Data Sheet

PCB Layout
125
Note that the creation of a teardrop connection is dependent on the design rules. If making a
teardrop connection would violate one of the design rules then it will simply not be created.
Once configured teardrops connections will be made dynamically as we complete routes in the
sections below.
Placing a Route Manually
Before we start, we will want the ratsnest lines turned back on. If you have them disabled (can't
see any green lines between pads), turn them on from the View Menu - Displayed Layers
dialogue.
Let’s begin by manually placing some tracks on the board. Typically, we would manually lay out
connections where a specific path is desired for the track or where we need greater control over
track position. On our layout we want to make sure that our connections from connector J2
follow a sensible path around the board so we can start here and route them manually.
Start by selecting track mode at the left hand side of the Object Selector and changing the layer
selector to be on Top Copper.
Trace / Track selection and the Layer selector
If we look at pad 4 of the J2 connector we can see that the closest ratsnest line is directing us
across to the GND pad on the step converter. This is not ideal as we would have to navigate the