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PIC DOESNOT WORK IN EAGLE · Guest

hello,
we are designing pcbs using pcb eagle.Is it a reliable software as 2 of us cant get PIC16F874 to work.
We checked the PIC is getting power.
Thank you

mpfj · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 95 Location: UK

The phrase "pic does not work" is a bit too vague !!

What doesn't work ?
Has your design worked on breadboard ?
Do you get any response from the PIC when using a debugger ?
Have you used the Eagle s/w before successfully ?

dyeatman · Joined: 06 Sep 2003 Posts: 1923 Location: Norman, OK

I have used Eagle on numerous projects with no problems. It should work for you provided the design is solid.

I had one case where an entire trace was omitted but after checking back I found the ERC and DRC showed an error I had overlooked so in reality the problem was caused by myself, not the software. We just used a small length of wirewrap wire in the board to complete the trace.

If you design the traces too thin you will get breaks that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. In one instance for me, shoddy PCB manufacturing was the cause where a pad was omitted, again not a fault of Eagle.

Mark · Joined: 07 Sep 2003 Posts: 2838 Location: Atlanta, GA

Who is to say that your design is good? Did you connect all the power and grounds? Did you include a crystal? Did you solder the parts correctly? Is the program code any good? Did you specify NOLVP in your fuses? There are lots of things that could be wrong. Post your schematic.

rberek · Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 207 Location: Ottawa, Canada

Checking the reliability of a layout tool is pretty easy. Look the masks that are produced and the board that is produced. If Eagle produces well-registered and accurate traces and pads, and they were laid out as per your instructions, then it is reliable.

Checking the reliability of your hardware and firmware design is much harder and they are both generally more complex.

As has been pointed out, if you needhelp, provide more details.

r.b.