Creating custom symbols in PCB Design - Interactive Practice

Practice - 5 Tasks

1fill in blank

easy

Complete the code to start creating a new symbol in the PCB design software.

PCB Design

symbol = pcb.new_symbol([1])

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

A'symbol_name'

Bcreate_symbol

Cnew_component

Dcomponent_name

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using function names instead of a string for the symbol name.

You need to provide the symbol_name as a string to create a new symbol.

2fill in blank

medium

Complete the code to add a pin to the custom symbol with the correct pin number.

PCB Design

symbol.add_pin(number=[1], name='Pin1')

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

A'1'

Bpin1

C1

DPin1

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using a string instead of an integer for the pin number.

The pin number should be an integer, so use 1 without quotes.

3fill in blank

hard

Fix the error in the code to set the pin type correctly.

PCB Design

symbol.add_pin(number=1, name='Pin1', type=[1])

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

A'input'

Binput

C'pin_type'

Dpin

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using unquoted words for pin type causing syntax errors.

The pin type should be a string like 'input' enclosed in quotes.

4fill in blank

hard

Fill both blanks to add a rectangle shape to the symbol with correct coordinates.

PCB Design

symbol.add_shape(type=[1], coords=[2])

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

A'rectangle'

B[0, 0, 100, 50]

C[0, 0, 50, 100]

D'circle'

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using wrong shape type or incorrect coordinate format.

The shape type should be 'rectangle' and coordinates a list like [0, 0, 100, 50].

5fill in blank

hard

Fill all three blanks to finalize the symbol by setting its reference, value, and saving it.

PCB Design

symbol.set_reference([1])
symbol.set_value([2])
symbol.[3]()

Drag options to blanks, or click blank then click option'

A'R1'

B'10k'

Csave

Dload

Attempts:

3 left

💡 Hint

Common Mistakes

Using load instead of save or missing quotes around strings.

Set reference as 'R1', value as '10k', and call save() to save the symbol.

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