion-modification process until get approval on final placement.
- PCB routing. PCB designer and engineer must maintain adequate and frequent communication during the routing process.
- Complete PCB layout, finalize all documents.
Information Needed for A Design Order
Bill Of Materials (BOM)
Final Netlist
Hardcopy (or electronic version) of Schematics
Data sheets for special parts, if any.
Any special instructions on layer stack-up (i.e. Signal, Ground & Power Planes) and plane splitting
Any drawing/detailed scratch showing board shape, size, and mounting mechanism, or heat sink, etc.
Silkscreen text identification, including Part Numbers and Revisions
Any signals requiring special routing
Any placement requirements or restrictions (Placement ideas is greatly helpful).
Documents Delivered with A Design Order
standard PCB fabrication files (Gerber & NC-Drill in standard formats)
Schematics and BOM if the schematic capture process involved in the design order
Assembly drawings
Assembly machine pick-place data file
Solder paste stencil files
Other optional files as client required.