Printed circuit board (PCB) design entails engineering the schematics and manufacturing parameters for computer circuit boards. Circuit boards contain several diverse technologies that work in tandem to provide traces between computer components and serve as a base for devices such as radio frequency (RF) transmitters.
Design, Schematics and Footprints
PCB design training consists of learning the 11 procedures that take a circuit board from pre-production to ready-for-manufacture status. This includes choosing the appropriate schematic capture software to transfer the design to an electronic format. An electronic format allows the design to be modified and assayed for viability against the design platform's rule check tool. Instruction in developing PCB footprints involves mapping the layout of physical components on a circuit board and determining their ideal locations according to available space and function.
Layout
PCB training involves instruction in the rules and guidelines that apply to circuit board layout. For instance, the quantity of a board's layers, its thickness and its placement are integral to the PCB's intended function. A board manufacturer's capabilities also influence a board's layout; although a PCB design may work in theory, it can fail in execution because of a manufacturer's design limitations.
Advanced
Comprehensive training programs in PCB design include instruction in advanced, industry-standard, schematic capture software. This software facilitates group collaboration in circuit board configuration and mapping. Advanced PCB proficiencies include data synchronization between schematic drawings and circuit board layout, thermal analysis and securing and maintaining signal integrity.
