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Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Aug 22, 2021

A via is created by drilling a hole through a copper pad etched on each layer of a PCB. An Annular Ring is the area between the edge of the drilled via and the copper pad associated with that hole. The greater the width of an annular ring, the greater the copper connection around the drilled via will be.In a multilayer PCB, traces are routed from one layer to another layer with the help of vias. T...read more

What are PCB Pads?

PCB Fabrication

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Aug 9, 2022

A pad on a PCB is an exposed region of metal that allows the soldering of the component leads onto printed circuit boards. These pads are then connected to traces on the board to form a circuit. When no components are soldered on to a PCB, a visible PCB pad footprint can be seen on the board (see figure above).There are two types of PCB pads:Through Hole Pads:Pads used to mount through-hole compon...read more

What Is PCB Measling?

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

May 20, 2020

Measling is the occurrence of discrete white spots in the base laminate material of a PCB. Measling usually occurs when the resin is not properly applied to the board during the lamination process. These defects appear during the PCB production cycle and signify a malfunctioning board.A small amount of measling can be tolerated on printed circuit boards however when excessive this can degrade elec...read more

What are PCB Mouse bites?

PCB Fabrication

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Aug 9, 2022

Mouse bites also known as perforated breakaway tabs in a PCB are small perforations / pricks on the board which allow for panelizing and depanelizing smaller groups of PCBs together. This way multiple PCB boards can be assembled together, thereby saving time and making the process cost-effective. The assembled PCBs can be separated by applying pressure on the sections of the board that have perfor...read more

Understanding PCB Design Techniques for Space-Qualified Applications.

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Oct 3, 2023

The importance of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design in space applications cannot be overstated. These intricate electronic systems serve as the nerve centre of spacecraft and satellites, orchestrating critical functions and data processing. However, the unforgiving environment of space presents a multitude of extreme conditions and challenges that necessitate specialized PCB design techniques.Spa...read more

ED Copper vs RA Copper

PCB Fabrication

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Jul 17, 2022

Copper is an essential material that is used as the conducting layer in Printed Circuit Boards. Layers of copper are added to a PCB and traces are etched on them to form parts through which electrical signals can flow.The two most common types of copper used in PCBs are Electro Deposited (ED) copper and Rolled Annealed (RA) copper.What is Electro Deposited (ED) Copper?Electro Deposited (ED) copper...read more

What is DRC in Printed Circuit Boards?

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Aug 22, 2021

Design Rule Checking (DRC) is a process used to identify errors and mismatches such as spacing & trace widths in a PCB design/layout. The layout of a PCB board is designed using software, each PCB fabricator has a set of rules which they publish that specify various parameters such as what the spacing between each line should be, the minimum size of vias, the width of a line etc.Once a design ...read more

What is PCB Etchback?

PCB Fabrication

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Apr 24, 2020

PCB Etchback is process performed to remove epoxy resin from the sidewalls of a drilled via hole to make sure it provides good electrical connectivity between the PCB layers. Maintaining good electrical connectivity between layers is very important for routing signals in multi-layer printed circuit boards.During the via drilling process, if the drill temperature exceeds the glass transition temper...read more

What is the Core of a PCB?

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Feb 16, 2022

The core of a PCB is the substrate of the PCB with copper traces on one side or both sides. An example would be an FR-4 substrate with copper foil above and below it. The FR4 substrate provides high electrical insulation between the copper layers of the core. The PCB core can be thought of as a solid foundation for the printed circuit board.Multiple cores are used to create a multi-layer PCB. The ...read more

What is a 10-Layer PCB Stackup?

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Jul 5, 2023

A 10-layer stack-up PCB refers to a printed circuit board configuration consisting of ten distinct layers of conductive and insulating materials. This stack-up offers increased complexity and functionality compared to lower-layer configurations while maintaining a reasonable cost.10-Layer PCB Stack UpThe layer stack-up of printed circuit boards (PCBs) is a critical factor in determining their perf...read more

Understanding the PCB Requirements for Medical Applications

PCB Fabrication

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Feb 6, 2024

In the medical industry, technology stands as the driving force behind transformative breakthroughs. From diagnostic precision to therapeutic innovation, the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology has become synonymous with progress in healthcare. At the heart of this technological revolution lies a silent yet indispensable hero – Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). This article aims to ...read more

What are PCB Stiffeners?

PCB Fabrication

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Aug 17, 2020

When working with flexible PCBs there are times when we need certain parts of the flexible printed circuit board to be rigid. We do so by adding mechanical support to parts of the PCB. This mechanical support is called a PCB Stiffener.Flexible PCBs have many advantages like the capability to bend, twist, and fold. However, it is challenging to add/solder components and interconnects to these board...read more

What are Black Pads?

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Aug 9, 2022

Black pads are primarily a layer of dark nickel that is formed due to corrosion on the surface of a PCB that has an ENIG (Electroless Nickel and Immersion Gold) finish. Black Pads are the result of excessive phosphorous content reacting with gold during the gold deposition process which is an essential step in applying an ENIG finish.ENIG is a surface finish that is applied on the printed circuit ...read more

Understanding the PCB Requirements for Aerospace Applications

PCB Fabrication

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

Jan 25, 2024

In the complex and dynamic world of aerospace engineering, Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) emerge as indispensable components that enable seamless integration of electronic functions across various aerospace platforms, including aircraft, satellites, and space exploration vehicles. From controlling flight systems to facilitating communication and navigation, PCBs play a pivotal role in ensuring the ...read more

What is PCB Etch Factor?

Editorial Team - PCB Directory

May 20, 2020

PCB Etch Factor or etch compensation is an etching process modification used by the PCB manufacturers to decide the extent and accuracy of etching. It helps the designers and manufacturers decide the minimum etching allowance on the track width. During etching, unwanted copper is removed gradually from the PCB surface to realize the desired conductive track. For instance, if a PCB design requires ...read more

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