Background Theory > Schematic Design > What is a Schematic Off-page Connector?

In electronics design, a schematic off-page connector is a graphical symbol used to indicate a connection between different pages of a schematic diagram. It allows a designer to connect different parts of a circuit that are on separate schematic pages, without cluttering the individual pages.

An off-page connector is typically represented by a rectangle or other symbol with a name or identifier that indicates the destination page. The symbol is placed on the edge of the page where the connection originates, and a corresponding symbol with the same name or identifier is placed on the edge of the destination page where the connection terminates.

The use of off-page connectors allows a designer to break up a large, complex circuit into smaller, more manageable pages, while still maintaining a clear understanding of how the various parts of the circuit are connected. It also makes it easier to modify or update the circuit, as changes can be made to individual pages without affecting the rest of the circuit.

When using off-page connectors, it is important to ensure that the names or identifiers used for the connectors are unique and unambiguous. This helps to avoid confusion or errors when interpreting the schematic and can make the design process more efficient and reliable. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the connectors are placed in a logical and organized manner, to make it easier to understand the overall circuit topology.

Off-page connectors and nodes in schematic diagrams are symbols used to represent connections that go to other sheets of the schematic or other sections of the same sheet that aren't immediately adjacent. They are essentially a way to keep schematic diagrams clear and readable, especially for complex circuits that might otherwise be too crowded or confusing.

Off-Page Connectors

These are used in multi-sheet schematics to indicate that a wire or connection continues on another page. An off-page connector is typically represented as a box or a circle with a number or a name inside. The same connector symbol, with the same identifier, will be shown on the page where the connection continues. This way, you can easily trace where the signal is going or coming from by looking for the corresponding off-page connector on the other sheets.

Nodes

Nodes in a schematic represent points in the circuit where two or more components are connected. If the same node name appears in different parts of a schematic (even on different pages), this means these points are all connected together. This is particularly useful in large, complex schematics where it might not be practical to draw all the connections directly.

These conventions help maintain clarity in schematic diagrams, but it's worth noting that different tools or designers might use slightly different symbols or approaches. Always refer to any available key or legend, and when in doubt, ask the person who created the schematic.