Webinar - 5 Tips for Designing an Embedded System with PHYTEC - PHYTEC

Question: Are PHYTEC SOMS FCC/CE certified? 

Answer: PHYTEC does FCC/CE testing on our SOM using our development platform to ensure that our customers will be successful in qualifying their system that utilizes the PHYTEC SOM.

Question: Will the tools be able to help with appropriate trace spacing? Is it advantageous to do multiple layers for routing? And if I use multiple layers, will I be able to tell if my clearances are still appropriate between layers?
Answer: There are layout guidelines available online from different companies that offer recommendations for routing and spacing. Multiple layers allow you to reduce the board size by routing signals on inner layers. But it is recommended to route signals on adjacent layers perpendicularly to avoid noise cross-coupling. There are standard PCB stackups out there you can look up, but unfortunately it really depends on each design. Feel free to contact us with specific questions

Question: What Schematic and Layout tools does PHYTEC use?
Answer: Mentor Graphics. DX Designer for Schematic. Expedition for Layout.

Question: Does PHYTEC make schematics for the SOM and reference carrier boards available for customers?
Answer: Yes! Contact our support team through the Service Desk to request schematics for development

Question: What design software/tools is Phytec using for to verify in 3D?
Answer: Mentor Graphics has good 3D capabilities that we use when doing layout. In addition we use SolidWorks for 3D modeling and fitting PCBAs together.

Question: How many layers are on a typical SOM? And how many layers should a carrier board use with the SOM?
Answer: 10-14 layers typically for SOM and 6-8 layers typically for CB. Really comes down to the size of your board and the number of signals you need to route.

Question: What is the most common issue you see during a layout review/design?
Answer: I often see concerns with signal routing spacing. With strict space limitations it can be difficult to route signals with proper spacing so that they do not couple noise into each other. This is more critical for high speed interfaces. There must be enough space between high speed signals to avoid cross-coupling and EMI. Research recommended layout guidelines for those interfaces online and try your best to meet those recommendations!

Question: Can I build a system with a carrier board that uses only 4 layers with one of your SOMs?
Answer: Yes, the number of layers mainly depends on the size of your board and the number of signals your design requires to route. 4 layers is fine if it works for your specification.