Latest PCBs Technical Articles

The Normal Distribution: Understanding Histograms and Probability

This article continues our exploration of the normal distribution while reviewing the concept of a histogram and introducing the probability mass function.

August 07, 2020 by Robert Keim

Configuring a SparkFun Power Delivery Board using a FixturFab DEV260

The FixturFab DEV260 development fixture allows designers to debug or configure PCBAs during the development phase. See how it works in this example using the Sparkfun Power Delivery Board.

August 04, 2020 by Duncan Lowder, FixturFab

PCB Space Constraints? How Intermediate Bus Converters Can Help

Intermediate Bus Architecture is an emerging method that power designers are using to conserve PCB space. This article discusses the solution benefits and tradeoffs of adopting this technique, and how it may be scaled to address application-specific requirements.

July 07, 2020 by Tamara Lin, Intel

How to Select DC Power Connectors: The Basics

This article aims to simplify the DC power connector selection process with an overview of types, key specifications, and commonly accepted nomenclature, while also looking at audio and USB connectors in power applications.

June 23, 2020 by Ryan Smoot, CUI Devices

Using EMI Shielding to Reduce Radiated Emissions in Electronic Designs

Learn the basic concepts of EMI shieldings, including types of shielding options and the calculation for determining shielding effectiveness.

May 26, 2020 by Ignacio de Mendizábal

How Semiconductor Manufacturing Benefits from Smart Fabs

Semiconductor manufacturing is a complex industry and small improvements anywhere in the process can make a big difference to the bottom line. This article discusses the benefits of continually optimizing manufacturing for the semiconductor industry by introducing smart manufacturing solutions.

May 19, 2020 by Tim Hewitt, Siemens Digital Industries Software

What Is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)?

This F_EQ (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

Why CAD Models are Failing Professional Electrical Engineers

In this article, Octopart's Director of Operations for Part Data Geof Lipman explores how traditional CAD modeling needs to change in order for electrical engineers to keep up with product design deadlines.

March 10, 2020 by Geof Lipman, Octopart

What Are Zero-Ohm Resistors and How Are They Used In Circuit Design?

In this F_EQ (Frequent Engineering Question), we'll take a look at the advantages of zero-ohm resistors and where they're most suitable in design.

March 06, 2020 by Robert Keim

A Comparison of Reflow Soldering and Wave Soldering

This article explores the differences between two primary forms of soldering — reflow and wave — by providing details around each type, including best uses for each method.

March 03, 2020 by Peter Swann, NeoDen

Advances in Temperature Measurement for Automotive Infotainment Systems

This article explores temperature monitoring in complex vehicle infotainment systems, focusing on design considerations around temperature accuracy and sensor placement in the car.

January 28, 2020 by Tristan Brillet de Cande

How Software Automation in PCBA Manufacturing Helps Quicken Innovation

Manufacturing still takes a large portion of time in the electrical engineering cycle. This article discusses how software-driven automation and the IIoT can help hasten the manufacturing process.

December 17, 2019 by Shashank Samala, Tempo Automation

Determining Copper Trace Thickness in PCB Design

This article discusses the issues surrounding trace-width calculation and provides a solid foundation for designing your next high-current net.

October 22, 2019 by Mark Hughes, Advanced Assembly

Via Configurations for Connecting Decoupling Capacitors

In this article, we’ll focus on the different via configurations that can be used to connect a decoupling capacitor to the PCB power and ground planes.

October 07, 2019 by Steve Arar

PCB Thermal Management Techniques

This article will discuss design practices that ensure better thermal management, including some common methods for removing excess heat from a PCB.

October 06, 2019 by Amos Kingatua

The Importance of Advanced ERC in Circuit Design

This article introduces and explores advanced ERC, highlighting its differences from traditional ERC and discussing how it can help create better circuit designs.

September 17, 2019 by Derong Yan, Mentor