Creating custom symbols in PCB Design - Dashboard Building Guide

Dashboard Mode - Creating custom symbols

Goal

Understand how to create custom symbols for PCB design to improve schematic clarity and reuse.

Sample Data

Symbol Name	Pin Count	Pin Names	Package Type	Description
OpAmp_1	5	IN+, IN-, VCC, VEE, OUT	SOIC-8	Operational Amplifier
Resistor_1	2	1, 2	0603	Fixed Resistor
Capacitor_1	2	1, 2	0805	Capacitor
LED_1	2	Anode, Cathode	LED-3mm	Light Emitting Diode
Microcontroller_1	32	VDD, VSS, GPIO1-GPIO30, RESET	QFP-32	Microcontroller Unit

Dashboard Components

• KPI Card: Total Symbols Created - Formula: COUNT(Symbol Name) Result: 5
• Table: Symbol Details - Shows all columns from sample data for reference.
• Bar Chart: Pin Count per Symbol - X-axis: Symbol Name, Y-axis: Pin Count
• Pie Chart: Distribution by Package Type - Shows percentage of symbols per package type

Dashboard Layout

+----------------------+-----------------------+
| Total Symbols Created | Pin Count per Symbol  |
|        (KPI)          |       (Bar Chart)      |
+----------------------+-----------------------+
|       Symbol Details Table                  |
|                                            |
+--------------------------------------------+
|        Distribution by Package Type (Pie)  |
+--------------------------------------------+

Interactivity

Filter by Package Type: Selecting a package type filters the Symbol Details Table and updates the Pin Count Bar Chart to show only symbols of that package. The KPI card updates to show the count of filtered symbols. The Pie Chart remains static as it shows overall distribution.

Self Check

If you add a filter for Package Type = '0603', which components update and what changes occur?

• KPI Card updates to show 1 symbol.
• Symbol Details Table shows only the Resistor_1 row.
• Pin Count Bar Chart shows only Resistor_1 with pin count 2.
• Pie Chart remains unchanged showing all package types.

Key Result

Dashboard shows custom PCB symbols with pin counts, package types, and symbol details for design clarity.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of creating custom symbols in PCB design?

easy

A. To make schematics clearer and tailored to specific components

B. To increase the size of the PCB board

C. To automatically route PCB traces

D. To generate 3D models of the PCB

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of symbols in schematics

   Symbols represent components visually in schematics to improve clarity.

2. Step 2: Identify why custom symbols are used

   Custom symbols help tailor the schematic to specific or unique components, making it clearer.

3. Final Answer:

   To make schematics clearer and tailored to specific components -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Custom symbols improve clarity [OK]

Hint: Custom symbols improve schematic clarity and fit unique parts [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing symbols with PCB size or routing
• Thinking symbols create 3D models
• Assuming symbols automatically route traces

2. Which step is essential when creating a custom symbol in a PCB design tool?

easy

A. Running the autorouter to connect pins

B. Exporting the PCB layout as a PDF

C. Adding pins to represent electrical connections

D. Changing the board thickness settings

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify key elements of a custom symbol

   A symbol must have pins to show where connections happen.

2. Step 2: Recognize irrelevant steps for symbol creation

   Autorouting, exporting layout, or board thickness are unrelated to symbol creation.

3. Final Answer:

   Adding pins to represent electrical connections -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Pins are essential in symbols [OK]

Hint: Pins define connections in symbols, always add them [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing symbol creation with routing or export steps
• Skipping pin placement
• Changing unrelated board settings

3. Consider this symbol creation process:
1. Draw rectangle shape
2. Add 4 pins at edges
3. Save symbol as 'MyIC'
What will happen if you reuse 'MyIC' in multiple schematics?

medium

A. The symbol cannot be reused once saved

B. Each schematic shows a different random symbol

C. The symbol loses pins when reused

D. The symbol appears consistently with 4 pins in all schematics

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand symbol saving behavior

   Saving a symbol stores its shape and pins for reuse.

2. Step 2: Predict reuse effect

   Reusing the saved symbol inserts the exact same symbol with all pins intact.

3. Final Answer:

   The symbol appears consistently with 4 pins in all schematics -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Saved symbols reuse consistently [OK]

Hint: Saved symbols keep pins and shape consistent when reused [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking symbols change randomly on reuse
• Assuming pins disappear after saving
• Believing symbols cannot be reused

4. You created a custom symbol but when placing it in the schematic, pins do not connect to wires. What is the likely cause?

medium

A. The symbol shape is a rectangle

B. Pins were not assigned electrical pin numbers or names

C. The PCB board size is too small

D. The schematic grid is turned off

Solution

1. Step 1: Check pin properties in custom symbols

   Pins must have electrical numbers or names to connect properly.

2. Step 2: Identify why pins don't connect

   Without pin numbers/names, the tool cannot recognize pins for wiring.

3. Final Answer:

   Pins were not assigned electrical pin numbers or names -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Pin numbering enables connections [OK]

Hint: Always assign pin numbers/names to enable wire connections [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Blaming symbol shape for connection issues
• Ignoring pin numbering importance
• Thinking grid affects pin connectivity

5. You want to create a custom symbol for a new sensor with 6 pins arranged in two rows. Which approach best ensures clarity and reusability?

hard

A. Draw the symbol shape, add 6 pins with correct numbers, group pins logically, then save as a reusable symbol

B. Draw the symbol shape only and add pins later in each schematic

C. Use a generic symbol with fewer pins to simplify the schematic

D. Create separate symbols for each pin and place them individually

Solution

1. Step 1: Plan symbol layout with correct pins

   Arrange all 6 pins logically in two rows with correct numbering.

2. Step 2: Save the complete symbol for reuse

   Saving the full symbol ensures consistent use and clarity in schematics.

3. Final Answer:

   Draw the symbol shape, add 6 pins with correct numbers, group pins logically, then save as a reusable symbol -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Complete, numbered, reusable symbol [OK]

Hint: Complete and save symbols with all pins for clarity and reuse [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Adding pins later in each schematic causing inconsistency
• Using generic symbols missing needed pins
• Splitting pins into separate symbols causing confusion