Glossary

Symbol

The schematic representation of a component. This only describes the interface (number of pins) and what the function of a specific part is.

Footprint

Physical representation of a component, including the position of the pins (also called “Land Pattern”).

Pads

Areas on which the copper of the circuit board will be exposed. Those area can be soldered.

Mil

Mil is a distance unit often used in PCB design and is equal to 1/1000th of an inch. 100 mil are 2.54mm, which is the usual spacing between pins.

Courtyard

The area where no other components must be placed, defined by the manufacturing capabilities and physical size of eventual protrusions of the components.

Layers

A PCB consists of multiple layers that are produced in a different way. Some layers have an F.* and a B.* version, which means front and back.