Topics Covered

• Run-through tutorial of Protel 99 SE.

Complete notes available on web page.
PCB Design using Protel 99 • Notes on design rules to use for our PCB
manufacturer.
Gordon Wyeth • Tips on laying out PCBs in general.
University of Queensland

Introducing Protel Starting a Design

• Choose an Access style database

Schematic Capture Create an Empty Sheet

• Work with a
sheet size to suit
documentation
standard.
• Typically use A4
for Team
Project.

1
Locate the Components
• Standard components are
stored in libraries.
• You can access most major
parts by part number.
• Some parts are generic
(e.g. resistors, capacitors).
• ITEE electronics workshop has edited
libraries: http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/~etsg/
> Electronics workshop > Protel99 libraries
Part Attributes
• Very important! Set the footprint of the
part to the correct value.
• The footprint is the description of the
physical shape of the component.
• For semiconductors consult the datasheet
– e.g. TO220, PLCC68, SM08, DIP14.
• For resistors and capacitors choose from
generic footprints – e.g. AXIAL0.4,
RADIAL0.2

Placing the Parts Wire up the Schematic

• Orient the parts • Be sure to end
correctly wires right on
– Spacebar rotates component ends.
– X flips horizontally, • Add nodes to wires
Y flips vertically that are meant to
• Place all your join. 12V

components first. • Net labels identify R1

100K
R3
1K
R4
1K
R

Y1

• Follow your key nets such as 1

2
CON2
C2

20n C1

diagram. power and ground. Q1

2N3904
20n Q2

2N3904

GND

Electrical Rule Check Create a PCB File

• Each pin in a library • Use the PCB
component is defined as wizard to
input, output, I/O, power, create your
etc. empty board.
• ERC checks that
component connections • Use the
are sensible custom board
– unconnected inputs, option and set
outputs connected size to suit.
together, no power

2
 Transfer the Design Set the Layers
• Make sure that the • Layers separate
appropriate footprint physically and
libraries are loaded. electrically different
parts.
• Use the Update PCB
• Use top and
dialog to load parts bottom layer.
and nets from
• Use mechanical
schematic. layers for holes
and cutouts.

Routing Design Rules Design Rules for Manufacturing

• Protel 99 Path = Design >
Rules > Routing
• Clearance Constraint = 10mil
• Routing Via Style
– Preferred = 50mil dia / 20mil hole
– Minimum = 30mil dia / 12mil hole
• Width Constraint
– Preferred = 12mil
– Minimum = 10mil
– Use thicker tracks for less
resistance and inductance
• Protel 99 Path = Design > Rules > Manufacturing >
• Minimum hole size = 12mil
– Define Hole Sizes in 4mil increments
• Minimum Annular Ring = 10mil
• Polygon Connect Style
– Rule attributes: Relief Connect
– Conductor Width: 15mil
– Conductors: 4
– Angle: 90 degrees
– Filter Kind: Whole Board
– Pwr Plane Clearance: 20mil

Design Options Position the Parts

• Keep net lengths to
• Protel 99 Path = Design > Options >
a minumum.
Options
• Cross nets as little
• Grids as possible.
– Snap X = 25mil • Beware part
– Snap Y = 25mil outlines – parts
– Component X = 25mil may be physcially
– Component Y = 25mil larger.
• Measurement Unit = Imperial inches • Use spacing and
alignment tools.

3
 AutoRouting Manual Routing
• Autorouting can be • Very effective system
a quick start but is for placing tracks.
often a nuisance. • Net information and
• Will do “silly” design rules will
routing. prevent you making
• Does not optimise routing errors.
power nets. • Resulting board is
usually far superior.

Design Rule Check Routing Power Nets

• Design Rule Check
produces a DRC
file which gives
errors in • Aim for:
clearances and
track widths.
• Errors will be
• Not this:
highlighted in
green on PCB file.
• Use decoupling capacitors.