wiki:PCBLayoutNotes

Reference

Grids / Traces

  • Use English measurements (mils, not mm)
    • (for metric components of course, define the footprint in mm)
  • Place all components on .050 grid to start, .025 if required
  • Trace width spacing minimum .006 / .006 (wider for power)
  • Route on .025 grid to start, .0125 if required
  • For metric / off-grid pads, route nearby then short off-angle segment to pad

ALWAYS WORK WITH GRID SNAP ON and set to a sensible value. "Sensible" means normally .025 for placement, no smaller than .0125 for routing. Use smaller only for special requirements or silkscreen text placement.

Holes / Pads

  • Hole sizes specified are finished which are typically .003-.004 smaller than the drill size.
  • A good minimum via size is .015 pad with .005 hole.
  • For thru-hole component leads, specify a hole size at least .005 largerthan the lead diameter.
  • CAVEAT In vsn 4.0.7, KiCad?'s gerber generating code will convert slots to circular drills.

Silkscreen

  • Minimum text height .040 and minimum line width .006
  • Silkscreen text cannot overlap other silkscreen graphics, pads or holes
  • Start with all text right-side up, rotate 90 degrees in one direction if needed

Useful Writeups on Footprint Design

Selected PCB capabilities from mid-range houses as of June 2016

Feature Advanced Sunstone Sierra JLCPCB OshPark?
Outer Layer Trace Width (1 oz) .005 .006 .003 .0035 .006
Outer Layer Trace Spacing .005 .006 .003 .0035 .006
Innner Layer Trace width (1 oz) .004
Inner Layer Trace Spacing .005
Pad size over drill (dia) .010 .006 .006 .010
Pad size over finish hole .018
Via size over drill (dia) .008
Minimum drill (full spec) .006 .008 .010
Minimum drill (quick proto) .010 .010 .008
Soldermask minimum web .004 .005 .004
Soldermask clearance (std) .002 .002

Manufacturer Notes

Sierra (aka protoexpress.com) have "No Touch" service (guidelines). Around $100 for 3 pcs 2.5x5.5 for example.

Advanced (aka 4pcb.com) has "$33 special" (min 3pcs) up to 50 in2. Could batch these.

Sunstone ValueProto? service is around $115 plus shipping for a 2.5x3.5 board.

Last modified 5 years ago Last modified on Feb 24, 2020, 6:32:12 PM