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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 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......

How to Design Layout with RP2350

Earlier as an electronics engineer I have designed a lot of 2-4 layers development boards, some are clones, some with better functionality. The designing of development boards unlocks the design potentials of a PCB designer, moreover we can learn a lot of new things, routing procedures through this hardware ground research. The design of our own development board is related to customization, with some little effort we can tune the PCB according to our requirements. Sometimes in order to reduce the ove......

Critical Aspect of PCB Panel Size

PCB panel size is a major factor in designing printed circuit boards because it directly affects how quickly they can be manufactured, how they are assembled, and how much they generally cost. From home electronics to heavy industrial, PCBs are the building blocks of practically all devices in the modern electronics. This article covers the importance of PCB panel size, the elements affecting it, the best approaches to maximize it, and its applications in multiple sectors. 1. What is PCB Panel Size? P......

PCB Board Layout in Modern Electronic Design

Printed circuit board (PCB) layout is crucial to build current electronic design. Among the multiple components affecting the dependability, efficiency, and performance of an electrical circuit is one of them. Apart from connecting several electrical components, the arrangement improves signal integrity, reduces noise, and controls temperature. The value of PCB board layout, the best design techniques, and the most crucial considerations for PCB layout construction will be discussed in this article. W......

How to Design a Flex PCB: Best Practices and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Electronics today are changing fast, and with all the new gadgets out there, the old rigid boards just do not fit the bill anymore. More devices are being built to be flexible, think wearable gadgets or even smart medical tools that need to bend around curves. Flex PCBs have become a popular choice because they can twist and bend where traditional boards would break down. This shift is not just about saving space; it is about creating designs that work better with the way our devices are used in every......

Best PCB Layout Design Guide For Prototyping

Printed circuit board (PCB) layout is a crucial step in the design and development of electronic circuits. A well-designed PCB layout can ensure the optimal performance and functionality of an electronic device. PCB layout involves the placement of components on a board and routing of electrical connections between them. Designers must consider various factors such as signal integrity, thermal management, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) when creating a PCB layout. In this article, we will provi......

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......

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......

Unlocking Top 5 Benefits of Flex PCBs in Electronics

Flex PCBs are really changing the game for modern electronics. They are lighter, more flexible, and let you create designs that just were not possible before. With the trend toward smaller, more powerful devices, flex PCBs offer a unique solution that traditional rigid boards simply cannot match. In this article, I will share five key benefits of using flex PCBs in your next electric project. It is not just about having a board that bends, it is about how that flexibility can lead to more efficient, r......

PCB File Formats

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......

Essential FPC Design Guidelines for Engineers – Part 2: Tips for Reliable Flexible PCB Designs

In Part 1 of our Flexible PCB (FPC) design series, we covered the basics every engineer needs to know. Now, in Part 2, we dive into more design techniques that ensure your FPCs are not only functional but also reliable, durable, and optimized for performance. Whether you're designing for wearables, medical devices, or automotive applications, these guidelines will help you tackle complex challenges and create high-quality Flexible PCBs. Panelization Design 1. If an entire panel consists of steel sheet......

Essential FPC Design Guidelines for Engineers – Part 1: Mastering the Basics of Flexible PCB Design

Master FPC design with these essential guidelines! Learn best practices for outline, drilling, circuit, and solder mask design to create reliable and high-quality Flexible PCBs. Discover the essential Flexible PCB (FPC) design guidelines in Part 1 of our series. Learn the basics every engineer needs to create reliable, space-saving, and cost-effective FPCs Outline and Drilling Design 1. The minimum distance between through-holes and the board frame should be 0.5mm. If less than 0.5mm, change to a U-sh......

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......

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......

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......

How to Prevent Solder Defects During Reflow Soldering

Reflow soldering is a critical step in surface mount technology (SMT) assembly, where solder paste is melted to form strong and reliable joints between components and the PCB. However, defects during this process can lead to assembly failures, rework, and reduced reliability. Understanding the causes of solder defects and implementing preventive measures can significantly improve yield and quality. Know how PCB assembly is done in JLCPCB factory. Common Solder Defects in Reflow Soldering: Solder Bridg......

Critical Role of a PCB Designer in Product Design

A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) designer is a major actor in the electronics sector, since they design the circuit boards with a wide range of uses, from heavy machinery to cellphones. PCB designers make blueprints for efficient and usable circuit boards that guarantee seamless operation of electrical components. This article will cover a PCB designer requires the most crucial abilities, what they do, and how best to design PCBs to make them operate quicker and better. 1. What is a PCB Designer? A PCB d......

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......

KiCad to JLCPCB Layout Tutorial Guide

It is very important to plan and make printed circuit boards (PCBs) efficiently if you want to make electronics that work well. KiCad is a powerful, open-source PCB design tool that both pros and amateurs use a lot. After making your PCB design in KiCad, the next step is to make it. This is where JLCPCB starts to help. The PCB manufacturing company JLCPCB is well-known for its moderately cost-effective, excellent products. This article will guide you through using KiCad to design a PCB layout and get ......

Understanding KICad: A Beginner Guide to PCB Design

KICad is a strong, free electronic design automation (EDA) tool that helps people make good printed circuit boards (PCBs). KICad has all the tools you need to easily make complex circuit designs, no matter if you are a beginner or a skilled engineer. Beginners will learn how to use KICad by following this tutorial, which goes over everything from installing the software to making your first PCB. What is KICad? KICad is a free and open-source PCB design software suite that lets people make layouts and ......