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In this guide, we’ll build a USB-C powered LED indicator board with 3 LEDs, a voltage regulator, and current-limiting resistors.

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What We’re Building

  • Power: USB-C input (5V) with AMS1117-3.3 regulator
  • LEDs: 3x 0805 LEDs (Red, Green, Blue)
  • Resistors: 3x 100Ω current-limiting resistors
  • Board: 30mm x 20mm, 2-layer PCB

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Step 1: Create a New Project

Open Trace and click New Project. Name it “LED-Indicator” and choose a save location.

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Step 2: Describe Your Circuit

Open the chat panel (Ctrl+I) and describe what you want: 
Design a USB-C powered LED indicator board with:
- USB-C connector for 5V power input
- AMS1117-3.3 voltage regulator (5V to 3.3V)
- 3 LEDs (red, green, blue) in 0805 package
- 100 ohm current limiting resistors for each LED
- Decoupling capacitors for the regulator

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Step 3: Review the Plan

Trace presents a component list and circuit plan. Review the selected parts, values, and connections. Approve to proceed or request changes.

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Step 4: Generate Schematic

Trace generates the schematic with all components wired correctly. Review in the schematic editor and make any manual adjustments.

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Step 5: Set Board Parameters

Configure your board:
  • Size: 30mm x 20mm
  • Layers: 2 (Front and Back copper)
  • Design rules: 0.2mm min trace, 0.2mm min clearance

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Step 6: Place Components

Switch to the PCB editor (F8 to update from schematic). Arrange components logically:
  • USB-C connector on one edge
  • Regulator near the connector
  • LEDs in a row on the opposite side

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Step 7: Route Traces

Use the autorouter or route manually:
  • Power traces: use wider traces (0.4mm+)
  • Signal traces: standard width (0.2mm)
  • Add a ground pour on the back layer

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Step 8: Run DRC

Run Inspect → Design Rules Checker to verify everything passes. Fix any violations before exporting.

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Step 9: Export for Manufacturing

Export your design:
  • Gerber files — For PCB fabrication
  • Drill files — For hole drilling
  • BOM — For component ordering
See Exporting Designs for detailed export instructions.