SMD Capacitor Size Chart: Guide

Tantalum surface mount capacitors

Tantalum surface mount capacitors Capacitors are one of the most common types of passive components used in electronics. Due to their various uses, selecting the right capacitor for your design can be a challenging task. However, your selection has a direct impact on PCB performance, manufacturing efficiency, and overall design success. In many cases, it […]

Reference Design Guide

By employing a good reference design guide, you can maximize the benefits of proven reference boards, like Texas Instruments’ TIDA-01629

Following a good reference design guide is the best way to maximize the benefits of proven reference boards like the TIDA-01629 by Texas Instruments Modern PCB design demands rapid time-to-market delivery while maintaining engineering excellence and cost efficiency. Reference designs provide a proven foundation necessary to accelerate development cycles, minimize design risks, and optimize resource […]

SMT and THT Components: Analysis

Many designs include both SMT and THT components.

Many PCBs require that you choose the best SMT and THT components for your design Choosing between surface-mount technology (SMT) and through-hole technology (THT) components is a critical decision that directly impacts PCB design success, manufacturing costs, and product reliability. In many cases, your design will include both types. Therefore, understanding the fundamental differences between […]

HDMI Reference Design: Guide

HDMI reference designs greatly reduce the design and development time for systems that leverage this common media connection type.

A verified HDMI reference design provides an efficient means of ensuring accuracy and compliance for this popular connection type High-speed high-definition media interfaces (HDMIs) and cables form one of the most commonly used channels for transferring high-quality audio and video. These devices require precise PCB design methodologies to ensure signal integrity and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). […]

DDR4 Reference Design: Guide

DDR4 has become the engineer’s preference for applications requiring embedded or peripheral memory

DDR4 performance capabilities make it the most used memory for computing applications and devices. Double Data Rate, or DDR, is the preferred choice for memory devices in electronics systems. DDR4, introduced in 2014, is by far the most commonly used version in embedded computing applications. In some cases, you may be able to use existing […]

SMPS Reference Design: Guide

3D view of the TI PMP23193 SMPS reference design from UL.

TI PMP23193 SMPS reference design from UL Switching mode power supplies (SMPSs) are commonly implemented as the key element of PCB power distribution networks (PDNs). These power supplies have major advantages, as compared to linear power supplies, that include: Advantages of SMPS vs Linear Power Supply ✅Higher efficiency ✅Greater power density ✅More compact design ✅Less […]

Obsolete Electronic Parts Finder

Loose and soldered components on PCB.

Don’t let obsolete become incomplete: learn how an obsolete electronic parts finder service can locate or create hard-to-find land patterns.

PCB Connectors Guide: Best Practices

A good PCB connectors guide is essential for effective electronic product operation internally and externally.

The variation in the type of connectors available makes it essential to follow a good PCB connectors guide to optimize your product’s functionality and operation. Electronic circuit boards rarely operate in a vacuum. Consequently, it is critically important to select the best connector that meets your electrical and mechanical requirements. This is especially important for […]

BGA Footprint Guidelines and Recommendations

It is critical that you follow BGA footprint guidelines to ensure good assembly and operation for primary devices like MPUs.

Accurate BGA footprint guidelines are critical to ensure the performance of priority components like microprocessor units (MPUs). BGA footprint guidelines are critical design rules that determine assembly success, signal integrity quality, and manufacturing yield for ball grid array components. Proper BGA footprint design requires precise ball pattern matching, accurate datasheet package interpretation, and adherence to […]

Electronic Component Availability: Avoiding PCB Design Pitfalls with Quality CAD Models

Not knowing the electronic component availability is essential for efficient board design

Not knowing the electronic component availability for your board can lead to costly PCB design pitfalls PCB design failures are an expensive part of the PCB design and development cycle, with component availability issues accounting for most of the delay. The difference between a successful on-time product launch and costly redesigns often comes down to […]