JLCPCB Blog

Assembly Techniques

BGA Soldering Explained: Complete Guide to Process, Tools, and Best Practices

As electronic components require higher pin counts in smaller footprints, the industry relies heavily on the Ball Grid Array (BGA). A BGA is a surface-mount package that uses an array of tiny solder balls beneath the component, rather than traditional wire leads, to connect to the printed circuit board. Because these joints are hidden under the package body, standard visual inspection is impossible. This makes BGA soldering a highly critical and complex process in Surface Mount Technology (SMT). For P......

Mar 31, 2026

Design for Manufacturing

Understanding the Importance of Annular Rings in PCB Design

Annular rings play a crucial role in printed circuit board (PCB) design, ensuring the proper electrical connection of two pads. The signal and current flow are characterized based on the placement of annular rings between two layers. Incorrect calculation of size and improper placement can lead to transient behavior and flicker noise in electronic components. In this article, we will consider all important steps to improve our design from annular ring issues, tangency, and breakout. An annular ring in......

Jun 13, 2024

Heating Hub

Induction Heating’s Electromagnetic Building Blocks: Fields, Eddy Currents, and Why Current Doesn’t Spread Evenly

Induction heating (IH) is more than just a metal-heating process; it is a precise application of electromagnetic fields and material science. At its core, IH relies on the interaction between alternating coil voltage and the resulting magnetic field that penetrates a workpiece. This interaction is governed by distinct electromagnetic phenomena that dictate where heat is generated and how efficiently the system runs. For engineers designing or troubleshooting induction systems, mastering these building......

Mar 30, 2026

Components & Sourcing

SMD Diode Polarity Guide: How to Identify Cathode Marking & Prevent PCB Damage

Installing an SMD diode in the wrong orientation can instantly damage a PCB or prevent a circuit from working. Whether you are assembling a prototype or troubleshooting hardware, understanding SMD diode polarity is a fundamental electronics skill. In this guide, you will learn: 1. how to visually identify SMD diode polarity markings 2. how to find the anode and cathode direction on different packages 3. how to test diode polarity using a digital multimeter 4. how polarity appears in schematics and PCB......

Mar 30, 2026

PCB Materials Science

Microstrip Line Design Techniques for High-Speed PCB Excellence

Have you ever routed a high-speed signal on an outer routing on your PCB and wondered whether the geometry of the traces you selected would actually work at multi-gigabit data rates? You’re definitely not alone. The most commonly used transmission line structure in PCB design is the microstrip line, but this line is immensely geometry-sensitive, material-sensitive, and manufacturer-tolerance-sensitive. The difference between a clean eye diagram and a signal-integrity nightmare is whether the microstri......

Mar 30, 2026

Components & Sourcing

SMD Diode Code Lookup: Full List, Marking Guide & Identification [2026 Guide]

In modern electronics, surface-mount diodes are used everywhere - from power input protection circuits to high-speed signal routing. Because these components are extremely small, manufacturers cannot print full part numbers on their bodies. Instead, they use short marking codes such as A2, M7, SS14, or SL, which often confuse beginners during PCB repair, reverse engineering, or component replacement. This guide explains how to decode SMD diode codes, identify polarity, test components using a multimet......

Mar 30, 2026