PCB Design & Schematic Fundamentals

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Something You Ought to Know About PCB Silkscreen Printing

PCB silkscreen (also called legend or nomenclature) is the layer of printed text, symbols, marks, and images on a PCB surface. It is applied on top of the solder mask layer using special epoxy ink, providing critical information for component placement, assembly instructions, testing, and identification. JLCPCB applies silkscreen on the top and/or bottom side (component side) after the solder mask and copper layers are completed. Common ink colors are white (default), black, or yellow for optimal cont......

Nov 29, 2023

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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.......

Dec 01, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Understanding Impedance and Its Role in PCB Design

Impedance is a fundamental concept in electrical engineering and circuit design. Today, we will provide an overview of impedance, explain the impedance formula, discuss tools like an impedance calculator, and explain how impedance affects PCB design factors like solder flux and component selection. What is Impedance? Impedance (Z) represents the total opposition to current flow in an AC circuit. It is comprised of both resistance (R) and reactance (X). Resistance opposes current while reactance stores......

Nov 08, 2023

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

PCB Components Deep Dive: Essential Parts, Functions & Smart Selection Guide

PCBs consist of a mixed bag of active, passive, and electromechanical components all working together. Active components are used to either switch and amplify electrical signals. Passive components do not amplify electrical signals but are used for storing and dissipating energy. Electromechanical components like switches and relays which physically connect circuits together or disconnect them using a mechanical device. PCBs generally contain eight families of components with which you will regularly ......

Dec 28, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Master PCB Board Circuit Diagrams: From Zero to Reading & Drawing Like a Pro

When designing a circuit for real applications, it is better to use PCBs. PCBs are the formal electrical representation of an electronic system. If you don't want the wires to be hanging with components and messy systems, it's better to turn it into a circuit board. To design a PCB board, there are 2 steps: first, the schematic design. The schematic shows how components such as ICs, capacitors, resistors and other components are interconnected. The schematic is the blueprint through which we can gener......

Dec 27, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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-......

Jan 30, 2026

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

PCB Silkscreen: All You Need to Know

Silk screen is the topmost layer of a PCB, adding a silkscreen layer is the final step in PCB manufacturing. This layer adds ink markings to identify PCB components, test points, symbols, logos, and other important details. Silkscreen plays a crucial role in helping manufacturers and designers easily identify components by annotating them on PCB. The silkscreen ink is a specially non-conductive formulated epoxy. It comes in various colors, the most common in the industry are black and white. PCB desig......

Jan 23, 2026

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Circuit Symbols: Key to Understanding Electrical and Electronic Diagrams

Circuit symbols are essential in electrical and electronic diagrams for representing complex circuits and components in a standardized and simplified manner. These symbols are crucial for engineers, electricians, and technicians to understand circuit functions without documentation. Universal recognition of these symbols ensures consistent interpretation across languages and regions, aiding education and training. Circuit diagrams consist of various components like switches, capacitors, resistors, and......

Aug 27, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Creating High-Quality Schematic Diagram: A Professional and Simplified Workflow

Mastering the art of creating high-quality schematic diagram is crucial for PCB hobbyists and engineers. A schematic diagram serves as a blueprint that visually represents the components and connections of an electrical circuit. In this expert guide, JLCPCB will walk you through the process of creating accurate and professional schematic diagram, providing you with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in your PCB designs. Section 1: Understanding Schematic Diagram What is a Schematic Diagram? A ......

Aug 18, 2023

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Understanding the Frequency Response of Decoupling Capacitors

Decoupling capacitors act like mini “shock absorbers” or local reservoirs on an IC’s power pins. Decaps are used to isolate high‐frequency AC noise from the DC supply. These decaps supply instant current during transients. When it comes to transient switching, the sudden change of voltage drops the current, and to fulfill the demand of that loss, the current is supplied from the source, which is situated away from the IC. But due to the resistive path between the IC and the supply, the frequency respo......

Oct 24, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Understanding Fast Turn PCB: Accelerating Your Electronic Designs

Fast Turn PCB is a quick method to create printed circuit boards (PCBs) to satisfy strict project deadlines. As technology advances so rapidly these days, people more and more desire quicker prototype and computer part manufacturing. Fast Turn PCB services help engineers and designers move quickly from concept to production, which leads to new products in many fields. This article discusses what are Fast Turn PCBs, what they can do for you, and how to choose the best provider to get quality and speed.......

Oct 20, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

The Role of Schematic Design in Electronics Development

Schematic design plays an important role in making electronics, which depicts how various elements interact and unite to create a working circuit. Accurate and understandable schematic designs are crucial in many kinds of electronics, from simple devices to complex industrial equipment. In this article, we will discuss the value of schematic design in electronics, also together with the fundamental components forming schematic diagrams. 1. What is Schematic Design? Schematic design is a part of an ele......

Nov 16, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Understanding PCB Design and PCB Layout: A Comprehensive Guide

Modern electronics are assembled using printed circuit boards (PCBs). They link conductively path-based electronic components. Important phases in the development of electronic devices are PCB design and layout since they significantly impact their working performance, dependability, and manufacturing simplicity. A PCB's layout which could be as straightforward as one layer or as complex as multiple layers determines a device's performance. In this article, we will discuss the main concepts of PCB des......

Nov 16, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Schematic Wiring Symbols: A Quick Reference Guide

Schematic wiring symbols are the language of a circuit in electronic and electrical engineering. They provide a quick visual shortcut that lets engineers best learn how a circuit is built. Not only does it reveal the flow of current and voltage drop across a certain component in the circuit. It is important to understand these symbols when reading, designing, and embedding electronic systems. Schematic diagrams are used everywhere. The graphical information ready simple explanations about system opera......

Oct 26, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Understanding Schematics: A Design Walkthrough

Every electronic design is based on a schematic diagram. The schematic diagram is the blueprint that shows how electronic components are connected to create a circuit. The schematics serve as a route map showing how current and signals will flow from the input stage to the output stage. Before a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is actually made, we typically design a schematic. When it comes to the revision of the circuit, the main work is done first at the schematic level, and after that PCB is again modi......

Oct 25, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Choosing the Best PCB Color-Enhancing Aesthetics and Functionality

Do you want to design an electronic device that combines outstanding performance with aesthetic look? The color of the PCB solder mask plays a significant role in achieving both aesthetics and functionality. The color you choose for the PCB solder mask can showcase the unique style of the electronic device. Whether you choose a vibrant red, a trendy black, or a classic green, the color sets the tone for the design. It can attract attention, create a positive first impression, and contribute to the ove......

Jan 12, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

What are S-Parameters in High Frequency Design

S parameters are one of the main tools in high frequency design which are used to evaluate the circuits. In RF and microwaves the signal frequency becomes too high that a copper wire is not capable of carrying the signal and the probability of losing information much increased. We can not measure a signal by voltage or current but there are certain parameters, we can note the system behavior and then we can apply Scattering Parameter, or S-Parameter calculations. S-parameters might look like intimidat......

Sep 23, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

How to Read and Design Effective Schematics

Design schematics with hands are a bit outdated nowadays; everyone is using EDA software to do so. There are a lot of tools available nowadays, but a simpler and easier-to-use one is EasyEDA. Mastering schematics makes working with circuits simpler or safer, and more efficient for turning complex designs into understandable diagrams. Here we are taking an example of an Arduino circuit and a power supply regulation circuit. The schematics for them are completed and read step-wise. This unlocks the pote......

Sep 27, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Electrical Schematic Design

Electrical schematics are the foundation of every circuit design. They provide a visual representation of how components are connected and help engineers in design and troubleshooting. A good schematic should be simple or easy to read and technically accurate. Unfortunately, many schematics suffer from common errors that lead to misinterpretation or wasted time or even damaged components when implemented in hardware. In this article, we will walk through the most frequent mistakes in schematic design ......

Sep 21, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Design Guidelines for PCB Using FR4 Substrates

Material substrate concerns are necessary while designing electrical circuit boards. This is due to the fact that printed circuit boards cannot be manufactured without the appropriate PCB materials. When developing and producing circuit boards, the substrate material must be taken into account just as much as the copper layers, silkscreen, and surface polish. Generally speaking, non-conductive materials like porcelain, Marlon, FR4, and the like must be used for PCB substrates. Depending on its intende......

Jul 24, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

How to Read and Create PCB Schematics

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design is the backbone of modern electronics, and at the heart of PCB design lies the schematic diagram. Electronics design depends much on creating schematics since they show how to assemble circuits and systems. A schematic map illustrates the connections between several components of an electronic system by means of the electrical cables. This helps engineers overall design process vision and planning. Making schematics guarantees that everything is right, aids with trou......

May 31, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

A Step-by-Step Guide to PCB Design: Mastering the Art of Circuit Board Layout

A crucial part of every electronic tool, the printed circuit board (PCB) holds and links the electronic components. Learning PCB design will help you to ensure that your circuits are dependable and functionable. This holds true whether you are building circuits for high-tech medical equipment, industrial gear, or domestic electronics. The most crucial stages of PCB design will be walked over in this tutorial. It will guide you through the process, offer layout ideas, teach you how to arrange parts, an......

Nov 16, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

PCB Board Design: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) form the backbone of most modern electronic devices, providing a platform to connect electronic components. For beginners, PCB design can seem complex, but with the right approach, it becomes a manageable and rewarding task. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of designing a PCB, from planning to final checks. Today, as an example we will go through a design process of a lithium-ion battery charging module. TP4056 is one of the most popular charging ......

Nov 29, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

PCB Schematic: The Foundation of Your Circuit Design

Have you ever wondered how electronic devices come to life? It all starts with a plan called the PCB schematic. This plan is like a map that shows how parts like resistors, capacitors, and microcontrollers connect to make a circuit work. Whether you are just curious or already into electronics, understanding PCB schematics is an important step for any project. Don't worry, it is not as complicated as it might sound. Let us break it down in a way that is easy to understand. What is a PCB schematic? Ima......

Apr 03, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Converting a Hand-Drawn Circuit to a Professional Schematic

Electrical schematics designing and interpretation is the basic requirement to understand and troubleshoot the electrical systems. Whether you're an aspiring electrician or an engineering student, learning how to read electrical schematics is a valuable skill. In this guide, we will break down the essential elements of electrical schematics and provide practical tips for deciphering these diagrams. What is an Electrical Schematic? An electric schematic, also known as circuit diagram, is a graphical re......

Mar 14, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Understanding the Importance of Custom PCBs in Modern Electronics

Custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) designed many different types of electronics. These customized boards provide the highest economy and performance, specifically made to satisfy project requirements. Custom PCBs are necessary to make electronic systems that work well and are reliable, whether they are for household electronics or industrial machinery. This article covers custom printed circuit boards (PCBs), their applications, important details, and the best ways to choose one. What is a Custom PC......

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

PCB Basics 2: Design Guidelines

Welcome to the second article in our PCB Basics series. In this article, we will explore the essential PCB design guidelines that are crucial for achieving optimal PCB design performance and functionality. Whether you're an electronics enthusiast, hobbyist, engineer, student, or professional in the field, understanding these guidelines will empower you to create high-quality PCB designs. Let's dive into the details with JLCPCB! Component Placement: Effective component placement is vital for optimal PC......

Oct 24, 2023

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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......

Aug 23, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Role of Impedance in PCB Design

Impedance is a complex parameter which plays a critical role in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, particularly in high-speed and high-frequency circuits. Impedance represents the total opposition offered by a printed circuit board (PCB) trace to alternating current (AC) signals transmitted along its length. Impedance profoundly impacts signal quality in high-speed PCBs. Unlike ideal wires having zero impedance, real-world PCB traces with finite dimensions positioned over reference planes demonstrate......

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

What is a Pad in PCB Design and Development

Pads serve as the landing spots for the legs or leads of electronic components, allowing these components to be soldered onto the PCB securely. They are small, copper exposed conductive areas that enable both electrical and mechanical connections between components and the board. Traces can be routed from pads to all over the PCB, they also help to hold the component pins in place with the application of soldering. Pads are critical because they: Ensure strong electrical connections between components......

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Electric Schematic Symbols in Circuit Design

Electric schematic symbols are the building blocks of electrical designs and are very important in circuit design. These uniform symbols stand for different electrical parts, like resistors, capacitors, transistors, and switches. They make it easy to explain how complicated electrical systems work. Electric schematic symbols are very important to understand and use correctly for everyone, from artists who are making simple circuits to engineers who are making complex systems. Along with an overview of......

Nov 16, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Importance of SMD Capacitors in PCB Design

Introduction: Surface Mount Device (SMD) capacitors are essential to the layout and operation of printed circuit boards and are particularly vital in designs with limited space. These are little, highly potent elements that are essentially no bigger than a rice grain. These surface mounted device plays an integral role for the smooth operation of various electronic devices starting from smartphones to industrial machinery level. This is an article which explores the significance or importance of surfa......

Nov 29, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Silkscreen in PCB Design

Introduction: Silkscreen is crucially important for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, it is not only a decorative feature but also a necessary component for assembly and functionality of PCBs. Usually white, the silkscreen layer prints critical information on the surface of the board like test points, polarity indications, and component labels. This article covers the value of silkscreen in PCB design, the varieties, uses, and best practices for its use, therefore enabling you to maximize your PCB d......

Nov 29, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

A Comprehensive Guide to Switch Types in PCB Design

Switches are essential components in PCB design, responsible for controlling the flow of electrical current within a circuit. They act as mechanical or electronic devices that can open or close circuits, enabling or disabling specific functions. Whether you're designing a consumer electronics device, an industrial machine, or a medical instrument, the right switch type is crucial for the functionality, reliability, and user experience of your product. In this guide, we'll explore the different types o......

Nov 29, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Understanding the Process of Creating Schematics for Electronics Design

Electronics design depends much on creating schematics since they show how to assemble circuits and systems. A schematic map illustrates the connections between several components of an electronic system by means of the electrical cables. This helps engineers' overall design process vision and planning. Making schematics guarantees that everything is right, aids with troubleshooting, and facilitates communication between manufacturers and engineers, whether you are working on a basic circuit or a comp......

Nov 16, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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......

Sep 13, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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......

Sep 24, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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......

Jul 13, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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......

Jul 13, 2024

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

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......

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

Simplified yet Intricate: Single-Sided PCB Design

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are crucial electronic components. They act as the support structure for electronic devices and serve as the carrier for electrical connections among electronic components. Since its inception in 1925, the evolution of printed circuit boards has led to increasingly intricate layouts, more layers, and greater complexity. However, even amidst these advancements, the most basic form known as the single-sided PCB is still widely employed in various industrial products like ra......

Sep 07, 2023

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

What is Solder Mask and How Does it Impact Your PCB Designs?

Solder mask may not be the most exciting topic in PCB manufacturing, but it's definitely one of the most crucial. Without proper solder mask, your Printed Circuit Boards (PCB's) could suffer from shorts, bridges, corrosion, and other costly and time-consuming issues. So, if you want to ensure the quality, reliability, and longevity of your electronic products, you need to know everything about solder mask - from it's purpose and types to it's application and design implementations. In this ultimate gu......

Jul 25, 2023