CIRCUIT DIAGRAM TO PCB LAYOUT 1

V. Ryan © 2002

Usually software such as Crocodile Clips is used to draw a circuit on screen and to test it. Once the circuit works, at least
within the software, it has to be converted into a printed circuit board layout before it can be made. To do this the crocodile
clips version of the circuit is imported into software such as PCB Wizard. This software converts the circuit diagram
automatically to a PCB layout. (PCB = Printed Circuit Board)

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM OF A SIMPLE LED LED CIRCUIT AS A PCB LAYOUT

CIRCUIT
The circuit diagram on the left clearly shows a
simple LED circuit. The 9 volt supply, resistor
and LED are laid out as they would be if drawn
by hand.

The drawing on the right is the PCB version of

the same LED circuit. This diagram shows the
tracks of which represent 'lines' between the
components.

The drawing below is a view of how the PCB

really looks when the components are soldered
in position.

A Transistor Circuit

Circuit Diagram PCB Layout

This could be drawn using software such as Crocodile The transistor circuit has been converted to a PCB
Clips or by hand. layout. It can now be manufactured and the
components soldered in position.
Draw a circuit diagram that represents a circuit you have designed in the past. Work out the PCB version and draw it
alongside.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM TO PCB LAYOUT 2

V. Ryan © 2002

Below is an example of a 555 monostable timer circuit. When a circuit is designed it is first drawn on a piece of software
that allows the components to be set out in the circuit. Software such as 'Crocodile Clips' is ideal for school use as it allows
each component to be moved around the screen and testing of the circuit once it is complete. Once complete as a working
circuit diagram it must then be converted into a printed circuit board layout (PCB). Normally the completed circuit diagram
is imported into a second piece of software such as PCB Wizard which converts the diagram automatically.
 Left is the monostable circuit drawn as a circuit diagram.
Circuit diagrams are often easier to understand and follow.
Some of the components have been labelled. If you compare
the circuit diagram with the printed circuit board version
(below it) one of the main differences is the numbering of the
pins of the 555 IC. On a PCB these are always in order but
this is not always the case for the circuit diagrams.

The PCB layout is set out in a slightly different way as the

tracks are set in a more efficient layout, which saves space
and expensive printed circuit board.

The animation (below) displays each stage of drawing a PCB

layout for the circuit diagram.

555 MONOSTABLE CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

555 MONOSTABLE PCB LAYOUT 555 MONOSTABLE PCB LAYOUT- STAGE BY STAGE

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM TO PCB - QUESTIONS

V. Ryan © 2002 - 2009

PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE WORKSHEET

Look at the circuit diagrams below and alongside draw the PCB (printed circuit board) version. Remember, the PCB version
may have components arranged in a slightly different order.
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM PCB LAYOUT