A printed circuit board designer is responsible for creating circuit boards and ensuring that they function properly so that businesses and clients can use them. Placing parts on the board and properly configuring it is one of the most basic responsibilities of a printed circuit board designer. Because this type of designer frequently works on custom projects, it’s crucial that he understands how to optimize the board. This designer typically uses computer-aided design (CAD) and specific circuit board design programs. Following the creation of the circuit board, the designer is also responsible for testing it to ensure that it functions properly.
Placing parts on a circuit board is a necessary part of being a printed circuit board designer. This implies that the designer should have a thorough understanding of various parts, including what they do and how to safely configure them on the circuit board. The designer should also consider weight to ensure that the board does not become too large to fit into a system.
A printed circuit board designer is typically expected to be creative and capable of optimizing parts and boards for clients, in addition to knowing parts. For instance, if a client requires a circuit board for an arcade machine with specific power requirements, the designer must be able to optimize the board to meet the client’s specifications. If the designer is employed rather than freelancing, he is typically expected to find ways to improve existing boards so that the company or clients can make better use of their technology.
A printed circuit board designer usually does not place parts on a board hand; instead, they use a CAD or circuit board design program to do so. This allows the designer to easily export the design to circuit board manufacturers, and these programs typically make working with parts below the circuit board’s surface easier. Because manual positioning is so uncommon, the designer is usually expected to be familiar with it.
When a circuit board is finished, it is usually tested. While a printed circuit board designer is unlikely to create a faulty board, testing ensures that the board functions properly and that no manufacturing errors exist. Some companies have other people test the board, but the designer is frequently involved in the process.