Suggested
Software:
Microsoft Visio
Visio has a large collection of electrical and computer engineering symbols.
Key
rules for drawing good schematics:
1)
Schematic
should label all pin numbers, part values, polarities, signal names, part model
numbers, etc.
2)
Every
part should have a distinct name, e.g., R1, R2, C1,
U1, U2, etc. Also the value of each part needs to be
indicated- e.g. indicate C1 is 2nF.
3)
All
wires and components are aligned horizontally and vertically.
4)
Always
use the standard symbol for a device. If more that one standard symbol can be
used, always be consistent and use the same symbol within a drawing.
5)
If
you use connectors in your circuit make sure to show the connector on the
schematic and to label all pin numbers for both sides of the connector.
6)
Label
pin numbers on the outside of a symbol and signals on the inside of a symbol.
7)
A
good schematic makes the circuit functions clear. Try to keep functional areas
distinct.
8)
Examine
schematics drawn in commercial application notes, textbooks, etc. to see
examples of good schematics.
The
book “The Art of Electronics” by Horowitz and Hill has a short appendix on
drawing schematic diagrams. This book is on reserve for ECE 480 in the Engineering
Library.