Finding the best quick-turn PCB manufacturer can be challenging, especially with today’s numerous options. In today’s competitive business world, the quality of your printed circuit boards (PCBs) can make or break your success. Keep reading to learn the factors you …
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The Future of Printed Circuit Board Design: Innovations in Software
Printed circuit board (PCB) design is at the forefront of innovation in the ever-evolving technology field. As electronic devices become more complex and compact, the demand for efficient and reliable PCBs continues to rise. To meet these demands, software developers …
Read MorePrinted Circuit Board Basics: From Design to Final Artwork
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) play a vital role in the functioning of electronic devices. Whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, or even your car, chances are there’s a PCB inside powering its various components. But have you ever wondered how these …
Read MoreEmpowering Entrepreneurs: How PCB Prototype Services Fuel Startups
In today’s highly competitive business landscape, startups face numerous challenges in their quest for success. The most critical aspect of any startup’s journey is to develop and test its product. That is where PCB prototype services play pivotal roles in …
Read MoreThe Impact of Quick Turn PCB Assembly on Time-to-Market for Electronics Products
Time-to-market is crucial for the success of any electronics product. Companies strive to bring their products to market faster while maintaining high quality and reliability. One way to achieve this is through quick-turn PCB assembly. Here are various benefits of …
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Custom circuit boards could be the best solution for your application
A custom circuit board can be found in highly specialized electronic devices. Traditionally, many circuit boards were based on the same model, in part because bespoke custom builds were prohibitively expensive. In more recent years however, due to rapid progression …
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Sponsorship Highlight: Illini Solar Car
Bay Area Circuits believes in the importance of STEM education and values supporting the scientists, engineers, and mathematicians of tomorrow. We are committed to helping students grow professionally in their industry. To do so, we sponsor multiple project-based collegiate clubs, …
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Routing Signals Between PCB Layers
Part 1: An ESD Example Signal Current Flow in a Layer Transition Abstract: Printed circuit board, PCB, signal paths must often change layers in a board stackup. Under some conditions this can cause problems. An ESD example is used to …
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LPI Soldermask & PCB Manufacturing – Bay Area Circuits
Liquid Photoimageable (LPI) Soldermask For many years the only color you would see on a printed circuit board was green. Maybe a military influence? The color of the printed circuit board is only a small part of the consideration for …
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An Introduction to Controlled Impedance for PCBs
What is Controlled Impedance? Electrical impedance is the measure of the opposition (resistance) that a circuit presents to the passage of a current when a voltage is applied in an alternating current circuit. It is represented by Zo: Electrical …
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Cross Section Analysis: Inside a PCB
Cross-Section Analysis How can the internal quality of a printed circuit board be inspected and verified using cross section analysis? We previously published an article that talked about IPC Inspection guidelines that provides an overview of the standards used in …
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An Expert’s Guide to PCB Surface Finishes
Applying the surface finish is one of the last steps of manufacturing a printed circuit board. The surface finish on a PCB is typically applied after the soldermask process and is designed to prevent oxidation of the remaining exposed copper, …
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Time & Money Saving Design Rules: Insights from a Fabricator
As a PCB fabricator we’re frequently asked, “What are your basic design rules?” Typically what designers are looking for are some guidelines to follow when designing a PCB layout, though this could mean a variety of things. Over the years …
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Understanding Controlled Impedance: Measurement Techniques
One of the most common examples of controlled impedance is the cable that connects the antenna to your television. That cable may be a coaxial cable consisting of a round, inner conductor, separated from the outer cylindrical conductor commonly called …
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Cost Determining Factors When Quoting PCBs
Customers and/or buyers who are relatively new to the printed circuit board (PCB) industry may sometimes be confused as to how a particular project is priced by the fabricator. In this post we’ll demystify the factors used by fabricators to …
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Surface Finish Characteristics & Applications for Printed Circuit Boards
Surface Finish Considerations The PCB Surface Finish you select may be the most important material decision you make for your electronic assembly. The Surface Finish you select will influence the cost, manufacturability, quality, and reliability of the final product. Just …
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ENEPIG Plating Guide: Guide To Evolution of PCB Finishes
The evolution of technology manufacturing is always moving towards a higher level of complexity. Newer designs have to be lighter, faster and smaller with every iteration of the next device. Not only do we continue to move towards more complex …
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Choosing Optimal Trace Width: Guide for The PCB Design
A factor to consider when designing single-layer and multi-layer PCBs is trace width. As with other design factors for PCBs, requirements for a good trace width can impact the size and layout of a PCB. Reducing PCB size may reduce costs, but there’s still a need to ensure you have sufficient...
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Mastering The Printed PCB Design: Secrets for Excellence
Designing for excellence requires a disciplined approach of keeping the reliability of the PCB at the forefront of the design process. The performance of the PCB isn’t of much consequence if the board fails prematurely due to low-grade components or unaccounted for peak current...
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10 Tips to Ensure PCB Assembly Success
As a bare printed circuit board manufacturer, we’ve written extensively on topics related to ensuring that the PCB fabrication process goes smoothly. But what about the PCB assembly process? What steps should be taken to ensure a high-quality, cost-effective outcome?
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