Latest PCBs Technical Articles

This project brief explains how to construct a PCB-based audio-processing platform with an ATmega328 microcontroller. A…

This project brief explains how to construct a PCB-based audio-processing platform with an ATmega328 microcontroller. A link to Arduino code for creating an audio echo is also provided.

This project brief provides the instructions for building a weight-sensitive LED lamp with an Arduino Uno and a handful…

This project brief provides the instructions for building a weight-sensitive LED lamp with an Arduino Uno and a handful of commercially available parts.

Learn how to create a batteryless crawling robot using basic electronic components and a 3D-printed chassis.

Learn how to create a batteryless crawling robot using basic electronic components and a 3D-printed chassis.

The device technology co-optimization (DTCO) methodology requires generating large numbers of layouts. This article…

The device technology co-optimization (DTCO) methodology requires generating large numbers of layouts. This article introduces a few ways of speeding up this time-consuming process using automation.

In this project article, we'll use a 555 timer IC to build an iconic musical instrument from the early days of synthesizers.

In this project article, we'll use a 555 timer IC to build an iconic musical instrument from the early days of synthesizers.

Follow my upgrade of a handheld game controller as I add a new 1.8-inch color LCD for animated graphics and an…

Follow my upgrade of a handheld game controller as I add a new 1.8-inch color LCD for animated graphics and an accelerometer module for motion control input.

For this project, I built a handheld resistor color code calculator and ohmmeter using the ATmega328 microcontroller and…

For this project, I built a handheld resistor color code calculator and ohmmeter using the ATmega328 microcontroller and a 1.8-inch color LCD display.

In the final installment of our series on the development of the Anthilla Controller, we look at the legal requirements…

In the final installment of our series on the development of the Anthilla Controller, we look at the legal requirements for bringing the project to market in the European Union.

This four-part series walks through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT)…

This four-part series walks through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) hardware platform. In Part 3, we cover the manufacturing, assembly, and product testing of the board.

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things…

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) hardware platform. Part 2 explains the process and requirements of obtaining an open-source hardware certification.

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source IoT hardware…

In this four-part series, we walk through the development of the Anthilla Controller, an open-source IoT hardware platform. Part 1 introduces the project's specifications and explains key design decisions.

In this project we create an 8-bit arithmetic logic unit (ALU) in the VHDL language and run it on an Altera CPLD…

In this project we create an 8-bit arithmetic logic unit (ALU) in the VHDL language and run it on an Altera CPLD development board connected to a custom PCB with input switches and LED display.

Understanding the causes of attenuation in a transmission line can help us choose the right solutions for our…

Understanding the causes of attenuation in a transmission line can help us choose the right solutions for our application. In this article, we’ll learn about attenuation caused by conductor loss and dielectric loss.

Understanding the effect of dielectrics on transmission lines is an important aspect of many high frequency system…

Understanding the effect of dielectrics on transmission lines is an important aspect of many high frequency system designs. This article will introduce concepts like relative permittivity and loss tangent and describe how they affect the performance of transmission lines.

The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is…

The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is non-uniform. This article will discuss Faraday's law and how AC currents create eddy currents and current crowding in real conductors.

Designing antennas for compact IoT devices is a tricky task, but an increasingly important one. Learn more about this…

Designing antennas for compact IoT devices is a tricky task, but an increasingly important one. Learn more about this challenge and how to meet it.

This article introduces high-frequency conductor losses in transmission lines caused by a phenomenon known as the skin effect.

This article introduces high-frequency conductor losses in transmission lines caused by a phenomenon known as the skin effect.

This article will help you understand losses in high-frequency transmission lines that include traces on PCBs. We will…

This article will help you understand losses in high-frequency transmission lines that include traces on PCBs. We will also investigate how these losses impact signal propagation and the quality of digital signals.

Understanding PCB material parameters such as relative permittivity and loss tangent allows us to discuss some important…

Understanding PCB material parameters such as relative permittivity and loss tangent allows us to discuss some important considerations for choosing the right material when designing a high-speed/high-frequency application.