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Handling Fragile and Irregular PCBs in Processing and Testing Machines

Handling Fragile and Irregular PCBs in Processing and Testing Machines

Manufacturers can use fixtures or panels to secure or frame fragile, thin, or oddly shaped PCBs. This allows them to easily fit the boards in the standard assembly or inspection machines.


How to Generate a High-Precision Waveform Using a DAC and a Custom PCB

How to Generate a High-Precision Waveform Using a DAC and a Custom PCB

In this article, we’ll develop firmware that will serve as the basis for high-precision, high-speed signal generation.


Projects Dec 01, 2017 by Robert Keim
Molex 2.4/5GHz Balanced Flex and PCB Antennas | New Product Brief

Molex 2.4/5GHz Balanced Flex and PCB Antennas | New Product Brief

Molex 2.4/5GHz Balanced Flex and PCB Antennas are designed for fast and easy integration into devices with Wi-Fi and other protocols using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.


Wide Input Voltage Range in a Small 6-Pin Package: ON Semi’s New LED Dimmer

Wide Input Voltage Range in a Small 6-Pin Package: ON Semi’s New LED Dimmer

Take a look at ON Semiconductor's new LED constant-current dimmer, which is designed for middle- to high-power LED lighting applications.


News Nov 21, 2017 by Nick Davis
PCB Layout for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

PCB Layout for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

In this article we’ll discuss the PCB layout for a custom-designed arbitrary waveform generator board.


A nanoPower and Tiny Voltage Supervisor from Maxim (and They Aren’t Kidding about the “Tiny”)

A nanoPower and Tiny Voltage Supervisor from Maxim (and They Aren’t Kidding about the “Tiny”)

A look at the MAX16140—a tiny device that uses a tiny amount of current, but one that promises a lot.


News Nov 15, 2017 by Nick Davis
Teardown Tuesday: Google Home Mini

Teardown Tuesday: Google Home Mini

In this teardown, we inspect the guts of Google’s voice-activated home assistant, the Google Home Mini.


News Nov 14, 2017 by Nick Davis
Rigid vs. Flexible PCBs: Which One is Best for Your Next Project?

Rigid vs. Flexible PCBs: Which One is Best for Your Next Project?

Learn about rigid PCBs vs. flexible PCBs, when it's better to use one type instead of the other, and learn about some manufacturing steps related to each of these PCB types.


A New Analog Accelerometer for Industrial Applications

A New Analog Accelerometer for Industrial Applications

Some accelerometers are designed for industrial applications, and some are easier to use than others.


News Nov 09, 2017 by Nick Davis
Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

Tamper Detection with Differential Inductive Sensing Coils

This article demonstrates the creation of an inductive switch cabinet lock that can detect the movement of a conductive target. The purpose is to create a door that cannot be opened without triggering an alarm.


Projects Nov 06, 2017 by Mark Hughes
TE Connectivity Sliver Internal Cabled Interconnects | New Product Brief

TE Connectivity Sliver Internal Cabled Interconnects | New Product Brief

TE Connectivity’s Sliver internal cabled interconnects allow for extended reach, more design freedom, and lower cost for high-speed IO connections.


PCB Copper Trace Finish: Materials and Plating Methods

PCB Copper Trace Finish: Materials and Plating Methods

In this article, we discuss why PCB copper traces should be plated, and we’ll review various plating materials and plating methods.


Penny Wise and Pound Foolish: One Man’s Experience with the Hidden Cost of Cheap Parts

Penny Wise and Pound Foolish: One Man’s Experience with the Hidden Cost of Cheap Parts

Sometimes pennies saved in the design and manufacturing process can cost dollars later. This article visits the hidden costs of sourcing cheap components.


News Nov 03, 2017 by Mark Hughes
Teardown Tuesday: Amazon Fire TV

Teardown Tuesday: Amazon Fire TV

In this Teardown Tuesday, we are going to take a look at the insides of an Amazon Fire TV.


News Oct 31, 2017 by Alex Udanis
Teardown Tuesday: Akai LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller

Teardown Tuesday: Akai LPD8 Laptop Pad Controller

In this teardown, we open up Akai's Laptop Pad Controller and find a refreshing surprise.


News Oct 24, 2017 by Nick Davis
The History and Basics of IPC Standards: The Official Standards for PCBs

The History and Basics of IPC Standards: The Official Standards for PCBs

Learn about the industry-adopted IPC standards that govern every step related to the design, assembly, inspection, testing, and documentation of printed circuit boards (PCBs).


News Oct 20, 2017 by Nick Davis
Teardown Tuesday: Motion-Activated Trail Camera

Teardown Tuesday: Motion-Activated Trail Camera

In this Teardown Tuesday, we are going to take a look at the inner workings of a trail camera!


News Oct 17, 2017 by Alex Udanis
DAC Schematic Design for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

DAC Schematic Design for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator

This article presents a custom digital-to-analog-conversion design built around a high-speed DAC from Analog Devices.


Get Out of My Space! PCB Keepout Areas in the Z-Axis

Get Out of My Space! PCB Keepout Areas in the Z-Axis

In this article, we'll discuss the importance of PCB enclosure design by considering enclosure design.


News Oct 12, 2017 by Nick Davis
Get Out of My Space! The Importance of PCB Keepout Areas

Get Out of My Space! The Importance of PCB Keepout Areas

Learn about the concept of PCB keepout areas, why they can often be overlooked, and some tried-and-true methods for maintaining keepout areas.


News Oct 11, 2017 by Nick Davis