SMT PCB Size Estimate

[Harry Dellamano]

I would like to estimate the size of a PCB with maybe 200 SMT components
on each side and 50 thru hole components on one side, some custom. Too lazy
to make up a spreadsheet and search for all the common sizes. Is there
downloadable software that will ease this task?
Thanks,
Harry

 

[Joerg]

I would like to estimate the size of a PCB with maybe 200 SMT components
on each side and 50 thru hole components on one side, some custom. Too lazy
to make up a spreadsheet and search for all the common sizes. Is there
downloadable software that will ease this task?

Not really but there are autoplacer scripts for modern CAD software such
as Eagle. However, you'd still have to make up your mind whether you'd
want to use 0603, 0402 or, <gasp>, 0201. Huge difference in real estate.

 

[Marra]

I would work it out by the area of the chips then mpy 4.

I use PCBCAD28 which I got off ebay and that has a autoplacers to
ensure shortest trakc network.