# The Spark Gap - Episode 21

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2014-11-26
- Length: 42m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-21

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss PCB layout tips for hobbyists, focusing on component placement and power plane design. They cover decisions like single-sided vs. double-sided assembly, grouping components by functional blocks, and the critical importance of placing decoupling capacitors near IC pins. The conversation also addresses thermal management, power plane sizing, via current capacity, and the use of positive vs. negative layers in CAD tools.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21#t=0) Introduction and PCB Layout Software
- [5:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21#t=347) Component Placement Strategy and Block Diagrams
- [15:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21#t=927) Decoupling Capacitor Best Practices
- [22:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21#t=1323) Thermal Management and Heat Sinking
- [26:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21#t=1602) Power Plane Design and Grounding
- [34:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21#t=2052) Via Sizing, Current Capacity, and Manufacturing

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- KiCad (tool)
- PCB Artist (tool)
- Advanced Circuits (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Call In Show #3](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-02-26-call-in-show-3) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Hank Zumbahlen - Zoppa Zumbahlen Zateticism](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-02-19-an-interview-with-hank-zumbahlen-zoppa-zumbahlen-zateticism) (The Amp Hour)
- [EMC Expert Debunks Common PCB Grounding Myths](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-01-27-emc-expert-debunks-common-pcb-grounding-myths) (OnTrack)
- [20: Soldered Together By Monkeys](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-09-26-20-soldered-together-by-monkeys) (Embedded.fm)
- [Layout, CAD & Raspberry Pi - Kedogenous Kinetic Knowledge](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-01-15-layout-cad-raspberry-pi-kedogenous-kinetic-knowledge) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-11-26-the-spark-gap-episode-21. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Spark Gap.