Design Rule Checking

All designs should be verified by the DRC (Design Rule Checker) in the PCB layout utility before prototyping or sending for final manufacturing.

How to set DRC Configurations:

gEDA:

• Run PCB Designer.
• File
• Peferences
• Sizes

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Printed Circuit Board Manufacturer Tolerance Standards:

4PCB (Advanced Circuits)

• These Tolerance Standards were last checked on September 13th, 2014.
• Minimum Copper Spacing = 7.00 mil.
• Minimum Copper Width = 7.00 mil.
• Minimum Touching Copper Overlap = 10.00 mil (This was not specified on their website).
• Minimum Silk Width = 5.00 mil.
• Minimum Drill Diameter = 8.00 mil.
• Minimum Annular Ring = 5.00 mil.
• Check the box "Use DRC values as the default for new layouts." (Now you won't have to set these ever again!)

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Checking your printed circuit board design against the DRC:

gEDA (PCB Designer):

• Window
• DRC Check
• Maximize the new window (I have issues seeing the errors otherwise).
• Press the Refresh button to update the list (it will not display when you first open it).
• Double clicking the error will place your mouse at the location on the board that it corresponds to.