PCB Layout Rules of Thumb for Consideration
November 25, 2024 | Patrick Davis, Cadence Design SystemsEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Just because a “rule of thumb” is usually based on experience instead of precise facts doesn’t negate its value. For instance, when I told my kids that a good rule of thumb was not to back-talk to their mother, they discovered very quickly how accurate my advice was once they crossed that line. There are a lot of rules of thumb that we rely on daily, including those that apply to PCB design.
While many aspects of PCB layout are governed by procedures, standards, and workflows, there is still much that belongs only to tribal knowledge. Unless this knowledge is collected, documented, and incorporated into a design database, it will only exist in the information that gets passed from one designer to the next. Let’s take a look at some of the more common PCB layout rules of thumb and see how they apply to the boards we are currently laying out.
Start with a Plan
Something that you probably won’t ever find printed in a company procedure or a PCB design tutorial is the importance of having a plan before you start. Many layout designers have been known to plunge right into a new design, without first considering all the ramifications of what they are doing. This can lead to routing frustrations and eventual changes to the placement to complete the design correctly. To avoid problems like these, give some thought to what you are trying to accomplish before you start placing parts.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the November 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
The ICAPE Group Announces a 13% Growth in Revenue to €51.1M for Q1 2025
05/15/2025 | ICAPE GroupThe ICAPE Group, a global technology distributor of printed circuit boards (PCB) and custom-made electromechanical parts, announced its sales for the first quarter of 2025.
In Pursuit of Perfection: Defect Reduction—May 2025 PCB007 Magazine Now Available
05/15/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamFor bare PCB board fabrication, defect reduction is a critical aspect of a company's bottom line profitability. In the May 2025 issue of PCB007 Magazine, we examine the imaging, etching, and plating processes, as well as product traceability on the shop floor, providing information and insight into how you can reduce your defects and increase yields.
Canadian Circuits Inc. Unveils Rapid Prototype PCB Assembly Service to Accelerate Innovation
05/14/2025 | Canadian Circuits, Inc.Canadian Circuits Inc. (CCI), a leading provider of high-quality, made-in-Canada, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its Prototype PCB Assembly (PCBA) service. This new offering enhances CCI’s commitment to empowering engineers and OEMs by accelerating the journey from concept to product launch with precision and efficiency in electronics manufacturing.
Pluritec: Growth Depends on Developing Next-gen Products
05/15/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineMaurizio Bonati, VP of sales at Pluritec, says a new generation of products has driven strong business performance and a significant backlog. However, there’s a concern about the potential negative impact of tariffs. Pluritec is taking proactive measures to minimize these effects by focusing on enhancing equipment capabilities, automating processes, and expanding customer support.
New Episode of NCAB Podcast Series Explores Cutting-edge Thermal Management Solutions
05/14/2025 | I-Connect007In this episode we continue the conversation with NCAB Field Application Engineer Ryan Miller as we dive into practical design and manufacturing techniques for controlling thermal effects. Topics include via farms, insulated metal substrates, coin technology, and copper pedestals—solutions that help meet today's high-performance demands.