Overview of Eagle

Overview of Eagle

A high level overview on the parts of Eagle

Libraries

The Library consists of all usable parts that can go on the board. We can make new parts as we start to use different components.

Device

Combining Package and Symbol, we get a Device. This is where the pins from the Symbol are linked with the Package pins. It won’t let you create the device without connecting all pins. Here, you can also add specific information, like the prefix of the device (e.x. R$1 for resistors and C$1 for capacitors).

Package

This is how the component looks on the board. The exact dimensions should be drawn in using proper silkscreen layers, and any documentation for pinouts should also be legibly labeled. Make sure to follow the datasheet footprint when creating the footprint.

Symbol

This is how the component looks on the Schematic. Consist of a vague outline of the device as a building block, with labeled pins. This part is all about visibility and being easy to understand. Certain components naturally have a different look on a circuit diagram, so keep those conventions in mind.

Design Rules

A check to see if your board is within guidelines. There are many rules that one must follow to ensure a successful board print. It can be checked in the Board window by using the command drc. We have two different DRs; one for normal boards and one for copper rich boards like the PiEDB.

CAM Jobs

The job that is used to generate gerbers. Don’t mess with it, it's not exactly special or anything.

Projects

Schematic

This is where you design the circuit. It is how you would draw it on a piece of paper, but it also gives you some tools to make your life easier. When designing large circuits, the key is to abstract away parts of the circuit as blocks.

Board

The actual board layout. Think about the form factor before placing all the components onto the board. This requires the most thinking and planning to make a great board. The difference between a good board and an amazing one is how well the components are planned to make production, size, enclosures, and user experience the best it can possibly be.