High-Speed & RF PCB Design Insights
Explore high-speed design, RF layout rules, impedance control, and noise mitigation techniques for advanced applications.
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High-Speed & RF Design
Introduction to FPGA Architecture: How FPGAs Work and Why They Matter
Digital circuits implementation is done using ASIC or gate array-based ICs. But there is one more programmable logic functional IC which can implement any logic just by programming; these are known as PLDs (programmable logic devices). There are a lot of them available, but our main focus today is on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Unlike fixed-function integrated circuits (ICs), FPGAs allow engineers to reconfigure the hardware itself after manufacturing. Now using one FPGA, I can realize man......
Oct 30, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
How to Tackle EMI/EMC and Signal Integrity Issues in HF PCB Design
High-frequency PCB design is challenging, with electromagnetic interference (EMI) and signal integrity (SI) issues among the most critical obstacles. These issues can degrade circuit performance, impact reliability, and result in failed compliance testing. To address them, careful planning and execution are essential throughout the design process. Below are strategies to overcome these challenges. For networks with complex signal directions, the impact of topology varies for unidirectional, bidirectio......
Dec 16, 2024
High-Speed & RF Design
PCB Basics: Differential Pair in PCB design
In modern electronics, high-speed data transmission became extremely important, driving the need for more robust and efficient signal transmission techniques. One such technique employed in printed circuit board (PCB) design is the use of differential pairs. Usage of differential signaling offers several advantages over single-ended signaling, including improved noise immunity, better signal integrity, and higher data transfer rates. In this article, we'll delve into the fundamentals of differential p......
Mar 13, 2024
High-Speed & RF Design
Comprehensive Layer Stack-Up Design for High-Speed Controlled Impedance PCBs
In the world of ever-evolving electronics, high-speed controlled impedance PCBs are becoming increasingly important for reliable performance designs. With modern devices requiring faster data transfer rates and minimal signal distortion, engineers must consider various factors while designing a PCB with controlled impedance. This article will provide a comprehensive understanding of controlled impedance PCB design, focusing on layer stack-up considerations, real-world examples, and the use of an imped......
Jul 28, 2023
High-Speed & RF Design
Understanding Multilayer PCB Stackup
Introduction Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics. They provide a foundation for electronic components and interconnections, allowing devices to function effectively. Among various PCB types, multilayer PCBs stand out for their complexity and utility in high-speed and high-density applications. This article explores the intricacies of multilayer PCB stackup, focusing on its design, benefits, and challenges. What is a Multilayer PCB? A multilayer PCB consists of multiple......
Oct 20, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Backplane Basics: What is it and Why it Matters in Electronics
In the realm of electronics, where intricate circuitry meets innovation, the term "backplane" emerges as a crucial yet often overlooked component. Serving as the backbone of electronic systems, backplanes play a pivotal role in facilitating communication, connectivity, and functionality within devices. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the depths of backplanes, unraveling their significance, structure, applications, and the pivotal role they play in modern electronics. 1) What is a Backplane?......
Oct 20, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
EMI Filtering in High-Frequency Circuits
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is an unwanted disturbance generated by electronic devices that can interfere with the operation of other nearby equipment. EMI is caused by electromagnetic radiation emitted from electrical circuits as they switch on and off or operate at high frequencies. EMI refers to unwanted electromagnetic energy that disrupts the normal operation of electronic devices. 1. Types of EMI: Conducted EMI: It travels through power lines or signal cables and is caused by physical con......
Jun 12, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Exploring the Key High-Frequency Components in PCB Design
High-frequency circuit design powers much of today's advanced technology, from communication systems to sophisticated radars and aerospace grade equipment. High frequency systems are not fundamentally different from other types of electric circuits. The same laws of physics apply, and the basics of electronics remain the same at that point also. But what makes these circuits able to handle such rapid signals? It’s the specialized components, each with unique roles in stabilizing and amplifying signals......
Oct 20, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Designing Antennas on PCB: A Beginner to Advance Guide
In today’s world of widespread wireless connectivity, the demand for small, affordable, and reliable antennas is higher than ever. Antennas act as real-world implementations of electromagnetic wave principles. They enable the sending and receiving of signals for a variety of wireless uses. While there is a lot of theoretical and experimental research in this area, only a few designs become widely used in actual products. Among the different options, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) antennas have become a p......
Sep 19, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Propagation Delay in Timing Analysis: Definition, Role, and Examples
Time is the most important asset! We know it very well. But when it comes to digital electronics, time is everything. Have you ever wondered how a digital circuit knows time? Nothing but with the help of clock frequency produced by oscillators. Usually we prefer crystals because of their accuracy but sometimes relaxation oscillators do a fine job. Time passed, time spent all this data in a digital block based on clock speeds. And thus one of the most fundamental parameters influencing timing behavior ......
Sep 16, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Design Guidelines for RF PCB Layout and Manufacturing
RF PCBs work on some fundamental rules that involve prior knowledge of digital and analog design circuits. Comparing directly to analog and digital is not directly possible because here the frequency range is in the GHz range. The frequency range makes the PCB so different and we have look for almost everything: Impedance mismatches Trace lengths Grounding Shielding If not done so, may cause the full failure of the system. Or if designed not considering all the requirements it will lead to performance......
Aug 28, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
6-Layer PCB Stackup and Buildup Guidelines
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics, providing the necessary infrastructure for connecting and supporting various electronic components. As electronic devices become more complex and compact, the demand for multi-layer PCBs has increased. Among these, the 6-layer PCB is a popular choice for many applications. This article will delve into the specifics of 6-layer PCB stackup, its applications, optimal configurations, and guidelines for selecting the best manufacturer. W......
May 16, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Signal Integrity and Jitter Analysis Using Eye Diagrams
The way a signal travels across a wire varies depending on the transmitter and receiver. This is where methods for error identification and correction are useful. However, how can we tell if a signal is different? It goes without saying that we need to use a device to track at both TX-RX ends and view the data bit by bit. And why is the signal shifting, and is it possible to stop the cause? Yes, it is somewhat feasible, but there is little we can do to protect a wireless channel from noise. Due to EMI......
Aug 21, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Design Guidelines for better EMC Standards
EMC is a measure of a device's ability to operate as intended in its shared operating environment while, at the same time, not affecting the ability of other equipment within the same environment to operate as intended. Evaluating how a device will react when exposed to electromagnetic energy is one component of this, known as immunity (or susceptibility) testing. Measuring the amount of EMI generated by the device’s internal electrical systems – a process known as emissions testing – is another. Both......
Jun 12, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
PCB Antenna Design: Types, Principles, and Best Practices
In the world surrounded with wireless communication, the demand for compact, inexpensive and reliable antennas has never been higher. Antennas are the application of electromagnetic waves. There are many theories and practicals available on antennas, but only few of them get recognised. For wireless data transfer the one solution can be usage of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) antennas. Using PCB antennas represents a convenient solution for integrating them directly into electronic devices, eliminating t......
Mar 15, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
Understanding FPGA: An In-Depth Guide
When I was a young electronics engineer I was very curious to know about FPGAs, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are a class of semiconductor devices designed to be configured by a user after manufacturing. They contain a sea of gates inside, which can be programmed by the user to depict a chip behavior without fabricating an actual one. Unlike traditional microcontrollers or processors, FPGAs offer unparalleled flexibility in implementing custom hardware logic. This article explores FPGA fundam......
Mar 07, 2025
High-Speed & RF Design
The Impact of Vias on High-Speed PCB Design
High speed signals require impedance matching. Basically this means that the signal path must have a continuous impedance throughout which is matched with the receiver impedance. This is to prevent signal reflections that can corrupt the signal. In very basic language, the PCB track characteristic impedance depends on the track width, track copper height, distance from the reference GND plane and dielectric constant. This is a very clear statement in high speed designs, but there are several issues wi......
High-Speed & RF Design
Solving Routing and Stack-Up Problems in High-Frequency PCB Design
Designing high-frequency PCBs presents unique challenges, particularly in routing and stack-up configuration. Proper planning and execution are essential to ensure signal integrity and optimal performance. Below, we explore common problems and strategies to address them. Signal integrity primarily relates to impedance matching. Factors affecting impedance matching include signal source architecture, output impedance, trace characteristic impedance, load characteristics, and topology. Solutions involve......
Dec 17, 2024
High-Speed & RF Design
The Role of Eye Diagrams in High-Speed PCB Design
In high-speed PCB design, signal integrity is very crucial. As the frequencies in digital devices increase, we have to ensure reliable communication between components on a high speed PCB. One of the most effective tools for evaluating signal integrity in high-speed designs is the eye diagram. It is a tool for the evaluation of the combined effects of channel noise, dispersion and inter-symbol interference on the performance of a baseband pulse-transmission system. Eye diagrams provide a visual repres......
Nov 25, 2024
High-Speed & RF Design
Precision in Propagation: Navigating Length Matching and Tuning for Single Tracks and Differential Pairs
In the intricate world of high-speed PCB design, achieving precise signal integrity is paramount for seamless data transmission. Length matching and tuning play pivotal roles in ensuring that signals, both single-ended tracks and differential pairs, reach their destinations without distortion or timing issues. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of length matching, the challenges associated with it, and best practices for tuning both single tracks and differential pairs in your PCB la......
High-Speed & RF Design
Shielding in PCB Design: Ensuring Signal Integrity and Electromagnetic Compatibility
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design plays a pivotal role in determining the performance and reliability of electronic devices. As technology advances, the demand for high-speed data transmission and increased electronic complexity grows. To meet these challenges, engineers are turning to effective shielding techniques in PCB design. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of shielding, its benefits, types of shielding, and best practices for implementation. The Significance of Shielding In t......
High-Speed & RF Design
Designing Effective PCB Antennas for Wireless Communication Systems
In the world surrounded with the wireless communication, the demand for compact, inexpensive and reliable antennas has never been higher. One of the solutions for this problem can be usage of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) antennas. Using PCB antennas represents a convenient solution for integrating them directly into electronic devices, eliminating the need for bulky external antennas. In this article, let’s explore the approach to PCB antenna design, key considerations and best practices for achieving ......
May 10, 2024
High-Speed & RF Design
Unlocking the Potential of Via Design in PCBs: Enhancing Performance and Connectivity
Via design is a critical aspect of PCBs, enabling efficient signal flow, good thermal performance, quality heat dissipation and easy way of establishing connections between layers and components. In this article, we will explore the importance of via design in PCBs, understand different via types, discuss their significance in pad design, and provide best practices for optimizing via design. What is a Via? A via is a crucial component in printed circuit board (PCB) design that establishes electrical c......
Mar 20, 2024
High-Speed & RF Design
PCB Basics: 50ohm PCB Trace with simple PI matching
When working with the RF (Radio Frequency) design, the transmission of signals between antennas and RF components on a PCB demands careful attention to detail. One critical aspect is the design of the antenna trace, which serves as the conduit for RF signals to propagate efficiently. In this article, we will delve into the significance of maintaining a 50 Ohm characteristic impedance for antenna traces in PCB design, along with best practices for achieving optimal performance in RF applications. 1. Im......
Mar 13, 2024
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