Using Via

Now we will go over how to cross over traces without causing a short. To do this, you will need to use the Via Tool button. The via tool drops through board via to connect traces from one side of the board to the other.

Figure 11.3

Click the Via Tool and drop two via on the board, one on each side of the 5vcc trace running from C2 to the Atmega microcontroller. Draw a trace from the top pad of C2 to the first via.

Figure 11.4

Now drop another via on the other side of the 5vcc trace. Connect the two via with a trace set to the bottom layer.

Figure 11.5

You now have crossed the 5vcc trace on the bottom of the board without shorting the circuit. Continue drawing the remaining traces to the GND pins of the Atmega 16 using the through hole via when you need to cross another trace.

Figure 11.6

Notice how I removed the second via from the right side of the 5vcc trace and added 4 via to the inside of the microcontroller. I also rearranged the 5vcc via inside the microcontroller to better accommodate the GND connections. You will have to make many adjustments when you are designing your project's board.