Forum Index
HomeZBasic Home   Forum RulesForum Rules   Forum FAQForum FAQ   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RSS FeedRSS Feed
Site SearchSite Search   LinksLinks   DownloadDownload   Digests and SubscriptionsDigests and Subscriptions
ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in   RegisterRegister
ZX-24a and ground planes

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Forum Index -> General
Author Message
victorf



Joined: 01 Jan 2006
Posts: 342
Location: Schenectady, New York
Posted: 15 August 2009, 13:20 PM    Post subject: ZX-24a and ground planes Reply with quote
I would like some advice on circuit board layout. I am currently laying out a ExpressPCB miniboard containing a 28 pin socket for a ZX-24, SMD LM2940 and LM3940 regulators, some SMD passive devices, and several headers for ZX I/O and a dedicated programming/debug port. I have made the bottom of the board a ground plane with the I/O connections routed through the plane. Most other connections are routed on the top including +5V and +3.3V traces. The four corners are dedicated to mounting screws - 4/40 hole sized pads.

I have never used a ground plane before and have been wondering if routing the I/O connections through the plane is a good idea. I hope so because I like the layout as it is. Anything I should lookout for? Should the mounting hole pads be connected to the plane? Currently they have been bypassed when I laid down the groundplane.

I would prefer to not to post the board layout.

Vic
Back to top
dkinzer
Site Admin


Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 2499
Location: Portland, OR
Posted: 17 August 2009, 1:56 AM    Post subject: Re: ZX-24a and ground planes Reply with quote
victorf wrote:
[Is] routing the I/O connections through the plane is a good idea.
If you're referring to using through-hole connectors for the I/O connestions, doing so should not appreciably interfere with the efficacy of the ground plane. It is very commonly done.

victorf wrote:
Should the mounting hole pads be connected to the plane?
If the board will mount on non-conductive standoffs then it doesn't matter either way. If you will be using conductive standoffs and a metal enclosure and you want the enclosure to be at the same potential as the ground plane then you could tie one or more of the mounting holes to the ground plane.
Back to top
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Forum Index -> General Time synchro. with the server - Timezone/DST with your computer
Page 1 of 1

 


All content Copyright © 2005-2012 Elba Corp. All Rights Reserved.
Opinions expressed in posts are those of the author and not necessarily those of Elba Corp.
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group