By Olivia Cross


PCB or printed circuit board holds the circuitry that usually handle the computers and electronics. Aircraft, wind turbines, cars and toys belong to the various products and machines using the boards. Usually, a PCB designer is either an engineer or a technician who have the knowledge in electronics and who specialize in this field.

Having an associate degree in the field of engineering technology, drafting and other similar field is mostly required that most employers are looking for. Most companies prefer for employees with bachelors degree in both electrical and computer engineering. Nowadays, most PCB design companies are looking for designers who have the skills and capability to develop and test the printed circuit boards.

The process often depends on the size, complexity and even to the applications. A specific PCB designer usually works in their office at manufacturing facilities or engineering firms. Their key function is to create the board and its functionality. They will also be using a specialized software. The boards will also be designed with the right specifications and check or verify if the products work in certain conditions.

They are also using computer aided designs or the so called CAD tools to create circuitry that can be assembled to the boards. This is to specify how they are arranged in place based on their connections. There are also some who would develop the digital and analog designs while others work on the route layout. They also make sure that their final draft functions as what is expected and meet all requirements of the industry before sending them to the manufacturing facilities where PCBs will be manufactured.

Most of them also work as a team and responsible for different portions of the designs. With various designers, large and complex boards, each of them are assigned to the boards. They are also responsible for a set of functions. Although the designers are working independently, it is crucial for the whole team to communicate properly through documentation and meetings.

Therefore, each of the member is expected to communicate their ideas verbally and explain the PCB designs in precise details. A designer is also required to have at least 2 years in associate science in drafting and design technology to enter in the company. Candidates with engineering technology and other similar programs are also welcome to apply. But usually, companies are employing those with a 4 year bachelor degree in either electrical or computer engineering.

These courses usually concentrate on math, science, technology and engineering. Most of these programs include electronics principles, computer aided design or CAD, circuit design and applied math. As you can see, PCB is an important element within the design of electronics products.

Therefore, a specialist is required to have the skills and knowledge of the system. It is better for them to have a strong understanding about the standards and some techniques used to make sure that the designs are well transferred to the printed board and manufactured satisfactorily.

In order to have good designs of the boards, it is better to follow some helpful guidelines to the process. This is actually a vital step to the process. These guidelines can also be documented and applied to the overall PCB designs.




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