Introduction to PCB Design II

In this course, participants employ the lessons learned in Introduction to PCB Design I to effectively implement their designs using techniques such as multi-layer routing, signal integrity, transmission lines, and more. The course also focuses on how manufacturing and assembly techniques impact design, documentation and manufacturing file generation.

LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

This program is designed to provide circuit board designers with a balanced foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in printed circuit board design.

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Define and create DRC rules to the appropriate IPC Standards
  • Create Rigid and Rigid-Flex boards to meet a wide variety of applications
  • Implement industry best practices for:
    • Manufacturability
    • Reliability
    • Documentation
    • Manufacturing file generation
  • Recognize the trade-offs between the different layout types and when to use each type
  • Assess different component types and attachment methods
    • Differentiate when to use each type of component
  • Define standard PWB and CCA notes
    • Apply best practices in negotiating these terms with customers

Introduction to PCB Design II is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board under ANSI/ASTM E2659-18, Standard Practice for Certificate Programs.

ANSI National Accreditation Board Logo reverse 150W
Member Price
$2,000.00
Non-member Price
$2,500.00
Access
90 Days From Enrollment
Class Schedule

  • Course Level: Intermediate

  • Training Time

    8 weeks (16 two-hour online instructor-led sessions)

  • Certificate of Completion

    Certificate of Completion: Introduction to PCB Design II

  • Seasonal Enrollment

    Access for 90 Days

Questions

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Download the syllabus.

All virtual class sessions are recorded for review. The instructional content of the course is design software independent. During the course's hands-on part, the instructor will use the Altium design tool to demonstrate concepts and methodologies. Students are free to use the software they choose to submit their work. For students who do not have access to a design software program, IPC will provide a 1-year subscription to Altium Designer.

Week 1: Basic PCB Layout

  • Basics of PCB layout
  • Rigid through-hole boards 
  • Analog vs. digital designs
  • Basic placement and routing strategies for single and double-sided designs

Week 2: Advanced PCB Layout

  • Advanced concepts in PCB layout
  • Multi-layer routing
  • Stackup design
  • Impedance control
  • Planar capacitance
  • Sheet resistance
  • Design rules
  • Introduction to course project  
  • Define net classes, import parts into PCB file, and define DRC rules

Week 3: PCB Materials

  • Materials used to build a PCB
  • Mechanical and electrical properties
  • Resins and foils
  • Solder mask
  • Legend
  • IPC standards
  • Place key components and pre-route rooms for repeated circuits

Week 4: Signal Integrity

  • Overshoot and undershoot
  • Cross-talk
  • Rise time and fall time
  • Transmission lines - introduction
  • Signal propagation
  • Place remaining circuits and repeated channels 

Week 5: Transmission Lines

  • What actually flows through a trace?
  • How to define a transmission line
  • Distributed model of a Transmission line
  • Emi / RFI and reduction techniques

Week 6: Flex Circuits

  •  Flex-Circuit design
  • Requirements: Rigid boards VS flex boards
  • How to define a flex design (basic project)
  • Complete design project package

Week 7: Documentation

  • Proper documentation of PWB’s and CCA’s
  • Application of IPC-26xx standards
  • Use of standard title blocks 
  • Standard page sequencing
  • Readability
  • Standard notes
  • ECO and revision history
  • Annotation methodology
  • Design rules
  • Separate Parts lists
  • Assembly drawing
  • PWB drawing
  • Dimensioning
  • Call-out and flag-notes
  • Format and generate documentation and manufacturing packages for PWB and CCA

Week 8: Content Review, Final Exam, and Submission of Final Project 

  • Content review, submission of final project, and final exam.
  • Complete design project package and documentation

 

This course is designed for engineers, technicians, hobbyists, and other individuals with a solid foundation in electrical theory and some knowledge of authoring tools such as Altium or Cadence. Participants should have a solid foundation in electrical theory and the ability to use a design authoring tool . Completing the Introduction to PCB Design I is strongly recommended, but not required.

IPC offers different instructional modalities to suit participants with different needs and preferences. This program is only available in the following modality:

Online-instructor-led: Participants go online to meet with an IPC-certified industry expert at a fixed time twice per week for the duration of the course. Class sessions are usually 1.5 to 2 hours. Participants can also access a video recording of each class session on their IPC EDGE course dashboard.

Completion of the program with a score of 70% or higher on the final exam and/or final project is required to earn a certificate of completion and 32 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

Review IPC Workforce Training policies and procedures documents including the grievance and appeal forms.

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