Speed up your design process using Reference Designs

Reference Designs are provided at the DesignSpark website.

Complete "Reference Designs" for DesignSpark PCB provide schematic and PCB design files ready to use in your own innovative designs. They also provide a useful learning tool to understand electronic design and PCB layout.

"Reference PCB Designs" provide the PCB outline and location position of connectors and mounting holes for you to use as a daughter board or shield.

How to use these is explained in this article which also provides an Arduino Shield PCB file ready to use.

The published article is reproduced here:

Save time and effort using a reference PCB design with your projects

Here, we illustrate using an Arduino Uno shield PCB in a new design. The key features in the existing reference PCB, the board outline, mounting holes and the location of key components such as connectors saves considerable time and allows the reuse of a proven PCB.

The advantage of this method compared with using a PCB outline within DesignSpark PCB is it not just a board outline and includes the additional features mentioned.

With DesignSpark PCB launched and a schematic added to the project, simply design your schematic layout and then add the reference PCB to the project. Forward the design changes and now work on the layout on the proven PCB.

Using an Arduino Uno Sketch created as described in a series of simple FAQs:

• How do I create a custom PCB - board outline 
• How do I create a custom PCB - mounting holes
• How do I create a custom PCB - component positions

The FAQ's also have attached the final PCB's including all the steps illustrated for you to explore and create your own PCB reference boards. Please share your creations with the community and send details to support such that a library of designs can be created.

How do I use these reference PCBs?

Create your project folder and project as normal. Add your schematic to the project and create your design.

In Windows file manager copy your reference PCB to the project folder and rename to match the actual project function.

Back in DesignSpark PCB "add your reference PCB design to the project".

Navigate to the PCB file and add to the project.

Now simply "Forward Design Changes", position the components and route your PCB.

The connectors required to mate with the Arduino Uno are simply placed over the locations on the documentation layer, providing an easy solution to creating your custom shield.

Re-use the reference PCB as often as required within each new project.

Simple and time-saving!