Hi,

I am trying to use auto-router for 2 layers PCB (Top & Bottom), where components are placed both but either side of the PCB. When I run it, traces are laid out both the sides for most of the components those are placed either side of the PCB. This will surely cause me difficulty while soldering, as some pins need to be solder at top and others at bottom side. Like in case of electrolyte capacitor and more difficult in headers/sockets. This is going to be quite challenging and/or to adopt single side routing.

Is there any way to specify/configure auto-router to adopt only other side (or opposite) of tracing for each component? For example, if a component is placed on top (vertical) then starting traces should be laid out only at bottom side for that component, later it may use via to change the side but starting side must be bottom and vice versa. This will help me to solder it effectively and appropriate at a side.

Pls help? I have attached two images to explain the problem. One with auto routed result and second with problem highlighted in the red circles.

Regards,
Pradip

There are two solutions:
1. Place route keepouts around pads on component side
2. Hide pad rings on component side (right click on a pad and select "Hide pad ring in layer")

Thank you. You both suggestions worked. Appreciate your quick response.

-- 07 Aug 2012, 10:25 --

Now all traces were laid starting at either side so first problem got resolved. But, some traces were laid other side over the holes/vias. This will cause drilling issue and may break the trace at other side due to this or will may cause short circuit by co-joining the upper and lower side accidentally. Because I am not using SMD components.

Pls see the attached file for more details and help. Where red trace are at the bottom side and blue are at upper, where the component is placed on the other side i.e. bottom to top thru hole and not using SMD components.

Pls suggest is there any way to instruct Auto-Router to avoid this?

Regards,

Please send the PCB file to support at diptrace dot com