PCB Knowledge
Practical explanations of PCB design, fabrication, assembly and testing.
PCB Resistor Sizing Guide: Power, Package and Reliability
Size PCB resistors correctly using resistance, continuous power, working voltage, pulse energy, temperature, tolerance and manufacturability—not package size alone.
USB Connectors for PCB: Types, Pinouts and Layout Guide
Choose the right USB connector for a PCB and avoid common footprint, mechanical, USB-C, power, ESD and high-speed routing mistakes.
September 2, 2026Read →ESP32 vs ESP32-S3: Differences and PCB Design Guide
Compare ESP32 and ESP32-S3 processors, memory, Bluetooth, USB, GPIO and peripherals, then translate those differences into practical PCB design decisions.
August 31, 2026Read →EMI Shielding Film for Flex PCBs: Design and Selection Guide
Learn how EMI shielding film works on flexible PCBs, how it is grounded, and how thickness, bending, coverage and lamination affect performance.
August 28, 2026Read →PCB Layer Count Guide: How Many Layers Do You Need?
Choose the right PCB layer count by evaluating routing density, return paths, power integrity, EMC, thickness, fabrication risk and future design changes.
August 26, 2026Read →OSP PCB Surface Finish: Benefits, Limits and Handling
Understand how OSP protects exposed copper, where it fits, its soldering and handling limits, and how to compare it with ENIG, HASL and other PCB finishes.
August 26, 2026Read →PCB Final Quality Control and Packaging Guide
Learn how bare PCBs are inspected, electrically tested, documented, cleaned, packed and stored before shipment, with a practical supplier checklist.
August 26, 2026Read →PCB Potting: Materials, Process and Design Guide for 2026
A practical 2026 guide to PCB potting compounds, material selection, thermal and mechanical design, process control, testing, rework and conformal-coating alternatives.
January 14, 2025Read →PCB Manufacturing Trends and Challenges in 2026
The PCB manufacturing priorities shaping 2026: HDI and UHDI, high-speed materials, power density, factory data, supply-chain resilience, sustainability and tighter DFM control.
June 23, 2024Read →PCB Glue: Adhesive Types and Selection Guide for 2026
A 2026 engineering guide to PCB adhesives, including epoxy, silicone, acrylic, UV-cure materials, underfill, staking, curing, compatibility, inspection and rework.
March 6, 2024Read →PCB Copper Weight: 1 oz, 2 oz and Heavy Copper Explained
Understand PCB copper weight, nominal thickness, base versus finished copper, current and thermal effects, and how to specify 1 oz, 2 oz or heavy copper correctly.
August 24, 2026Read →Ceramic PCB Substrates: Alumina, Aluminum Nitride and Design Guide
Compare alumina and aluminum nitride ceramic PCB substrates, metallization options, thermal behavior, design constraints, applications and supplier questions.
August 24, 2026Read →ENIG vs. Hard Gold: PCB Surface Finish Selection Guide
Compare ENIG and electroplated hard gold for solderability, contact wear, edge fingers, thickness, cost and PCB fabrication requirements.
August 24, 2026Read →PCB Drill Sizes: Finished Holes, Tool Sizes and Tolerances
Learn how PCB drill sizes are specified, why plated and non-plated holes differ, how annular rings and tolerances interact, and what to include in fabrication data.
August 23, 2026Read →PCB Test Coupons: Types, Placement and Acceptance Testing
Understand what PCB test coupons verify, the difference between impedance and quality-conformance coupons, where they belong on a panel, and how to specify them.
August 23, 2026Read →Black PCB Guide: Solder Mask, Black FR-4 and Design Tradeoffs
Compare black solder mask with black-core FR-4, understand visual and inspection tradeoffs, and prepare manufacturing data for a reliable black PCB build.
August 23, 2026Read →PCB Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): A Practical Guide
Learn what PCB glass transition temperature means, how Tg differs from Td, why repeated thermal cycles matter, and how to choose an appropriate laminate.
August 21, 2026Read →PCB Panelization Guide: V-Scoring, Tabs, Rails and DFM
Understand PCB panelization methods, breakaway tabs, V-scoring, tooling rails, fiducials, spacing, depanelization risks, and the data your manufacturer needs.
August 21, 2026Read →PCB Counterbore vs. Countersink Holes: Design Guide
Compare PCB counterbore and countersink holes, understand the required dimensions, and avoid mechanical, copper-clearance, thickness, and fabrication problems.
August 21, 2026Read →Circuit Breaker: A Comprehensive Guide
Circuit Breaker: A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
April 28, 2025Read →PCB Ruler: A Comprehensive Guide
PCB Ruler: A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 26, 2025Read →Thermal Vias: A Comprehensive Guide for PCB Heat Management
Thermal Vias: A Comprehensive Guide for PCB Heat Management explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 26, 2025Read →PCB Testing Guide: Everything You Need to Know
PCB Testing Guide: Everything You Need to Know explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 26, 2025Read →What Is A Rogers PCB?
What Is A Rogers PCB explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 11, 2025Read →Through-Hole (TH) Technology: An Ultimate Guide
Through-Hole (TH) Technology: An Ultimate Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
February 25, 2025Read →PCB Assembly Process: A Comprehensive Guide
PCB Assembly Process: A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
February 25, 2025Read →PCB Thickness: Everything You Need to Know
PCB Thickness: Everything You Need to Know explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
October 8, 2024Read →SMT Stencil: A Comprehensive Guide
SMT Stencil: A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
October 8, 2024Read →Latching Relays: A Complete Guide
Latching Relays: A Complete Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
October 8, 2024Read →What is PCB in AC?
What is PCB in AC explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 14, 2024Read →What Is an SMT Line? An Ultimate Guide
What Is an SMT Line? An Ultimate Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 13, 2024Read →What Is Solder Bridge? An Ultimate Guide
What Is Solder Bridge? An Ultimate Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 13, 2024Read →What Is Solder Flux? A Comprehensive Guide
What Is Solder Flux? A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 13, 2024Read →What is LED PCB: An Ultimate Guide
What is LED PCB: An Ultimate Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 8, 2024Read →Bare PCB Board: Everything You Must Know
Bare PCB Board: Everything You Must Know explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 8, 2024Read →PCB Plating: A Comprehensive Guide
PCB Plating: A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 8, 2024Read →PCB Photoresist: Everything You Have to Know
PCB Photoresist: Everything You Have to Know explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 8, 2024Read →Battery PCB: A Comprehensive Guide
Battery PCB: A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 7, 2024Read →What is Wiring Harness Assembly?
What is Wiring Harness Assembly explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
March 6, 2024Read →What is Ball Grid Array (BGA) on a PCB Board?
What is Ball Grid Array (BGA) on a PCB Board explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
February 29, 2024Read →Understanding PCB Teardrops: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding PCB Teardrops: A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
January 30, 2024Read →What Are PCB Gold Fingers?
What Are PCB Gold Fingers explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
January 29, 2024Read →Why are Printed Circuit Boards Green?
Why are Printed Circuit Boards Green explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
January 29, 2024Read →What is Cavity PCB?
What is Cavity PCB explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
January 24, 2024Read →What are Mounting Holes?
What are Mounting Holes explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
January 17, 2024Read →What is a Backplane PCB?
What is a Backplane PCB explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
January 17, 2024Read →Everything You Need to Know About Stitching Vias
Everything You Need to Know About Stitching Vias explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 28, 2023Read →What is PCB Tombstone? Exploring the Common Manufacturing Defect
What is PCB Tombstone? Exploring the Common Manufacturing Defect explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 28, 2023Read →What Are PCB Stiffeners?
What Are PCB Stiffeners explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 28, 2023Read →What is In-Circuit Testing (ICT)?
What is In-Circuit Testing (ICT) explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 28, 2023Read →Understanding PDN Fundamentals in Circuit Board Design
Understanding PDN Fundamentals in Circuit Board Design explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 22, 2023Read →What Is PCB Insertion Loss?
What Is PCB Insertion Loss explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 22, 2023Read →What Is Thieving In PCBs?
What Is Thieving In PCBs explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 21, 2023Read →What Is a Rigid-Flex PCB?
What Is a Rigid-Flex PCB explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 14, 2023Read →Via in Pad: PCB Design and Manufacturing Guide
Via in Pad: PCB Design and Manufacturing Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 8, 2023Read →What are PCB Pads?
What are PCB Pads explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
December 1, 2023Read →What Is a PCB? A Detailed Guide
What Is a PCB? A Detailed Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
November 26, 2023Read →What is a PCB Fiducial Mark?
What is a PCB Fiducial Mark explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
November 26, 2023Read →Types of Circuit Boards: Ultimate Guide to PCB Boards
Types of Circuit Boards: Ultimate Guide to PCB Boards explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
November 24, 2023Read →What Is SMT Assembly? Process and Design Guide
What Is SMT Assembly? Process and Design Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
November 24, 2023Read →What Is a Flex PCB? A Comprehensive Guide
What Is a Flex PCB? A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
November 23, 2023Read →What Is a PCB Via? Types and Design Guide
What Is a PCB Via? Types and Design Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
November 23, 2023Read →PCB Manufacturing Process — A Comprehensive Guide
PCB Manufacturing Process — A Comprehensive Guide explained with updated design guidance, manufacturing tradeoffs, common defects, inspection points and practical PCB checks.
November 3, 2023Read →