Schematic Idiocy

[For The Popcorn]

Am I allowed to hate whomever drew this schematic? In order to avoid crossing lines, the pins on pairs of connectors are shuffled. Pin 2 on one side connects to 2 on the other side....but they don't line up with each other. In this case, two pairs of connectors in line are shuffled.

This particular connector also has a problem where a 13 pin connector has a pin 14 in one place.

Sure, the schematic looks neat, but trying to follow signals from one end to the other is a mind-numbing experience!

 

[AnalogKid]

Without more of the schematic it is hard to say. But, in general . . .

A schematic is not a wiring diagram. I have around a dozen LM555 decals in my design library, and the only difference among them is the pinout. Same for a bunch of CD4060 decals. What is important in a schematic is a clear, unambiguous presentation of signal flow. A schematic shows the signal relationships between/among components. It is about communication, not geography. Another view is that a schematic tells the story of the designer's intent. Like a book, it has a beginning, a middle, and an ending, with paragraphs, sentences, nouns, verbs ... If all of the words on a printed page are in alphabetical order, the meaning of the writing is obfuscated.

Of course there are exceptions and tradeoffs depending on the circuit, the application, and the use of the schematic. Also, connectors often present unique challenges, causing a debate on whose clarity is more important. But in general, I'm with the "minimize crossovers / optimize signal flow paths" camp.

ak