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Introduction to PCB Stack-up A printed circuit board (PCB) stack-up refers to the arrangement of copper layers and insulating materials that make up a PCB. The stack-up determines the electrical properties, signal integrity, and manufacturability of the board. As technology advances and designs become more complex, multi-layer PCBs have become increasingly common. In this article, we will focus on 10-layer PCB stack-ups, providing comprehensive guides on how to design and optimize them for various applications. Read more…

Understanding Flex PCB Materials Polyimide (PI) Substrate Polyimide (PI) is the most commonly used substrate material for flex PCBs. It offers excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and electrical insulation properties. PI substrates are available in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 12.5 μm to 125 μm. The choice of thickness depends on the specific application requirements, such as flexibility, durability, and signal integrity. Adhesives Adhesives are used to bond the copper foil to the PI substrate. Read more…

Introduction to Filter capacitors A filter capacitor is an essential component in electronic circuits, particularly in power supply systems. Its primary function is to smooth out the ripples and noise in the rectified AC voltage, providing a clean and stable DC voltage for the connected load. Filter capacitors are crucial for ensuring the proper operation and longevity of electronic devices by minimizing voltage fluctuations and protecting sensitive components from damage. What is a Capacitor? Before Read more…

Understanding the Properties of Rogers Materials Before diving into the design tips, it’s essential to understand the properties of Rogers materials and how they differ from traditional FR-4 substrates. Rogers offers a wide range of high-frequency laminates, each with unique characteristics suited for different applications. Some popular Rogers materials include: Material Dielectric Constant Dissipation Factor Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) RO4003C 3.38 0.0027 0.71 RO4350B 3.48 0.0037 0.69 RT/duroid 6002 2.94 0.0012 0.60 RT/duroid 5880 2.20 0.0009 Read more…

Introduction to AM Radio and Receiver Circuits AM (Amplitude Modulation) radio is one of the oldest forms of radio broadcasting still in use today. AM radio operates in the medium frequency (MF) band from 525 kHz to 1705 kHz. In AM transmission, the amplitude of a constant frequency carrier wave is varied in proportion to the message signal, while the frequency remains constant. An AM Receiver Circuit is designed to detect and demodulate these amplitude Read more…

Introduction to the UC3844 PWM Controller The UC3844 is a fixed-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) controller integrated circuit (IC) commonly used in switch mode power supplies (SMPS). It is designed to regulate output voltage and provide power supply protection features in off-line and DC-to-DC converter applications. The UC3844 offers several key benefits: – Simplified design compared to discrete component controllers – Precision reference voltage for accurate regulation – Built-in protection features like under-voltage lockout and Read more…

What is a Transformerless Power Supply? A transformerless power supply is a type of power supply that eliminates the need for a bulky and expensive transformer. Instead, it uses a combination of capacitors, diodes, and other components to step down the high voltage AC mains directly to a lower DC voltage suitable for electronic circuits. This approach offers several advantages over traditional transformer-based power supplies. Advantages of Transformerless Power Supplies Cost Reduction: By eliminating the Read more…

Introduction to Voltage Regulators and the LM7824 A voltage regulator is an electronic device or circuit that maintains a constant voltage level, providing a stable power supply for other electronic components and circuits. Voltage regulators are essential in many applications, such as power supplies, Battery Chargers, and consumer electronics, to ensure proper functioning and prevent damage caused by voltage fluctuations. The LM7824 is a popular fixed positive voltage regulator that provides a constant output voltage Read more…

Introduction to AM Radio Schematics An AM radio schematic is a visual representation of the electronic components and their interconnections that make up an AM radio circuit. These diagrams are essential for understanding how the radio functions, troubleshooting issues, and even building your own AM radio from scratch. In this article, we will delve into the basics of AM radio schematics, their components, and how to create simple circuit diagrams. Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Read more…

What is Z-Planner? Z-Planner is a comprehensive PCB Stack-up design software that allows users to quickly and easily create, analyze, and optimize their PCB stack-ups. With its intuitive user interface and advanced features, Z-Planner simplifies the complex process of designing multi-layer PCBs, ensuring optimal signal integrity and manufacturability. Key features of Z-Planner include: Automated stack-up generation based on user-defined constraints Real-time impedance and coupling analysis Dielectric material library with over 5,000 materials 3D visualization of Read more…