PCB Trace Width Adjustment via Pad Matching

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual correction of trace widths on printed circuit boards is time-consuming and prone to human error, leading to potential short circuits due to differences in trace and pad widths.

Innovation Solution

A computer layout software method that automatically detects and adjusts the width of traces to match the width of corresponding pads, preventing short circuits by selecting traces, obtaining trace names, device pins, and pads, and adjusting trace widths accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual correction of trace widths is performed, then trace and pad width consistency can be achieved, but time consumption increases and human error occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrace width consistencyVSAvoidcorrection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting trace-pad width mismatches and adjusting trace widths without human intervention. The computer executes algorithms that compare trace widths with connected pad widths and automatically modify inconsistent traces, enabling the design system to correct itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical correction process is replaced by an automated computer-based system. The invention substitutes human operators with software that reads layout data, compares dimensions, and modifies trace geometries programmatically, eliminating manual labor while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual correction of trace widths is performed, then trace and pad width consistency can be achieved, but human negligence may still cause short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrace width consistencyVSAvoidshort circuit prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback by automatically comparing each trace's width with its connected pad's width and detecting mismatches. This closed-loop verification ensures that all traces are checked against their corresponding pads, providing real-time detection of potential short circuit conditions without relying on human attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting trace-pad width mismatches and adjusting trace widths without human intervention. The computer executes algorithms that compare trace widths with connected pad widths and automatically modify inconsistent traces, enabling the design system to correct itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic trace width setting is implemented, then wiring efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring efficiencyVSAvoidsoftware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical correction process is replaced by an automated computer-based system. The invention substitutes human operators with software that reads layout data, compares dimensions, and modifies trace geometries programmatically, eliminating manual labor while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses data copying and processing by reading existing layout information from files, storing trace and pad parameters in data structures, and creating modified versions of the layout data. This information copying approach enables automatic processing without requiring complex physical manipulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8296716B2Method for setting width of trace on printed circuit board

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 INVENTEC CORP

AI summary

A method implemented by a computer layout software for setting the width of the printed circuit board trace is disclosed. The method selects one from several traces set on the printed circuit board traces, obtains the corresponding trace name of the selected trace, obtains the device pin connected to the selected trace, acquires the pad corresponding to the device pin, reads the width of the pad, and adjusts the width of the pad.