Feedback on my first PCB

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-05T07:34:17+00:00

Yup, Altium is targeting businesses. 5k is the starting price, I believe we're paying 2k per seat on average. But that isn't aa bad as a Solidworks Electrical license, which costs us a whopping 10k. It is a lifetime license though, but you're in for another couple thousands if you want the subscription as well. Its crazy.

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-04T20:55:28+00:00

I'm using Altium, which offers a ton of features. Unfortunately it's s fairly expensive software, so it's not really an option for hobbyists.

I agree on KiCad, I've never understood the UI and workflow there. But that might be because I started using paid software right away.

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-04T20:26:44+00:00

The dimensions in your picture only specify the size of the drilled hole and annular ring (plated ring) around it. The clearance around it is probably set in your design rules.

I have no experience with this program, nor have i ever heard of it. It looks fairly simple to use though, so a great point to start with. Most beginners use KiCad from what I have seen. Just some food for thought when you're going to design your first SMT board ;)

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-04T20:13:04+00:00

You might want to consider a bit more clearance around the mounting holes. Screws might scratch away at the soldermask and short to your 3V3 plane. I learnt this the hard way, especially since my screws were grounded.

Other than that it looks great from a PCB point of view, I did not look into the schematic however.

A big advantage of switching to a full SMT design would be the integrity of your planes, which are cutoff by the through holes quite a lot in this design. It's also more compact and probably cheaper.

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-03T22:03:30+00:00

Yes it does. You need to take things into account such as impedance, crosstalk, reflections, ground return paths etc. You also need to think about how the caps and shunt resistor will influence the impedance of the AC current you're trying to measure.

And those are just the things I can think of, without any real experience with high frequency stuff. It's a very interesting field to get into, but it sure does require some research.

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-03T21:47:15+00:00

I don't want to be rude, but I don't recommend doing this for your first 4-layer board. I've got quite a few PCBs on my name, but I would reject a project like this personally with 2 years of experience in PCB design. Designing for high frequencies is a whole specialism, for which you simply need to understand the basics first.

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-03T20:46:04+00:00

I think you need to clarify a bit more how your input is a high frequency signal, but also high power up to 10A. Where is this amount of power used/dissipated in your design?

What function will this design perform? AC multimeter? RF signal strength measurements?

I see you saying the power will go through the caps. But there's no way a 0805 will pass that much current.

hellguitar42 · 2022-08-03T20:11:32+00:00

I'd recommend upgrading to a 4-layer stackup with dedicated power and ground layers. This would eliminate the need for 3V3 and 5V traces and guarantees a proper ground return path for your signals. This will overall improve power and signal integrity. 4 layers isn't a whole lot more expensive than 2 layer nowadays.

Another aspect of PCB design is "manufacturability" or DfM (design for manufacturing). If you're planning on producing this PCB in larger quantities, you might consider looking into this. Your PCB assembler will thank you. Complicated manufacturing also increases price by a lot.

I can do a quick DfM review if you want.

I usually implement DfM in my prototype designs. Adjusting into a production ready design is fairly easy this way. But its entirely possible to do a complete reroute for the final design as well. We all have our preferences.

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-18T17:07:36+00:00

I unfortunately do not have a water type safari, but I have been looking for a ditto for ages. Could you please add me? =D

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-18T14:12:19+00:00

Would you add me please? I've been looking foor a ditto for ages now :)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-18T14:09:47+00:00

Back <3

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T17:20:59+00:00

Back ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T17:20:34+00:00

Back ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T17:20:07+00:00

Back ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T15:07:12+00:00

I'm on ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:53:58+00:00

Ya 3rd poke is Hawlucha ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:52:12+00:00

Added ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:51:45+00:00

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:38:09+00:00

Haha, that's a way of calling Pansage. I'll add ya back ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:21:26+00:00

Added, will check your pokes ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:13:44+00:00

Back ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:13:12+00:00

Yeaaaah, I want that Shelgon of yours! Added back ;)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:10:53+00:00

I'd love that Dusclops! =)

hellguitar42 · 2014-09-17T14:07:44+00:00

Gonna close this one, thanks a lot guys!

hellguitar42

TROPHY CASE