#1 Tips for Schematic Design - off-page connectors

Tip#1:Indicate off-page connectors direction properly

Figure: Connectivity with off-page connectors

In schematics, off-page connectors are graphical elements used to represent connections between different pages or sheets. They are commonly used in complex electrical schematics where a single sheet might not provide enough space to accommodate the entire circuit. Off-page connectors are used to indicate that a particular connection or signal continues on a different page of the schematic. They help maintain the clarity and readability of the schematic by avoiding clutter and overcrowding on a single page. By using off-page connectors, designers can break down a complex schematic into manageable sheets while still maintaining a clear representation of the complete circuit. This is especially useful in large projects where circuits are spread across multiple interconnected modules or boards.

Important points to remember to increase the readability of schematic while using off-page connections:

• Always indicate the direction properly. For example, if we are using off-page connection for UART_TX from a microcontroller, the off-page connection must always indicate Output direction. This helps to eliminate confusions during schematics browsing and also during connectivity. We know that UART_TX from microcontroller must connect to UART RX pin on the peripheral. Indicating proper directions helps to avoid connecting UART_TX to TX which is a common schematic errors seen with beginners.
• If the above point is followed, still if we don't name the off-page connector with appropriate naming, it is hard to read the schematics. So, naming the off-page connection with appropriate names is a must.
• Having a page number displayed against each off-page connector helps understand schematic easily. The page number is nothing but the page number to which this off-page connection is going to. While displaying this is not must, this helps browse the schematics smoothly.
• Off-page connectors might also include additional information, such as the name of the circuit or module being connected.

While all the above are generic tips, there could be some innovative steps followed by designers. Please, post in comments if you have followed any such tips.