Hard to Find Capacitors and Finding Alternatives
Hard to find capacitors often require alternative component selection Engineers often face pressure to deliver functional PCB designs on schedule, but sourcing the right components can derail even the best-laid plans. Among the most common pain points are hard to find capacitors. These parts are frequently backordered, discontinued without warning, or prioritized for high-demand sectors […]
Electronic Component Shortage 2025: Survival Guide
Microprocessors (MPUs) and certain memory chips continue to drive the electronic component shortage in 2025. Whenever someone begins a sentence with “Believe it or not,” I expect to be treated to an outlandish claim of some sort. Well, here goes: Believe it or not, there was actually an excess supply of electronic components in 2023. […]
ECAD Libraries/Models for Data-driven Design Workflows
Effective management of ECAD libraries/models is essential for efficient PCB design workflow. When downloading a new component, it is important to ensure strict organization of my component library in order to keep track of my ECAD models. There’s nothing more annoying than being unable to find a component model or design data in my library […]
Top Electronic Components Inventory Management Software
Software management of electronic components inventory in a manufacturing facility Prior to the electronic component shortages of recent years, momentum was increasing around lean strategies like just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing. The objective was to procure only when they were immediately needed for production. This minimization approach to inventory management has largely been abandoned due to continuing […]
Electronics BOM Management Software Functionality
Electronics BOM management software is necessary to account for the hundreds or thousands of components within a design. Sifting through the dozens or hundreds of lines in a bill of materials (BOM) is time-consuming, but it is crucial to ensuring smooth part purchasing and assembly. Over time, software platforms have had to become more comprehensive […]
Best Electronic Parts Search Tools for PCB Designers
Electronic parts search tools must sift through millions of components. PCB Designers have to weigh many part options when building their bill of materials (BOMs). Searching and comparing dozens or hundreds of unique MPNs for cost, availability, package, etc., can be a considerable time sink, especially for design teams that cannot lean on a procurement […]
Engineering-Led vs Product-Led: Prioritizing Goals
A balance of engineering-led vs product-led design philosophies produces the best results. Designing a new circuit board or complex ECAD-MCAD device can be overwhelming due to the many factors a design team must weigh. Form, function, cost, features, scope – all elements can make or break a design. There are many design philosophies to consider, […]
Prioritizing Your Electronic Components Inventory Management
Electronic component inventory management ensures a seamless transition from design to manufacturing. Electronic components inventory management is necessary to balance project resource needs and costs. Without accurate inventory management, it’s easy for manufacturers to over- or under-procure the stock for production, potentially endangering project budget or deadlines. Overseeing electronic component inventory management can be challenging, […]
Heat Dissipation Simulation in Tightly Packed Spaces
PCB heat dissipation simulation with Altair’s multiphysics software Performing simulation(s) on your PCB design to check functionality and verify design concerns is standard practice. However, it is equally important to analyze the board’s power flows, thermal distribution, and heat dissipation. Failure to do so can significantly affect your board and system functionality, resulting in erratic […]
Electronic Component Pricing: Effectively Navigating Cost Fluctuations
Can anything be done to control electronic component pricing? Yes, if you understand the factors that contribute to the costs for parts.