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Through the years, there have been many attempts to enhance circuit board signal integrity by altering the ground planes, but that often isn’t the best solution. This article will look at the problems with different ground plane configurations and some of the better alternatives. We will also list some recommendations to help with the layout of PCB grounding in mixed-signal designs.

In this first of a multi-article series on circuit board problems, we will look at some of the common issues associated with a PCB design. Later articles will explore the different issues related to printed circuit boards in various aspects of their manufacturing. However, a circuit board begins with its design and layout. Therefore, here are some common printed circuit board problems in design to know to avoid manufacturing delays.

One area of the circuit board design that engineers need to pay close attention to is the layout of the integrated power supply circuitry. If not laid out correctly, the power will not be managed, creating severe problems for the board. Here we will look at some of the requirements and tactics for mixed-signal power supply design that will be helpful in your next PCB layout.

To keep all of the various parts of the manufacturing process running smoothly and successfully requires the unique talents of a PCB program manager. These individuals are responsible for ensuring that the electronics ordered by the customer are built to the highest levels of quality and ready for delivery when expected. This article will look at why program managers in the PCB industry are highly valued and what it takes to perform this job.

Improved technology in manufacturing has lessened the amount of manual labor required for PCB production. Additionally, those countries that offered lower labor prices have been experiencing economic growth and prosperity. This change in economics has caused them to transfer the increased labor costs back to the OEM. Labor costs are just part of this story, though, and in this article, we will examine seven benefits of reshoring electronic manufacturing.

In the layout of printed circuit boards, width plays an important part, especially in the metal connections fabricated into the board called “traces.” Traces conduct signals to and from the pins of the components soldered to the board and carry varying amounts of current depending on the net. Additionally, the signal’s traces may have special electrical needs affecting their size, and trace widths must be carefully controlled for error-free manufacturing. This article will look at these different variables as we answer the question, what is trace width in PCB layout?