# The Spark Gap - Episode 22

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2014-12-03
- Length: 47m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-22

## Summary

Speakers Karl and Corey discuss the critical importance of descriptive net naming in PCB layout, explaining how logical names help identify errors like VBus connecting to ground, whereas arbitrary names like 'N_325' hide mistakes. They cover signal integrity topics including impedance control, stack-up considerations, and the distinction between single-ended and differential signals, noting that fab houses often provide impedance calculators. The conversation concludes with manufacturing details, specifically explaining 'thieving' copper for board stability and 'thermal reliefs' to prevent tombstoning during soldering.

## Chapters

- [0:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22#t=27) Introduction: Signal Layer and Net Naming
- [4:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22#t=273) The Importance of Descriptive Net Names and CAD Checks
- [11:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22#t=677) Impedance, Stack-ups, and Trace Widths
- [22:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22#t=1372) Units: Mills vs. Millimeters and Footprint Creation
- [29:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22#t=1740) Ground Planes, Return Paths, and Loop Area
- [36:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22#t=2192) Manufacturing Details: Thieving and Thermal Reliefs

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- EEWeb (other)
- OSH Park (company)
- Advanced Circuits (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Two Person Rule](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-06-01-the-two-person-rule) (The Amp Hour)
- [Signal Integrity, Thermal & DFM: PCB West Preview with Keven](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-08-05-signal-integrity-thermal-dfm-pcb-west-preview-with-keven) (OnTrack)
- [PCB Assembly Mistakes Designers Keep Making: PCB West 2026 Preview](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-09-09-pcb-assembly-mistakes-designers-keep-making-pcb-west-2026-preview) (OnTrack)
- [S7E2 WEBINAR: Your Manufacturer is Stupid: Why Your Circuit Board Design Is Making Their Job Harder with Chris Denney](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-01-09-s7e2-webinar-your-manufacturer-is-stupid-why-your-circuit-board-design-is-making) (Being an Engineer)
- [I've bitten myself](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-05-21-ive-bitten-myself) (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/2014-12-03-the-spark-gap-episode-22. 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.