News - JLCPCB

Comparing High-Density PCB Stack-Up With Normal PCB

High-density printed circuit boards (PCBs)are not the same as simple PCBs. Do you know what the difference is? PCBs with a larger number of layers and a higher density of traces are known as HDIs. These are not as common because they are not used in small prototypes or hobby work, but for more professional application. One of the best examples of an HDI board with a complex stack-up that you can see—or might have—is the motherboard of your PC. HDI changes the story completely when it comes into the pi......

How Operational Amplifiers Work: Four Essential Op-Amp Circuits Explained

As we discussed in the first article of the series, Operational amplifiers (op-amps) aren’t just about amplifying signals; they’re called operational amplifiers for a reason. Back in the early days of analog computers, op-amps were literally used to perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation. Fast forward to today, we don’t solve calculus homework with op-amps anymore (thankfully), but these same principles power audio mixers, filters, and signal proce......

A guide to Common Electrical Schematic Symbols

When you first see an electrical schematic, the mixture of lines, dots, and shapes may seem odd. After you are aware of what it all means, you can begin to see the logic and flow of any circuit. Electrical schematic symbols are how engineers talk about electronic systems when designing, building, and communicating. In this article, we will help you identify some commonly used electrical symbols in the industry, like wires, switches, batteries, and motors, so that you may read and design your own schem......

How to Read an Electrical Schematic Drawing

Electrical schematics are the language of electronics. They take a complex circuit and break it down into a set of diagrams that present the connection of components as well as how they interact to perform a function. Electrical working diagrams classification can be classified as blueprints of the electronic system, showing circuit components joined to create operating circuits. To build, troubleshoot, or modify any electronic project, the first skill you need is understanding how to read these schem......

Breadboard vs Protoboard: Which One Should You Use

When I was new to electronics, I always wondered how to use the different components to make a circuit work without wasting them. In this way, we can reuse them anywhere else in another circuit. Our professor's idea was to use a breadboard, and a protoboard if you want to connect them more permanently. Every electronics enthusiast faces this classic beginner's dilemma: “Should I start with a breadboard or a protoboard?" But it is always an option, according to the requirements of the circuit itself. A......

What Is CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacturing Basics

When electronics start evolving, the circuits start becoming more complex and integrated. Before, these circuits were made using hand-drawn paper, but the evolution of digital electronics changed the perspective. Nowadays, we have CAD (Computer-Aided Design), which has become the art of creating a blueprint. Just define the functionality of a circuit, and we can nowadays easily synthesise a circuit only in software. The software has become so advanced that the whole digital flow is possible without lo......

Free Online Circuit Simulator for Electronics Engineers

If all electronic engineers had a dollar for each burnt-out resistor or fried transistor when they are prototyping, most of us would not be debugging a circuit. Instead, we would be somewhere nice, probably sipping coffee on a beach. Thankfully, we can simulate circuits before we make a mistake in the physical world. We can ensure no smoke, no fire, just smooth graphs and clean waveforms. There are many circuit simulators available; however, LTspice stands out at the top. And why? It's because it is f......

Capacitor Voltage Rating Explained with Examples

Capacitors are small powerhouses, but they are not only used as a power delivery element every time; capacitors are also used a lot in signal conditioning. But today, we will explore the voltage ratings associated with different types of capacitors. They look simple: small cans, discs, or chips soldered onto a PCB. You will find many things on the capacitor envelope, one of which is the voltage rating and capacitance. These are not random numbers but play an important role in electronics design. Choos......

Breaking Down PCB Pricing: How is the Cost Determined

PCB quote packaging involves gathering and organizing all the necessary details to estimate the cost of manufacturing a PCB. This process includes not only design specifications but also material selection, manufacturing methods, and engineering considerations. It goes beyond a simple financial estimate and provides a thorough engineering analysis to ensure the quote is accurate, feasible, and optimized for production. Every aspect affecting production such as material type, size, complexity, and prod......

4 Layer vs 6 Layer vs 8 Layer PCB: How to Choose the Right Stackup

Random selection of layers in electronics may lead to serious signal integrity issues. That's why we always design our stackup before designing the PCB. Stackup decides the type of PCB and how it gonna perform under high-frequency conditions. There are a lot of things that directly affect the stackup of the PCB, related to impedance matching, routing density, signal and power integrity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and cost. Knowing the requirements before design and the most critical componen......