Schematic Gate Symbols: Explained
Schematic gate symbols allow engineers to visualize and efficiently design circuits that implement digital logic. As products, appliances, and systems get smarter, the electronics that drive them become more digital. PCBs are typically classified based on construction or application. Nevertheless, circuit boards that utilize digital components are predominant for board types like embedded systems containing […]
PCB Layout Bridge Rectifier: Important Design Guidelines
Cell phone chargers are one of the most common uses of electronic rectifiers. Some may say that love, money, or even coffee make the world go around. Engineers usually lean toward a more scientific answer, such as ‘power makes the world go around.’ There is a strong case for this perspective. Can you imagine what […]
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 […]
Electronic Components Semiconductors: Guide
Electronic component semiconductor silicon wafer It is indisputable that the invention of the transistor opened the door for the current technological revolution. Today, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find products that do not leverage electronics to enhance capabilities and functionality. More often than not, these products and systems are driven by circuit boards that […]
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 […]