How to Find Equivalent Electronic Components
Designers should know how to find equivalent electronic components they can use in their designs. If you’ve never considered how to hedge your supply chain risk, there are some strategies you can implement to ensure your device will remain producible even during supply chain fluctuations.
How to Design Different Types of PCBs
Different types of PCBs carry a diverse range of design rules, layout schemes, and sets of components. New designers may not realize that there are generally different types of PCBs, but the same overall process is used to create a PCB layout and other CAD documents in ECAD software. If you’re a new designer and […]
How to Test Electronic Components for Quality and Functionality
There comes a point in every designer’s career where they receive a batch of assembled boards and none of them seem to work. What happens next is a long series of troubleshooting steps to try and locate the source of the problem. It’s natural to suspect that a faulty component is to blame, but this […]
Discover Millions of Verified, Pre-Built Vishay Components
Ultra Librarian is proud to announce a partnership with Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. to provide millions of free symbols, footprints, and 3D models for download. Easily review parametrics, datasheets, and availability of Vishay components right in Ultra Librarian. Symbols, footprints, and 3D models can all be downloaded in over 30 different CAD formats including […]
Standard PCB Reference Designators to Know
PCB reference designators One of the often underutilized tools in a PCB designer’s toolbox is the silkscreen. This top layer of the PCB layout is where component footprints are placed, and is critical for accurate component placement during PCB assembly. However, this is not the only function of the silkscreen. Another important usage is for […]
Comparing the CP2102 vs. CP2104: Highly-Integrated USB-to-UART Bridge Controllers
The QFN package for the CP2102 and CP2104 USB-to-UART bridge controllers. Image from Silicon Laboratories Electronic components that enable interconnection and/or communication between different circuit boards and electronic systems are often referred to as bridges. These devices are essential for telecommunications and other operations, as it is common that connected or networked systems that employ […]
PCB Layout Best Practices to Know
Designing circuit boards has to be one of the most exciting careers that anyone could embark on.
The NTC0805J10K: A Negative Temperature Coefficient Chip Thermistor
An NTC thermistor is one example of an on-board sensor that doesn’t require complex supporting circuitry for precise measurements. One popular thermistor is the NTC0805J10K, a surface-mount chip component in 0805 packaging that can be reliably used from below-freezing to above-boiling temperatures.
Common PCB Component Codes to Know
Take a look at the top layer of any PCB or look in a datasheet, and you’ll find an alphabet soup of PCB component codes, markings on a PCB, abbreviations, and acronyms. It takes experience to keep it all straight, but it’s important for anyone in the industry to be able to quickly read PCB markings, component markings, and datasheet information.
The Importance of Testing Electronic Components
When you buy a new electronic product, you might not realize it has been subjected to a battery of tests, from the component level to the finished assembly. Some finished units may have been taken off the line and subjected to rigorous inspection to ensure quality control.