A schematic is a graphical sheet that displays the logic of your design. It does not display the physical layout of the PCB: that is left to The PCB
A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) schematic sheet, also known simply as a schematic sheet, is a representation of the electrical connections and components that make up a circuit design. In electronics design, especially when creating printed circuit boards, designers use schematic sheets to illustrate the connections between various electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, connectors, and other elements.
Here are some key points about PCB schematic sheets:
•Symbols: Schematic sheets show symbols representing electronic components arranged in a way that represents their electrical connections and relationships within the circuit.
•Interconnections: Lines, also known as wires, represent electrical connections between components. These lines indicate how signals flow through the circuit.
•Multiple Sheets: Large and complex circuits often require multiple schematic sheets to organize and simplify the design. Each sheet typically represents a specific portion of the overall circuit.
•Hierarchy and Modularity: Schematic sheets allow designers to organize circuits hierarchically and modularly. For instance, a complex circuit might have separate sheets for subsystems like power supply, signal processing, and communication interfaces.
•Annotations and Labels: Schematic sheets include annotations, labels, and other information to provide clarity about component values, part numbers, signal names, and other relevant details.
•Design Documentation: Schematic sheets serve as important documentation for the circuit design. They help engineers and technicians understand the functionality of the circuit, troubleshoot issues, and make modifications as needed.
•Integration with PCB Layout: While schematic sheets represent the logical design of the circuit, they are integrate with the PCB layout. Once the schematic design is complete, the layout tool uses the schematic information to physically place components and route traces on the PCB.
Overall, PCB schematic sheets are essential tools in the electronic design process, providing a visual representation of circuit functionality and aiding in the creation of printed circuit boards.
A typical schematic is shown below.
A Typical Schematic