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…
Electronic OEM Versus ODM: What are the Differences?
Electronic OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) are terms commonly used in the electronics industry to describe different types of manufacturing and design relationships. Here are the key differences between the two: In summary, the main distinction lies in the degree of…
PCB Electronics: 15 Design for Test (DFT) Strategies
Design for Test (DFT) is essential for electronics assembly and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design. DFT strategies are techniques and practices employed during the design phase to ensure that electronic circuits and components are easily testable and can be efficiently diagnosed for faults and defects…
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…
Voltage Regulator: Essential in PCB Designs
A voltage regulator is an essential electronic component used in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) designs to maintain a stable and consistent voltage output in various electronic devices and circuits. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that sensitive components receive the appropriate voltage levels, protecting…
Q: What is PCB Thermal Impedance
A: PCB thermal impedance, often referred to as thermal resistance or θJA (theta-JA), measures a printed circuit board’s (PCB) ability to dissipate heat generated by electronic components mounted on it. It quantifies how effectively a PCB can conduct and spread heat away from the components…
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…
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold on PCBs
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold, often abbreviated as ENIG, is a type of surface finish used in the electronics industry, particularly for printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is a popular method for providing a protective and conductive layer on the copper traces and pads of PCBs….
Value of PCB Manufacturing First Article
A PCB Manufacturing First Article is a critical step in quality control and verification. The purpose of the First Article is to ensure that the initial prototype or sample of a PCB meets all the specified design requirements and quality standards before proceeding with mass…
PCB Plating Voids: 5 Things to Know
PCB plating voids refer to areas within the copper-plated layers of a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) where there is an absence or incomplete coverage of the copper plating. These voids can occur during the PCB manufacturing process and can have a detrimental impact on the…
Q: What is PCB Copper Weight
A: A PCB Copper Weight refers to the thickness or amount of copper present on the PCB’s surface, particularly on the conductive layers. Copper is used in PCBs to create electrical connections and traces that carry signals between components, such as integrated circuits (ICs), resistors,…
Q: What are PCB Annular Rings
A: PCB annular rings in printed circuit boards refer to the copper ring surrounding a through-hole or a via on the PCB. It is critical in PCB design and manufacturing, especially for components mounted using through-hole technology. Here’s a breakdown of its significance: In summary,…
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…
15 Factors Determining PCB Assembly Cost
Determining PCB assembly cost involves assessing various factors contributing to the overall price of manufacturing a PCB assembly. These factors can vary depending on the complexity of the PCB and the specific requirements of the project. Here are some key components to consider when conducting…
Electronic PCB Power Consumption Explained
Power consumption in electronic printed circuit board (PCB) devices refers to the amount of electrical energy used when it is operational. It is typically measured in watts (W) and is an essential consideration for both users and manufacturers of electronic devices. There are two modes…
Importance of Electronics in Modern Agriculture (AgTech)
Electronics in modern agriculture (often referred to as “AgTech” or “precision agriculture”) enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in various aspects of farming. Here are some ways in which electronics are used in agriculture: In summary, electronics in modern agriculture provide the tools and technologies that…
Manufacturing Electronic Interface Boards
Electronic interface boards, often called interface boards, are hardware components used in electronic systems to facilitate communication and interaction between different devices or subsystems. These boards act as intermediaries, translating signals and data between devices with varying communication protocols, voltage levels, or physical connectors. Their…