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PCB Impedance Control: Ensuring Signal Integrity in High-Frequency Circuits

Impedance measures the opposition of an electric circuit when alternating current is applied to it. It is the combination of the capacitance and the induction of an electric circuit at high frequency. Impedance is measured in Ohms, similar to resistance. If the impedances are different, reflections and attenuation occur that deteriorate the signal. For high-frequency analog or digital circuits, it is essential to protect the signals that propagate on the PCB from being damaged. In fact, signals above ......

Sept 20, 2024

PCB Design All posts >

6 Critical PCB Design Mistakes That Delay or Fail Your Custom PCBA

While ordering a custom PCBA is more accessible than ever, a simple design oversight can quickly lead to costly production delays, frustrating board failures, or, in the worst cases, a complete and expensive redesign. The transition from a schematic to a physical, assembled board is filled with potential pitfalls that can trap even experienced engineers. This article will detail the six most common and impactful design mistakes that engineers encounter when preparing a project for custom PCB assembly.......

Power Distribution Network Design Guidelines

We are talking about signals, impedance, and differential pairs a lot in articles. Yes! Propagation of the signal is not easy; we need to follow a lot of guidelines. And in all this, people forget about power integrity, and you know what, without good power integrity, the signal performs worse. Without a good Power Distribution Network (PDN), your signals might as well be doodles on copper. In this article, we’ll explore PDN design guidelines from a PCB perspective. We will see what a good PDN actuall......

High Voltage PCB Layout Tips: From Material Selection to Safe Design Practices

We have seen PCBs for high speeds and high power, and MCPCBs for thermal management; now it's time to see the HV PCBs. These are not some special PCBs, but rather the simple ones tamed to handle high voltages. At these high voltages, currents are in mA, which is why power is not a concern. However, the HV lines are not easy to handle because, in HVs, electrons leap across gaps, arc over surfaces, and create catastrophic failures. That’s why high-voltage PCB layout isn’t just about making traces wider;......

Design Guide for USB-3.0 Differential Signaling

In the world of data transfer, USB 3.0 is the Usain Bolt to USB 2.0’s friendly jogger. USB 2.0 is called “High Speed” and limped along at 480 Mb/s, whereas USB 3.0 SuperSpeed rockets up to 5 Gb/s (over ten times faster). But this speed jump brings full‑duplex operation and new differential transmit (SSTX) and receive (SSRX) pairs on dedicated pins. USB 2.0 D+/D– lines handle enumeration and legacy data, while two new 5 Gb/s high‑speed differential pairs carry SuperSpeed data in each direction. While m......

PCB Manufacturing All posts >

What Is a Protoboard and Why Engineers Use It

I used protoboards when designing my first circuit prototype, an IoT 4-channel relay circuit. Not because it is an assignment, but I want to learn every aspect of soldering. I have attached a few images of the board, soldering, and component placement at the end. A protoboard is nothing but a holed PCB with copper pads in which we can insert different components to solder components onto and prototype a PCB design. Although it is not the ideal PCB, it is the quickest prototyping option. The pads and h......

Flying Probe Testing: Revolutionizing PCB Quality Assurance in Modern Electronics Manufacturing

The process for manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs) includes a critical testing phase. Each board must undergo testing to ensure manufacturers detect every electrical or circuitry problem before leaving the center. When a PCB passes this testing, it further ensures that it performs reliably. The most common types of testing methods include in-circuit testing (ICT) and flying probe testing (FPT). 6 high-precision probes (needles), 4 on top and 2 on the bottom are programmatically able to contac......

Understanding PCB Copper Thickness: Standards and Conversions

When talking about copper thickness, there are some limited options available with manufacturing houses. When designers have to increase the current carrying capacity of a trace without making it wider, then copper weight or thickness is increased in the lateral dimension. There are only a few options, and most of the manufacturers have a standard thickness. Copper selection is all about power delivery, signal propagation, and thermal management. Copper width and length are always a concerning factor ......

The Significance of Industrial PCB Manufacturing for Modern Technology

Industrial PCB manufacturing is an important part of making strong printed circuit boards (PCBs) for high-performance tools in many fields. Industrial PCBs are different from regular consumer electronics because they are made to work in severe environments, be reliable over time, and meet specific operating needs. These PCBs are very important for things like computer systems, heavy machinery, medical equipment, and the infrastructure for energy production. 1. What Is Industrial PCB Manufacturing? Whe......

PCB Layout All posts >

IC Board Design: A Technical Guide to PCB Layout

Why is PCB layout so important for an IC board design? PCB layout is the crucial moment when we turn the theoretical elegance of a schematic into a piece of hardware that works reliably and can be manufactured. For any complex board with a complex integrated circuit (IC), such as a microcontroller, an accelerator like an FPGA, or a sensitive RF transceiver, we are not simply connecting one point to another. PCB layout is an engineering specialty that has a huge influence on the performance, signal int......

How to Design a Complete PCB Layout? PCB Layout Engineer Must Know!

Each new revolutionary electronic gadget starts its life not with soldering iron sparks flying, but as a plain, simple concept - something as basic as an idea drawn on a napkin or software-simulated design. Actually making that idea into a physical and working unit is highly complex, and the critical bridge between the two is the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The design and layout of components and traces on this board is PCB layout, and it's a fundamental skill for any electronics engineer. This artic......

The Definitive Guide to Bypass Capacitor in PCB Layout

Every printed circuit board (PCB) designer, whether an experienced engineer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, has encountered it: unpredictable behavior from a circuit. The microcontroller that resets at random intervals, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that provides wilder and wilder readings, or the high-speed communication bus that is always full of errors. In most cases, the issue is not a faulty component or logic error, but rather a nuanced and insidious issue, a noisy power distribution networ......

How to Choose the Best Printed Circuit Board Layout Services

A high-quality schematic is just one part of the challenge in electronic design. After the schematic design, you need to convert that schematic into a functioning printed circuit board (PCB). An incorrect layout of the PCB can degrade a design's performance, causing many issues like electromagnetic interference (EMI), substrate (or signal) integrity (SI) issues, overheating, or, if it gets that far, a usable PCB that cannot be manufactured. So how does an engineer, hobbyist, or project manager figure ......

PCB Knowledge All posts >

Comparing High-Density PCB Stack-Up With Normal PCB

High-density printed circuit boards (PCBs)are not the same as simple PCBs. Do you know what the difference is? PCBs with a larger number of layers and a higher density of traces are known as HDIs. These are not as common because they are not used in small prototypes or hobby work, but for more professional application. One of the best examples of an HDI board with a complex stack-up that you can see—or might have—is the motherboard of your PC. HDI changes the story completely when it comes into the pi......

How Operational Amplifiers Work: Four Essential Op-Amp Circuits Explained

As we discussed in the first article of the series, Operational amplifiers (op-amps) aren’t just about amplifying signals; they’re called operational amplifiers for a reason. Back in the early days of analog computers, op-amps were literally used to perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation. Fast forward to today, we don’t solve calculus homework with op-amps anymore (thankfully), but these same principles power audio mixers, filters, and signal proce......

A guide to Common Electrical Schematic Symbols

When you first see an electrical schematic, the mixture of lines, dots, and shapes may seem odd. After you are aware of what it all means, you can begin to see the logic and flow of any circuit. Electrical schematic symbols are how engineers talk about electronic systems when designing, building, and communicating. In this article, we will help you identify some commonly used electrical symbols in the industry, like wires, switches, batteries, and motors, so that you may read and design your own schem......

How to Read an Electrical Schematic Drawing

Electrical schematics are the language of electronics. They take a complex circuit and break it down into a set of diagrams that present the connection of components as well as how they interact to perform a function. Electrical working diagrams classification can be classified as blueprints of the electronic system, showing circuit components joined to create operating circuits. To build, troubleshoot, or modify any electronic project, the first skill you need is understanding how to read these schem......

PCB Assembly All posts >

How Pick-and-Place Machines in SMT Assembly Works

In the early days of electronics, everything on the IC was either DIP or through-hole, but with the invention of SMD, everything changed. The size of the components is reduced by more than 80%, thus the PCB cost and area are reduced, and small form factor PCBs with HDI interconnects are out there. With this miniaturisation of sizing, what comes is heat and power issues, but on the other hand, it also gives rise to the automated 'pick-and-place' machines. These are critical to the functionality of any ......

Solder Paste Inspection (SPI): A Complete Guide to Process Control in SMT Assembly

In today's Surface Mount Technology (SMT) manufacturing world, the consistency of the solder paste deposit is the element that drives electrical performance, mechanical shear strength, and long-term reliability of assembled Printed Circuit Boards. The solder paste is the medium that bonds the component terminations to the copper pads on the PCB. Therefore, any variations in the solder paste deposit in terms of volume, thickness, or placement will drastically impact the quality of the solder joints in ......

SMD Resistor Selection Guide: Types, Package Sizes, Applications and Tips

Selecting the right SMD resistor is crucial for ensuring stable circuit performance. Because resistance, tolerance, power rating, and package size directly affect voltage control, current flow, and overall reliability, choosing an unsuitable SMD resistor may lead to overheating or unstable operation. To help beginners make the right decision, this guide explains the fundamentals of SMD resistors—including common types, key selection factors, size codes, tolerance ratings, and special-purpose resistor ......

What Is PCBA Testing? Complete Guide to Inspection Methods, Process, and Quality Control

In modern electronics, the performance and long-term reliability of a finished product are directly tied to its Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) quality control. Even small defects at the board level—such as microscopic solder cracks, misaligned components, or incorrect passive values—can cascade into costly field failures, product recalls, and long-term damage to a brand’s reputation. High-quality PCBA is not achieved through a single final inspection; it is the result of a repetitive and system......

Built with JLCPCB All posts >

Mini Drone PCB Case Study: How JLCPCB Solved High-Density SMT and Double-Sided PCBA Challenges

In the rapidly advancing field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the engineering challenge has shifted. The market no longer demands just smaller and lighter drones; it demands smaller, lighter, and smarter systems. This establishes an important engineering paradox - how do you put cutting-edge capabilities such as AI-driven flight, high-definition video, and adequate data logging onto a PCB that must be small enough to meet weight and cost limits? This case study overviews how one embedded systems ......

JLCPCB helps simulate rockets to realize precise flight control!

Beepy is a flight computer specially designed for model rockets. The model rocket is very small in size, but the amount of computation required to achieve its flight is considerable. Beepy differs from traditional flight computers in that it adopts a design where multiple circular PCBS are stacked and connected, and uses ribbon cables to link each module together. This design significantly reduces the space occupied by the flight computer, enabling the device to maintain powerful functions while keepi......

High-Quality Small Batch Guitar Effect Pedal PCBs with JLCPCB Manufacturing

Fuzz Fields is an innovative guitar effect pedal that combines three modulated sounds to offer dynamically controlled fuzzy sound effects. Unlike traditional static pedals, Fuzz Fields can adjust the timbre in real time based on the dynamic input of the performer, achieving various effects such as "screaming", "swelling", "saturation" and "trembling". Its core feature is an inbuilt oscillator that can be modulated through external control, making it suitable for scenarios such as guitar tone explorati......

JLCPCB Empowering Innovation: The Journey of an Autonomous Exploration Vehicle

The Nomad project is a modular autonomous exploration vehicle, specifically designed to tackle complex terrains and perform scientific tasks. In this innovative project, JLCPCB provided comprehensive support, ranging from fast PCB manufacturing and efficient assembly services to precise PCBA manufacturing. This helped the project team maintain high quality while optimizing cost-effectiveness and ensuring timely delivery. With JLCPCB's 24-hour fast turnaround and global shipping services, the Nomad pro......

SMT Stencil All posts >

The ROI of Nano-Coated Stencils in PCB Assembly Lines

Nano coatings offer several benefits. They are hydrophobic and repel water-based chemistry or flux, and some are also oleophobic and repel oil-based chemistry or flux. When applied to the bottom or board side of the stencil, these coatings will prevent solder paste squeeze-out during the print process between the stencil and PCB from sticking to the bottom of the stencil when the stencil separates from the board. As a result, the next print will be as good as the initial print, and bridging is reduced......

Reducing Solder Bridging and Cleaning Costs with Nano-Coated Stencils

The ongoing trend for miniaturization of electronic devices ensures that the surface mount assembly process will continue to provide new challenges. Components and stencil apertures are getting smaller and tighter in pitch. The demands on the solder paste printing process require improvements in technology. Nano-coatings for stencils have been available for many years. The coatings are supplied in two common forms. The most common form is a multiple step liquid coating which is applied by wiping onto ......

SAM vs Ceramic: Choosing the Right Nano-Coating for Your PCB Stencil

As SMT designs evolve, tighter pitches and smaller components are introduced in electronics. Traditional stencil services can be used for bigger SMD pads but as the innovation goes on nano coated stencils comes to the market. Nano coatings are hydrophobic and oleophobic and repel water, oil and solder paste flux. Some benefits of using these coatings are improved transfer efficiency, reduced need (or frequency) of underside cleaning, and reduced bridging after print. There are two types of Nano-coatin......

Nano-Coatings in PCB Manufacturing: How They Outperform Traditional Stencils

Nano coating is a thin hydrophobic (water repellent) and oleophobic (oil repellent) treatment used on the undersides and edges of solder paste stencils. With this the surface becomes non-stick which reduces the number of cleaning cycles required for the solder paste printing process. Upon application, the less than 5 nanometer coating bonds with the stencil foil at the microscopic level, which does not change the size and shape of the stencil. Nano coating is an industry proven process which shows imm......

Flexible Heater All posts >

A Guide to Resistive Heating Elements: Types, Features, and Applications

Every time you boil water in an electric kettle, press your clothes with an iron, or rely on an industrial furnace, you are depending on a resistive heating element. By transforming electricity directly into heat through the process of Joule heating, these components power countless devices in our daily lives and heavy industries. But how exactly do they work, what types are available, and which is right for your project? This guide breaks down the essentials of heating elements, from traditional coil......

Flexible Heating Film vs FPC: What is the Difference Between Heating Film and Flexible Circuit Boards?

When designing modern electronics, engineers often encounter two components that look remarkably similar: flexible heating films and Flexible Printed Circuits (FPCs). Both use polyimide (PI) as an insulating substrate and feature etched metal tracks, leading to confusion. However, understanding the difference between heating film and FPC is critical for product success. While they share manufacturing DNA, they serve opposite purposes. This guide breaks down flexible heating film vs FPC to help you sel......

PI Heating Film for Massage Devices: Enhancing Cervical Therapy Performance

In the rapidly evolving personal health market, consumer demand for compact, high-performance wearables is at an all-time high. While mechanical kneading has its place, the market is shifting toward pulse-based technologies combined with thermal therapy. For product engineers and designers, the challenge lies in integrating safe, efficient heating into compact, curved form factors. This is where the PI heating film for massage device applications becomes the industry standard. This article explores th......

Factors Affecting Heating Film Uniformity: A Guide for Efficient Thermal Management

Resistive heating elements, particularly in thin, flexible forms known as heating films, have become the backbone of modern efficient thermal management. Their ability to deliver controllable, uniform heat within compact devices makes them indispensable in industries ranging from aerospace to medical tech. However, simply applying power to a resistive circuit does not guarantee performance. Achieving consistent temperature distribution in a flexible heater requires a deep understanding of circuit layo......