In electronic R&D, PCB Layout is arguably the loneliest job. I’ll use a real example to explain why.
In electronic R&D, PCB Layout is arguably the loneliest job. I’ll use a real example to explain why.
The Process
-
After finishing the schematic, you import
507 components into the PCB, all to fit within a
200 mm × 86 mm board.
Initial PCB layout with 507 components before placement
-
Next is component placement.
You must arrange all parts by experience to minimize trace length while meeting enclosure constraints.
- Single‑sided placement: Low cost but very hard to route
- Double‑sided placement: Easier routing but much higher SMT cost
After many iterations, you finish the placement.
- Final component layout after optimization
- Then you route all the “rat lines” into real copper traces.
- 2‑layer board: Only top/bottom routing; high risk of shorts
- 4‑layer board: Easier routing but nearly double the cost
After days of struggle, you complete the routing.
- Final cleanup: adjust trace widths, silkscreen, DRC checks, etc.
The Final Stats
- Board size: 200.638 mm × 85.983 mm
- Total components: 507
- Pads: 1758
- Vias: 754
- Traces: 22629
- DRC violations: 47 (then fixed to 0)
- Unrouted nets: 0
Completed PCB design with full statistics table
The Loneliness
As someone with mild OCD, even when the board is “done,” I still tweak it every time I reopen the file.
In PCB design,
there is no “perfect,” only “better.”You only feel truly free once you send the Gerber files to the factory.
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