1. Requirements and part selection
Define voltage rails, continuous and transient currents, operating temperature, dimensions, safety requirements, interfaces and expected product lifetime. Check availability, approved alternatives and lifecycle status for critical parts.
2. Placement and return-current paths
Partition power, analog, digital and RF blocks deliberately. Place bypass capacitors close to supply pins and minimize pulsed-current loops. Keep reference planes continuous: splits under high-speed signals can increase noise and emissions.
3. Power integrity and thermal design
Choose trace widths based on current, copper thickness, allowable temperature rise and fabrication limits. Keep switching-converter hot loops compact and protect sensitive feedback routing. Provide adequate copper and thermal paths for power components.
4. DFM and DFT checks
Obtain fabrication rules early: minimum width and spacing, drill size, annular ring, solder mask and tolerances. Include test points and access for programming and measurement of critical signals.
5. Final checks and prototyping
Run ERC and DRC, compare footprints with datasheets, and recheck polarity, connectors and mechanical fit. Power the first prototype through a current limit, then verify rails, temperature, ripple and fault behavior.
Pre-release checklist
Deliver Gerber/ODB++, drill files, an exact-part-number BOM, assembly coordinates, assembly drawing, schematic revision and DRC report. Track file versions and changes with a revision identifier.