Blog - JLCPCB

Search

Blind vs Buried Vias: A Comprehensive Guide for PCB Design

A printed circuit board (PCB) is made up of layers of copper foil circuits stacked on top of each other, and the connections between different circuit layers rely on vias. If the holes drilled by a drilling machine or laser are left as is, they will not conduct electricity, because the surface of the original drilled hole is only resin, which is not conductive. Therefore, a layer of conductive material (usually copper) must be plated on the surface of the drilled hole. In this way, current propagates ......

Sept 29, 2024

Understanding Signal Reflection and Impedance Control in PCB Design: Key Techniques and Tools

Whenever a signal is sent digitally from one point to another, it changes the state of a signal line. The change in state of the signal can be described as an electromagnetic wave as it moves through the circuit. Reflection in the signal occurs when an electromagnetic wave encounters a boundary from one medium to the next. When the wave meets the boundary, part of the energy is transmitted as a signal and part of it is reflected. The process will continue indefinitely until the energy is absorbed by t......

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 ......

A Comprehensive Guide to Countersunk Holes in PCB Design

When designing printed circuit boards (PCBs), engineers often need to create holes in the board to mount components or attach connectors. Two common hole types are countersunk and counterbored. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are important differences between countersunk and counterbore holes that impact their use in PCBs. Both terms are commonly used in CNC machining. Normally countersunk is a cone-shaped hole and the counterbore is a cylindrical flat-bottomed hole. This article wi......

Blind vs Buried Vias: A Comprehensive Guide for PCB Design

A printed circuit board (PCB) is made up of layers of copper foil circuits stacked on top of each other, and the connections between different circuit layers rely on vias. If the holes drilled by a drilling machine or laser are left as is, they will not conduct electricity, because the surface of the original drilled hole is only resin, which is not conductive. Therefore, a layer of conductive material (usually copper) must be plated on the surface of the drilled hole. In this way, current propagates ......

How to Set PCB Via Tenting in PCB Design Software

Introduction Via tenting refers to covering the via pads with ink, no solder on the pads, a process widely used in most circuit boards. It's a critical part of PCB design, protecting the vias and enhancing the board’s durability and performance. In this guide, we'll show you how to configure PCB via tenting in commonly used software such as Altium Designer (AD) and Protel 99 to ensure your Gerber files meet the required manufacturing standards. Inspection standard: The via pads should not adhere to so......

Understanding PCB Layout Software: A Comprehensive Guide

Designing a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a fundamental process in the field of electronics that closes the gap between circuit design and actual execution. This method depends much on PCB Layout Software, which lets engineers convert their circuit schematics into a real board layout. The value of PCB layout software’s, their main characteristics, and how to choose the correct software for your requirements are discussed in this article. What is PCB Layout Software? PCB Layout Software enables to des......

Understanding Component Layout in PCB Design

Component layout is a major component of printed circuit board (PCB) design, it significantly impacts the performance, dependability, and manufacture capability of electronic devices. Proper component layout on a PCB guarantees best operation and helps to minimize noise, interference, and heat transfer concerns. The main ideas and techniques of component layout are discussed in this article as well as their role in producing dependable and effective PCBs. What is Component Layout? Component layout is ......

Understanding the Importance of Design Rule Check (DRC) in PCB Design

The Design Rule Check (DRC) is one of the fundamental procedures in the field of producing a functioning and dependable product in printed circuit board (PCB), its design depends on every piece satisfying particular design and manufacturing criteria. DRC is a validation process used to see if a PCB layout follows manufacturer and designer specified design guidelines. These guidelines address space, trace widths, clearances, and other critical elements affecting PCB performance and manufacture. This ar......

Single-Sided PCB Design: Combining Simplicity with Sophistication

PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is a crucial electronic component, acting as both the support for electronic components and the carrier for electrical connections between them. Since the invention of the printed circuit board in 1925, PCB design has become increasingly precise, multilayered, and complex. However, the simplest single-sided PCB remains widely used in industrial products such as radios, washing machines, and remote controls. 1. Structure of a Single-Sided PCB A traditional FR4 single-sided P......

Key Considerations for Designing Keypad PCB Design

What is a Keypad PCB? A keypad PCB is a circuit board that hosts the electronic components necessary for a keypad's operation. It serves as the foundation for connecting switches, microcontrollers, and other elements that facilitate user input. The design of a keypad PCB significantly influences its performance, reliability, and overall functionality. Keypad circuit boards are widely used in everyday products, such as remote controls, car window buttons, and elevator buttons. They are inexpensive to p......

Flex PCB Design Tips and Tricks

Flexible printed circuit boards (Flex PCB) are a type of printed circuit board that is made from a flexible material, such as polyimide. FPCBs are used in a wide variety of applications, including consumer electronics, medical devices, and automotive electronics. flex PCB from jlcpcb Designing FPCBs can be challenging, as there are a number of unique considerations that must be taken into account. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important flex PCB design tips and tricks. The outline ......

FPC Panelization Design Standards and Requirements

FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board ) panelization is the process of arranging multiple FPC boards onto a single panel for efficient production. Proper panelization is crucial for optimizing material utilization, reducing production costs, and ensuring product quality. This article provides comprehensive FPC panelization design standards and requirements to guide engineers in creating optimal panel designs. General Panelization Guidelines Irregularly Shaped Frames: For irregularly shaped FPC frames, c......

Understanding Electrical Schematics: A Comprehensive Guide

Electrical schematics are essential for understanding and troubleshooting electrical systems. Whether you're an electrician or an engineering student, learning to read schematics is a valuable skill. What is an Electrical Schematic? An electrical schematic is a graphical representation of an electrical circuit, using standardized symbols to depict components and their connections. Schematics convey the circuit's design and function, making it easier to understand how it operates Symbols are the founda......

Common problems and solutions in PCB design

PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design is a crucial aspect of electronic product development. During the design process, we often encounter challenging issues, which may include circuit design and wiring regulations. Understanding these common problems and their solutions can help engineers enhance the quality and efficiency of the design. Unreasonable circuit layout Circuit layout is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility. Unreasonable layout can lead to issues such as......

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......

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......

45 Must-Know Flex PCB Design Tips You Can't Afford to Miss!

Achieving perfection in product design requires a careful balance between meeting design requirements and manufacturing standards. However, when it comes to flex PCB (FPC) design, many engineers find themselves at a loss, unsure of where to begin. In this insightful guide, we will delve into 45 essential design guidelines for FPC. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complexities of flex PCB design. Outline and Drilling 1. The minimum distance from through-holes to the ......