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…
Introduction to Digital Integrated Circuits Digital integrated circuits (ICs) are the backbone of modern electronic devices. They are the tiny chips that process and store digital information in computers, smartphones, and countless other electronic devices. Digital ICs are made up of thousands or even millions of transistors, resistors, and other Read more…
What is the LM386 Amplifier? The LM386 is a low-voltage audio power amplifier IC designed by National Semiconductor (now part of Texas Instruments). It is an 8-pin DIP (Dual Inline Package) IC that can deliver up to 1W of output power with a minimal number of external components. The LM386 Read more…
Introduction to the LM386 Amplifier IC The LM386 is a popular, low-voltage audio power amplifier integrated circuit (IC) designed for use in low power consumer applications. This versatile chip is widely used in portable electronic devices, such as radios, portable music players, and small audio systems, thanks to its ease 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…