How to Perform Electrical Rule Check (ERC) in PCB Design

To perform an Electrical Rule Check (ERC) in PCB design, open your PCB design software and run the ERC tool which scans your schematic for wiring errors like unconnected pins or conflicting nets. The tool highlights issues so you can fix them before manufacturing.

Syntax

The Electrical Rule Check (ERC) process typically involves these steps in PCB design software:

• Open Schematic: Load your circuit schematic.
• Run ERC Tool: Select the ERC or Electrical Rules Check option from the tools menu.
• Review Errors: The software lists errors such as unconnected pins, conflicting connections, or missing power/ground.
• Fix Issues: Correct the flagged problems in the schematic.
• Re-run ERC: Repeat until no errors remain.

Each software may have slightly different commands but the core steps remain the same.

embedded_c

Open Schematic -> Tools Menu -> Electrical Rule Check (ERC) -> Review Errors -> Fix Errors -> Re-run ERC

Example

This example shows how to run ERC in a common PCB design tool like KiCad:

• Open your schematic in KiCad.
• Click the Perform Electrical Rules Check button (usually a green checkmark icon).
• The ERC window opens showing warnings and errors.
• Click each error to highlight the problem on the schematic.
• Fix the wiring or pin issues.
• Run ERC again until no errors appear.

plaintext

1. Open schematic in KiCad
2. Click 'Perform Electrical Rules Check' button
3. Review errors in ERC window
4. Fix errors in schematic
5. Repeat until no errors

Output

ERC completed: 0 errors, 2 warnings

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when doing ERC include:

• Ignoring warnings that can cause functional issues later.
• Not connecting power or ground pins properly.
• Overlooking unconnected pins or nets.
• Misinterpreting ERC messages due to unfamiliarity with the tool.

Always carefully review each error and warning before proceeding.

plaintext

Wrong: Ignoring unconnected pin warnings
Right: Connect all pins or mark them as no-connect if intentional

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Purpose
1	Open schematic	Load your circuit design
2	Run ERC tool	Scan for electrical errors
3	Review errors/warnings	Identify issues to fix
4	Fix schematic problems	Correct wiring and connections
5	Re-run ERC	Confirm all errors resolved

Key Takeaways

Run Electrical Rule Check early to catch wiring errors before PCB fabrication.

Carefully review and fix all ERC errors and warnings for reliable circuits.

Use your PCB software’s ERC tool from the schematic editor for best results.

Repeat ERC after fixes until no errors remain to ensure design integrity.