AVR-Chat

Chuck Hackett wrote:
> I know this is dangerous, but ... :-)
>
> I'm looking for a critique of the board layout for my first significant project.
>   
I have had a quick look - might be easier to post the actual board files 
as I could not switch off layers in the pdf to see things more clearly.
Two thoughts - I was looking initially at the autorouting (obvious) and 
the vias around the connector. When hand soldering thru-hole components 
it is /very/ easy to short to any vias which are too close. The one 
between pins 12 and 14 is particularly vulnerable against pin 11.

Looking  at the track from IC3 pin 6 to IC3 pin 2 (CANL) this has three 
unnecessary vias by JP1 when it could have continued directly to pin 18 
without changing layer at all.
I don't know /anything/ about CAN but given your schematic, would have 
kept CANL and CANL at one end of JP1 (moving IC3 to the right of IC7) 
and keeping the tracks with (say) double clearance from anything else 
since the bus does not enjoy the protection you have applied to other 
pins for external wiring.

I would also move any tracks *well* away from fixing holes bearing in 
mind the possible use of oversize screw heads/washers and slipping 
screwdrivers.

A minor point - I would bring out the tracks from pins 2, 3 and 5 of IC7 
(GND) slightly away from  the IC pads before joining them since a track 
across the pads could possibly rob solder from the pins.

Good luck with the project.

George Smith