Connecting Grounds in PCB Design

1:31

Project
Help

Identifying connection methods.

Clarifying component linking rules.

Defining intents for Flux grounding.

Guiding ground symbol usage.

Using Knowledge Base Tool.

Reading docs about How do ground symbols and power net portals work in Flux schematics? Do multiple Ground symbols automatically connect to the same GND net? How to create separate ground nets like AGND and DGND and connect them to the power supply?.

Reading docs about Do all Ground symbols connect to the same net in Flux? How to use Power Net Portals and Net Portals to name GND, AGND, DGND in schematic..

Using ground symbols in Flux.

Short answer:
  • Yes. You don’t need to draw one big ground wire. Just place the Ground symbol wherever a node should be on GND; they are all the same GND net.
  • If you want multiple, separate grounds (e.g., analog vs digital), create additional ground nets using a portal-with-ground-symbol for each secondary ground and use those where needed.
What Flux documentation says: "In Flux, working with a single ground is very straightforward. Add a standard ground symbol to your schematic and simply wire it up. Flux will then take care creating a ground plane for you.
Working with multiple grounds is also straightforward in Flux, but simply requires adding a portal with a ground symbol for additional secondary grounds." Source
If you tell me whether you want a single GND or distinct grounds (AGND/DGND), I can help you set it up accordingly.
26 days
Well, this circuit is entirely analog, so I think that will simplify things. I don’t care how many ground symbols there are, just that the power supply and the rest of the circuit are visually connected via said grounds for aesthetic purposes.
26 days

1:36

Chat History
Project
Help

Exploring visual connections in ECAD.

Considering ground symbol connections.

Advising on ground connections.

Planning schematic connections.

Using Knowledge Base Tool.

Reading docs about How to connect multiple ground points to the same GND net in Flux. Steps to place the Ground symbol, confirm they share the same net, rename the ground net, and optionally use Net Portals or Power Net Portals named GND for visual connectivity between a power supply section and the main analog circuit. Also how to show power rails cleanly with portals for aesthetics..

Clarifying ground component linking.

Yes—use a single GND net and place as many ground symbols as you like for clarity. Every Ground symbol belongs to the same net, so the supply ground and the rest of the analog circuit are logically connected without drawing one long wire.
What Flux documentation says: "In Flux, working with a single ground is very straightforward. Add a standard ground symbol to your schematic and simply wire it up. Flux will then take care creating a ground plane for you.
Working with multiple grounds is also straightforward in Flux, but simply requires adding a portal with a ground symbol for additional secondary grounds." Source
If you ever decide to show named connections instead of wires, you can also use Net Portal labels with the name “GND” for the same effect.
Use net portals
Single vs multiple grounds
Add secondary ground
Ground plane behavior
Schematic aesthetics
26 days

Ready.


please explain what SW2 does.

@copilot please explain what SW2 does.
1y
In the context of your guitar pedal template, SW2 is a 3PDT (triple pole double throw) switch. A 3PDT switch is commonly used in guitar pedals to toggle between the effect circuit and a bypass, allowing the signal to pass through the pedal circuitry or to bypass it and go directly to the output.
Here’s a breakdown of its function and pin connections:
Function of SW2
  • True Bypass Switching: This 3PDT switch allows you to toggle between direct signal pass-through (bypass) and signal processing through the pedal's effect circuit. When bypassed, the input signal goes directly to the output, preserving the original signal without any modification by the effect circuitry.
  • LED Control: Often, one pole of the switch is used to control an LED to indicate whether the effect is on or bypassed.
Pins and Typical Connections
The TK-6580-1 3PDT switch has six pins configured as follows:
  • Pins 1 & 2 (First Pole): Used to connect the input signal to either the effect circuit input or the output jack directly.
  • Pins 3 & 4 (Second Pole): Used to connect the output of the effect circuit to the output jack when the effect is active or to bypass it.
  • Pins 5 & 6 (Third Pole): Often used to control an indicator LED.
Specific Connections in Your Schematic
Here's a list of connections involving SW2:
  • Connect SW1:Pin_1 to InputJack:P1 and InputJack:P1
  • Connect SW1:Pin_2 to CircuitOutput:P1
  • Connect SW1:Pin_3 to +9V:P1
  • Connect SW1:Pin_4 to GND:P1, J2:P2, J1:P2, and J3:P2
  • Connect SW1:Pin_5 to CircuitInput:P1
  • Connect SW1:Pin_6 to InputJack:P1 and InputJack:P1
You can use these connections to set up the true bypass circuitry as per standard guitar pedal designs.
Would you like a more detailed explanation of how to wire this switch for your pedal, or do you have another specific question?
1y
Check that none of the unconnected pins require pull-up or pull-down resistors t...

@copilot Check that none of the unconnected pins require pull-up or pull-down resistors to ensure proper function.
1y
Let's review the unconnected pins or unspecified net connections for each component to determine if any might require pull-up or pull-down resistors. Here's a summary of the relevant components:
  1. TL072CDT Op-Amps (U1, Tl702, TL702)
    • Unconnected pins like inputs can be problematic in op-amps, requiring a defined state instead of floating.
    • Ensure all input pins are connected to a definite potential or feedback network.
  2. MAX1044CPA+ (U2)
    • Pin 6 (LV): Left unconnected if low-voltage applications are not required. A pull-down may be needed if precise power-up conditions are required.
    • Other pins should be connected as specified in the datasheet for proper functionality.
  3. Switches (e.g., SW2, SW1)
    • Switch inputs driving digital inputs may benefit from pull-up or pull-down resistors to define a state when open.
  4. General Nets and Power Pins
    • Unconnected power pins are connected; ensure bypass caps (typically 0.1uF) are close to the ICs.
For the above scenarios, do the following:
  • Op-Amps: Tie unused op-amp inputs to ground or a voltage reference through a suitable resistor (like 10kΩ).
  • Unused Pins on MAX1044CPA+: Confirm if any adjustments using its boost and LV pins are required in your application, pulling appropriately if necessary.
  • Switches: Could benefit from pull-up or pull-down resistors ($1k\Omega - 10k\Omega$) to prevent floating pin issues when the switch is open.
If you provide the full context, including the type of application, we can refine these recommendations. Additionally, check any special notes in datasheets for the most up-to-date recommendations.
1y
3
R23
Resistance
4.7K Ω
Tl702
-8.6V
R21
Resistance
1.8K Ω
C14
Capacitance
3.9n F
R8
Resistance
500 Ω
C15
Capacitance
4.7u F
C22
Capacitance
1u F
R30
Resistance
27K Ω
+16.2V
P6
C18
Capacitance
Capacitance
R3
Resistance
500 Ω
Note 5
Line 1
This represents the output jack.
Line 2
P1: Tip
Line 3
P2: Sleeve
R29
Resistance
27K Ω
R25
Resistance
560 Ω
R28
Resistance
100K Ω
C19
Capacitance
1u F
-8.6V SRC PIN - U1 -VCC
P5
P7
-8.6V SRC PIN - U1 -VCC
R243
Resistance
68K Ω
+9V
R24
Resistance
100K Ω
+9V P1 - U1 +VCC
C20
Capacitance
Capacitance
J1
R9
D7
Manufacturer Part Number
1N4001
S1
J2
D8
Capacitance
12p F
RV3-LEVEL 10Kb
Package or Case Code
Package or Case Code
U2


  • Ground
    A common return path for electric current. Commonly known as ground.
  • Net Portal
    Wirelessly connects nets on schematic. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect net portals, give them same designator. #portal
  • Power Net Portal
    Wirelessly connects power nets on schematic. Identical to the net portal, but with a power symbol. Used to organize schematics and separate functional blocks. To wirelessly connect power net portals, give them the same designator. #portal #power
  • Generic Resistor
    A generic fixed resistor for rapid developing circuit topology. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard resistor values: 1.0Ω 10Ω 100Ω 1.0kΩ 10kΩ 100kΩ 1.0MΩ 1.1Ω 11Ω 110Ω 1.1kΩ 11kΩ 110kΩ 1.1MΩ 1.2Ω 12Ω 120Ω 1.2kΩ 12kΩ 120kΩ 1.2MΩ 1.3Ω 13Ω 130Ω 1.3kΩ 13kΩ 130kΩ 1.3MΩ 1.5Ω 15Ω 150Ω 1.5kΩ 15kΩ 150kΩ 1.5MΩ 1.6Ω 16Ω 160Ω 1.6kΩ 16kΩ 160kΩ 1.6MΩ 1.8Ω 18Ω 180Ω 1.8KΩ 18kΩ 180kΩ 1.8MΩ 2.0Ω 20Ω 200Ω 2.0kΩ 20kΩ 200kΩ 2.0MΩ 2.2Ω 22Ω 220Ω 2.2kΩ 22kΩ 220kΩ 2.2MΩ 2.4Ω 24Ω 240Ω 2.4kΩ 24kΩ 240kΩ 2.4MΩ 2.7Ω 27Ω 270Ω 2.7kΩ 27kΩ 270kΩ 2.7MΩ 3.0Ω 30Ω 300Ω 3.0KΩ 30KΩ 300KΩ 3.0MΩ 3.3Ω 33Ω 330Ω 3.3kΩ 33kΩ 330kΩ 3.3MΩ 3.6Ω 36Ω 360Ω 3.6kΩ 36kΩ 360kΩ 3.6MΩ 3.9Ω 39Ω 390Ω 3.9kΩ 39kΩ 390kΩ 3.9MΩ 4.3Ω 43Ω 430Ω 4.3kΩ 43KΩ 430KΩ 4.3MΩ 4.7Ω 47Ω 470Ω 4.7kΩ 47kΩ 470kΩ 4.7MΩ 5.1Ω 51Ω 510Ω 5.1kΩ 51kΩ 510kΩ 5.1MΩ 5.6Ω 56Ω 560Ω 5.6kΩ 56kΩ 560kΩ 5.6MΩ 6.2Ω 62Ω 620Ω 6.2kΩ 62KΩ 620KΩ 6.2MΩ 6.8Ω 68Ω 680Ω 6.8kΩ 68kΩ 680kΩ 6.8MΩ 7.5Ω 75Ω 750Ω 7.5kΩ 75kΩ 750kΩ 7.5MΩ 8.2Ω 82Ω 820Ω 8.2kΩ 82kΩ 820kΩ 8.2MΩ 9.1Ω 91Ω 910Ω 9.1kΩ 91kΩ 910kΩ 9.1MΩ #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
  • Generic Capacitor
    A generic fixed capacitor ideal for rapid circuit topology development. You can choose between polarized and non-polarized types, its symbol and the footprint will automatically adapt based on your selection. Supported options include standard SMD sizes for ceramic capacitors (e.g., 0402, 0603, 0805), SMD sizes for aluminum electrolytic capacitors, and through-hole footprints for polarized capacitors. Save precious design time by seamlessly add more information to this part (value, footprint, etc.) as it becomes available. Standard capacitor values: 1.0pF 10pF 100pF 1000pF 0.01uF 0.1uF 1.0uF 10uF 100uF 1000uF 10,000uF 1.1pF 11pF 110pF 1100pF 1.2pF 12pF 120pF 1200pF 1.3pF 13pF 130pF 1300pF 1.5pF 15pF 150pF 1500pF 0.015uF 0.15uF 1.5uF 15uF 150uF 1500uF 1.6pF 16pF 160pF 1600pF 1.8pF 18pF 180pF 1800pF 2.0pF 20pF 200pF 2000pF 2.2pF 22pF 20pF 2200pF 0.022uF 0.22uF 2.2uF 22uF 220uF 2200uF 2.4pF 24pF 240pF 2400pF 2.7pF 27pF 270pF 2700pF 3.0pF 30pF 300pF 3000pF 3.3pF 33pF 330pF 3300pF 0.033uF 0.33uF 3.3uF 33uF 330uF 3300uF 3.6pF 36pF 360pF 3600pF 3.9pF 39pF 390pF 3900pF 4.3pF 43pF 430pF 4300pF 4.7pF 47pF 470pF 4700pF 0.047uF 0.47uF 4.7uF 47uF 470uF 4700uF 5.1pF 51pF 510pF 5100pF 5.6pF 56pF 560pF 5600pF 6.2pF 62pF 620pF 6200pF 6.8pF 68pF 680pF 6800pF 0.068uF 0.68uF 6.8uF 68uF 680uF 6800uF 7.5pF 75pF 750pF 7500pF 8.2pF 82pF 820pF 8200pF 9.1pF 91pF 910pF 9100pF #generics #CommonPartsLibrary
  • Generic Inductor
    A generic fixed inductor for rapid developing circuit topology. *You can now change the footprint and 3D model at the top level anytime you want. This is the power of #generics
  • Terminal
    Terminal
    An electrical connector acting as reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected.
  • RMCF0805JT47K0
    47 kOhms ±5% 0.125W, 1/8W Chip Resistor 0805 (2012 Metric) Automotive AEC-Q200 Thick Film #forLedBlink
  • 875105359001
    10uF Capacitor Aluminum Polymer 20% 16V SMD 5x5.3mm #forLedBlink #commonpartslibrary #capacitor #aluminumpolymer #radialcan
  • CTL1206FYW1T
    Yellow 595nm LED Indication - Discrete 1.7V 1206 (3216 Metric) #forLedBlink
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