PCB Design for Newbies: Learn to Read Schematics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around learning PCB design, specifically focusing on reading PCB schematics and finding appropriate resources for beginners. Participants explore the foundational knowledge required before diving into design tools and techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn PCB design and seeks resources for understanding schematics before using CAD tools.
  • Another participant suggests that the request for condensed knowledge from years of experience is unrealistic and recommends looking up tutorials for specific PCB design tools like OrCAD, Protel, and Pads.
  • The original poster clarifies that they are looking for basic tutorials to understand PCB schematics and layout, rather than advanced design techniques.
  • A repeated emphasis is placed on the need for foundational knowledge before progressing to more complex topics.
  • A link to a Wikipedia page on PCB layout guidelines is provided as a potential resource for beginners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best way to approach learning PCB design, with differing views on the feasibility of condensing extensive experience into simple guidance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective resources for beginners.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of PCB design and the necessity of foundational knowledge, but specific assumptions about prior knowledge and the effectiveness of suggested resources remain unaddressed.

Swapnil
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Hi there! I am thinking about learning to design PCB boards but I only know a little about PCB boards to begin with. So can any of you guys give me some resources that could help me in learning more about PCB design (i.e. using CAD tools). I think that before going about designing the schematic for a PCB, I would first like to learn more about how to read a PCB schematic which should give me a nice start.
 
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You're asking for about two year's worth of experience to be boiled down into a post on a forum -- it ain't going to happen.

The most common PCB design tools in industry are probably OrCAD, Protel, and Pads. Perhaps you should start by looking up any online tutorials for these tools. If you have any specific questions, ask those later.

- Warren
 
Actually I wasn't trying to ask you to teach me how to design a PCB. I was just trying asking you to point me to the right direction so that I get at least get started.

Those tutorials are great but they would only help me if I know the basics of PCB design to begin with. But I don't really know the basics! Is there any tutorials online that you know of which would show me some basic PCB schematics and introduce me to the different aspects of the layout.
 
Again, what you're asking for is several years of experience boiled down into a forum post.

If you have some specific questions, please ask those instead.

- Warren
 
Swapnil said:
Those tutorials are great but they would only help me if I know the basics of PCB design to begin with. But I don't really know the basics! Is there any tutorials online that you know of which would show me some basic PCB schematics and introduce me to the different aspects of the layout.

Do the tutorials at the bottom of this wikipedia page help?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCB_layout_guidelines
 
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