Electronics > KiCad

Routing power traces to power input on 2 layer board ideas [noob question]

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newtekuser:
I am working with 2 layer boards, where I designate the bottom layer as ground plane and top layer for signal and power. My applications are 5V, no high speed signals, typically consisting of an LCD display, 8bit PIC MCU + buttons and an occasional i2c IC.

When I lay out the traces I typically end up with a hub and spoke design where each 5V power trace goes up to the 5V power input similarly to the attached screenshot.

My projects do work, but I'm not happy with the design. Is there a better way of routing power within the constrains of a 2 layer design?

John B:
The empty space in between the tracks is wasted space since all the nets are +5V. So you have essentially taken up the space of a several mm wide trace, without the benefits of said trace. I would normally route a thicker bus track going to the top left, and off to the right. You can also remove the redundant GND trace with via. the KiCAD DRC will detect when components are connected through a filled zone.

SiliconWizard:
I would also route one thick trace and distribute it closer to what it powers. This kind of "star" connection probably doesn't make much sense here.
Just avoid making full loops with power traces, that's pretty nasty EMI-wise.

PlainName:

--- Quote ---You can also remove the redundant GND trace with via. the KiCAD DRC will detect when components are connected through a filled zone
--- End quote ---

That's true, but I always route a track anyway - partly habit (from tape days) but also because it lets me know there is a good route to a pin without having to check ERC errors all the time. Obviously doesn't (or shouldn't) apply to planes, but for fills...

newtekuser:

--- Quote from: John B on March 26, 2023, 10:34:59 pm ---The empty space in between the tracks is wasted space since all the nets are +5V. So you have essentially taken up the space of a several mm wide trace, without the benefits of said trace. I would normally route a thicker bus track going to the top left, and off to the right. You can also remove the redundant GND trace with via. the KiCAD DRC will detect when components are connected through a filled zone.

--- End quote ---

I was wondering about GND tracks as well. When I first started with PCB design I used to drop in vias to the ground plane and not route tracks for them, but after a long break of a few years and having to re-learn stuff I forgot that this was the way to go with ground planes.

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