Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: MOTM

hello again..
I just downloaded the express PCB layout software a few days ago. Tons of fun!!! Am I a freak!?

Anyway, I was wondering if there are any general rules or theories that are followed when laying out a circut. Or if any of you had any basic tips. Like trace proximity to certain components, interference reduction, component density, certain shapes (90 degree bends?) or diameter of trace to avoid. What signals should be kept far from eachother, where a ground plane is important or when it is required.. With the vias and double sided boards, getting most analog circuts (that Ive tried so far) laid out is not that hard, but I can sit there and refine and shape the layout for hours. Is there be a "best" or certain goal I should be trying to reach? Or is this only the domain of computer circut (Spice?) simulation?

thanks for any tips, I'm hooked on this little program!

~Steve M