In the process of PCB design, have you ever gone crazy trying to find a specific component? Or struggled to arrange densely packed components just to make the layout more reasonable? If you’ve had similar experiences, then you definitely shouldn’t miss this article!
Today, let’s talk about two “magic techniques” that can greatly improve your design efficiency—interactive layout and modular layout. Mastering these not only helps you quickly complete component layout but also makes your PCB design logic clear and well-organized.
01
Interactive Layout: Perfect Synchronization Between Schematic and PCB
“See it, select it; select it, synchronize”—this is the essence of interactive layout.
Once Cross Select Mode is enabled in both the schematic and PCB design, clicking a component in the schematic will highlight it simultaneously in the PCB interface—and vice versa. No more switching back and forth; one click is all it takes for the system to synchronize positioning!
How to enable interactive mode? Just two steps:
- In the schematic interface, click the menu: Tools → Cross Select Mode
- Perform the same operation in the PCB interface
Once enabled, selecting any component will instantly trigger a response on the other end, doubling your efficiency!
02
Modular Layout: Let Scattered Components “Auto-Arrange”
Wouldn’t it be great to place all components of the same module together, clearly and neatly? Modular layout makes it easy.
First, here’s a super useful function: Arrange Components Inside Area. It can neatly arrange a bunch of selected components within a specified area, especially useful for quickly dividing modules in the initial stage.
Step-by-step guide:
- Select a module: In the schematic, use interactive layout to select a functional module.
- PCB responds: In the PCB interface, all components of that module are automatically selected.
- Arrange neatly: Use “Arrange Components” to quickly and neatly place these components.
- Refine layout: Further optimize the placement of ICs, resistors, capacitors, etc.
- Final result: As shown in the diagram, each functional module is well-organized, making the PCB layout both beautiful and efficient.
Pro tip: Use “Split Vertical” to display schematic and PCB interfaces side by side for more intuitive selection and placement! Remember this: design isn’t afraid of complexity—it fears disorder. Use the right tools to boost your efficiency!
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