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Minimizing Crosstalk in PC Board Layout
In this ongoing series on PCB layout from the design team at PNC, previous posts have looked at some of the initial steps to turn a circuit schematic into a manufacturable, reliable PCB. These posts have looked at component placement [1], selecting appropriate trace widths [2], and BGA routing [3]. In this post we are going to take a deeper dive into methods for reducing crosstalk in the PCB design [4]. After the power and ground have been routed, the next task is to route high speed signal traces, and the traces that could either generate or receive crosstalk. What is ...
PCB Design, Selecting the Right PCB Trace Widths?
Every PCB designer has a series of decisions to make PCB Design [1] as they translate an abstract schematic into a functional, reliable, and manufacturable PCB assembly [2]. Placing the components on the PCB is usually the first step, connecting those components with copper conductors to create the circuit is the next. To connect the components, the layout designer must interpret the circuit netlist and turn that netlist into actual copper traces, subject to constraints of both manufacturing technology and the laws of physics. One of the most important considerations for the designer is the appropriate trace width for each ...
What are IPC standards for PCB Design, PCB Assembly and PCB Fabrication?
IPC standards are electronic design, manufacturing and inspection standards published by IPC, a global trade and standards setting association focused on the electronics industry. IPC’s standards are used worldwide and have been essential to the globalization of the electronics industry. Anyone who designs or manufactures PCB assemblies needs to be familiar with the standards. Most engineers and designers first encounter the IPCstandards in the fabrication notes on PCB drawings or because they have been trained on ubiquitous IPC-A-610 “Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies” which illustrates quality standards for PCB soldering and cleaning. The IPC publishes standards for every aspect of PCB design [1], ...
PNC’s step by step guide to PCB Design component placement
A schematic is an abstraction, a representation of an ideal circuit. A PCB Assembly [1], on the other hand, is a complex mechanical assembly. All the components in the circuit design must fit within the physical boundary of the PCB. The designer must locate and place hundreds of components subject both to the mechanical constraints of the product design and the manufacturing process while not introducing electrical noise into the circuit. It can seem overwhelming to someone new to the PCB layout process. Fortunately, there are some simple guidelines used by the designers at PNC that will help break the layout ...
Basics of Solder Paste selection for PCB Assembly
INTRODUCTION Solder pastes are amorphous putty-like soldering materials used to solder surface-mounted components to the Printed Circuit Board. [1] The effect of solder paste on the PCB’s structural and functional integrity is the paramount factor to consider when deciding on selection of solder paste for application. Many factors which contribute towards the strength of the solder joint and its conduction efficiency need to be addressed as well. This is not just a discussion on what measures and precautions to take during PCB assembly and reflow, but also to put into question what a PCB design [2] engineer should consider ...