How do we design a PCB with SMT components for assembling?

I am a junior electrical engineer and last week I have joined a product develpment project which involves SMT PCB. Would you like to share some general steps about designing PCB?

PCB Assembly
September 13, 2023

Designing a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) with SMT (Surface Mount Technology) components involves several steps, including:

Make a schematic diagram of the circuit. This design will include all the components used in the circuit, with their connections.
Create the PCB layout. Just put the components on the PCB and route the traces to connect them.
Choose Component. They should be suitable in size, proper in distance from each other. Also, choose some components that are readily reliable and available.
Create footprint for each component. Try to use software tools or get them from a component library.
Place the component and Route the trace. Please follow industry-standard design rules to make sure your design is manufacturable.
Generate Gerber. Next step is generating Gerber files. Your manufacturer need that to produce board.
Prototype and Testing. Send the files to your manufacturer and ask for a prototype. You can test it to check how well it works. If any worry, contact your manufacturer to discuss and solve the problem.

#PCB Assembly #SMT PCB Assembly #PCB Design

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

What do we need to check before releasing a PCB design?

After making efforts in a period, I finally finish my PCB design. Next step is releasing them to factory for production. To be honest, I don’t want any mistake on my file which may interrupt further prodution process. So what points should I pay attention when I double-check my design?

Oliver Smith September 13, 2023

How do I determine the traces width when designing a PCB?

Our team are developing a portable medical device with a small size, so we need a small PCB. How do I determine the traces width when designing a PCB? Actually we want it as narrow as possible to fit the device, is it OK?

Oliver Smith September 25, 2023

Why are there swirls or zig-zag lines on the PCB samples?

I send my PCB design to manufacturer for prototype, but they send back deviated PCB samples with additional zig-zag. Why are there zig-zag lines on it? Reducing interference?

Oliver Smith October 11, 2023