At Cobalt, we’re passionate about transforming innovative ideas into electronic products that shape our world. Before these ideas become tangible, physical products brimming with custom PCB designs and smart electronics, we always include a crucial step; a well-crafted electronic schematic.
This article explains the 101-essentials of schematics and their fundamental role in the PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) and electronics design process.
What is an Electronic Schematic?
Imagine a complex electronic device – a smartphone, a smartwatch, or even an apparently “simple” remote control. Inside these compact and often minimalistic exteriors lie a dense collection of electronic components and circuitry, inputs and outputs working as a standalone, AI-based ‘world’. Resistors regulate current flow, capacitors store electrical energy, and integrated circuits (ICs) perform complex calculations.
But how do we decide and arrange these elements to work together seamlessly? This is where the electronic schematics come in.
Think of a schematic as a detailed map of this ‘world’. Like the London Tube map (itself inspired by electronic schematics), it’s a visual representation of the entire circuit, utilising standardised symbols to depict each component to help convey key routes and functions.
Resistors are shown as zigzag lines, capacitors as parallel lines, and ICs are represented by simple and meaningful symbols, omitting complex semiconductor areas. Lines interconnect these symbols, each representing the electrical pathways that allow components to communicate and function as a cohesive unit.
Schematics are critical to validate a PCB design before moving on to physical prototyping. Unlike software development, rectifying hardware mistakes can be costly and time-consuming.
Toto Cho, Electronics Engineer, Cobalt Design.
The Power of a Clear Schematic.
The importance of a well-defined schematic cannot be overstated. It is a critical early step and drives the entire circuit board design process:
- Universal Language: A schematic acts as a bridge between various stakeholders. From concept creators to electrical engineers, designers, and manufacturers, everyone involved can refer to the schematic to understand the circuit’s purpose, functionality, and intended behaviour clearly. This eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Visualisation & Design Optimisation: Schematics are more than just connection diagrams. They offer a comprehensive picture of the circuit’s structure, allowing engineers to visualise signal flow, identify potential bottlenecks or interference issues, and refine the design before committing to the physical layout stage. Schematics can also be used in design simulations to verify functionality at this conceptual level. These steps save time and resources in the long run.
- Component Specification and Identification: Schematics also provide a clear picture of component selection. Each component is assigned a unique identifier (e.g., R1 for resistor 1, C3 for capacitor 3) and its value is specified. This allows for an efficient review of the circuit design and component choices during the conceptual phase.
- Foundation for PCB Layout: The schematic serves as the blueprint for the physical realisation of the circuit – the PCB layout. By understanding the placement and connections of components within the schematic, designers can efficiently translate the circuit onto the actual board, ensuring optimal component placement for functionality and performance. Using the latest electronics design tools, such as Altium, schematics and PCB Layouts are directly linked allowing seamless transition during this implementation phase, while also facilitating fast and efficient design updates if changes to the circuit design are needed.
- Futureproofing & Troubleshooting: Schematics are invaluable assets that extend far beyond the initial design phase. They act as a detailed reference guide for future modifications or repairs. If a problem arises with the PCBA down the line, engineers can use the schematic to trace connections, pinpoint potential faults, and expedite the troubleshooting process.
Cobalt Design: Your Electronics Design Experts.
At Cobalt Design, our team of highly skilled engineers possess a wealth of experience in electronics, design development, and manufacturing. Circuit design and schematics are key steps in the process of translating a conceptual idea into tangible, functional and manufacturable PCBAs.
By combining a collaborative approach with industry best practices and advanced design tools, we work closely with every client to develop robust electronic products that perform in the real world.
Do you have an idea that requires some electronic smarts? Contact our product development experts today for more information.