Top Fifteen Mistakes People Make When Designing Prototype PCBs

This is a pretty technical video, not related to replica props, but very related to electronics design. I am not an EE so everything I've learned has been through experience and making mistakes which is an interesting way to learn!

Did I miss the mark or do you agree with my top 15? I've got some more ideas in mind for other things people miss in their first designs but would like to hear from you!

Download KiCad:
https://www.kicad.org/download/

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1. Stale Breadboards:
• Breadboards are great for learning and testing but can lead to frustration in complex projects.
• Loose wires and potential failures increase with time.

2. Making Hardboards DIY:
• Soldering hardboards or perf boards can have similar issues to breadboards.
• DIY PCB methods like CNC milling or acid etching may be messy and have limitations.

3. Designing for Production:
• Design the first PCB expecting it to fail, focusing on functionality testing.
• Size and shape considerations can come later; prioritize testing various features.

4. No Test Points:
• Lack of test points hinders debugging and fixing mistakes.
• Test pads for common functionalities reduce the risk of blocking progress.

5. No Power or Diagnostic LEDs:
• Diagnostic lights for voltage levels and operations save time in identifying simple mistakes.

6. Overcrowding Components:
• Avoid packing components tightly during prototyping; leave space for adjustments.
• Keep passives relatively large for easier removal during testing.

7. Underutilizing Silk Screen:
• Clearly label components on the silk screen for easy assembly and orientation.
• Ensure markings are readable on the smallest boards.

8. Not Using Isolation Jumpers:
• Incorporate zero-ohm resistors or cutable jumpers for easy isolation during testing.
• Facilitates methodical bring-ups and simplifies troubleshooting.

9. Not Breaking Out Unused GPIOs:
• Break out additional GPIOs for testing and fixing mistakes without ordering a new PCB.
• Adds flexibility for rewiring components or integrating external modules.

10. UART Mixups:
• Ensure correct pairing of transmit and receive pins in UART components.
• Use jumpers or specific designs to easily correct mistakes.

11. Locking Into I2C Addresses:
• Provide options to change I2C addresses using resistors for flexibility.
• Prevents the need for a new PCB revision due to address conflicts.

12. Separate Power PCB:
• Consider splitting the design into multiple boards, especially separating power.
• Enables testing power solutions independently without scrapping the entire PCB.

13. Choosing Labeled Surface Mount Resistors:
• Opt for labeled surface mount resistors for easier visual inspection and testing.

14. Verify Footprints:
• Check dimensions on the data sheet against PCB footprints in your design software.
• Prevents ordering the wrong footprint for components.

15. Check Parts Availability:
• Consider part availability before designing the circuit.
• Speculatively order critical parts before PCB production to mitigate shortages.

Music:
• Kunal Shingade - Betelgeuse
• New Day - Lakey Inspired
• Silent Partner - Bet on It
• Kevin MacLeod - Lobby Time
• Topher Mohr and Alex Elena - Where I Am From