Blogs

Tolerances and Dimensions Pertaining to PCB Fabrication

lerances are a mixture of design requirements and factory capability. This article looks at three methods to dimension a printed circuit board, depending on complexity.

Splitting a Printed Circuit Board For Concurrent Design

Time to market is one of the key drivers of a successful product launch. Parallel PCB Design can accelerate the process

Pre-Tapeout Confidence: In-Design Checks for Power Integrity in Allegro X

Analyze PCB Power Integrity with Allegro X: Check DC IR-Drop, Return Path Continuity, Isolation Spacing DRC. Avoid issues like ground necking, ensure certification, and pass testing on the first run.

Layout the Hot Loop, Save the EMI: Practical Allegro X Constraints for SMPS

Minimize EMI in your SMPS PCB design by understanding the 'hot loop' in PCB layout. Learn the 3 essential rules and how to put them into Allegro X constraints to pass compliance the first time.

Magnetics First: How Transformer Choices Make or Break Your Design

The transformer is the heart of every flyback design. Learn how primary inductance, turns ratio, and saturation current make or break your design's efficiency and size.

A Flyback That Starts Clean: Modeling Startup & Burden in PSpice

Use PSpice transient simulation to learn flyback power supply startup. Learn to tune soft-start, control inrush current, and prevent output voltage overshoot before you build hardware.

Thermal & EMI in Power Supply Design: The Physics Your Schematic Won't Show You

Addressing thermal and EMI issues early can prevent power supply design challenges. Learn practical guidelines, architecture strategies, and modern tools to design for compliance and avoid re-spins

The Role of Control Loops in Stable Power Supplies

Discover how control loops impact power supply stability. Learn key concepts like loop gain, phase margin, and crossover frequency to design reliable power converters.

Understanding Power Supply Topologies: From Buck to LLC Resonant

Master power supply topology selection. Compare Buck, Boost, Flyback, Forward, and LLC resonant converters using a practical framework. Simplify your design choices from low-power rails to high-effici

Why Power Supply Architecture Matters in Modern Electronics

Learn why power supply architecture matters in electronics. Explore topologies, avoid common mistakes, and use practical frameworks to simplify your design with proven strategies.

Inspecting Printed Circuit Boards and Assemblies

Exploring the points in the fabrication and assembly processes where an inspection is warranted.

Reviewing The PCB Design Review Process

Design Reviews help us stay focused and on track to successfully complete the PCBA design

An Introduction to Microvias in PCB Design

Learn how microvias improve PCB design by enhancing signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal management in high-density interconnect (HDI) technology.

My OrCAD Journey: 1995-2025+

Reviewing the long tenure of OrCAD tools as they grew from schematic capture to a complete end-to-end solution for PCB Design

Flex Circuit Design Practices For Manufacturing and Assembly

FPC/FPCA Design is closely tied to the mechanical requirements. Our job is to make sure those requirements make sense.

Interconnect Technology for Chiplets

A recent update to the UCIe specification is cause for a review of chiplet technology to date.

PCB WEST 2025 - The Show Must Go On

PCB West 2025; a four-day learning opportunity for PCB or substrate designers. It also includes a one-day chance to talk shop with over 100 exhibitors.

Integrated Signal and Power Integrity Analysis FAQs

The Pros and Cons of Being a PCB Designer

An overview of the best and worst things about a career in PCB Design