{"id":937,"date":"2017-05-03T08:00:35","date_gmt":"2017-05-03T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/eagle\/blog\/?p=937"},"modified":"2023-09-26T10:27:18","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T17:27:18","slug":"routing-autorouting-pcb-layout-basics-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/routing-autorouting-pcb-layout-basics-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Routing & Autorouting – PCB Layout Basics 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

PCB Layout Basics Part 2: How to Route, or Autoroute, Your PCB Design<\/span><\/h1>\n

If component placement is a work of engineering art, then routing can be understood as a puzzle just waiting to be solved! Are you the puzzle master that is going to rise to the challenge in PCB Layout Basics Part 2?<\/span><\/p>\n

In<\/span> Part 1 of our PCB layout series<\/span><\/a>, we walked through the process of placing components on a simple LED flasher project. Now that you\u2019ve placed all your parts on your PCB design, it\u2019s time to start connecting your components together with traces. Just like component placement, routing is an equally creative endeavor that will tap into both your scientific and artistic skills. You\u2019ll be working with precise trace angles, specific clearances, and mathematical copper calculations. And once you\u2019ve got the details defined, you can then turn on the artistic side of your engineering mind and get down to connecting your beautiful puzzle together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ready to get started? Let\u2019s look at how you can either manually route, or autoroute, your PCB design.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before We Start<\/h2>\n

Before we get started with PCB routing, there are a few things you need to know about how Autodesk EAGLE can make your life easier, and also how the autorouter works. Remember these details before you start your journey:<\/span><\/p>\n

Let Your Tool Help You<\/h3>\n

The worst thing you can do during your routing process is connect nets incorrectly, but Autodesk EAGLE makes this process easy with some handy highlighting. Check out all of the airwires in the image below; they define connection paths between components.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"airwire-connections\"

All of these airwires show exactly what nets need to be connected. Another way Autodesk EAGLE makes your job easier!<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

If we go ahead and select the <\/span>Route \"route-icon\"\u00a0<\/b>tool in Autodesk EAGLE and then select a green net, you can see what happens in the image. All elements that belong to the net are highlighted in bright green, giving you an easy to follow map of your locations for your routes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"highlighted-net-connection\"

The bright green <\/em>nets show which two pads need to be connected when routing.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

Use the Autorouter Wisely<\/h3>\n

The autorouter is a very useful tool when used wisely. However, it\u2019s by no means a replacement for getting your hands dirty and routing your board. What are some of the great applications for the autorouter in Autodesk EAGLE?<\/span><\/p>\n