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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

PCB Design All posts >

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......

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......

How to Design Effective PCB Layouts for Switching Regulators

Switching regulators are the unsung workhorses of modern electronics. They efficiently convert power, enabling our devices to function seamlessly while minimizing energy loss. Yet, they have one notorious flaw: noise, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI). If you’ve ever heard a faint buzz or watched your oscilloscope struggle against spikes, you know what I'm talking about. This blog delves into designing effective PCB layouts for switching regulators to keep the noise gremlins at bay and your c......

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......

PCB Manufacturing All posts >

Flexible Meets Durable: Understanding Rigid-Flex PCB Technology

In the rapidly evolving world of electronics, the demand for smaller, more reliable, and more versatile devices continues to grow. To meet these demands, engineers and designers are increasingly turning to Rigid-Flex PCBs. The circuit boards combine rigid and flexible substrates into a single interconnected structure. This combination allows for complex designs that can bend and flex in specific areas while maintaining rigidity in others. To manufacture rigid flex PCBs, IPC offers advice and best prac......

Understanding the Importance of Coverlay in PCB Boards

Introduction: In the swiftly evolving realm of electronics, the significance of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) is immense. These crucial elements are the backbone of nearly all electronic devices. An essential feature that greatly boosts the performance and durability of PCBs is the coverlay. This article delves into the role, advantages, and innovations of coverlay in PCB boards. What is Coverlay? Coverlay, also called cover film, is a protective layer used mainly in flexible PCBs. Unlike the conventi......

PCB Milling for Prototyping: Fast, Accurate, and Cost-Effective Solutions

The method of PCB milling is to remove copper portions from a fully copper board to replicate pads, signal tracks, and designs. The design patterns and structure are planned under a GBR G-CODE layout file. Similar to etching this is also a subtractive process, hence create the circuit by removing copper material from the board. PCB milling does not involve any chemical methods, making it suitable and safer for use in general home or office environments without the need for handling hazardous chemicals......

PCB Mount Techniques, Methods, and Best Practices

Introduction In the electronics industry, PCB Mount is a fundamental process that directly affects the assembly and functionality of electronic devices. PCB Mounting refers to the methods used to attach electronic components to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), making it a critical aspect for ensuring device reliability and performance. As technology advances, the techniques for PCB Mounting have evolved, allowing for more efficient and compact designs. PCB Mounting Techniques PCB mounting techniques are......

PCB Knowledge All posts >

Flux Acid in Electronics

Introduction Flux acid is crucial for the production process of electronics, particularly in the assembling of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Strong and dependable connections between components and the PCB depend on this basic chemical compound, which also cleans and gets metal surfaces ready for soldering. The value of flux acid in electronics including its varieties, uses, and best practices for usage in PCB assembly, it is discussed in this article. What is Flux Acid? During soldering, flux acid i......

How to Use IPC Standards to Optimize Your PCB Layout

Designing a PCB is more than just connecting components on a board—it’s about creating a robust, reliable, and manufacturable design that meets industry standards. That’s where IPC standards come in. The IPC standards are among the most widely accepted and important standards for PCB design and manufacturing. Whether you work in electronics design, manufacturing, or even defense. IPC standards will influence how a designer creates their board and how they will prepare it for production in different in......

Microstrip v/s Stripline: Layout Difference and When to Use Them

RF (Radio Frequency) PCB design is where engineering meets art. Among the tools in an RF designer's toolkit, microstrip and stripline transmission lines are the unsung heroes. They ensure signals travel seamlessly across PCBs without succumbing to interference, loss, or impedance mismatches. But what are these lines, and how do you choose between them? Let's dive in, and to know more about PCB, see our detailed blog on PCB manufacturing. What Are Microstrip and Stripline Transmission Lines? Microstrip......

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......

PCB Assembly All posts >

PCB Soldering Basic Techniques and Overview

Soldering means joining metal components with a melted metal called solder, which has a low melting point compared to other metals. Soldering is crucial in the electronics industry and is the primary method of joining electrical components. There are different types of soldering materials based on quality and their melting points. The most common combination is a tin or lead metal alloy mixed with silver or brass. The soldering iron melts the metal so it can be used like glue to connect two pieces. On......

The Risks of Using Tin-Spray Process for BGA Packages and Solutions

As integrated circuit (IC) technology evolves, coupled with advancements in equipment and high-precision PCB manufacturing, consumer electronics are trending toward being lighter, thinner, and more powerful. Traditional through-hole or standard surface-mount components (SMT) are no longer sufficient to meet these demands. With the increasing integration level of silicon chips, the packaging method has transitioned to Ball Grid Array (BGA) technology. The Rise of BGA Packaging BGA package offers severa......

The Comprehensive Guide to PCB Assembly Process at JLCPCB: Efficient and Reliable PCB Manufacturing

One of the most important factors to create a working circuit board is the assembly technique and process, such a step has to be controlled and carefully executed to ensure the wellness of the final produced device. JLCPCB provides PCB Assembly by taking charge of the full steps of soldering each component to its placement on the board based on their capabilities which shortens the path for engineers and companies by saving more time. The PCB Assembly process comes directly after the PCB manufacturing......

The Essential Guide to SMT Stencils in PCB Assembly

Introduction In the dynamic world of electronics manufacturing, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) plays a crucial role in achieving efficiency and precision in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. Central to the SMT process is the SMT stencil, an indispensable tool for the accurate application of solder paste. This ensures solid electrical connections between components and PCBs. This guide delves into the specifics of SMT stencils, examining their types, materials, manufacturing methods, advantages, ch......