Check Your Design With a Paper Print Out

• One excellent way to check you PCB is to print it out on paper. You can do the following checks;
  • The print out will be the actual size. Check that line traces are not too thin or too close together.
  • Look at the paper up through the light (from the bottom) to be sure you can read any text you have put on the design.
  • Print out the schematic diagram. Get a highlighter or coloured pencil and highlight a connection on the schematic and its corresponding connection on the PCB design. Sometimes it helps to 'pencil in' the component locations on your PCB as you do this. Continue this to check all the connections between all components to be sure that all connections are correct.
  • You may wish to place you print out ink side up (remember you designed it looking from the top) on a small piece of Styrofoam or equivalent material. Bend the leads and place the actual components on your PCB design to check for fit of components and for potential interferences. Be sure to consider mounting hardware. (e.g.. Is there enough room for a wrench if there is a bolt?) Are the pads big enough? Consider the location of external connections and controls such as switches. Is there enough room for connections and can you reach the switch easily?