Designing chip placement on a PCB needs careful planning. Good placement helps signals run well. It also keeps the board cool and easy to make.
More detailed steps can be found in this article: https://www.pcbinq.com/pcb-structure-a-simple-guide-for-everyone/
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Place Chips by Signal Flow
Put chips in the order the signal moves. Start from input and go to output. This keeps the traces short and clean. -
Keep Related Parts Together
Put chips and their parts (like resistors or capacitors) close to each other. Place decoupling capacitors right next to the chip’s power pin. -
Make Power and Ground Easy to Reach
Use wide traces or copper planes for power and ground. Avoid long or thin lines. Use vias to connect to inner layers if needed. -
Handle Heat Well
If a chip gets hot, give it space. Place it near a heat sink or where air can flow. Add thermal vias or copper areas to help cooling. -
Keep Noise Low
Put analog and digital parts in different areas. Keep noisy chips away from sensitive ones. -
Follow Basic Rules
Leave enough space between components. Check the chip manufacturer's rules. This will make the board easier to build and solder. -
Add Test Access
Leave room for test points or connectors. This helps you check signals or update chips later. -
Make It Easy to Build and Fix
Don’t put chips too close to the edge. Keep parts in the same direction. This helps with machine assembly and repair.