PCB Design Tools & Best Practices
Explore recommended PCB design workflows, common tool functions, and proven techniques to improve design efficiency and product quality.
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Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Card Edge Connectors : Design Essentials, Gold Finger Optimization, and Manufacturing Strategies for Reliable Integration
PCB card-edge connectors are the unsung heroes of modular electronics. By providing a gold-plated finger interface along a circuit board edge, they allow plug‑and‑play connections between motherboards, expansion cards, and memory modules. Unlike soldered or wired joints, card-edge contacts offer easy replacement and upgrade of components. You imagine swapping a graphics card or SSD by simply unplugging one board and plugging in another. This edge-based interconnect enables high-speed, high-density rou......
Feb 02, 2026
Design Tools & Best Practices
From Concept to Production : How PCB DFM Guidelines and Analysis Ensure Smooth Manufacturing Transitions
When designing a product for a mass audience, it is better to test it thoroughly before deploying it to the market. Because the research and development of the product is quite expensive and time-consuming. Designing a PCB that works on your desk is one thing. Once the design is finalised, the PCB is manufactured and assembled repeatedly without any drama. This is where PCB Design for Manufacturing (DFM) quietly saves projects and engineering reputations. Many PCB issues don't come from bad schematics......
Jan 22, 2026
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Terminal Blocks : A Design Engineer’s Guide to Reliable Wire-to-Board Connections
PCB terminal blocks are the unsung heroes of wire-to-board connections. They can be used to connect or replace wires in industrial controls, power supply, and automotive systems, etc, without needing to re-work the PCB. Terminal blocks can be tight-clamped or screwed, eliminating the guesswork of hand-soldering. However, terminal blocks may be problematic. Loose wiring can vibrate, heavy elements can be subject to solder-joint fatigue, and a lack of creepage or clearance can allow arcs to arc between ......
Jan 25, 2026
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Art : Jaw-Dropping Designs & How to Make Your Own
Usually, PCBs are designed to replicate complex circuits on a small board consisting of traces. All this is done to connect different components. However, when it comes to the aesthetics and functionality of a printed circuit board, various applications also exist, such as coloured PCBs and PCB cards. The rise of PCB art isn’t a fluke. And by the introduction of JLCPCB, this art became easier to fabricate. A community that loves to flex creativity and RGB. Engineers who want their work to be both func......
Dec 31, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Blank PCB and Parts : Building on Empty Boards
A blank PCB refers to an unpopulated circuit board with no components assembled. A blank PCB is an empty circuit board, manufactured from a copper-clad substrate, drilled, masked, and finished. It’s the canvas engineers use for prototypes, experiments and hobby builds. Blank boards are simple PCBs without components. Let’s dig deeper into the article to find out some standards and technologies used in the industry. Universal Blank Boards vs Pre-routed Prototyping Boards Universal blank boards are copp......
Dec 31, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Electrical Mastery : Design, Testing & Debugging
PCB Electrical design spans signal integrity, power delivery, safety, and EMC. Think of these as four pillars keeping your design upright. The Signal pillar means routing traces to preserve data and avoiding reflections. The Power pillar is about robust distribution using planar copper pours, decoupling capacitors, and thermal relief. The Safety pillar covers rules for insulation and creepage. Finally, EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) means making sure your board doesn’t emit or pick up stray noise......
Dec 30, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Design Tools Unleashed: From Zero-Cost to Enterprise
Every PCB starts with the right toolkit, from simple free editors to million-dollar suites. Modern EDA tools cover the entire workflow, from schematics to place and route layout. Some EDA tools come with a built-in signals simulator. These tools automate the tedious parts of PCB design. Nowadays, a simple tool can handle schematic capture, layout, trace routing, footprint creation, and BOM generation. Using such software is like providing a blueprint for your board. In this article, we are going to di......
Dec 30, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Step-by-Step Guide to Create Custom PCB Footprints
If you need a PCB footprint, but it does not exist in EasyEDA's component library, then you can create it yourself. And creating a device also requires a footprint library to complete. The usage method of the footprint library tool is the same as that of the PCB tool under PCB, but there are some unnecessary functions in the toolbar. The footprint library is the various parameters of electronic components, chips, etc. (such as the size of components, length and width, in-line, patch, pad size, length ......
Jan 30, 2026
Design Tools & Best Practices
How to Avoid Pitfalls in PCB Design
Designing a printed circuit board (PCB) requires careful attention to various factors to ensure a smooth manufacturing process and avoid potential pitfalls. From hole size and slot design to tra ce width and copper pour considerations, understanding these aspects is crucial for creating reliable and functional PCBs. In this article, we will explore some common pitfalls in PCB design and provide recommendations to overcome them. Hole Size in Via Design In PCB manufacturing, a 0.3 mm hole is considered ......
Sep 11, 2023
Design Tools & Best Practices
Role of a Circuit Simulator in Electronics Design
Making electronic and electrical circuits can be time-consuming and technologically demanding, not to mention expensive. After creating an electronic circuit, designers must test the circuit’s functionality in order to confirm its functionality and make any necessary adjustments. What if, instead of creating the circuit with real board and components, we were able to obtain a mathematical description of the circuit? This is the idea behind Circuit Simulation. We will go over the subject in this articl......
Apr 27, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Multilayer PCB Design: A Comprehensive Guide
What is a Multilayer PCB? A multilayer PCB is a printed circuit board with more than two layers and is comprised of three or more conductive copper foil layers. Multilayer PCBs are standard electrical boards; the top and bottom layers resemble a double-sided PCB but have additional layers on both sides of the core. Multiple layers of double-sided circuit boards are laminated and bonded together with layers of heat-resistant insulation in between. The active and passive components are placed on the top......
Jul 26, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
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......
Sep 27, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Innovative Uses for Copper Traces in PCB Design
Copper traces are an essential component of printed circuit boards (PCBs), providing the pathways for electric current to flow throughout the board. The surface finish of copper traces plays a crucial role in determining their functionality and reliability. There are several surface finishes available for copper traces, each with its own benefits, and the right choice depends on the intended use of the copper trace. In this article, we will explore the innovative uses of copper traces in PCB design an......
Sep 06, 2023
Design Tools & Best Practices
How to Create Your Own PCB Trace Width Calculator with Python
We all know the importance of traces in a PCB, but do we have a certain set of rules to make perfect designs? Of course, everything is listed in IPC guidelines. Let's talk about traces in more detail, like their length, width, current-carrying capacity, and type of parasitics that they consist of in a PCB design. We all know PCB traces are made of copper, a thin layer 1 or 2 OZ deep overall. Made of copper does not simply mean it does not have any resistance associated with it. The simple rule of resi......
Sep 20, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
How to Make a Circuit Diagram from Scratch in EasyEDA
Today, we are going to design a circuit from scratch, and I will show the whole process of designing a schematic. What precautions and design strategies can you follow in EasyEDA to make your PCB look professional good. We are designing a battery charger board, which comes in moderate difficulty. In this design, we will first go through the datasheet and choose the components that are required, and then design the actual circuit with some logic. I’ll walk you through my own design process for a CN3058......
Sep 18, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
5 Common PCB Design Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner
However, in technology and science, there are a lot of places for art; we are actually making art while designing, and that is true! A kind of art that needs a lot of mathematics and physics phenomena. Today, we will discuss a similar kind of art, which is known as PCB design. Every electronics engineer at the end of the day wants to implement the circuits on a PCB to solve certain problems. Because it is very common in electronics, the JLCPCB team started these educational blogs. Today, in this guide......
Sep 30, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Basic Design of Solder Mask
Common double-sided PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) consist of three layers extending from the substrate surface: the copper layer, the soldermask layer, and the silkscreen layer. These layers are interconnected through plated through holes (PTH) in the drilling layer to achieve electrical connectivity between top and bottom layers. Purpose of Solder Mask 1. Prevents moisture and the intrusion of various chemicals and electrolytes, which can cause oxidation and corrosion of the copper traces, compromisi......
Feb 28, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Understanding PCB Resistance: Key Factors, Testing Methods, and Design Best Practices
How easily current flows through a circuit board is determined by its resistance. Although some resistance is provided by each trace and component on the board, the objective is to reduce it. When the material that electrons pass through blocks or slows down their flow, resistance results. Energy is lost as a result of this obstruction, frequently as heat. Trace resistance is a crucial factor in determining the circuit's operational current in power-related circuits, such as amplifier units. To guaran......
Jun 30, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
How AI is Revolutionizing PCB Design: A Comprehensive Guide
Your favorite machine learning, optimization, and generative AI algorithms may soon be used in your favorite PCB design program. Now that ChatGPT has become a household name and competitor companies are developing their own GPT equivalents (Claude, LLaMa, etc.), EDA startups are looking at how to leverage these tools to help PCB designers and engineers be more productive. With so many industries touched by automation and AI, it was only a matter of time before PCB designers would get their own tools. ......
Jun 01, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
The Role of Simulation in Electronics Circuit Design
Circuit simulation is a process that uses mathematical models to determine how a circuit will function when it is physically manufactured. In modern integrated design, advanced tools are used to create IC designs with billions of transistors. However, as manufacturing a circuit is complex and expensive, it is necessary to ensure that the designed circuit works as intended before it is manufactured. This is where circuit simulation comes into play. By using simulation, engineers can predict circuit beh......
Mar 21, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Electronic Circuit Solver: Simplifying Circuit Analysis for Everyone
When working with electronics, one of the most challenging tasks is solving complex circuits. Whether you are a student tackling assignment, a hobbyist working on DIY projects, or an engineer designing advanced systems, having the right tools to solve electronic circuits can save you time, reduce errors, and boost efficiency. That is where Electronic Circuit Solvers come in. These tools are designed to make circuit analysis simpler, faster, and more accurate. In this article, we will cover what an ele......
May 19, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
How to Simulate Electronic Circuits in LTSpice
LTSpice is a powerful, free-to-use SPICE-based simulator developed by Analog Devices. It is widely used by engineers, hobbyists, and students for simulating electronic circuits to analyze their behavior before physical implementation. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to simulating circuits in LTSpice. To know more about PCBs and their manufacturing see our recent full detailed article. Here we will design a circuit, a BJT amplifier. We are using a voltage divider biasing method. More detail......
Apr 25, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
5 Common Beginner PCB Design Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are an essential component of modern electronics. They are used in everything from smartphones and laptops to cars and home appliances. PCBs are an efficient way to connect electronic components, providing a compact and reliable way to transfer signals and power. However, designing a PCB is not always an easy task, especially for beginners. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 beginner PCB design mistakes and how to fix them. These mistakes can lead to problems such......
Sep 13, 2023
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Layout Services and Impact in Electronics Design
The electronics design process depends much on a PCB Layout Service since it provides the blueprint required to assemble a functional printed circuit board (PCB). A well-designed layout not only guarantees that electrical connections between pieces function properly but also improves the size, form, and thermal control of the PCB. When it comes to current electronics, PCB layout services are very important. This is true for consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial equipment. In this ar......
Apr 10, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Create PCB Online: A Comprehensive Guide to PCB Design
In today's fast-paced technological environment the ability to create PCBs online has changed how engineers and enthusiasts build electronics. Almost all electronic items include printed circuit boards (PCBs) since they hold circuits together and enable their functionality. This article will walk you through the techniques, advantages, and resources accessible for online PCB design if you choose to start creating your own PCBs from home or the office. 1. Understanding PCB Design Online Creating PCBs o......
Design Tools & Best Practices
Choosing the Right USB Connector: The Design Guidelines
In the world of electronics, USB connectors are the backbone of connectivity, enabling data transfer and power delivery across countless devices. With various types and standards available, selecting the right USB connector for your project requires careful consideration. This blog will guide you through the essential design guidelines to ensure you choose the most suitable USB connector for your application. See the full process of PCB manufacturing from our recent blog post. Understanding USB Connec......
Feb 24, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Custom PCB Layout Services in Modern Electronics
Custom PCB services are an important part of making electronics today because they make sure that exact design and performance needs are met. Custom PCBs are different from generic PCBs because they are made to fit the exact technical and functional needs of a wide range of businesses. These services cover everything from making prototypes to mass production, which lets companies make electronic products that are small, efficient, and very reliable. This article covers the importance of custom PCB ser......
Design Tools & Best Practices
Key Notes on PCB Via Design
High-quality PCB design not only requires innovative concepts but also relies on a deep understanding of PCB manufacturing processes. Via design, as one of the critical steps in PCB design, is crucial for both PCB performance and manufacturing efficiency. Can vias be designed in any size? To answer this question, let’s first understand how holes on a PCB are created. 1. Cutting the Material: PCB manufacturers use automatic cutting machines to slice large copper-clad laminates into substrates of specif......
Feb 05, 2025
Design Tools & Best Practices
Free PCB Design: Your Gateway to Innovation
In today’s fast-paced world of electronics, PCB options are both rapid and affordable. By enabling anyone from hobbyists - engineers to turn their ideas into functioning examples, free PCB design services have revolutionized the field. Platforms like JLCPCB, which has over 17 years of experience in making PCBs and developing EasyEDA PCB design tools, make it easy for users to go from idea to production, which speeds up their time to market. Integrated with Manufacturing Integrating free PCB design ser......
Nov 16, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Guide to PCB Via Design: Best Practices, Tips, and Key Considerations
High-quality PCB design not only requires innovative concepts but also relies on a deep understanding of PCB manufacturing processes. Via design, as one of the critical steps in PCB design, is crucial for both PCB performance and manufacturing efficiency. Can vias be designed in any size? To answer this question, let’s first understand how holes on a PCB are created. 1. Cutting the Material: PCB manufacturers use automatic cutting machines to slice large copper-clad laminates into substrates of specif......
Dec 24, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Routers: Essential Tools for Modern Circuit Design
Introduction In printed circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing, a PCB router is an important instrument. It is absolutely vital in building the complex channels that let electrical components interact successfully. PCB routers have become crucial for guaranteeing accuracy and efficiency in circuit board manufacture as the market for smaller, more complicated circuits rises. The importance of PCB routers, their varieties, uses, and recommended practices for maximum performance are explored in thi......
Dec 19, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Unraveling PCB Traces Magic Enhancing Electronics through Smart Design
Introduction Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are fundamental components in electronic devices, enabling the interconnection and functionality of various electronic components. At the heart of PCBs are intricate conductive pathways known as PCB traces, which play a critical role in transmitting electrical signals between components. Understanding the principles, design considerations, and optimization techniques of PCB traces is essential for ensuring reliable performance, signal integrity, and manufactu......
Dec 02, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
A Comprehensive Guide to Multiboard PCB Design
Many complex electronics systems are built as multi-board arrays of PCBs. There are many advantages to this type of design, the biggest one is the modular approach it offers. The PCBs can be plugged as daughter boards into the main board which make it more compatible for prototyping such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi. If you want to develop your own multi-circuit boards system, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure your design will have the connectivity you need. Gathering your information a......
Nov 29, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Essential PCB Design File Types You Need to Know
Ordering printed circuit boards (PCBs) involves providing precise and detailed information about the design and specifications of the board. This is why specific PCB file formats are necessary. Manufacturing can only take place successfully with a completed PCB file. Designing a PCB and communicating those design decisions depends on files such as circuit schematic designs, Bill-of-Materials, PCB layouts, and stack-up design information. To ensure interoperability among various electronics design soft......
Nov 25, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Layout Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering with JLCPCB
Making a printed circuit board (PCB) may be enjoyable and fulfilling, particularly when you see your vision realized. This tutorial will walk you through ordering PCB designs at JLCPCB and provide helpful advice grounded on our own experiences. We will go over everything you need to know to get your PCBs made quickly, from choosing the type of board you want to placing your order. Step 1: Define Your PCB Type It is important to know the type of PCB you need before you start creating it. JLCPCB has a n......
Nov 16, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
PCB Panelization Explained: Tips and Techniques
PCB panelization is a crucial process in modern electronics manufacturing, designed to streamline production and reduce costs. In this way smaller circuit boards are produced in bulk and joined to one another to form a single array. This bulk production fosters the easy movement of PCBs through an assembly line. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are utilized in PCB production and assembly facilities. These CNC machines can design PCBs that are rather large in size. But typically, electronic pr......
Design Tools & Best Practices
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......
Feb 24, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Mastering PCB Design Rules: A Comprehensive Guide for Optimal Results
PCB design rules are crucial guidelines that ensure the functionality, reliability, and manufacturability of printed circuit boards. Following PCB design rules, designers can achieve optimal performance and minimize potential issues during the manufacturing process, as well as in final product. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the world of PCB design rules, providing valuable insights, practical tips, and real-world examples to help you create successful PCB layouts. I. Understanding the......
Design Tools & Best Practices
The Critical Role of PCB Trace Width and How to Calculate It
Navigating the complex landscape of printed circuit board (PCB) design demands a deep understanding of numerous critical factors, with trace width taking center stage. This vital aspect of PCB design holds the key to unlocking superior electronic device performance, ensuring reliability, and optimizing functionality. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of PCB trace widths, exploring their profound influence on signal integrity, thermal management, and electrical prowess. Armed with kn......
Mar 06, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Mastering Copper Trace Design
Copper traces play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient flow of electrical signals in PCB design. Whether you are an electronics enthusiast, hobbyist, engineer, student, or professional in the field, understanding the principles and techniques of copper trace design can elevate your PCB projects to new heights. Today, JLCPCB will guide you to master the art of your copper trace design and help your project finally achieve optimal results. The Importance of Copper Trace Design: Copper traces are th......
Jan 17, 2024
Design Tools & Best Practices
Determining the Number of PCB Layers
When you start designing a printed circuit board (PCB), one of the crucial decisions that you need to make is determining the number of PCB layers. A different number of layers will definitely influence the outcome of your project design. We would like to discuss the meaning and provide you will simple guidelines for you to decide on the number of copper layers in your PCB design. Understanding PCB Layers Analyze the Circuit Complexity: The complexity of the circuit is a primary factor in determining ......
Dec 28, 2023
Design Tools & Best Practices
How Irregular PCB Shape Transforms Product Aesthetics
In the world of PCB design, the irregular PCB shape is often overlooked in favor of functionality and performance. However, incorporating an irregular PCB shape into your design can revolutionize the visual appeal of your electronic product while maintaining its technical integrity. The irregular PCB shape offers a unique opportunity to break away from the conventional rectangular or square board, allowing designers to unleash their creativity and create a visually stunning and distinctive product. Ex......
Oct 07, 2023
Design Tools & Best Practices
Tutorial on Partially Flipped Panelization
In the layout engineering phase of PCB design, panelization is frequently employed. Panelization, in essence, involves assembling individual boards into a larger one, leaving room for V-Cuts, process edges, fiducials, tooling holes, and other process clearances. During PCB prototyping, it is often more efficient to assemble small boards into a larger one in Altium before fabrication and assembly. Partially Flipped Panelization Method Today, let's delve into the partially flipped panelization method, s......
Sep 28, 2023
Design Tools & Best Practices
Choosing the Right PCB Shape
Selecting the right shape for a PCB is a crucial decision that greatly impacts the overall performance, manufacturability, and aesthetics of electronic devices. While rectangular PCBs are the most common and versatile, there are various other shapes that offer unique advantages in specific applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different PCB shapes, provide examples for each shape, and showcase how they optimize design and functionality. By understanding the significance of PCB sha......
Sep 19, 2023
Design Tools & Best Practices
Advancing Your Circuit Design Skills: Tips and Techniques for Improving Performance
Circuit design is a critical aspect of modern electronics, with the ability to impact the functionality, performance, and reliability of electronic devices. As such, it is important for electronics engineers and designers to have access to the best circuit design software tools available. In this article, we will explore the top circuit design software tools of 2023, and provide expert tips and best practices for circuit design. Why is Circuit Design Important? Circuit design involves the creation of ......
Jul 27, 2023
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