Schematic Tools

Basics of Schematic Diagrams

• A schematic tool should be able to create simple diagrams that can be understood easily. Schematic diagrams only contain important information about a component and its purpose, with details and other visual nuisances usually omitted. Schematics are used in several areas: electronics, electrical, urban maps and even engineering. Whatever the industry, schematic diagrams should offer a simple reference to see how components work and how they affect a system.

Schematic Tools before Computers

• Before computers, schematic diagrams were often created using the "old-school" way, with draftsmen and technicians drawing on a large piece of paper. Basic tools included pencils, rulers, stencils, T-square, French curves and different sizes of compasses. The symbols used are often standards in the industry they belong to.

Basic Schematics

• Typical schematic tools should be able to create different symbols, lines and curves to represent each component and process. For example, in a basic lighting diagram, the switch and the light must have unique representations and the wiring should detail where the electrical flow will start and end. The amount of electricity flowing through the wires can also be included and these details are often written in numbers for quick reference. Symbols and lines also often follow a color-coded design for better understanding.

Computer-Aided Design

• Schematic diagrams, because of their simplicity, are often created using a wide array of computer programs. Computer-aided schematic tools can be as simple as Microsoft Visio, to full-featured ones, such as Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools used in printed circuit boards. Microsoft Visio, a computer application that can produce diagrams, can be a basic schematic tool. It has a set of symbols specially designed to create electronic and electrical schematics, with templates and premade designs included. It can also be used to design schematic maps, as well as basic engineering designs. EDA tools, such as the Zeni Schematic Editor, are specialized schematic tools capable of designing integrated circuits. The Zeni Schematic Editor can even perform schematic tests and diagnostics for the designer to see if his design will work.