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Schematic Diagram Guidelines for ECE

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This document provides guidelines for creating schematic diagrams. It discusses what schematic diagrams are, which are representations of systems using abstract symbols rather than realistic…

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Joanne Gernale
  • Introduction to Schematics
  • Importance of Standardization
  • Rules for Creating Schematics
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Quizzes on Schematic Design

Schematics Guidelines

Jeffrey Odtohan
ECE Department (PUP)
What is a schematic diagram
• It is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract,
graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
• A schematic usually omits all details that are not relevant to the
information the schematic is intended to convey, and may add
unrealistic elements that aid comprehension.
• For example, a subway map intended for passengers may represent
a subway station with a dot; the dot doesn't resemble the actual
station at all but gives the viewer information without unnecessary
visual clutter.
What is a schematic diagram
• In an electronic circuit diagram, the layout of the symbols may not
resemble the layout in the circuit. In the schematic diagram, the
symbolic elements are arranged to be more easily interpreted by
the viewer.
• Basically, three elements are included in all schematic diagrams:
graphic symbols rep resenting the components; reference
designations de tailing component values, tolerances, or other
ratings: and the interconnections between all components.
Why schematics need to be
standardized
• For the Electrical Engineer, electronics symbols are our “words” and
the schematic is our “novel”. And just as a poorly written document
can cause confusion or disaster, “misreading” a poorly drawn
schematic can cause a range of problems from a non-functional
circuit to a fire, explosion, or electrocution.
• This diagram has been called the most important drawing for use in
equipment production, testing, and analysis. The schematic drawing
describes all circuit functions and values of components, using
standard symbols in most cases.
• In the wiring diagram, components are arranged showing their
physical relationship rather than their functional relationship.
Often, in a wiring diagram, the parts are drawn as pictorials rather
than as graphical symbols.
Why schematics need to be
standardized
• The primary goal of the schematic diagram is to show the functional
relationships between parts, allowing the circuit to be easily
analyzed.
• Schematic diagrams, like many other electronic diagrams, should be
drawn to standards set up by such groups as ANSI, JIC, and IEEE.
• The schematic diagram is the master drawing and is used in the
preparation of wiring diagrams, printed circuit board layouts,
mechanical layouts, parts lists, and other associated drawings.
Basis of rules in schematics
• There are a number of standards for schematic symbols and
how to interconnect them. Some examples are:
– IEEE Std 91, IEEE Standard Graphic Symbols for Logic Functions.
– IEEE Std 315, IEEE Standard Graphic Symbols for Electrical and
Electronics Diagrams (Including Reference Designation Letters).
– IEEE Std 991, IEEE Standard for Logic Circuit Diagrams.
• Resistor symbol commonly used in the U.S. is different than what is
used internationally.
What are rules in making
schematics
• It goes without saying that you should use the right symbol.
Example is when choosing capacitor symbols. There are “polarized”
and “non-polarized” capacitors.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Simply having straight lines. Your schematic should organize and
align components so that it is easily “read”. Picking a uniform
spacing between components also helps make the drawing look
better.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Able to distinguish which nets connect and which cross over is
critical. The “dot convention” has been developed to clarify
connections.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Connection must advance at least one grid point straight out before
making a direction change, as shown below.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Use the right Part “references”. These are the letter/number
combinations used to indicate the type of component and to
uniquely identify each one (R1, R2, R3, etc.) in your design. It is
frequently printed on a PCB “silkscreen” to permit easy location of
components.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Part References should be located next to the component which
they are associated. You should develop a pattern and stick to it for
the entire design (above or below horizontal components, left or
right of vertical components.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Use only standard component values. You can simulate with a
1.02376 k resistor, but you’ll never find one in the parts bin. A 1 k
resistor is the same as a 1.0 k resistor, but if you have specified 1%
parts, 1.0 k is not ambiguous.
• If you don’t know the value for a component yet, or if it needs to be
determined during testing, give it a unique value.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Draw your schematics so that signals “flow” from left to right. With
amplifier circuits this is usually very easy. With larger digital designs
it can be more challenging. The goal is readability, so if following
this rule makes the design less readable, don’t do it.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Use busses when possible. All good CAD tools have the capability of
grouping signals into a bus. If you have a 10-channel preamp, it
could make sense to use a bus to connect those signals to the next
stage.
• Avoid crossing busses if possible as this can be ambiguous. Again,
the goal is readability.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Learn to use “global connectors” to minimize clutter. The “bubbles”
for +V and –V, and the “bars” for VIN and VOUT, are global
connectors.
• decoupling caps by the part
• Signals and voltages should be labeled, parts identified, pins
properly connected, and unused pins marked (if unconnected) or
“handled” properly (such as extra parts in a multipart package).
What are rules in making
schematics
• For schematics that span many pages, a hierarchical design is best.
With a design hierarchy, “ports” are used in place of the signal
global connectors on the schematic pages. These ports are then
used to develop a top level drawing that shows the interconnection
of all of the signals between the pages of the schematic.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Use of explicit Net Names or label the key nets. Net Names are
placed directly on a “wire” connection. They are global, so they can
be used for connectivity (as long as you don’t misspell the name!).
They are often used to name the signals on connector pins. Some
CAD tools also let you place a “bar” above a name to indicate a
digital signal is active low. However, a more common convention is
to append a \ or a * to the name as some netlist generators cannot
handle non-standard characters. And keep the names reasonably
short.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Align the identical components with identical connections in one
direction.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Use the right Ground and Power symbols.

• Use Star connection for Ground and Power symbols if needed.


What are rules in making
schematics
• Watch out for multi-part packages. Quad Op Amps or a hex inverter
will show up in your schematic as U4A or something like that.
Watch that all of the parts get “packaged” into the minimum
number of IC packages required. It’s unprofessional to use four
gates from a package but have 20 unused gates because they are all
in different packages.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Add testpoints (some means of connecting scope probes, signal
sources, etc. should be added to your circuit to facilitate testing.
This is a common error and nothing is more frustrating than
discovering that a critical signal is hidden under a chip or on an
inner layer and you cannot gain reliable access to it.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Also, do something with the unused devices as all unused inputs
must be connected to an appropriate potential or you will likely
have an oscillator or a large current sink on your board
• Adding connector symbols for all off board signals and for power.
Keep in mind that all power and signal I/O should be twisted with a
ground for low inductance and reduced susceptibility to EMI.
What are rules in making
schematics
• Don’t put too much information on any one sheet. Group related
items on same sheet of schematic. Don’t try to put the entire
schematic onto one sheet unless it’s a small and simple design
• Name your circuit and put your name on the circuit. It makes the
drawing look more professional.
• Most CAD programs have tools for adding lines, boxes, arrows and
text to a schematic. Use these tools to delineate circuit functions or
add notes to be used when laying out, assembling, or testing the
circuit. Anything that adds clarity is good.
• Design for regular size paper
What are rules in making
schematics
Remember
Good schematics show you the circuit. Bad schematics make you decipher
them.

THANK YOU
References
• [Link]
[Link]
• [Link]
schematic/reading-schematics
• [Link]
neat-schematics.112294/
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.
Quiz: Identify the drawing if good
or bad schematic design.

Common questions

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In hierarchical schematic designs, global connectors serve as ports on individual schematic pages to represent signals. They are crucial because they facilitate the development of a top-level drawing that shows the interconnection of all the signals between schematic pages. This reduces clutter and improves the readability and organization of complex designs spanning multiple pages.

Unused inputs in electronic schematics should be connected to an appropriate potential to prevent unintentional behavior such as oscillation or excess current draw, which can cause circuit malfunctions. Unused outputs should be indicated or 'handled' properly to avoid confusion during the implementation phase. This practice is crucial for preventing unpredictable circuit behavior and ensuring stability.

When labeling nets in schematic diagrams, it is important to use explicit Net Names to ensure connectivity across different sections of the schematic. Net Names should be reasonably short and avoid non-standard characters unless supported by the CAD tool. Proper labeling is crucial for identifying signals accurately across the design and ensuring the correct interpretation of the circuit's functionality.

Signal flow from left to right in schematic drawings is recommended to enhance readability and logical progression, as it aligns with the natural reading direction and expected signal progression in circuits. However, this guideline may be adjusted if enforcing it results in a less readable or more complex design. The primary goal is maintaining clarity and ease of understanding in the schematic layout.

Drawing schematics that span multiple pages using a hierarchical approach has several advantages, such as reducing clutter and organizing complex designs into manageable sections. This method enhances clarity by isolating different functional blocks while allowing a top-level overview of interconnections. However, it can introduce complexity in navigation and requires careful labeling and use of global connectors to ensure coherence across pages. Proper management is essential to maintain the benefits without introducing errors.

A schematic diagram uses graphic symbols to represent the components of a system without realistic details, emphasizing functional interconnections and aiding comprehension. Conversely, a wiring diagram shows the physical relationship of components using pictorial representations, focusing less on functional connections. Schematics provide a master view for logical design, while wiring diagrams focus on physical layout.

Using standard component values in schematics is critical as it ensures that components are readily available and can be accurately simulated and implemented in physical circuits. Deviating from standard values might lead to difficulties during procurement and impact the circuit's manufacturability and reliability. Simulation with unrealistic values (e.g., 1.02376 kΩ) may not translate into practical implementation.

Standardizing schematic diagrams is essential to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation that could lead to non-functional circuits or safety hazards like fires or electrocution. It allows circuits to be easily analyzed by showing the functional relationships between parts using standard symbols, which is critical for equipment production, testing, and analysis. Standards such as those from ANSI, JIC, and IEEE ensure that schematics convey information clearly and uniformly.

Using busses and global connectors significantly improves the readability and organization of schematic diagrams by grouping signals, reducing clutter, and showing connections clearly. They help manage complexity in designs involving multiple signals or repeated patterns. However, improper use can lead to ambiguity, especially if busses cross or if connectors are not clearly labeled, which can complicate analysis instead of aiding it.

Test points in schematic diagrams are crucial for facilitating testing and troubleshooting by providing designated access for connecting scope probes or signal sources. They allow easy measurement without disturbing the circuit, which is important for verifying functionality and diagnosing issues. Missing test points can complicate testing, especially if critical signals are inaccessible or hidden, making them an essential design element.

Schematics Guidelines Jeffrey Odtohan ECE Department (PUP)
What is a schematic diagram • It is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than
What is a schematic diagram • In an electronic circuit diagram, the layout of the symbols may not resemble the layout in the
Why schematics need to be standardized • For the Electrical Engineer, electronics symbols are our “words” and the schematic
Why schematics need to be standardized • The primary goal of the schematic diagram is to show the functional relationships
Basis of rules in schematics • There are a number of standards for schematic symbols and how to interconnect them. Some exam
What are rules in making schematics • It goes without saying that you should use the right symbol. Example is when choosing
What are rules in making schematics • Simply having straight lines. Your schematic should organize and align components so
What are rules in making schematics • Able to distinguish which nets connect and which cross over is critical. The “dot con
What are rules in making schematics • Connection must advance at least one grid point straight out before making a directio

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