PCB layout is the task of translating a schematic diagram into the copper interconnections required to fabricate a printed circuit board. We currently use two tools for PCB design in the EDF: * [http://www.expresspcb.com ExpressPCB] in Ubuntu Linux''' * ''''Pros:''' FREE schematic editor and layout program. Very easy to learn/use. * ''''Cons:''' Only ExpressPCB can manufacture boards. Very little design checking. Maximum 4 layers (2 routing, 2 power layers) * [http://www.altium.com Altium] 30-day free trial available. We plan to switch to this as our primary layout tool for jobs too big for ExpressPCB in 2011. Preview tools for looking at Gerber format files * [http://gerbv.sourceforge.net/ gerbv] * [http://www.graphicode.com/ GC-Prevue] Legacy tools: * [http://www.orcad.com OrCAD] * [http://www.mentor.com/products/pcb-system-design/design-flows/pads/ Mentor PADS] * [http://ohm.bu.edu/~pbohn/__Engineering_Reference/pcb_layout/pcbmatrix/ Download Files] * [http://ohm.bu.edu/~pbohn/__Engineering_Reference/pcb_layout/pads_gs.pdf PADS Logic Getting Started Guide] * [http://www.pcbmatrix.com/Products/CADTools/PADS/ PCB Matrix PADS Layout Tools] * [http://www.olimex.com/pcb/dtools.html List of Layout Tools] == Training, Tutorials, & Background Information == * [http://alternatezone.com/electronics/files/PCBDesignTutorialRevA.pdf PCB Design Tutorial] * [http://www.analog.com/en/wireless-solutions/applications/overview/CU_over_Tips_for_improving_High-Speed_PCB_Layout/resources/fca.html Tips for Improving High-Speed PCB Layout] * [http://digikey.com/PTM/IndividualPTM.page?site=us&lang=en&ptm=4642 High-Speed PCB Layout (Digi-Key PMT)] * Bypass Capacitors * Choosing and using bypass capacitors (Planet Analog) – [http://www.planetanalog.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199905522 Part 1] • [http://www.planetanalog.com/features/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=W4XGTSH4X4RJMQSNDLRCKHSCJUNN2JVN?articleID=199905942 Part 2] • [http://www.planetanalog.com/features/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=IXMUD1DH1AC4UQSNDLRSKHSCJUNN2JVN?articleID=200001206 Part 3] * [http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/application_notes/xapp623.pdf Xilinx XAPP623 Power Distribution System (PDS) Design] * PCB bypass-capacitor Placement: [http://www.planetanalog.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207602816 A bypass-capacitor dialogue peels back the layers] * [http://www.analog.com/en/pcb-design-resources/content/pcb_design_resources/fca.html Analog Devices PCB Design Resources] * [http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/39-05/Web_Ch7_final_J.pdf Op Amp Applications Handbook - Hardware and Housekeeping Techniques] * [http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/39-06/Chapter%209%20Hardware%20Design%20Techniques%20F.pdf The Data Conversion Handbook - Hardware Design Techniques] == Standards Organizations == * [http://www.ipc.org IPC] * [http://www.jedec.org/ JEDEC] == Design Check Lists == * [http://ohm.bu.edu/~pbohn/__Engineering_Reference/pcb_layout/PCB_LAYOUT_CHECKLIST_Google_Marks.doc PCB CHECKLIST] * [http://www.aqdi.com/check.htm Electronics Design Checklist] == PCB Calculators == * http://www.ultracad.com/calc.htm * http://www.technick.net/public/code/cp_dpage.php?aiocp_dp=util_pcb_imp_calculator * http://www.skottanselektronik.com/ * http://sourceforge.net/projects/qucs/ * http://www.national.com/analog/interface/rapidesigner_tools * http://sourceforge.net/projects/mdtlc/ * http://www.pcb123.com/help/calculators/ * http://www.eecircle.com/applets/muwave.html * http://referencedesigner.com/cal/cal_02.php