I have Ivex Winboard, and Ivex Windraft on my PC. I used Ivex Winboard to create my ROM programmer schematic, and in the schematic, there are about 8 or so IC's (I haven't counted them :lol: ).
I was able to generate a netlist and convert it to Winboard, but since I do not and cannot afford Specctra autorouting program that should have come shipped with Windraft, I cannot have it route the tracks for me.
HOWEVER, I took advantage to the fullest extent and use the built-in netlist utility. The good part about it is that it shows me how to connect each track in turn.
The problem is that when 1/2 the circuit is complete, the next connect it shows works best IF i cut across several tracks at once. No track can touch any other track, because if it does, the chances of a short circuit have risen.
I want to know if any of you guys have actually routed a complex PCB yourself and how you did it. I am willing to thin my tracks, but going less than 0.4mm is asking for trouble. I am able to squeeze 2 tracks between 2 pins of an IC.
Are there any tricks to a perfect PCB? if there are, I would like to know.
I want to avoid downloading anything else.
And what is the absolute smallest size a track can be without having the track broken by the heat of a soldering iron. and a drill hole? (I think mine is 30W or 45W, I'm not sure).
Also, I drill my holes after developing and after etching the board.