What is Soldermask CTI? Soldermask CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) is a measure of a printed circuit board’s (PCB) ability to resist electrical tracking across its surface under high voltage and humid conditions. CTI ratings range from 0 to 600 volts, with higher numbers indicating better insulation performance and resistance to […]

Introduction to Double-Sided SMT Assembly Double-sided Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly is a process used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs) where electronic components are mounted on both sides of the board. This technique allows for higher component density, improved performance, and reduced board size compared to single-sided […]

What is Impedance Matching in PCB Design? Impedance matching is a critical aspect of PCB design that ensures optimal signal integrity and power transfer between a source and load. In PCB design, impedance matching refers to the process of matching the characteristic impedance of a transmission line (such as a […]

Introduction to PCB Stackup Printed Circuit Board (PCB) stackup refers to the arrangement of copper and insulating layers that make up a PCB. It is a crucial aspect of PCB design, as it determines the board’s electrical properties, mechanical strength, and manufacturability. Proper PCB stackup planning is essential to ensure […]

Introduction to PCB Stackup A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) stackup refers to the arrangement of copper and insulating layers that make up a PCB. The stackup design is crucial in determining the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the PCB. A well-designed stackup ensures signal integrity, reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI), […]

What are PCB Vias? Printed circuit board (PCB) vias are small holes drilled through a PCB that electrically connect different layers of the board. Vias allow signals and power to pass vertically between the layers of copper on a multi-layer PCB. They are essential for creating complex circuits with limited […]

Introduction to Flex-Rigid PCBs Flex-rigid PCBs are a unique type of printed circuit board that combines the best features of both flexible and rigid PCBs. These hybrid boards consist of multiple layers of flexible and rigid substrates that are laminated together into a single structure. This innovative technology offers numerous […]

In the ever-evolving world of electronics, the demand for high-frequency and high-speed applications has been steadily increasing. Radio Frequency (RF) and millimeter-wave circuits have become essential components in various industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics. Designing these circuits requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail, as even the […]

Introduction to High Speed PCB Design and Topology Printed circuit board (PCB) design for high speed applications requires careful consideration of the layout topology to ensure signal integrity, minimize noise and crosstalk, and achieve target performance. As digital systems push to ever higher frequencies and data rates, the PCB layout […]

Understanding RF Interference in Audio Amplifiers Before delving into the PCB layout techniques, it is crucial to understand how RF interference affects audio amplifiers. RF interference occurs when unwanted high-frequency signals couple into the audio amplifier circuit, causing disturbances in the desired audio signal. These unwanted signals can originate from […]