I wrote a letter to a former teacher the other day, and given his impact on my career, I wanted to ensure I presented myself well. I used online tools to smooth over spelling and grammatical errors, but upon a reread, I realized I had used some imprecise (yet roughly synonymous) language. Most wouldn’t notice…
While smaller and more powerful electronics delight users, engineering these marvels can challenge the printed circuit board designer. Electronics used to contain multiple boards for digital processing, power supply, and analog functions, but that functionality typically packs into one dense PCB design in today’s devices. Analog circuitry takes sensory inputs and converts them into digital…
Making the best choice between the different surface finishes for printed circuit boards requires understanding the advantages and drawbacks of ENEPIG.
Many people look at gold purely for its monetary value, but engineers see things differently: gold is exceptional due to its remarkable corrosion resistance. This property is a lifeline for PCBAs with high-reliability requirements and those operating in demanding environments. In a perfect world, function and performance would trump expense, but the reality is that…
After completing the PCB layout, the next step for first-time designers will be determining how to choose a PCB manufacturer. Like most services, there’s a range of quality outcomes depending on the design requirements and allotted budget. A PCB production cobbled together across multiple manufacturing sites may save money upfront, but design stages may lack…
It always helps to start with an ingredient list before shopping. When the only options are multiple trips to the store or buying extra (and figuring out what to do with the excess), a more measured approach to taking inventory prevents purchasing too much or too little. Lest you want to end up with a…
