2015 Magazine Archives
November 2015 issue
FEATURES
SIGNAL INTEGRITY
Copper Roughness Electromagnetics 101
Most electrical engineers working with high-speed differential interfaces such as PCIe are aware of the effect of rough copper on insertion loss – and know it is to be avoided. What they may not understand is exactly why that’s true. Why smoothing copper for better signal integrity could degrade mechanical performance.
by JeFF Loyer
SCHEDULING
A Layout Time Estimating Tool
Necessity is the mother of invention. How that, plus insistent engineers, led to an algorithm for design scheduling.
by James Jackson
CONFORMAL COATINGS
Competitive Analysis of Parylene Coatings Based on Metrology
A study comparing the quality and performance of four Parylene C coatings investigated whether variations in surface roughness, contact angle, and crystallinity values affect environmental protection performance. Despite differences in the coatings, similar results were seen throughout.
by Sean Clancy, Ph.D.
THE FUTURE
Electronics 2020: What Will the Industry Look Like?
Robots, DNA-based circuits, 3D printers, supply chain migration: These are just some of the challenges – and opportunities – the electronics industry is facing today. What leading electronics experts see in the design and manufacturing landscape the next several years.
by Mike Buetow
FIRST PERSON
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CAVEAT LECTOR
Supply chain woes.
Mike Buetow
MONEY MATTERS
TECH TALK
- DESIGNER’S NOTEBOOK
A light look at LED rotation.
Duane Benson - GETTING LEAN
Bringing Lean to the third world.
Peter Sognefest
