Latest PCB Layout Technical Articles

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Building a One-Shot Multivibrator with an ESP32 Terminal Display:  A Radio Shack Classics Circuit Remix

In this hands-on project, we will update a 1980s version of a one-shot (monostable multivibrator) circuit by giving it a modern, colorful output while also examining the circuit's operation.

September 17, 2023 by Don Wilcher

Hazards in Combinational Logic Circuits

This article covers undesired switching events, known as hazards, that can occur when developing combinational logic circuits.

December 30, 2021 by Dale Wilson

PCB Layout Techniques for Reducing Harmonic Distortion of a Differential ADC Driver

Summary

February 19, 2021 by Dr. Steve Arar

What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?

This FEQ (Frequent Engineering Question) gives you essential information about the most important and widespread technique for converting a theoretical circuit into a functional physical device.

April 10, 2020 by Robert Keim

Common PCB Stackups for a Four-Layer Board

This article looks at the common options for a four-layer board stackup.

September 04, 2019 by Dr. Steve Arar

Major Causes of High Temperatures on PCBs

This article discusses the major causes of high temperatures on PCBs that cause failure and damage to the board itself.

September 02, 2019 by Amos Kingatua

Mitigating Noise in Double-sided PCBs: Multipoint Grounding (Gridded Ground) in Two-layer PCB Design

Learn how to use the gridded ground technique to reduce noise in a double-sided PCB.

August 15, 2019 by Dr. Steve Arar

IC Design Resources Roundup: Mentor, Cadence, and Synopsys

The design of a modern IC is a truly monumental undertaking, and IC design tools make the job possible.

August 05, 2019 by Gary Elinoff

Tips and Techniques for DC-DC Buck Converter PCB Layout

Learn best layout practices for your DC-DC buck converter circuits.

July 03, 2019 by George Biner

How to Turn a Schematic into a PCB Layout: PCB Design for a Custom Inclinometer

So you have a schematic. How do you lay out your custom board? In this article, we'll go over the challenges and solutions I came across in designing a custom PCB for an inclinometer subsystem.

January 11, 2019 by Mark Hughes

Rigid-Flex PCB Design: Benefits and Design Best Practices

This article will discuss what rigid-flex PCBs are, the advantages of using them, and the rules for designing with them for an application.

September 24, 2018 by John Ross

Guide to PCB Design: How to Choose a PCB Manufacturer

In this article, we will discuss some best practices for how to choose a manufacturer to produce your custom PCB board.

August 29, 2018 by Robert Keim

Guide to PCB Design: How to Generate Manufacturing Files for Custom Printed Circuit Boards

In this article, we'll go over the basics of generating manufacturing files for PCB design and manufacturing.

August 28, 2018 by Robert Keim

Guide to PCB Design: From PCB Schematic to Board Layout

In this article, you will learn the basics of how to plan a schematic for a custom PCB and lay out your PCB prototype design.

August 28, 2018 by Robert Keim

What Is an FPGA? An Introduction to Programmable Logic

Learn about a hardware-based approach to performing calculations, routing digital signals, and controlling embedded systems using programmable logic and FPGAs.

August 13, 2018 by Robert Keim

PCB Layout Tips and Tricks: Minimizing Decoupling Inductance

This article examines some subtle details associated with the high-frequency performance of decoupling capacitors.

July 26, 2018 by Robert Keim

PCB Layout Tips and Tricks: How to Optimize Your Decoupling Connection

This article explores the somewhat complicated issue of how exactly to connect a decoupling capacitor to a power pin.

July 18, 2018 by Robert Keim

PCB Layout Tips and Tricks: Use a Ground Plane Whenever Possible

This article discusses the importance of proper grounding techniques in PCB design.

July 11, 2018 by Robert Keim

I2C Design Mathematics: Capacitance and Resistance

This article looks at the mathematical calculations used to size the pull-up resistors and determine the maximum length of circuit traces.

June 22, 2018 by Mark Hughes

PCB Layout for a Charge-Pump Bipolar Power Supply

In this article we’ll look at the PCB design for a low-noise ±5 V inductorless power supply.

May 28, 2018 by Robert Keim