A simple PCB deserves a deliberate final review. Small circuits often fail because of a reversed connector, incorrect footprint or missing support component rather than a difficult theoretical problem. Before ordering, inspect the board as if you were the person assembling and powering it for the first time.
Check the schematic against the real parts
Open the data sheets for the fitted components and compare pin numbers, supply connections and required support parts. Verify reset, enable and unused-input states for any IC. If a circuit was copied from a development board, identify what that board provided outside the copied schematic fragment.
Make connector polarity and pin function explicit. A two-pin connector can still be reversed in the footprint or cable. For a board-to-board connection, compare both mating views using a common physical landmark.
Review the board in the order someone will use it
| Action | Review question |
|---|---|
| Mount the board | Do holes, standoffs and nearby copper have adequate space? |
| Connect a cable | Is the plug accessible and is its orientation unambiguous? |
| Apply power | Are polarity, supply range and expected current documented? |
| Program the device | Can the programming tool reach the required signals? |
| Measure a fault | Are important rails and references accessible? |
Inspect both sides and all copper layers. A mounting screw can contact bottom-layer copper even when the top view looks clear. A component body can hide a polarity mark that was visible before assembly.
Use CAD checks, then inspect their blind spots
- Run schematic and PCB connectivity checks.
- Confirm the manufacturing rules match the selected supplier.
- Rebuild copper fills and rerun the final design-rule check.
- Inspect the complete power and return paths.
- Review footprints and mechanical fit independently.
- Document every intentional exception.
A passing DRC confirms only the configured rules. It cannot know that the chosen sensor is the wrong variant or that the enclosure blocks a switch. Keep a short list of manual checks beside the automated report.
Inspect the exported order package
Open the actual fabrication archive in a viewer and check outline, copper, holes, mask openings and labels. Compare the order selections with the drawing. Save the exact files and options submitted so any later question can be answered from evidence.
Finally, write a first-power test sequence before the board arrives. Include expected supply readings and one simple functional check. This makes the prototype a planned experiment rather than an improvised troubleshooting session. The LED board example offers a small practice project, while the DFM checklist supports the final manufacturing review.
Move from reading to a build-ready project
Use the fabrication and assembly checklists to prepare drawings, production files and test requirements.
Open the DFM checklist