The Shortest Trace Wasn't the Best Choice

When I first started designing PCBs, I always tried to make every trace as short as possible.

It seemed logical. Shorter traces looked cleaner and more efficient.

Over time, I realized that the shortest route isn't always the best route.

Sometimes a slightly longer trace provides better clearance from other signals. Sometimes it creates a cleaner path, avoids unnecessary bends, or makes future routing much easier.

Now, instead of asking "What's the shortest path?", I usually ask "What's the cleanest path?"

The answer isn't always the same.

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