Introduction to Copper PCBs Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronic devices. They provide the necessary interconnections between various components and enable the functioning of complex circuits. One of the most critical materials used in PCB Manufacturing is copper. Copper is the primary conductor used in PCBs Read more…
What Are PCB Stencils? PCB stencils, also known as solder paste stencils, are thin metal sheets with precise openings that correspond to the pads on a printed circuit board (PCB). These stencils are used to apply solder paste onto the PCB pads before component placement and soldering. The stencil ensures Read more…
What is an SMT Stencil? An SMT stencil is a template used to apply solder paste onto the pads of a PCB during the SMT assembly process. The stencil has openings that match the size and location of the pads on the PCB, allowing for precise solder paste deposition. The Read more…
1. PCB Design Software PCB design software is used to create the layout and schematic of a PCB. Popular options include: Software Vendor Key Features Altium Designer Altium 3D modeling, real-time DRC, advanced routing Eagle Autodesk User-friendly interface, extensive part libraries KiCad Open source Free, cross-platform, growing community Choosing the Read more…
What is PCB Stackup? PCB stackup refers to the arrangement of copper and insulating layers that make up a printed circuit board (PCB). It is a critical aspect of PCB Design as it directly impacts the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of the final product. A well-designed PCB stackup ensures proper Read more…
Understanding Soldermask and CTI Soldermask, also known as solder resist, is a thin layer of polymer applied to the copper traces of a printed circuit board (PCB). Its primary purpose is to protect the copper from oxidation and prevent Solder Bridges from forming between closely spaced pads during the soldering Read more…
What is Soldermask Made Of? Soldermask is typically made of a photosensitive polymer that is applied to the PCB surface in liquid form. The most common types of soldermask are: Liquid Photoimageable Soldermask (LPISM): This is the most widely used type of soldermask. It is applied as a liquid and Read more…
What is a Gerber Viewer? A Gerber viewer is a software tool used to view and inspect Gerber files, which contain the design data needed to manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs). Gerber files use the RS-274X format to describe the copper layers, solder mask, legend, and drill holes required to Read more…
What is a Drone Board? A drone board, also known as a flight controller, is the central processing unit of a drone. It is responsible for controlling the drone’s movements, managing its sensors, and communicating with the remote control. The drone board receives input from various sensors, such as accelerometers, Read more…
Introduction to PCB Surface Finishes Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential components in modern electronics, providing a platform for mounting and interconnecting electronic components. The surface finish of a PCB plays a crucial role in its performance, reliability, and manufacturability. Two popular surface finish options are Hot Air Solder Leveling Read more…