Although the PCB design process may vary depending on the company, the fundamental steps are the same. It begins with an idea for a product that is then turned into a manufacturable product. The process includes serial and parallel paths, as well as loops for review and modification. Let’s explore the basic steps of the PCB design process.
High-Level Specifications The first step is creating high-level specifications, where design disciplines collaborate to determine the product details and schedule. Once the vision is clear, each discipline is assigned specific tasks. The PCB design process involves many subgroups, such as design engineers, signal integrity (SI) engineers, and PCB librarians.
Simulation and Schematic Entry Once the above tasks are completed, the next step is simulation and schematic entry, which are critical to driving the actual PCB design process. There are review loops built into this process to identify potential issues.
PCB Layout After the simulation and schematic processes, the PCB Designer begins the actual layout of the PCB. The designer places the components, following data from SI engineers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, test engineers, and electrical design engineers. After initial placement, there is a review with stakeholders to ensure mechanical restrictions and manufacturing concerns are addressed.
Critical Signal Paths Next, critical signals are routed with reviews from electrical design engineers and SI engineers. Valor NPI is used to analyze the critical routing to ensure fabricator requirements are met.
Routing and Cleanup The remainder of the design is routed, followed by cleanup. Silkscreen and solder mask are adjusted, and fabrication and assembly drawings are created.
DFM Review The final step is a complete Design for Manufacturing (DFM) review, which includes both Design for Fabrication (DFF) and Design for Assembly (DFA) analysis. Using Valor NPI throughout the PCB design process minimizes design issues, resulting in a PCB that is ready for the final step: DFM analysis approval. Once approved, the design is released for manufacturing as a clean design.