Smart Motor Starter PCB Design
Thought for 39 sec
Yes — the best next sequence is:
-
Swap in your corrected J1 part and reconnect only the real SIM pins
- Connect only:
VCC -> SIM_VCCRST -> SIM_RSTCLK -> SIM_CLKI/O -> SIM_IOGNDand shell ->GND_CTRL
- Leave
VPP,RESERVED_1, andRESERVED_2unconnected as true Not Connected pins. That is the correct fix path for NC-style pins, and Flux pin typing should reflect that in the part definition rather than by adding fake wires
- Connect only:
-
Re-run ERC immediately after the J1 replacement
- If the part was created correctly, the false
VPPpower error should disappear. - Any remaining Missing Power errors after that are likely real and should be reviewed one by one.
- For power-type pins, use the datasheet/part definition as the source of truth; don’t guess or force connections just to silence ERC
- If the part was created correctly, the false
-
Fix remaining real “Missing Power” items before touching layout
- For each remaining power-input warning, decide whether the pin is:
- a real supply pin that must be wired, or
- an optional/NC pin that belongs in the part definition as Not Connected.
- Likely candidates to review are unfinished support/status pins on U1, optional modem pins on U3, and any connector pins still typed incorrectly.
- The rule is: wire real required pins, reclassify true NC pins, don’t fake-connect
- For each remaining power-input warning, decide whether the pin is:
-
Triage floating pins into three buckets
- Must connect: required control/power pins for the circuit to function.
- Intentionally unused: optional pins on ESP1 and U3 that the datasheet allows to remain open.
- Bad part-definition artifacts: pins that should really be
Not Connectedin the part itself. - This is exactly the recommended workflow for pin cleanup: use the datasheet as truth, map pins to the correct Flux pin types, and classify NC pins explicitly as Not Connected
-
After ERC is down to only intentional opens, attack the airwires
- The recommended PCB workflow is:
- inspect
- setup
- annotate
- group
- ui-place
- route
- For your board, that means:
- Re-pack parts to fit the 100 x 100 mm board
- Place connectors, LEDs, SIM socket, relay, and mounting holes first
- Maintain the AC/DC isolation boundary
- Route power and relay current paths first
- Then route low-speed control/UART/SIM signals
- The layout guidance specifically says UI/mechanical parts and mounting features should be handled before final routing, and routing should prioritize net classes and current needs
- The recommended PCB workflow is:
-
Use DRC/ERC as the stop condition
- When J1 is corrected, the goal is:
- no false connector power errors
- only intentional floating optional pins
- then reduce airwires to zero through placement/routing
- After that, do the final BOM cleanup and export.
- When J1 is corrected, the goal is:
Practical order I’d follow
Create cleanup checklist
Check remaining ERC
Inspect airwires
Review board layout
