3.1.5. Pin Placement

• For integrated circuit symbols (i.e. rectangular outline), generally don’t place pins at the top and bottom edges, but only on the left and the right. This helps to get clear, easily readable schematics.

• Group pins by functionality, not by physical location of the leads or by datasheet. Always keep the typical application circuit in mind and choose pin locations which help to get clear schematics with only few crossed-over net lines. For example put GND exactly 5.08mm below the VCC pin if it’s likely that capacitors need to be connected to them (capacitors have a height of 5.08mm). Or place D+ and D- of a USB device right on top of each other (with the default distance of 2.54mm) as they are always used as a pair.

• Use a pin length of 2.54mm if possible. Other pin lengths should be used only in special cases.