| Notebook section: | Hardware technical documents |
| Purpose: | Describe the technical characteristics of your PCB. |
Your PCB specification will describe your PCB design in detail. All PCB manufacturers have different sets of guidelines, however, these general guidelines are conservative enough for almost all manufacturers.
Give the following information, with supporting details as needed:
How many main (copper) layers you'll be using. I.e. top and bottom, and any inner layers.
What other layers you'll be using (solder mask, silkscreen legend, etc.)
What price you will be paying for your board. "33each" boards from Advanced Circuits are $33 each for two-layer boards. Students may order them in quantities of one - see the student discount section. Contact the instructor if you will need a multi-layer or complex board.
What trace sizes and spacing you'll be using. If you are using different sizes, explain what criteria you use. I.e. power traces are 25mil with 25mil spacing, etc.
What via sizes you're using (pad and hole sizes).
What hole (drill) sizes you are using, in mils. Many manufacturers limit the drill sizes available. Your list should be limited to the manufacturer's choices. If you include other drill sizes, they will automatically choose another (close) size. You will have holes for the following reasons:
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Vias |
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Holes for through-hole parts. |
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Holes you add for screw terminals, etc. (Note: you will have to drill large holes yourself. Check with the manufacturer for limits.) |
Include diagrams of all of the metal layers of your board and the silkscreen layers.
Kevin Bolding September 22, 2009