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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 >

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......

PCB Manufacturing All posts >

FPC PCB Manufacturing: How to Choose the Right FPC Parameters for Optimal Performance

What Are FPC Parameters? FPC flexible printed circuit boards parameters refer to the specific design and material choices that define the performance and functionality of a flexible printed circuit. These parameters include material selection, thickness, layer count, bend radius, and more. Properly selecting these parameters ensures that the FPC meets the requirements of its intended application. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing FPC Parameters Board Quantity/Board Size Board size refers to the di......

The Importance of Drill Drawings in PCB Production

In the realm of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing, drill drawings are often overlooked yet critically essential components of the design process. They act as a roadmap for accurate hole placement and dimensions. These drawings guide the drilling process, ensuring precise alignment and compatibility with components, mechanical fixtures, and electrical connections. From enhancing communication between designers and manufacturers to reducing production errors, drill drawings are integral to the f......

Via-in-Pad in PCB: Advantages and Challenges

In printed circuit board (PCB) design, via-in-pad has become a widely adopted technique, particularly in high-density interconnect (HDI) designs. It is particularly designed for BGAs with a package pitch of 0.8 mm or smaller. It involves placing a via directly within the surface mount pad of a component, offering several design and performance benefits. For example – placement of decoupling capacitors closer to IC pins, improving bypassing and noise performance. Proper via-in-pad implementation ensure......

Comparing PCB Etching Techniques

Etching is the process of removing copper elements from the board to pave a conductive path for electricity flow. PCB etching is one of the most important elements of the PCB manufacturing process. Manufacturers must prepare a design, transfer it, apply the etching solution, clean it, and perform a finishing process to etch PCB for an electrical device.Although it sounds straightforward, the PCB etching process is quite complex and precision is vital. Without the proper knowledge of what is PCB etchin......

PCB Knowledge All posts >

Understanding the Importance of DFM Analysis in PCB Design

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) analysis helps you on whether a printed circuit board (PCB) is fit for manufacturing, assembly, and sales. Early in the planning process, it looks for and fixes any possible problems arising throughout production. This will increase manufacturing efficiency and help to save expenses. DFM analysis is quite vital in the complex world of electronics, where even little design errors can create delays costing a lot of money. This article discusses the different types of DFM i......

The War between Alternating and Direct Current

The late 19th century witnessed one of the most significant technological rivalries in history: the war between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). This battle, often referred to as the "War of Currents," was primarily between two legendary inventors—Thomas Edison, who championed DC, and Nikola Tesla, who promoted AC, backed by industrialist George Westinghouse. Thomas Edison, a pioneer in electrical technology, developed the first practical electric light bulb and established the Edison......

From Bands to Values: How to Read the Resistor Color Code

Resistors are a key component in electronic circuits, controlling the flow of electrical current. Resistors are available in many different values, shapes, and physical sizes. Practically all leaded resistors with a power rating up to two watt have this pattern of colored bands. Color bands on the body of a resistor, carry crucial information about their resistance value, tolerance, and sometimes even the temperature coefficient. A resistor can have anywhere from three to six colored bands, with four ......

From Waste to Worth: Eco-Conscious PCB Production

On the way to becoming more sustainable, the electronics industry is adopting environmentally friendly procedures in the production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). Sustainable practices for manufacturing and recycling PCBs have only recently begun to be implemented in the industry. With the new restrictions on the use of toxic substances and other ways of manufacturing, the PCB industry is addressing climate change. Notable manufacturers of PCBs observe rules such as RoHS and REACH regulations and o......

PCB Assembly All posts >

PCB Assemblers in Electronic Manufacturing

A PCB assembler is crucially important in the electronics manufacturing sector, it is in charge of assembling printed circuit boards (PCRs), which form the basis for almost all electronic products. From complex industrial equipment to consumer electronics, PCB assembly's quality and accuracy directly affect the dependability and functionality of the final product. In this article, we will discuss the importance of PCB assemblers, the techniques they apply, and the best ways to get desired results in P......

Importance of PCB Assembly Services

PCB assembly services transform empty boards' printed circuit boards (PCRs) into completely working electronics. Different electrical components must be soldered onto the PCB such that they function as expected for the intended use. As technology changes quickly, PCB assembly services have become more complex and can now serve a wider range of businesses. This article discusses why PCB assembly services are important, the different types of assembly methods, their uses, and the best ways to choose the......

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......