SparkFun Forums

[thatdude624]

Not bad for a first attempt at hand routing.
(12 mil trace can handle half an amp so you are probably ok)

12 mil can handle more than that. depending on temperature rise allowance, it can handle ~1A. I've got 16mil traces, can handle 1.2A

Also, you should google what a decoupling capacitor is for, so you know why you need them. In short, it helps smooth out the power coming into your IC. While it may run fine on a breadboard, and for your application it may not really matter, when you start getting into more sensitive circuits using micros, having a clean power supply is really important. The cap helps smooth the incoming power out.

Yes, you are right. I was looking at the internal trace limit when when I responded. But, the key point is he's in no danger of smoking his traces.

As to decoupling, it's a good idea but he only has one digital IC run at a pretty low speed. I'd put one more in but I bet he never sees a glitch without it.

ahh yes, thanks! I have already got the board in the production que. as the sparkfun tutorial suggests if that is a problem, I can always solder one on.
thanks for all the help! I have definitely learnt a lot from this thread!

[leon_heller]

555 chips put a nasty glitch on the supply.