Managing Custom PCB Design Cost
Engineering team exploring options for managing custom PCB design cost. Whether an experienced engineer or new to laying out circuit boards, most of us would love the opportunity to design the perfect circuit board unencumbered by petty concerns like how much it costs. In reality, of course, there are always project constraints and restrictions, including […]
PCB USB C Connector: Important Design Guidelines
PCB USB-C Connectors are ubiquitous for their fast charging and reconfigurable high-speed data transfer. As the latest update to the USB connector type format, USB-C offers unparalleled ubiquity across electronics for data transfer and power charging. From the designer’s perspective, USB-C has some additional considerations to weigh during layout to prevent poor performance. For any […]
PCB Layout Buck Converter: Important Design Guidelines
Computer power supply on white background. A buck converter, also known as a step-down converter, decreases the voltage of the source power while increasing the current. Unlike linear regulators (the most basic form of power supplies), buck converters and other switched-mode power supplies offer an exceedingly high energy conversion rate. They help decrease the voltage […]
PCB Layout Bypass Capacitor: Important Design Guidelines
Tantalum capacitors are a good choice for PCB layout bypass capacitors. Designers may notice the large capacitors distributed around the various ICs when designing circuit layouts or perusing schematics. These bypass capacitors supplement the primary or onboard power sources with more localized charge storage tailored to each circuit’s particular I/O needs. While some designers may […]
Best PCB Design Software: Open Source
Open-source PCB design software provides users with the opportunity for collaboration. Everyone is well aware of the component shortages that the electronics industry has been struggling with for several years. What is not as well known is another shortfall that threatens to significantly impact the industry’s ability to meet the ever-increasing demand for electronics products […]
Library Loader Best Practices
An effective library loader is essential to ensure accurate footprints are implemented in your design. It’s no secret the first–and perhaps most important–step to a successful PCB design is component selection and incorporation. Many seasoned engineers know this and have, over time, created/developed a well-defined CAD library of commonly used components. However, component needs are […]
Electronic Component Reliability: Designing for Compliance
Until you can check off electronic component reliability your design is not complete. Electronic circuits, devices, and systems are only as good as the components that compose them. In fact, virtually all electronic attributes depend on the quality, performance, safety, and durability of the constituent components. Collectively, these attributes define how reliably electromechanical devices, PCBs, […]
Best SnapEDA Alternatives for CAD Library Management
PCB layout on CAD tool SnapEDA is an online electronics design library that helps engineers streamline their design process by offering components compatible with various EDA tools. However, some engineers may want alternative CAD library resources for different reasons, including a lack of library coverage for niche components, a need for manufacturer-verified models, or better […]
Best Electronic Parts Search Engine
A reliable electronic parts search engine is crucial for PCB design and manufacture. An electronic parts search engine is crucial for PCB design and manufacturing. Leading search engine resources provide accurate, up-to-date information about component availability, pricing, and specifications. By using a reliable search engine, engineers avoid last-minute redesigns due to obsolescence or shortages. Additionally, […]
NX3008NBKS Datasheet: Details and Design Tips
The NX3008NBKS datasheet has all the information necessary for circuit simulation and layout. Without power, electronics don’t function. Power has become an increasingly important aspect of modern devices due to the constraints of onboard (i.e., battery-supplied) power, which enhances the device’s uptime between charges. Today, the MOSFET is the premier power component for general applications […]