What is Eagle PCB Design?

To create a printed circuit board (PCB), you need what are termed ldquo;gerbersrdquo;. These are a collection of files that describe the layers of the PCB. Gerbers are essential for the manufacturing process and include detailed information such as epoxy copper, drill holes, plating, solder mask, and silk screen. Eagle PCB is a comprehensive tool that enables you to generate these gerber files. There are free versions available with limitations, such as size, but hobbyists can often make do with them.

Schematic Capture

The journey begins with schematic capture. This is where you start by translating your circuit design into a digital format. If you have sketched out a circuit design on a napkin or paper, it's time to pick the actual components and place them in a virtual schematic.

You will find the desired components in the tool's library. As you place these components, the tool will display the correct logic symbol from the datasheets with the proper pin labels. Once you have a few components laid out, you can begin interconnecting them by wiring the components. This step is crucial as it forms the basis for the PCB layout that will follow.

Layout

After you have the components positioned, you proceed to layout. The layout is where you define the dimensions of your PCB and place components in their intended positions. Each component will be represented in the layout with its physical dimensions. After you have all the components arranged, you can turn on the wire layer. A complex network of lines will appear on the screen, representing all the connections in your schematic.

On a one-layer board, the tracks cannot cross. On a two-layer board, this becomes more intricate. Experienced PCB designers can often navigate these challenges effectively. Some tools come with an auto-route feature, which can create a decent first try but rarely gets everything perfectly correct.

A closely inspection is required after you have routed all the traces. Design Rules Check (DRC) should be run using parameters set by your PCB manufacturer. DRC will highlight any violations, such as inadequate trace spacing, insufficient pad spacing, or proximity to the board edges.

Soldermask and Silk Screen

Soldermask, a protective layer that covers the unexposed copper, can often be applied automatically. Additionally, the silk screen layer is crucial as it includes component names like ldquo;R1rdquo; and ldquo;C4rdquo; as well as other important information such as your company name, project name, and part number.

Once the silkscreen is completed, you are close to finishing the design. A thorough review of all layers is necessary, especially the back layers, as they will be viewed from the front, making them appear inverted.

Some designers prefer to print out all the layers and hold them up to the light to ensure everything fits. Alternatively, cutting out the board layout template can help verify that it aligns correctly with your chassis.

Generating Gerber Files

Now comes the final step of generating the gerber files. In today's digital age, printing gerbers is a term that has a historical context. Instead, the PCB files are electronically exported and submitted to the PCB manufacturer. The declaration of ldquo;taperdquo; is a nostalgic reference to the old practice of physically sending tape with the design files.

Following these steps, you will have a complete PCB design that is ready for manufacturing. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, familiarizing yourself with these processes is vital for creating a high-quality PCB that meets your design requirements.