Introduction to Analog Integrated Circuits (Analog ICs) Analog integrated circuits, or analog ICs, are essential components in a wide range of electronic applications. These circuits are designed to process and manipulate continuous, real-world signals such as sound, temperature, pressure, and light. Unlike digital ICs, which deal with discrete binary signals, Read more…
What is Power Supply Bypassing? Power supply bypassing is a crucial technique used in printed circuit board (PCB) design to ensure stable and clean power delivery to electronic components. It involves the strategic placement of capacitors near the power pins of integrated circuits (ICs) to minimize noise, reduce voltage fluctuations, Read more…
Introduction to Integrated Circuit Systems Integrated Circuit (IC) systems have revolutionized the world of electronics since their invention in the late 1950s. These tiny chips, packed with miniaturized electronic components, have enabled the development of countless modern devices, from smartphones and computers to medical equipment and automotive systems. In this Read more…
1. Component Placement 1.1 Grouping Components When placing components on your PCB, it’s essential to group them based on their functionality and interconnectivity. This approach helps minimize the length of traces and reduces the risk of signal interference. For example, keep analog and digital components separated to avoid noise coupling. Read more…
What are Integrated Circuits? An integrated circuit (IC), also known as a microchip or chip, is a set of electronic circuits on a small, flat piece of semiconductor material, usually silicon. It is called an “integrated” circuit because the components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, are fabricated together on Read more…
The printed circuit board (PCB) substrate provides the fundamental platform upon which conductive copper traces mount to route signals between components in an electronic product. This base laminate material insulates conductive paths protecting against shorts while mechanically supporting interconnects. With demands for higher density PCBs integrating more functionality continually growing Read more…
Determining correct trace widths on printed circuit boards ensuring stable operation without exceeding safe current density or heating levels requires careful ampacity and thermal analysis. While engineers historically performed these cumbersome calculations by hand, online utilities now automate analysis for convenient web-based trace width requirements planning aligned with IPC guidelines. Read more…
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used to mechanically support and electronically connect electronic components using conductive pathways or traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. When high frequency signals are transmitted through these traces, the impedance needs to be controlled to prevent issues like reflections or electromagnetic Read more…
Printed circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing relies extensively on computer-aided design (CAD) files specifying physical board geometry, connectivity, documentation, and fabrication instructions needed to produce functional boards. With numerous software tools used across design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and testing workflows, understanding the file formats involved facilitates efficiency and quality. Read more…
3D printing technology has progressed tremendously allowing printing not just plastic parts but also advanced functional devices including printed circuit boards. Combining conductive materials alongside insulating polymers allows embedding electronic traces and components directly inside 3D printed constructs. Let’s get started understanding this progressive additive manufacturing process for embedding electronics. Read more…