The initial spatial layout of a circuit board, defining where major functional blocks like power supplies, microcontrollers and connectors will sit. A good floor plan minimizes long signal traces, groups related components to reduce noise, and accounts for mechanical constraints like mounting holes and enclosure limits.
Before you start routing any traces, show me the floor plan so we can verify the power supply is far enough from the analog sensors.
Skipping the floor plan and placing parts as you go usually results in a board that is impossible to route cleanly.
Related terms
Floorplanning
The process of arranging major circuit blocks and components on a board before routing begins.
Keepout
Region of a board where copper, parts, vias or routing are forbidden by a design rule.
Footprint
Pattern of copper pads, outline and markings on a board that matches one component package.