OSU RALPH Project: From Concept to Prototypes in 11 Weeks
The RALPH (Research Assignment Learner for the Prehospital Setting) project is a portable reminder device for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to conduct clinical research trials. The device will initially support research studies of paramedic airway management in children. Once in production, the RALPH units will…
PCB Assembly: Components on Both Sides
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) components can be placed on both sides of a printed circuit board (PCB) for several reasons: Not all PCBs require components on both sides, and the decision to use both depends on the specific design requirements and constraints. Additionally, designers must…
PCB Assembly Dielectric Properties: 8 Considerations
PCB assembly dielectric properties are essential considerations in the design and manufacturing of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assemblies. PCBs consist of conductive traces and components mounted on an insulating substrate, and the dielectric properties of this substrate material play a crucial role in determining the…
13 Factors Determining PCB Footprint Design
Determining PCB footprint design is a critical aspect of designing a PCB, as it defines the physical layout and dimensions of components on the board. Several factors determine the design of a PCB footprint: Determining PCB footprint design is a crucial step in printed circuit…
Q: What is a PCB Copper Pour Area
A: A PCB copper pour area, also known as a copper pour or copper plane, is a technique used in printed circuit board (PCB) design to create a continuous, solid area of copper on one or both sides of a PCB. This area is typically…
Too Much PCB Heat: Consider Thermal Vias
Thermal vias, also known as heat vias or thermal holes, is a type of plated hole used in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic devices to help dissipate heat generated by electronic components, such as integrated circuits (ICs) or power devices. These vias are designed…
20 Guidelines for Efficient PCB Component Placement
Efficient PCB component placement ensures proper functionality, manufacturability, and ease of maintenance and debugging. Here are some basic guidelines for efficient PCB component placement: Efficient PCB component placement requires a balance between various design considerations, and it often involves several iterations to optimize the layout…
Q: What are Stacked Microvias
A: Stacked microvias are microvia technology used in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic packaging. Microvias are tiny, drilled holes in PCBs that connect different layers of the board, allowing for the routing of electrical signals. Stacked microvias are designed to provide additional routing flexibility…
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Explained
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is a branch of electrical engineering and physics that deals with the ability of electronic and electrical systems, devices, and equipment to operate in their intended electromagnetic environment without causing or experiencing interference. EMC ensures that various electronic and electrical devices can…
Concerned About: PCB Harmonics and Resonances
PCB harmonics and resonances are important concepts in electronic design, especially for high-frequency circuits and systems. They can lead to unwanted effects that can impact the performance and reliability of electronic devices. Let’s break down each of these terms: Both harmonics and resonances are significant…
Differences: PCB Subsystem Versus Subassembly
Yes, there is a distinction between a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) subsystem and a subassembly, although they are related concepts in electronics and engineering. PCB Subsystem Versus Subassembly: A PCB subsystem focuses specifically on the electronics and circuitry on a single printed circuit board. At…
Examples of Electronic Subsystems
Electronic subsystems are functional units within a larger electronic system or device. Electronic systems often consist of various components and circuits that work together to perform specific tasks or functions. These systems can be quite complex and are often divided into smaller subsystems to facilitate…
Q: What is IPC-7711/7721 Credentials
A: IPC-7711/7721 credentials are established by the IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) and provide guidelines for reworking, repairing, and modifying electronic assemblies. These standards are commonly used in electronics manufacturing and repair to ensure quality and consistency in refurbishing electronic components and assemblies. Several levels…
Essential Steps to an Electronic Circuit Design
Electronic circuit design involves steps to ensure the circuit functions as intended and meets the required specifications. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in electronic circuit design: Remember that electronic circuit design is an iterative process, and you might need to revisit certain…
PCB Lines and Traces: Why Size Matters
The sizes of PCB lines and traces can vary widely depending on the specific design requirements, the technology used in manufacturing, and the application of the PCB. Here are some typical sizes for different types of PCB traces: It’s important to note that these values…
Q: Why PCB Traces Made From Copper
A: Copper is commonly used to make PCB traces on printed circuit boards due to its excellent electrical conductivity, ease of fabrication, and other advantageous properties. Here are some reasons why copper is the preferred material for making PCB traces: While copper is the preferred…
Q: PCB Controlled Impedance: When Used
A: Controlled impedance in the context of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) refers to the precise management and maintenance of the electrical impedance of signal traces on the PCB. Impedance is a measure of the opposition that an electrical circuit offers to the flow of alternating…
Q: What is a PCB Ground Plane
A: A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) ground plane refers to a large PCB area that provides a low-resistance, low-inductance path for electrical signals to return to the ground reference level. It’s essentially a layer or portion of the PCB connected to the ground potential or…
Q: PCBs or Printed Circuit Boards – What Are They
A: Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential components used in electronic devices to provide a mechanical and electrical foundation for the various components that make up the device. They are flat boards made from insulating materials like fiberglass, with a thin layer of conductive material…
Q: What is Electronic Design Automation (EDA)
A: Electronic Design Automation (EDA) refers to a category of software tools and processes used in the design, analysis, and verification of electronic systems, including integrated circuits (ICs) and printed circuit boards (PCBs). EDA tools assist engineers and designers in creating complex electronic systems by…