Log in / Register
  • How the PCB Stackup Helps Control EMI

    How the PCB Stackup Helps Control EMI

    Power and signal placed on outer layers minimize radiated emissions.
      READ MORE...

  • Century Circuits

    Century Circuits

    Which PCB technologies are best suited to survive 100 years?
      READ MORE...

  • Learning from the Past

    Learning from the Past

    What history can tell us about our position in high-tech.
      READ MORE...

  • Thermal Vias are Ineffective. Here’s Why.

    Thermal Vias are Ineffective. Here’s Why.

    Adding thermal vias can take up valuable board space with little benefit.
      READ MORE...

  • Connecting the Industry, from Boards to Assemblies

    Connecting the Industry, from Boards to Assemblies

    HDP is embarking on new rounds of evaluations of laminates and lead-free solders.
      READ MORE...

Homepage Slideshow

Current Issue

Details
Category: Designer’s Notebook

A co-design solution for a wireless RF flip-chip design dilemma.

Read more: RF Module Shrink

Details
Category: Designer’s Notebook

Andy BujaSolving for EMC issues within the layout is as important as completing DRCs.

When it comes to design rule checks for PCB designs, some should be performed that are just as important as spacing rules. Strict adherence to basic PCB design rule checks, such as track to track, track to via, via to via, pad to track etc. – though necessary to avoid short circuits – only scratch the surface when trying to identify potential design flaws. I often see PCB designs that are completed based on this premise and wonder what else could be hiding in the design?

DRC rules covering the verification of min and max length of routed critical signals like clicks and strobes, as well as skew differences in multi-bit buses, are as important as metal spacing rules. If the minimal skew is not achieved, the PCB design will be scrapped just as easily as if shorts resulted in burning holes in the PCB during power-up.

Read more: EMC = DRC²: The Importance of EMC Rule Checking

Details
Category: Designer’s Notebook

Duane BensonNewer intelligent CAD output files reduce errors.

Manufacturing is all about taking data from the designer and delivering good working circuit boards. Well, it can be just data – as in full turnkey – or data plus some parts and or PCBs, as in a partial turnkey or a kitted job.

Regardless of whether parts and boards are sent, or if the EMS procures everything, your manufacturing partner needs good data, and a lot of it. That data are the difference between the working boards you want and need and a random jumble of expensive paperweights.

As an EMS, we need a bill of materials (BoM), the job specifications (which you give us by ordering and describing any special instructions on our website), and the CAD design files. Fab and assembly drawings are always a good idea, too. A little extra time spent on the files sent reduces risk, and that’s a very good thing.

Read more: Electronics Manufacturing Files: What We Need

Details
Category: Designer’s Notebook

Duane BensonTips for avoiding EMI and simplifying debugging.

Power distribution on a PCB can come in a number of forms. The three most common methods are:

Route power and ground.

Use surface layer floods.

Use internal planes.

Read more: Power Distribution – To Route or to Plane PCBs

Page 82 of 214

Subcategories

The Route 64

ROI 138

For Good Measure 1