Valley Services Electronics

Redesigning a PCB to accommodate an updated part can be time-consuming and costly, especially considering all of the validation that some electronics require. Here are some ideas to help you manage electronic component obsolescence so that you aren’t left stuck in the dark.

When designing boards for GbE networking, the board must include a connector that will accept an RJ45 plug. Fortunately, all Ethernet cables have these end connectors. As GbE networking is high-speed, there are several issues to consider, which are summarized below.

Many initially hoped that this shortage would pass quickly, but several issues have converged, making the situation worse. The global pandemic introduced new problems into the supply chain and exacerbated the pre-existing. The important thing now is to focus on repairing the damage to move forward. Here are some updates on the electronic component supply shortage and what to expect next.

When autorouters were first introduced, they were often difficult to use and delivered questionable results. Because of this, auto-routing was quickly labeled as “black-box magic,” and many designers hesitated to use it. Instead, they would choose to work long hours manually routing their designs. Today’s autorouters, however, are vastly improved from their predecessors and deserve a second chance. As you will see, they can exponentially increase your productivity as a PCB designer.

Whether you need a small proof of concept design built, or a large run of full turnkey assemblies, finding the right PCB contract manufacturer to build your circuit boards is essential. There are many PCB CMs that can provide various services, and you need to know the exact capabilities of the assembly shop that you plan on using.

As signal speeds continue to get faster and faster in circuit boards, designers must do more to ensure the best signal integrity in their layouts. One of those areas that require diligence in design is controlled impedance traces. High-speed transmission lines must have a carefully created trace structure to guide their path without differences in impedance that can distort the signal. Not only does this affect how the trace is routed, but also how the board layer structure is set up. Here is a brief look at impedance control in PCB design and how you can successfully set up your board for routing controlled impedance lines.