Component Placement Guidelines for PCB Design and Assembly

Component placement plays a crucial role in the accurate functioning of the PCB assembly circuit. In modern electronics, this has become increasingly crucial and complex because there are multiple components mounted on a small form factor board. Mounting of components goes beyond mere arrangement as this needs to be strategized to ensure they are positioned in the right manner. A number of factors need to be considered, such as placing certain types of components on one side, EMI-sensitive components away from the ones that produce noise, wiring, vias, and so on.

This post offers some key guidelines and best practices for component placement in PCB design and assembly.

Component placement in PCB design and assembly is the process wherein engineers strategically position the required electronic components on a PCB as part of the assembly process to make the circuit functional. This plays a role in the functioning of the device or system. The component placement aspect in the PCB design stage involves consideration of several factors, such as signal integrity, heat management, space utilization, and ease of assembly. Accurate component placement optimizes the flow of signals, minimizes electrical interference, and makes the assembly efficient.

Here are the main factors to consider when placing components on a PCB:

1. Electrical considerations: The way components are placed on the board directly affects electrical performance. Components should be placed such that they minimize noise and interference, especially for high-speed, high-frequency applications. Ensure that the routing of signal traces maintains a consistent impedance, which is crucial for high-frequency signals. Keep power and ground planes as solid and continuous as possible to reduce noise and ensure stable operation.
2. Functional grouping: Components must be grouped based on their functionality such as power supply, which can be placed along with converters, and other heat-producing devices. Keep EMI-sensitive components away from the ones producing noise. Arrange components to ensure easy flow of signals, which simplifies trace routing.
3. Thermal management: Efficient thermal management is essential to prevent overheating. High-power components, such as voltage regulators or processors, should be placed in areas that allow for effective heat dissipation. Components that are sensitive to heat should be positioned away from heat-generating components. Ensure enough ventilation and heat sinks in the PCB design.
4. Electrical isolation and shielding: To prevent unwanted interference or crosstalk between signals, components need to be isolated where necessary. Place sensitive components away from noisy components like digital processors or power supplies.
5. Space utilization: While the PCB size may be small, component mounting must be planned well, considering all the requirements. There must be enough spacing between the components to achieve electrical isolation and prevent shorting.  
6. Component accessibility: Access to components for testing, maintenance, and upgrades is crucial in case an assembly needs repairs or upgrades. Hence, place components in a way that allows for easy testing, debugging, and repair. Components like connectors or headers, which interface with other systems or devices, should be placed at the edges of the PCB for easy access.
7. Avoid crossovers and overlapping traces: Crossing signal traces and overlapping traces can complicate the PCB design and lead to manufacturing difficulty and performance issues. Ensure that signal traces don't overlap unless absolutely necessary. This minimizes the risk of signal interference and makes the routing cleaner. Avoid excessive use of vias whenever possible, as they can add inductance, resistance, and signal delay.
8. Keep power and ground planes solid: Power and ground planes are important in stable operation and minimizing noise in the PCB. So, use continuous power and ground planes wherever possible. This helps in reducing impedance and noise in the board. This is important for high-speed designs where maintaining a stable ground plane is critical. Place decoupling capacitors as close to the power pins of high-speed components as possible.

A well-thought-out component placement strategy not only leads to better-performing circuits but also enhances functioning and efficiency. If you're ready to bring your PCB designs to life and require assistance in this regard, the team Accelerated Assemblies has got you covered. The company offers custom PCB assembly services and more. For any further information you require regarding our services, you can contact us via phone or email.