Manual trace routing in PCB Design - Dashboard Guide

Dashboard Mode - Manual trace routing

Goal

Understand how manual trace routing affects PCB design quality and production time.

Sample Data

Trace ID	Length (mm)	Number of Bends	Layer	Routing Time (min)	Signal Integrity Score
T1	50	3	Top	15	8.5
T2	70	5	Bottom	20	7.8
T3	40	2	Top	12	9.0
T4	60	4	Inner	18	8.0
T5	55	3	Bottom	16	8.3
T6	65	6	Top	22	7.5

Dashboard Components

• Total Routing Time: Sum of all routing times.
  Formula: Total Routing Time = SUM([Routing Time (min)])
  Result: 103 minutes
• Average Signal Integrity Score: Average of signal integrity scores.
  Formula: Average Signal Integrity = AVERAGE([Signal Integrity Score])
  Result: 8.18
• Trace Length vs Routing Time Scatter Plot: X-axis is Trace Length (mm), Y-axis is Routing Time (min). Each point is a trace.
• Number of Bends by Layer Bar Chart: Shows total bends per layer.
  Calculation:
  Top: 3 + 2 + 6 = 11 bends
  Bottom: 5 + 3 = 8 bends
  Inner: 4 bends
• Trace Details Table: Shows all columns from sample data for detailed review.

Dashboard Layout

+---------------------------+---------------------------+
| Total Routing Time (KPI)  | Average Signal Integrity  |
|        103 minutes        |          8.18             |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+
|                           Scatter Plot: Trace Length vs Routing Time                          |
|                                                                                           |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Number of Bends by Layer (Bar Chart)               | Trace Details Table          |
|                                                    |                             |
+----------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------+

Interactivity

Filter by Layer: Selecting a layer (Top, Bottom, Inner) updates all components to show data only for that layer.

Hover on scatter plot points highlights the corresponding trace in the details table.

Self Check

If you filter for Layer = 'Top', which components update?

• Total Routing Time updates to 49 minutes (15 + 12 + 22)
• Average Signal Integrity updates to 8.33 ((8.5 + 9.0 + 7.5) / 3)
• Scatter plot shows only Top layer traces
• Number of Bends by Layer bar chart updates to show only Top layer bends (11 bends)
• Trace Details Table shows only Top layer traces (T1, T3, T6)

Key Result

Dashboard shows manual trace routing metrics including total routing time, signal integrity, bends by layer, and trace details.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of manual trace routing in PCB design?

easy

A. To draw exact paths for electrical connections on the board

B. To automatically place components on the PCB

C. To generate a 3D model of the PCB

D. To simulate the electrical signals on the board

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand manual trace routing

   Manual trace routing means drawing the exact paths for electrical connections yourself, not letting software do it automatically.

2. Step 2: Identify the main goal

   The goal is to control how traces run on the PCB to ensure proper electrical performance and fit.

3. Final Answer:

   To draw exact paths for electrical connections on the board -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Manual trace routing = drawing exact paths [OK]

Hint: Manual routing means you draw paths yourself, not auto-routing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing manual routing with automatic component placement
• Thinking it simulates signals instead of routing traces
• Assuming it creates 3D models

2. Which of the following is the correct step to start manual trace routing in most PCB design software?

easy

A. Click 'Auto-Route' and wait for the software to finish

B. Select the 'Route' tool and click on the pad to start the trace

C. Place components randomly before routing

D. Export the design to a PDF before routing

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the manual routing tool

   Manual routing usually starts by selecting the 'Route' or 'Trace' tool in the software.

2. Step 2: Begin trace from a pad

   You click on a pad or pin to start drawing the trace manually.

3. Final Answer:

   Select the 'Route' tool and click on the pad to start the trace -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Manual routing starts with 'Route' tool and pad click [OK]

Hint: Start manual routing by selecting 'Route' tool and clicking pad [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing auto-route instead of manual routing
• Placing components randomly before routing
• Exporting design before routing

3. Consider you manually route a trace from pad A to pad B on a PCB. If the trace width is set too narrow, what is the most likely outcome?

medium

A. The trace may overheat or cause signal loss

B. The trace will automatically widen during manufacturing

C. The trace will handle higher current safely

D. The trace will be invisible in the final design

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand trace width impact

   Narrow traces have higher electrical resistance and less current capacity.

2. Step 2: Predict consequences of narrow trace

   This can cause overheating or signal degradation due to insufficient width.

3. Final Answer:

   The trace may overheat or cause signal loss -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Narrow trace = risk of overheating and signal loss [OK]

Hint: Narrow traces risk overheating and signal loss [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking narrow traces handle more current
• Assuming trace width changes automatically
• Believing trace becomes invisible

4. You manually routed a trace but notice it overlaps another trace causing a short circuit. What is the best way to fix this?

medium

A. Increase the trace width to cover the overlap

B. Ignore it; the software will fix it automatically

C. Delete the overlapping trace and reroute it carefully

D. Export the design and fix the error in a different software

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the problem

   Overlapping traces cause shorts, which must be fixed manually.

2. Step 2: Correct the routing

   Deleting the overlapping trace and rerouting it carefully avoids shorts and keeps the board clean.

3. Final Answer:

   Delete the overlapping trace and reroute it carefully -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Fix shorts by deleting and rerouting traces [OK]

Hint: Fix shorts by deleting and carefully rerouting traces [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming software auto-fixes shorts
• Increasing width causes more shorts
• Exporting to fix errors elsewhere

5. You need to manually route traces on a high-speed PCB with sensitive signals. Which practice helps ensure signal integrity during manual trace routing?

hard

A. Place vias randomly to speed up routing

B. Use the narrowest possible trace width everywhere

C. Route all traces as close as possible to each other

D. Keep trace lengths matched and avoid sharp corners

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand high-speed signal needs

   High-speed signals require careful routing to avoid delays and interference.

2. Step 2: Apply best routing practices

   Matching trace lengths prevents timing issues; avoiding sharp corners reduces signal reflections.

3. Final Answer:

   Keep trace lengths matched and avoid sharp corners -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Matched lengths and smooth traces preserve signal integrity [OK]

Hint: Match trace lengths and avoid sharp corners for signals [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using narrow traces everywhere causing current issues
• Routing traces too close causing crosstalk
• Placing vias randomly causing signal disruption