1. Instructor: Ted Markson
EAGLE CAD
Instructor: Ted Markson

2. Lecture Goals
Learn basics of using the schematic editor, board layout, library editor and CAM processor specific to EAGLE
Learn common practices for creating schematics and printed circuit boards
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

3. Introduction to Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
Used for complex or inconvenient circuits
When there are more than 20 jumper wires on a breadboard
Thru-hole and Surface Mount technologies
Production PCB runs are proportionally inexpensive
Always prototype the design! Saves money in the long run
DorkbotPDX and BatchPCB by Sparkfun are prototype pooling services
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

4. The Software We will demonstrate the editor applications of EAGLE
during each of the description slides.
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

5. General Notes Script that runs at startup of every EAGLE instance
eagle.scr
Sets options such as default values and command assignments
Use this to customize your user experience. The SCR file can be transferred to another computer
A full mouse is highly recommended. Laptop touch pads are cumbersome to use effectively
Left click usually applies a tool to the target
Middle click performs panning
Scroll wheel performs zooming
Right click shows or cycles through options
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

6. HELP command When in doubt, use the HELP command
Exquisite documentation for every available command
Tool parameters and behaviors can all be found in HELP
Syntax
help <topic name>
Examples
help move
help grid
help drc
help symbol
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

7. Schematic Editor Used to symbolize your circuit design
Basic components are devices, nets, labels, buses
Use large fonts and right-angle nets
More Metadata is More Better
Add author, date, production info, etc
Work on a 100 mil grid
1 inch = 1,000 mil
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

8. Electrical Rules Check (ERC)
Used to check a schematic for consistency
Produces errors regarding number and connection of
Parts/elements
Nets/signals
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

9. Board Layout Editor Used to layout your physical circuit design
Basic components are packages, traces, geometry
Geometry includes polygons, lines, and labels
In general…
Use oblique-angle traces
Use 2+ electrically isolated mounting holes
Use vias for accessing traces
Consider design requirements for each package
Buffer zones, ground planes, clean voltages, etc
Treat any non-production design like a prototype
Work on a 10 mil grid
1 inch = 1,000 mil
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

10. Library Editor (.lbr) Used to design devices
A device is a symbol connected to a package
Basic components are symbols, packages, devices
Use practices from both board and schematic editor
Naming conventions
Packages have names common within the industry
Symbols and devices usually named with part number
Prefixes: R, C, IC, X, Q
Use Descriptions!
Put part numbers, suppliers, and unique information into the device description for reference. You’ll thank me later.
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

11. CAM Processor (.cam)
Used to export machine-readable files of your design
Most commonly used for Gerber exports
CAM job output is sent to manufacturer
Review your Gerbers using a Gerber viewer such as
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019

12. Questions?
EAGLE CAD with Ted Markson
1/2/2019