I want to make an input selector, using Raspberry Zero and phono pre-amp, both jammed on a single board. Since I am IT guy, not an electrical engineer, can you PLEASE review my PCB design and let me know is this going to make it really bad and what should I change to make it work nicely?
This is a RIAA pre-amp part:
This one is an input selector, controlled with Raspberry, with connectors for switch and display:
Here is the entire board, top side first:
...and bottom side
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!!
Marin
This is a RIAA pre-amp part:
This one is an input selector, controlled with Raspberry, with connectors for switch and display:
Here is the entire board, top side first:
...and bottom side
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!!
Marin
You could fill the unused space (on both sides) with ground traces. You might also find that doing this could simplify the routing as well.
I guess I am on good track 🙂 There IS a ground "filled zone" on both sides, that I removed from pictures for better visibility. Is there any other potential problem?
Did you generate this from a (known good) schematic in the PCB layout software? It looks like some traces could be cleaned up (cosmetic), but otherwise should work if it passes all the QC checks in the layout software.
I see white lines between pads, that usually means that the software package could not route a trace there, no room. If the software has a design verification then use it to see what is not done, or needs to be corrected. I have been using DipTrace software and it has the verification checks and is an invaluable feature. It will also tell you if some traces are to close to others or to pads. Looks like you have some issues there but can't really tell exactly from the pics.
If the traces are missing try reducing trace width of traces in the area and rerun routing and see if the software can fix those areas. Often times I have had to route some areas by hand and move other traces to make room. once the layout is good you can generate the Gerbers with drill file. I see a few good PCB fab houses out there. I tend to use Seeed Studios as they do a lot with the Arduino/Raspberry Pi crowd. Good luck with it.
If the traces are missing try reducing trace width of traces in the area and rerun routing and see if the software can fix those areas. Often times I have had to route some areas by hand and move other traces to make room. once the layout is good you can generate the Gerbers with drill file. I see a few good PCB fab houses out there. I tend to use Seeed Studios as they do a lot with the Arduino/Raspberry Pi crowd. Good luck with it.
Last edited:
Thanks Pars and John, these white traces are ground traces and they are connected with a ground "filled zone" on both sides.
I am using KiCad and it has a "Design Rules Check", which performs DRC, as well as list all unconnected items. Once I add back filled ground zones all comes up clean.
Here is a PCB design with filled zones
Top side...
...and the bottom side
THANKS,
Marin
I am using KiCad and it has a "Design Rules Check", which performs DRC, as well as list all unconnected items. Once I add back filled ground zones all comes up clean.
Here is a PCB design with filled zones
Top side...
...and the bottom side
THANKS,
Marin