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Introduction Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential components in modern electronic devices, ranging from smartphones and computers to industrial equipment and medical devices. However, the cost of PCB manufacturing and assembly can significantly impact the overall budget of a project. In this article, we will discuss the top 7 tips to help save cost during PCB manufacturing and assembly, focusing on key areas such as design optimization, material selection, and process efficiency. Request PCB Manufacturing Read more…

Introduction to Through-Hole Technology Through-hole technology has been a staple in printed circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing for decades. Despite the rise of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and its advantages, through-hole components and designs remain relevant in today’s electronics industry. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the reasons behind the continued relevance of through-hole technology and its applications in modern PCB designs. Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now What is Through-Hole Technology? Read more…

What is a Printing Wiring Board (PWB)? A Printing Wiring Board, or PWB, is a thin board made of insulating materials, such as fiberglass or plastic, with conductive pathways printed or etched onto its surface. These pathways, known as traces or tracks, are designed to connect various electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits (ICs), to create a functional electronic circuit. PWBs come in various sizes, shapes, and complexity levels, depending on the Read more…

What is a Microcontroller Circuit? A microcontroller circuit is a self-contained system with a microcontroller chip at its core that can be programmed to control electronic devices. It integrates a processor, memory, I/O peripherals, and other support circuitry onto a single chip or board. Some key characteristics of microcontroller circuits: – Low power consumption – Small size – Reprogrammable – Integrated RAM, ROM, I/O ports on chip – Ideal for embedded applications Popular microcontroller families Read more…

Introduction to Surface-Mount-Cleaning Surface-mount technology (SMT) has revolutionized the electronics manufacturing industry by enabling the production of smaller, lighter, and more complex printed circuit boards (PCBs). However, after the surface mount soldering process, it is crucial to clean the PCBs thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and longevity. In this comprehensive article, we will discuss the importance of cleaning PCBs after surface mount soldering and provide step-by-step guidance on how to effectively clean your PCBs. Request Read more…

What is Solder Mask and Why Does Color Matter? Solder mask, also known as solder resist or solder stop mask, is a thin lacquer-like layer of polymer applied to the copper traces of a printed circuit board (PCB). Its primary purpose is to prevent solder bridges from forming between closely spaced solder pads during assembly. Solder mask also provides protection against oxidation and contamination of the copper traces, improving the durability and longevity of the Read more…

Introduction to PCB fabrication Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential components in modern electronics. They provide a stable and efficient way to connect electronic components, allowing for the creation of complex circuits. While PCBs are typically manufactured in specialized facilities, it is possible to create them at home with the right tools and techniques. In this article, we will guide you through the process of PCB fabrication at home, from designing your circuit to etching Read more…

What is AD-to-Gerber Conversion? AD-to-Gerber is the process of converting circuit board design files created in Altium Designer (AD) into the industry-standard Gerber format. Gerber files contain all the necessary information for manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs), including copper layers, solder mask, silk screen, and drill data. Converting AD files to Gerber format is an essential step in preparing PCB designs for fabrication. Most PCB manufacturers require Gerber files as input to produce the physical Read more…

Introduction to SMD Pads and Their Importance in PCB Design Surface Mount Device (SMD) pads are an essential component in modern Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design. These pads provide the connection points for surface-mounted components, such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits, to be soldered onto the PCB. Accurately determining the total number of SMD pads in a design is crucial for several reasons: Manufacturing cost estimation: The number of SMD pads directly impacts the Read more…

What is a Raspberry Pi Expansion Board? A Raspberry Pi expansion board, also known as a “hat” or “shield”, is a printed circuit board (PCB) that plugs directly into the GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins on the Raspberry Pi. These boards can add a wide range of features, such as additional sensors, displays, motor controllers, and more. Some popular examples of Raspberry Pi expansion boards include: Sense HAT: Adds a variety of sensors and an Read more…