🪝 Semantic Versioning

How to version the PCB schematic and layout

Overview

Follow the semantic versioning convention of Major.Minor.Patch

Major

Previous manufactured PCB layout cannot be used
Breaking change in schematic and layout
Change in a major components such as the microcontroller
Change in footprint for most components E.g. 0805 to 0603
Change in board dimension
Change in general functionality
Major new components are added or removed in BOM

Minor

Able to use and bodge the previous PCB layout
New feature that can be easily bodged onto the previous PCB layout E.g. a tiny LED circuit or a cut trace
Minor new components that are passives E.g. tiny LED circuit or pull-up / pull-down resistors
New additions to BOM only for passives

Patch

Able to use and bodge the previous PCB layout
Previous PCB layout can be used with minor bodges
Able to swap out components with the same footprint E.g. change in capacitor, resistor or LEDs
Cut traces
Minor wire bodges
No new addition to BOM, only value changes
Minor Silkscreen adjustments E.g. swapping ON and OFF labels, swapping + and - for power labels

📚 References