Common Nomenclature in the PRC World You'll likely see a lot of printed circuit board terminology if you're just starting out as a PCB designer. It's not always easy to understand what these terms actually mean. Many engineering courses don't focus on PCB design but instead focus on systems design or semiconductors. These are all important areas, but circuit boards are what binds them together. It is therefore important to be familiar with basic terminology. Below is a list of terms for printed circuit boards that we have compiled for new designers. Understanding these terms will allow you to communicate better with colleagues and help you understand the manufacturing process of printed electronics. VIA Vias allow current to flow from one layer to the next. It is important to select…

PCB Fabrication and Assembly Considerations to Reduce Costs Companies are always looking for ways to decrease costs. For electronics companies, PCB manufacturing is one place this can be accomplished. However, there is always a compromise between cost and quality. There are times when quality can be sacrificed and times when it would not be appropriate. Here are five ways we have found to be successful ways to reduce cost. Plan the size of the board upfront The size of a PCB can dramatically and directly affect the cost of fabrication. Routing may be tight, leading engineers to increase the board size. However, this may cause issues when it comes time to panelize the boards. To decrease costs, it is important to utilize as much of the panel material as possible. Something as simple as…

Single-Layer vs. Multilayer PCBs - How do they differ? Before designing a printed circuit board, you must decide whether to use a single-layer or multi-layer PCB. Both types of design are used in many everyday devices. The kind of project you are using the board for will determine which one is best for you. Multi-layer boards are more common for complex devices, while single-layer boards can be used for simpler devices. This article will help you understand the differences and choose the right type for your project. Based on the names of these PCBs, you can probably guess what the difference is. A single-layer board has one layer of base material (also known as a substrate), while multi-layer boards contain multiple layers. When examining them closely, you'll notice many differences…

A printed circuit board (PCB) is the heart of electronic products. They provide the conductive pathway that allows all electronic components to function and connect. Multiple layers of PCBs are used to connect complex electronics. When copper is plated on the holes, holes are made through the PCB to route electrical connections between layers. These holes are known as vias (plated through-holes). The hole can be classified as a microvia, depending on its diameter. What is a Microvia? According to the Institute of Printed Circuit Boards, a microvia is any hole drilled in a PCB with a 1:1 aspect ratio and not exceeding 0.010 inches. The IPC used to consider microvias according to their size if they were smaller than 0.006 inches. With the advancement of technology, lasers can drill these…

What We Do at 911EDA 911EDA offers custom printed circuit board layout and design services for analog, digital, and mixed-signal boards. Our PCB design services cover a wide range of electronic systems and applications. You may already have a schematic and need PCB design support. Or you might want to optimize and improve an existing design for a more cost-effective assembly. We can support any of your needs with printed circuit boards. What is Included with our Services? We take care of all aspects of the PCB design process, from front-end engineering, schematic design and capture to PCB design, testing, validation, and certification. Below is a detailed description of our services in printed circuit board design. Writing a Technical Specification A design specification is an…