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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......

June 13, 2024

PCB Design All posts >

Navigating the Impedance Landscape: Selecting the Right Impedance for USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and SD Card Interfaces

1- Introduction: In the realm of high-speed digital communication, choosing the right impedance is a critical aspect of successful PCB design. Impedance matching ensures optimal signal integrity, minimizes reflections, and enhances the overall performance of interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and SD Card. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of impedance, the factors influencing impedance selection, and best practices for ensuring reliable data transmission in these widely used interfa......

The Importance of Using Optocouplers in PCB Design

In PCB design, ensuring the protection and reliability of microcontroller signals is paramount. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by using optocouplers. These components provide optical ground isolation, which is crucial for protecting sensitive microcontroller signals from high-voltage circuits and noise. This article explores the importance of using optocouplers in PCB design and highlights the variety of optocoupler models available in the JLCPCB parts library. What is an Optocouple......

The Importance of Using ISP Programming Ports in PCB Design

In the world of PCB design, optimizing space and reducing costs are always top priorities. One effective way to achieve these goals is by incorporating In-System Programming (ISP) ports directly onto the PCB. ISP ports allow for programming the microcontroller or other programmable devices on the board without the need for permanent programming port components. This article highlights the importance of using ISP programming ports in PCB design and discusses how they help save costs and reduce board si......

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have become a cornerstone in modern electronics, illuminating everything from household lighting to complex industrial systems. Their integration into Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) is essential for various applications, providing efficient lighting solutions that are both versatile and reliable. This article explores the fundamental aspects of LEDs, their history, types, applications, and the critical considerations when designing PCBs that incorporate LEDs. What is an LED......

PCB Manufacturing All posts >

How to Avoid Copper Peel Off

Hot Air Solder Leveling (HASL) involves coating the surface of the exposed copper with a layer of tin alloy to prevent oxidation and provide a good soldering surface for subsequent assembly. The basic process of HASL is to briefly immerse the PCB board into a high-temperature liquid tin bath. Through the action of flux and high-temperature tin, a copper-tin alloy (IMG) is formed. Then, on guide rails, the board is lifted out while high-pressure gas blows away excess tin from non-copper areas and level......

DFM's Key Role in PCB Manufacturing

DFM design in PCB stands for Design for Manufacturability in Printed Circuit Board. In today's highly digital and electronic era, printed circuit boards (PCBs) serve as a backbone and crucial foundation for connecting and supporting electronic components. The quality and efficiency of PCB manufacturing are essential. The impact of design on manufacturing lies in DFM (Design for Manufacturing) – that is, designing for manufacturing. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) plays a crucial role in PCB manufacturi......

Technical Guidance: Mouse Bite Panelization Guide

The conventional method of panelization uses V-grooves. However, for irregularly-shaped boards or special requirements (such as JLCPCB's economic SMT assembly), mouse bite panelization, which resembles postage stamps on an envelope, is required. PCBs panelized using this method are called "mouse bite panels" or "mouse bite connections". Mouse bite panelization can be referred to as "universal panelization." As long as there is a position to add mouse bites, boards of various shapes can be interconnect......

How to Choose the Right Surface Finish for Your PCB

When it comes to designing and manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs), considering the element of your surface finish is a critical decision. In addition to influencing the PCB's aesthetics, surface finish is essential to the functionality, dependability, solderability and longevity of the electronic equipment it powers. The surface finish serves as a protective layer on the exposed copper traces of a PCB. It prevents oxidation, promotes solderability, enhances conductivity, and provides a lev......

PCB Knowledge All posts >

Exploring Electronic Sensors: The Backbone of Modern Technology

Introduction: In today's tech-driven world, electronic sensors act as the sensory organs of devices, allowing them to perceive and interact with their surroundings. From smartphones and smartwatches to industrial machinery and medical equipment, sensors are crucial. Among these, kinesthetic sensors are notable for detecting physical movement and position. This article explores the role of sensors in electronics and delves into the applications and science behind kinesthetic sensors. 1. Understanding E......

Understanding and Utilizing Breakout Boards in Electronics Projects.

1- What is Breakout Boards? One of the ways breakout boards make your life easier is by making it easier to connect and incorporate electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB). They do so by "breaking out" the connections of an integrated circuit (IC) or other component in a more usable and accessible arrangement. So, it makes it easy for the engineering, learners, and developers to connect and interface component without dealing with the less enjoy on the pins onto the ICs or sensors. 2-......

Comparing HASL and ENIG Surface Finishes for PCBs

Selecting the right surface finish for a printed circuit board (PCB) is crucial to ensuring its performance, reliability, and longevity. Two of the most commonly used finishes are Hot Air Solder Leveling (HASL) and Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG). Each of these surface finishes offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different applications. In this article, we will compare HASL and ENIG to help you determine which finish is best suited for your PCB project. What......

Future Trends and Innovations in Flex PCB Technology

The world of flexible printed circuit boards (flex PCBs) is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and the growing demand for innovative electronic solutions. In this article, we will explore the cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the flex PCB industry, analyze market trends and future growth areas, discuss potential challenges ahead, and provide expert insights on the future of flex PCBs. Emerging Technologies Stretchable Electronics Stretchable electronics represent a signi......

PCB Assembly All posts >

The Importance of High Precision in PCB Stencil Manufacturing

PCB stencils play a crucial role in the manufacturing process, especially when dealing with small pitch components. High precision in stencil manufacturing ensures accurate solder paste deposition, which is essential for reliable and high-performance electronic assemblies. In this article, we will highlight the importance of high precision in stencil manufacturing using an example from JLCPCB. We will also demonstrate the exact manufactured dimensions compared to the desired dimensions using measureme......

Through-Hole & Surface Mount Technology

Comprehensive Comparison for Circuit Board Designing When it comes to circuit board designing, choosing the right components can make a significant impact on the overall performance and functionality of the device. Two types of electronic components that are commonly used in circuit board designing are through-hole components and surface mount components. In brief article, we will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of components with a focus on the benefits and drawbacks for......

Exploring the Differences Between Reflow Soldering and Wave Soldering in PCB Assembly

In PCB assembly processing, wave soldering and reflow soldering are two common soldering processes, but the choice of soldering method varies depending on the scenario. What is the difference between these two welding processes? Principles and Applications of Wave Soldering Wave soldering is a batch PCB soldering process mainly used for soldering through-hole devices (THD). The wave soldering process consists of four steps: flux spraying, pre-coating, wave soldering, and cooling. 1.Flux is primarily u......

A Comprehensive Guide to IC Package Technology

What is IC package? IC packaging is the process of packaging electronic components (such as chips, transistors, capacitors, resistors, etc.) into specific shapes and sizes so that they can be easily mounted on a PCB and connected to a circuit. Encapsulation not only provides mechanical protection but also offers electrical connections and thermal management functions. IC package type and size IC package types and sizes vary depending on the component type, function, and application. The following are ......