Pinpointing what constitutes a high-power design can be challenging. However, high-power designs generally involve currents measuring multiple amperes or voltages extending into the kilovolt range. A general guideline is to categorize designs with the potential for electrical shock or significant thermal output if not executed correctly as high-power PCB designs. In these instances, engineers must adhere to specific protocols to guarantee the safety and dependability of the product. Poorly planned high-power PCBs present various hazards, including reduced component longevity, traces acting as ..read more

Temperature influences electronic component behavior and characteristics in numerous ways. The effects are not limited to the components that get hot directly, but also those that are indirectly affected — for example, due to proximity or the PCB material’s thermal properties. Thus, PCB designers must account for the component’s and PCB’s thermal properties to ensure safe, reliable, and error-free operation throughout the device’s entire lifetime. Heat sink dimensioning and placement, the right choice of PCB materials, and adequate traces and thermal relief vias all influence heat dissipation ..read more

PCB routing is pivotal in ensuring the functionality, signal integrity, manufacturability, and reliability of electronic designs. Conductive traces are more than mere component interconnections or power distribution paths, and through effective routing, engineers can minimize signal degradation, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Exact impedance control is crucial in maintaining signal integrity, as high-impedance traces are more noise-sensitive. Thoughtful component placement and routing aid fault diagnosis and testing procedures, expediting debugging and reducing time-to-mar ..read more

After formalizing a circuit’s functionality in a schematic diagram and deciding on the parts, devices, and technologies to employ, the next step is to create a functional PCB layout. This step aims to place all components on the PCB and establish all necessary connections, ensuring that the board dimensions are minimal and that application-specific goals, such as minimal losses or maximal signal integrity, are met. However, the process can be intricate and involves more than merely drawing connections between electronic components. This article covers vital best-practice approaches to keep in ..read more

Before constructing a PCB layout, engineers should take a few preparatory steps to streamline the layout creation. When designing digital and analog circuits, one crucial question is which technology to use. While numerous integrated circuits and discrete components come in various packages and sizes, the question frequently boils down to surface-mount technology (SMT) versus through-hole technology (THT). The right choice for an application may not always be inherently obvious, and this article covers a few key aspects to consider and approaches to assist with the decision. Physical Differen ..read more

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) form the vital backbone of practically all modern electronic devices, as they facilitate the production of intricate yet reliable designs in large quantities. By providing stable mounting points for electronic components and reliably connecting them, PCBs enable higher levels of integration, increase the overall reliability of electronics, and allow for easier testing and troubleshooting during product development. Read on to learn more about the layers that make up PCBs, how they are manufactured, and a brief introduction to the various types of PCBs that enginee ..read more

PCB design is dynamic, with constant advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. As PCB designers, our approach to creating innovative and manufacturable boards evolves over time. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the transformative experiences that change perspectives on PCB design during our facility visits and how these insights have shaped our commitment to helping guide other designers in their projects. Learning from Facility Visits Visiting our PCB manufacturing facilities offers invaluable insights that revolutionizes approach to design. It’s a shift in perspective that n ..read more

In PCB design, dealing with glass-weave skew is akin to a high-stakes balancing act. This phenomenon, which can significantly impact the performance of high-speed digital circuits, arises from the very fabric of the PCB – the glass-weave pattern. As PCBs continue to evolve, becoming faster and more complex, addressing glass-weave skew has become a critical aspect of design. Let’s explore this challenge and the mitigation methods that blend expertise with practicality, all while keeping our conversation light yet informative. Understanding Glass-Weave Skew At its core, glass-weave skew is a tim ..read more

In the realm of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, the interplay between mechanical and electrical components forms a fascinating and complex exchange. This intricate interaction is crucial for the effective functioning of myriad devices in our technology-driven world. Understanding how these two worlds — mechanical and electrical — harmonize within a PCB is key to appreciating the innovation and precision behind modern electronics. The Electrical Aspect: The Pulse of the PCB The electrical side of a PCB is its heartbeat. It comprises an array of components like resistors, capacitors, inducto ..read more

The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) industry has evolved significantly, offering a variety of stackup materials to meet diverse design requirements. Whether for high-speed applications, thermal management, or cost-effectiveness, choosing the right PCB material is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore how to compare alternative PCB stackup materials, emphasizing the importance of charts for a clear and informed decision. Understanding PCB Stackup MaterialsBefore diving into comparisons, it’s essential to understand what a PCB stackup is. It refers to the arrangement of copper layers and insulating ..read more