Allegro - Tip of the Week: Preventing Shorts

It is possible to override a DRC using properties in PCB Editor. Most of the times, we do it on purpose, with a goal in mind. However, we can’t rule out those other times where an oversight might cost us time and money because of a short in our design.

Here’s a checklist you can follow to avoid this situation:

1. Make sure that the nets involved do not have the “NO_DRC” property on a pin(s).
2. Make sure there are no invalid “waived DRCs”.
3. Make sure your DRC modes are enabled. Be especially careful with newly released DRCs (for example, Microvia-based), as those are disabled by default.
4. Run DBDoctor (Database check) to keep the design in sync and up to date.
5. Make sure the plane layers in the cross-section form agree with the artwork control form (negative or positive).
6. Make sure the padstacks are designed properly; both Antipads and thermals.

Team PCBTech

Cadence Design Systems