High-Speed PCB Design The importance of PCB design for high-speed circuit boards is becoming more apparent as the demand for electronic devices that are faster and more complicated increases. High-speed PCBs are used for various applications, including data storage, telecommunications, and high-performance computers, to name a few. The design of a high-speed board requires different considerations from a conventional PCB. The increased speeds and frequencies present new challenges, such as crosstalk, signal integrity, and power integrity. This article will briefly discuss some critical design considerations and techniques for designing high-speed boards. Power Integrity Power integrity is the quality and reliability of the power delivery system of the PCB. The power supply can cause…
In-Circuit Testing to Ensure Connectivity
It is vital for PCB designers to consider and incorporate in-circuit testing during the PCB design process to check and confirm connectivity. Test Styles for In-Circuit Testing and Failure Modes The two main types of ICT equipment are a bed of nails and a flying probe. Although they perform essentially the same function, their mechanisms are vastly different. Both require that a conductor contact a test pad placed on the board during the PCB design phase, which corresponds with some network. The flying probe uses a series of probes that rush across the board in response to programmed instructions. Flying ProbeThe bed-of-nails, instead, is a constructed fixture where spring-loaded pins can contact the board and disconnect as needed. Bed of NailsChoosing which method will be used…
The Future of PCBs - 3D Printing
3D Printed PCBs 3D printers are becoming more popular among electronic manufacturers who face supply problems and limitations in the production of circuit boards. 3D-printed circuit boards are more flexible and can be made faster than traditional production methods. They also offer significant cost savings, which can help produce more complex circuits. 3D printed PCBs are especially appealing today because they allow manufacturers to manage their circuit board supply better. Better management will enable them to eliminate disruptions caused by plant shutdowns, shipping delays, or geopolitical maneuvering. These factors have strained circuit board supply chains in the past and left manufacturers searching for alternative solutions. While this technology is still in its infancy and…
Basic Nomenclature Related to PCBs
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…
Test Points in PCB Design and Manufacturing
What Are PCB Test Points and How Are They Used? A test point can be defined as a small amount of copper to which a probe can be connected. A test point could be either an oscilloscope probe in development or a contact pin in production. These points are typically located on the bottom of the printed circuit board. However, test points may be on either side of dense or more complex boards. Setting test points is necessary to verify that the circuit board's components comply with specifications. If you are trying to determine if there is resistance on a circuit board, then the easiest way to test it is to measure the ends using a multimeter. It is essential in PCB design to incorporate test points. In mass-produced factories, however, measuring each resistance, capacitance, and…
Five Considerations to Reduce PCB Manufacturing Costs
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…
RF PCB Design and the Factors to Consider
An RF PCB design can be quite different from a traditional board. It is distinguished by parameters such as impedance matching, type traces (preferably coplanar), elimination via (to avoid reflecting), ground planes and vias, and power supply decoupling. These boards also have important aspects like stack-up and material selection. These factors make RF design more complex due to elements such as EMI interference and high-frequency signal channeling. 911EDA PCB design services team are experts in RF PCB design. We will be discussing all of these issues in detail in this article. Let us start with impedance matching. Impedance matching A controlled-impedance radio circuit allows maximum power transfer from source to load without distortion when the impedance is constant throughout the…
Single-Layer vs. Multilayer PCBs - How Do They Differ?
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 History of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
The History of the PCB The printed circuit board (PCB) was created almost 100 years ago as an alternative to bulky wiring circuits. It is the heart of electronics today, supporting new designs like IoT and AI. This is a significant step forward in the evolution of the PCB, from a radio circuit with copper layers on each side of an insulation layer to multi-layer flexible PCBs used in satellite and defense applications. The first printed circuit boards were built in the early twentieth century. They became more popular after Charles Ducas, an American inventor, created an electrical path through an insulated surface in 1925. This "Printed wire" method was also patentable by Ducas. Paul Eisler, an Austrian engineer, made the first functioning PCB in 1943. It replaced the bulky wiring of…
What Are Microvias in PCB Design?
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…
