>=20
> You're right. I rearranged the board and switched some components to surf=
ace
> mount. Check it out:
>=20
> Unrouted: http://postimage.org/image/22skvifk4/full/
> Routed: http://postimage.org/image/22sj7z32c/full/
>=20
> I got the board down to 4.9x5.6 inches. Not bad and not overly crowded.
>=20
>=20

Try to put SMD components on the bottom side and keep TH components on the =
top=20
side. This way you could put some TH components on top of some SMD componen=
ts.=20
Under U1 you could probably fit some of the SMD ICs. You can put the curren=
t=20
limiting resistors for the LEDs under the LEDs and move them much closer to=
 J2.=20
SMD components can also be placed much closer to the connectors if they are=
=20
placed on the bottom side. These are just some examples.

If you also try to keep the signal and power traces on the bottom side, you=
 can=20
perhaps use most of the top side as a ground plane. It will also make it ea=
sier=20
to place decoupling capacitors where they work best.

The routing also takes quite a lot of board real estate. Just by looking at=
 the=20
current limiting resistors for the LEDs, it seems like you can save some of=
 it=20
by doing it by hand. Remember that the resistors can be put in series with=
=20
either the anode or the cathode and this may make routing easier.

/Ruben




 =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Ruben J=F6nsson
AB Liros Electronic
Box 9124, 200 39 Malm=F6, Sweden
TEL INT +46 40142078
FAX INT +46 40947388
ruben@pp.sbbs.se
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.