Mike,

For years we used your second choice.  We now use the logic of all
polarized components in the same direction, but not limited to only one
direction.  By this I mean we can have some vertical and some
horizontal, but in either choice all polarized components must be
oriented in the same direction.  We do allow for deviations from this
standard if there is no good way to comply and still make the circuit
work.

There are two benefits from making them all go in the same direction.
For inspection purposes it becomes an easy task to identify those
components that are not correct.  For machine inserting, particularly
PTH, the placement head does not have to constantly rotate to different
positions, hence there is some gain in assembly time. 

For high frequency or very low current circuits this may all be a load
of crap.  So I'll use the phrase "It depends..." on what your needs are
to make the circuit work balanced against the poka-yoke simplicity of
all polarized components facing in the same direction.

Hope this helps.

Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Green, Mike
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:59 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Component Orientation Survey

When you design boards, do you:
-lay out similar polar components oriented in the same direction for
ease of manufacture regardless of the shortest routing
or 
-lay out each component oriented in the best position for routing
regardless of the orientation of other similar parts?

We have a difference of opinion as to which is more prevalent practice.


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