Pcb checklist

CUSF PCB Checklist

This PCB design checklist contains things you should check before you send a PCB off to manufacture. It includes generally good ideas and some lessons learned the hard way! Feel free to update as experience is gained.

1. Schematic Checks

    - Check component values (including tolerances and power ratings)
    - Check component pinouts (check against the footprint too!)
    - Check over any complicated or novel sections of the schematic, especially e.g. high power and RF
    - Check pin allocations on a microcontroller are compatible with required peripherals
    - Check any serial lines have RX/TX swapped where required
    - ESD diodes on all world-facing connectors
    - Check all parts have order codes for the correct item
    - Check app notes and datasheets for novel parts for hints on decoupling, layout, app circuits, etc
    - LED indicators (status, power, etc)
    - Use reasonably large LED resistors - don't need to blind anyone with indicators
    - Don't mix up global and local/hierarchical net labels
    - Check label directions are appropriate (inputs/outputs/bidi/etc)
    - Run ERC: no errors or warnings
- PCB Checks
    - Decoupling capacitors all close to IC power pins, with smallest values closest to the pins
    - Power nets as simple and tree-like as possible. Avoid loops
    - Ground pours should have a bit more clearance than the minimum
    - Stitch ground planes together well if using more than one
    - Crystal traces as short and symmetrical as possible
    - ESD diodes as close to connector pins as possible
    - Check component footprints against datasheet for new footprints
    - Double check pinouts on the PCB against the datasheet
    - Ensure sufficient mounting holes are present, with enough clearance for bolt heads
    - If the PCB has to fit in a specific geometry, check board dimensions and connector placements
    - Silkscreen:
        - Date, revision, name
        - Pin 1 indicators
        - Power and other connector pin labels
        - Clearly mark polarity and functionality for connectors
        - LED labels
        - Orientation labels
    - Check datasheets for specific PCB layout advice
        - No copper underneath magnetometers
        - GPS receiver ground planes on both layers
    - Add test points to nets of interest
    - Print out a 1:1 copy and inspect visually for anything that stands out
    - Check over mask and stencil settings: avoid too much mask or paste
    - Check positions where they're important, e.g. board mounted connectors, outline shape, location of mounting holes
    - Round off PCB corners
    - Check power traces are as thick as practical and ground planes as complete as possible
    - Run DRC: no errors or warnings