This eBook may not help you navigate out space, but it may help you be part of in the design of a machine or tool for outer-space exploration.

EMA Design Automation, of Rochester, N.Y., which offers electronic design automation (EDA) solutions, has just released its new, free eBook “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to PCB Design,” intended to be a resource for electrical engineers seeking to understand the complexities involved in portable circuit board design.

The eBook provides electrical engineers with the foundational knowledge needed for design success, no matter what computer-aided design software they may use, said Manny Marcano, EMA’s president and chief executive officer.

“The role of the electrical engineer in PCB design is changing,” Marcano added. “Electrical engineers are now being tasked with ownership of the full PCB design process from concept through manufacturing.

“Unfortunately, many of the skills and knowledge needed is not taught in the classroom leaving new engineers unprepared for the responsibilities being asked of them,” Marcano added. “The goal of this eBook is to empower the newer generation of PCB design engineers and enable them to take on this additional role knowing they have the foundation required to make sound design decisions.”

The eBook is a play off the original Douglas Adams novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and offers a cheeky, easy-to-understand dive into the PCB design and manufacturing process.

The eBook takes the reader on the journey of Ian, a new electrical engineer getting his footing in PCB design. In Ian’s first project, he makes some major mistakes, no surprise, produces a design that can’t be manufactured. However, thanks to the input and advice of several industry veterans, Ian is given a crash course on how to design a successful, manufacturable board and assembly.

The crash course Ian receives, of course will help all those interested in learning more about PCB design and how to avoid major mistakes, such as Ian make, in the future.

The eBook contains more than 100 pages of real-world tips from experienced industry professionals as well with several checklists, detailed graphics, and links to additional resources.

This eBook will help engineers learn how to identify and communicate effectively with key stakeholders, set up a successful design workflow, and avoid common design missteps. It provides answers to questions such as:

• How to create a robust and manufacturable PCB layout beyond routing the rats.
• Who your project stakeholders are and why their involvement is essential for design success.
• Why it’s important to incorporate Design for Excellence (DFX) and the many topics it covers.
• Design best practices you need to know.

Those interested in downloading the eBook for free can visit go.ema-eda.com/PCBGuide.

EMA Design Automation offers a range of EDA tools, product-lifecycle-integration, services, training, and technical support. It develops the products: Ultra Librarian, TimingDesigner, CircuitSpace, CIP, EDABuilder, and a other custom solutions to enhance the OrCAD products.

 

The eBook is not specifically meant for users of those products, however, or the OrCAD product.