Layout tips and tricks from those that make their own

[tweaked]

For those of you that make your own board layouts, what is your favorite way to attack a schematic? Also what are some tips or tricks that you have for converting a schem to a layout?

I learned from one of RG's articles about dissecting the circuit into the different stages, which really helps to visualize things.

As for a trick, you can run a trace underneath of components such as resistors to avoid having to jumper parts of the circuit when you need to cross a trace that is already in place.

[RaceDriver205]

OK, as a man who's made a fair few PCBs:

• I use Express PCB, its simple and fast
• I first set the size of board im going to stick to.
• I place all the parts on the board first, and set their labels.
• I then move parts of separate stages/sections into their own small area on the board.
• I then link up each of the stages separately, followed by moving the stages together and link them up.

Minimizing jumpers and knowing where to run tracks only comes with practice.
For tips:

• Use a .03 trace for normal routing, and .02 for under ICs and in tight gaps.
• Keep the tracks straight vertical or horizontal. But don't be afraid to break this rule on occasions if it helps.
• Check, check and triple check. Fixing a bad PCB after its made is hard work.