Handling Hazardous Chemicals One of the biggest disadvantages of home PCB Etching is the need to handle hazardous chemicals. The most common etchant used is ferric chloride, an acidic and corrosive solution. Ferric chloride can cause chemical burns, respiratory issues if inhaled, and eye damage. It must be used with Read more…
Introduction to the 555 Timer IC The 555 timer is one of the most popular and versatile integrated circuits (ICs) ever created. Developed in 1971 by Signetics (now part of NXP Semiconductors), the 555 timer has found its way into countless electronic applications due to its simplicity, reliability, and low Read more…
1. Shielding What is Shielding? Shielding is a protective covering that surrounds the inner conductor of the cable. It is designed to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) from entering the cable and causing unwanted noise or humming in your sound. Types of Shielding There are two Read more…
Introduction to the Raspberry Pi Pico The Raspberry Pi Pico is a microcontroller board developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, known for their popular single-board computers. Released in January 2021, the Pico is built around the RP2040 microcontroller, which was designed in-house by the Foundation. The RP2040 features a dual-core Read more…
Introduction to M4 Mounting Holes M4 mounting holes are a common type of threaded fastener used in various applications, including electronics, machinery, and construction. These holes are designed to accommodate M4 screws, which have a nominal diameter of 4 mm. Understanding the dimensions and specifications of M4 mounting holes is Read more…
Introduction to ABS schematics Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a critical safety feature in modern vehicles. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and reducing stopping distance. Understanding the schematics and components that make up an ABS system is important Read more…
Introduction to GSR Sensors Galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors, also known as electrodermal activity (EDA) sensors, are devices that measure the electrical conductance of the skin. The skin’s conductivity varies with changes in moisture level, which can occur due to emotional arousal or physical exertion. GSR sensors are widely used Read more…
What is Design Rule Check (DRC)? Design Rule Check, commonly known as DRC, is a critical step in the integrated circuit (IC) design process. DRC is an automated verification process that checks the layout of an IC design against a set of predefined design rules. These rules are established by Read more…
What is ODB++? ODB++ is a file hierarchy format that contains all the necessary information required for PCB fabrication, assembly, and testing. It is an open format, meaning that it is not proprietary to any specific CAD or CAM system, allowing for seamless data exchange between different software tools. The Read more…
Key Components of a Bill of Materials A typical BOM includes: BOM level: BOM level refers to the hierarchy of components in the BOM. Top level is usually indicated by 0 or 1, with subassemblies and components going down from there. Part number: Each part or component will have a Read more…