Design Planning
A Lean NPI Journey
A design bureau/EMS explains its implementation of Lean NPI, which relies on concurrent DfM analysis using vendor-supplied rule sets during PCB layout and improved data transfer.
by Randy Holt
Flex Circuits
Connecting Flex Layers Using Conductive Paste
A new flexible printed circuit method, called paste via, uses no copper plating and reduces board thickness by nearly 30%.
by Mike Buetow
Caveat Lector
Open places.
Mike Buetow
ROI
Talent over tools.
Peter Bigelow
On the Forefront
Next-gen packaging.
E. Jan Vargerman
Designer’s Notebook
Overcoming impedance discontinuities.
Charles Pfeil
Flexperts
Bonding stiffeners.
Mark Finstad
Technical Abstracts
In case you missed it.
Design Hall of Fame
CAD Pioneers Lead Latest Hall Inductees
The father of the gridless router. The largest seller of CAD seats. A leading inventor of team-based design. The foremost signal integrity guru. These are the four latest inductees to the Dieter W. Bergman PCB Design Hall of Fame.
by Mike Buetow
Data Transfer
IPC-2581 Consortium Update
The consortium is on track to extend the standard to enable build-intent collaboration between PCB manufacturers and design houses before layout begins.
by Hemant Shah
Quality Assurance
Using Forensics to Improve PCB Design and Assembly
Where AOI and conventional x-ray peak, other methods can hone in on nettlesome defects.
by Zulki Khan
ESD
Static Control Standards: An Annual Progress Report
From components to wrist straps, a look at more than 60 documents that make up ESD control programs.
by The ESD Association
Caveat Lector
All hail the Hall.
Mike Buetow
ROI
Competence matters.
Peter Bigelow
Focus on Business
Building a better life.
Susan Mucha
On the Forefront
New life in Japan?
E. Jan Vargerman
Designer’s Notebook
Filling the roster.
W. Scott Fillebrown
In Flex
The power of polyimide.
Dale Wesselmann
Technical Abstracts
In case you missed it.
PCB Layout
Will a Via Fit in Between?
BGAs have never been easy to route, but with 0.3mm versions coming, via-in-pad becomes a consideration.
by Duane Benson
Thermal Management
Cool Runnings
The ongoing push to integrate mechanical and electrical design has now extended to electronics cooling simulation.
by Mike Buetow
Caveat Lector
Into Africa.
Mike Buetow
ROI
Rigid-flex.
Peter Bigelow
Designer’s Notebook
Simulation accuracy.
Patrick Carrier
The Flexperts
Sticky situations.
Mark Verbrugge
Tech Tips
‘Board’ talk.
Robert Dervaes
Technical Abstracts
In case you missed it.
Schematic Design
Advanced Block Organization in Schematic Design and Layout
Designs using blocks are much easier to check and maintain, saving precious design time. A lesser-known hierarchical capability called the virtual block is especially useful for smaller schematics.
by Abby Monaco
EMS Top 50
Bend, Don’t Break
If the EMS market in 2012 were a movie, it would have been the good (Nam Tai), the bad (the effects of RIM) and the ugly (Elcoteq). But most of the world’s 50 largest contract assemblers absorbed the blows from shrinking PC and cellphone margins and set their sights on the more profitable (if smaller) automotive and industrial sectors.
by Mike Buetow
ESD Basics
Managing Your ESD Program
Enjoy all the software tools, but don’t forget the procedures.
by The ESD Association
Caveat Lector
Knotted up.
Mike Buetow
ROI
Incorporating new technology.
Peter Bigelow
Focus on Business
Relationship make or breaks.
Susan Mucha
Designer’s Notebook
Design for test.
W. Scott Fillebrown
Final Finishes
Microetch, major player.
Lenora Toscano
In Flex
Flex circuit integration.
Dale Wesselmann
Solar Technologies
Dual print processes.
Tom Falcon
Technical Abstracts
In case you missed it.
CircuitHub
In Search of the Designer’s Holy Grail
The latest in a yearlong PCD&F series highlighting promising new enterprises in printed circuit board design looks at startup CircuitHub’s user-driven parts library.
by Mike Buetow
ESD Basics
The ‘Simple’ Problem
“Does my process generate an electrostatic charge, and if so, how much?” A simple “yes or no” answer is rare.
by The ESD Association
Apex Expo Recap
Let’s Get Small
At IPC Apex Expo this year, small was big. Benchtop was in and integration was all the rage at the annual North American trade show.
by Mike Buetow
Cover Story
Bridging Technology between Conventional 3D and TSV 3D Stacking
Two new multi-die DRAM packages have thin profiles and minimize wirebond length.
by Belgacem Haba, Ph.D.
Caveat Lector
Acquiring minds.
Mike Buetow
ROI
I will, I promise.
Peter Bigelow
Designer’s Notebook
High speeds, small boards.
Randall Myers
The Flexperts
Going for gold.
Mark Finstad
Technical Abstracts
In case you missed it.