PCB Tools and Technology

Gain insight into the latest microcontrollers, SBCs, and FPGAs with augmented-reality interaction using the latest "Guide to Boards" from Digi-Key and Make Magazine.

High-speed circuit boards operating above 300 MHz can be a challenge when noise comes into play.

Additive and subtractive electronics manufacturing methods are two distinct processes with a long and storied history. Learn how these methods evolved, and how the emerging field...

The new interactive datasheets from Nexperia aim to help engineers evaluate components with ease.

This article presents a practical approach to the layout design of mixed-signal boards, discussing component placement, board layering, and ground-plane considerations.

Solder’s days are numbered. There’s a better alternative that, essentially, reverses the manufacturing process.

The significantly increased performance of modern electronics, especially in the areas of wireless and power, are putting pressure on the passives, discretes, and magnetics to...

The demand for ultra-thin flexible PCBs is increasing, but engineers need to know their advantages before jumping on the bandwagon. Here’s a concise look at the technology and...

EP-Scan promises to rapidly run diagnostics on circuit boards and identify signal-integrity issues before you order physical prototypes.

Everything you wanted to know about in-house PCB assembly but were afraid to ask.

The term polyimide constitutes two words—poly and imide. While poly refers to polymers, the word imide refers to progressive imide monomers.

The article discusses the three main types of PCB assembly methods and the key factors and applications that separate each process from one another.

How do you reverse engineer a PCB and do it safely for your research? This article looks at the process and the tools to accomplish the task.

For high-speed, high-frequency PCB designs, laminate evaluation and selection are critical factors in achieving a manufacturable, operable, and reliable product.

SDR requires a complex web of circuity on PCBs that not only defines the device's functionality, but also the performance of these microwave and RF systems. Various factors come...

This article, devoted to the importance of PCB checks, shines a light on the most popular PCB testing methods and their application in circuit-board design and production.

This article shares some useful design guidelines for analog and digital circuits. What are the differentiating factors that PCB designers need to know?

The article sheds light on the critical role of software automation in PCB assembly, especially when it comes to reducing assembly turnaround time.

This article shares some PCB assembly standards that one should follow to ensure a successful PCBA project, as well as revealing some benefits of the IPC standards.

With the growing complexity of electronics and the need for faster signal transmission rates, high-frequency PCBs are becoming an essential ingredient in developing high-performance...

Designing PCBs doesn’t have to be difficult if you have a comprehensive array of EDA functionality. Think of it as choosing the right tool for the right job.

The article sheds light on designing a PCB for the 5G era and what to consider before entering the PCB design phase.

Modern PCB manufacturing trends require designers to keep tabs on multiple design rules and components. Some manufacturers try to compel designers to apply every rule in their...

From assembly development to mitigating crosstalk to signal integrity, these tips can help streamline the high-speed PCB design process.

Today’s high-data-rate, high-frequency designs create new challenges for printed-circuit-board design.

Sponsored by Texas Instruments: Tiny amplifiers, sensors, and integrated isolators enable efficient and compact designs for industrial and related applications.

The smallest antenna may not be the best solution for a design. The FPC antenna can serve as a useful alternative for certain designs.

Grinding out copper is one way to create a printed circuit board, and low-cost CNC milling machines have improved to the point where it’s possible for many.

When integrating an antenna onto a PCB, following the supplier’s requirements will get the best performance from the antenna. This article outlines the first steps to designing...

Want to avoid last-minute mistakes in printed-circuit-board design? The latest design tools help gird against those pitfalls.