Regardless of which type of board is made, certain steps must be executed in the design flow process. The following is an outline of the process.

1. Initial design concept and preparation:

   1. Generate initial drawings.

   2. Collect data sheets.

   3. Take inventory of packaging and footprint needs.

   4. Search through the Capture libraries to find the parts. For any parts that are unavailable, construct the parts using the Capture Part Editor or the PSpice Modeleditor.

2. Set up the design project in Capture:

   1. Draw the schematic (placing and connecting parts).

   2. Perform an annotation to clean up numbering.

   3. Make sure multipart packages are properly utilized.

   4. Make sure global power nets are properly connected.

   5. Assign related components to groups ("rooms") to aid in part placement in PCB Editor.

   6. Perform a Capture design rule check (DRC) to verify that the circuit schematic has no issues. Correct any errors and repeat DRCs as needed.

   7. Generate a bill of materials to identify PCB assigned and missing footprints.

   8. Search through the PCB Editor libraries to find and assign footprints. For any footprints that are unavailable, obtain the data sheets for recommended land patterns and design the footprints using PCB Editor and the Padstack Designer.

   9. Generate a PCB Editor netlist and open the board design.

3. Define the board requirements:

   1. Board dimensions and mounting hole locations.

   2. Part placement considerations (height restrictions, assembly method).

   3. Noise and shielding requirements.

   4. Component mounting technology (SMT, THT).

   5. Trace width and trace spacing requirements.

   6. Required vias and fan-outs (size and tenting, etc.).

   7. Number of...