How to select single-sided/layer copper board when creating a PCB schematic

[nicola.joyce]

I am currently going through the tutorials to create a PCB board using new electronics design. I only have single sided copper board to use.  When going through the options for the layers the options are from 2 - 16, but I am unable to amend for 1 layer. When using the option for a 2 layer the manufacturing will automatically use both sides, how can I stop this please.

Thanks

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @nicola.joyce,

If you only want to do a single layer board just route on one of the layers and when you go to export your board for manufacturing only send the files for that single layer. By default you'll always have the ability to at least do two layers but if you only want to do a single layer you can do that too.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[sherry6XUA]

Hi, you need to choose " Quick Route-> Autorouter-> Preferred Directions ->choose " auto" only top layer. Then set other layers " N/A"

[m.neujahr_at_moe]

Hello @nicola.joyce ,

hello @jorge_garcia ,

just tried with importing a single-layer pcb from Eagle:

Layer-Settings in Eagle:

After importing this project (*.sch and *.brd) in Fusion 360:

I can edit this project as a single layer.

@jorge_garcia: Is it possible to add this "one layer setup"?

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @m.neujahr_at_moe ,

The problem here is that the vias may not be handled properly since they are always double sided. I would be hesistant to recommend it without further testing. Thank you for the suggestion.

Best Regards,

[m.neujahr_at_moe]

Hello @jorge.garcia,
on a one-layer-pcb you don't need any vias an it doesn't make sense to do it.
If you want to add a pad to connect a wire or to place a tht-component you should add a pin header.

But if you would like to make a bread-board design, even than it make sense to have a one-layer setup.

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi @m.neujahr_at_moe 

I hope you're doing well. I'll put in the suggestion for a 1 layer stack up. With that what I've seen other do which I think is a pretty cool idea in this situation is use the non-routing layer to define where you are going to have jumpers on the board and in that situation the vias would be useful.

Like I said I'll put in the request.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[nicola.joyce]

Thank you for all the suggestions.  

[michel.linckels]

Hi,

I'm also looking for a solution of this problem. I only have a older version of Eagle without these Layer setting. Could anybody post a dummy single layer eagle file here please.

Thanks

[m.neujahr_at_moe]

Hello @michel.linckels ,

you can make your own single-side pcb with any EAGLE-Version by using it with the "Freeware"-Licence.

Downloads can be found here:

Download Eagle Installation Files 

Attached you can find a sample singe-sided board-file

[ieckersley]

Thanks for the suggestion to delete the top copper from the Gerbers to make a single layer board. I'm guessing this will still leave holes in the top solder mask for the top layer pads. I'm using the solder mask to colour the top of the board to make it reflective so ideally don't want holes caused by the pads that aren't going to be there.

Many thanks,

Ian

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @ieckersley,

I hope you're doing well.  You can remedy this by going into the DRC > Annular Ring settings set the min and max for the top vias and pads to 0 that will eliminate any additional isolations on the top layer.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[RomanR9999]

I'm having the same problem.
I can't make autorouter to use only bottom layer. I just need single layer boards.

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @RomanR9999,

I hope you're doing well. In the autorouter you can set the Top layer to N/A, the autorouter will complain but you can OK the selection and it will route only on the bottom. If your are doing this then I'm sure you are only using through-hole parts.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[cmarmo257]

To tag on to this question does anyone have a good strategy for a three layer board? I am trying to create a strip line 3 layer board. Thank you.

[constantin.popescuXD3CL]

Hi @cmarmo257,

The way to make an asymmetrical 3 layer stack is like shown in the snapshot below:

1. Open the Layer Stack Manager dialog;
2. Select the "Open From Setup String..." command from the top left combo-box;
3. In the "Get Setup String" dialog enter the value: (1+2*3) - this will create a 3 signal layer's stack with a Pre-Preg and a Core dielectrics and a thru-hole via pair;
4. In the Layer Stack table you can Right-Click and from the contex-menu you can add / remove or update layers.

Please let me know if there is anythign else I can help you with.

Kind Regards,

[cmarmo257]

Thank you, I appreciate it.