Updating Older PCB Designs: Ensuring Clarity and Safety

When working on older PCB designs, it’s essential to review and update them to meet current standards. Recently, I encountered a situation where the power and ground pins on chips were not clearly defined in the schematic model. To address this issue in PADs, I had to access the component’s Properties window and assign the appropriate nets under “SigPins.”

This practice may improve the schematic’s aesthetics, but it raises concerns about clarity and safety. Imagine if a technician needed to troubleshoot or repair a board—unclear pin connections could lead to confusion and errors.

While some may view this approach as a design preference, I believe it poses risks and challenges in documentation. Clarity and accuracy in schematics are crucial for efficient troubleshooting and maintenance.

Have you encountered similar practices in your PCB designs? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.