PCB jumpers

Using Arduino General Electronics
1

I usually make SS PCBs.

Rather than use wire jumpers, I sometimes use zero ohm SMDs (1210 & 2010) to sneak over a trace.

Rather than going back to the schematic, adding the resistor then recreating the net list;
any suggestions how to add them to the layout to still pass the DRC test in PCB layout?
(perhaps two vias with oposite side trace is the only way)

I use WinQcad but the concept would be the same as other programs.

2

LarryD:
(perhaps two vias with oposite side trace is the only way)

It has the advantage of showing the intent and actually being valid as a 2-layer layout.
What you want is a way to automatically add pads to the vias. If there's a way in WinQcad
to create a window in the solder-resist that would do it - perhaps some sort of test-point?

3

In Altium I would create a pad as a component (I already have many different ones I use for test points) then drop two on the schematic.

But how to do that on the PCB and have it back annotate to the schematic I don't know, not even sure if it would be possible. I think it would be just as easy to swap back to the schem and drop the pads as required.

Rob

4

I tried the following and it does what I need.

  1. lay down traces to accommodate the 2010
  2. place VIAs at each end
  3. place a trace on the other side to the PCB connecting the 2 VIAs.
  4. Select the Pad traces, 2 VIAs and the opposite side trace
  5. save the block in #4, call it jumper 2010Jumper
  6. load the block when ever I need to make a automated jumper using a 2010 zero ohm resistor.

DRC is satisfied since the 2 VIAs are connected on the other side.

I helps to brain storm.

Thanks

EDIT: See example jumping over 3 - 12.5 mil traces

2014-08-23_17-32-59.jpg

2014-08-23_17-43-00.jpg
2014-08-23_17-43-00.jpg327×542 51.1 KB

5

OK, good one, keep DRC happy with the track on the other side that you will never physically make.

Rob

6

you will never physically make

Correct

7

Come to think of it, if you etch the top and bottom of the PCB (assuming no platted through holes) a middle or imaginary layer can be used to satisfied the DRC using the same technique.
See image:

  • Red is bottom layer/foil
  • Grey is top layer/foil
  • Blue is the imaginary layer which satisfies DRC
  • Green is the Zero ohm resistor/jumper
  • White Xs are the VIAs which are never used

2014-08-23_18-27-55.jpg