Ceramic substrates, as critically important materials within PCBs, play a pivotal role in enhancing PCB performance through their unique physical and chemical properties. Among these, aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) and aluminium nitride (AlN) are the two most commonly used ceramic substrates. While they share a similar appearance and overlapping applications, they exhibit significant differences in core […]
As one of the most widely adopted specifications in the industry, the cost-effectiveness and practicality of 4 layer PCBs are beyond question. However, achieving low noise floor hinges not on increasing layer count, but on meticulous control of stack-up logic, ground plane integrity, signal partitioning, and return paths. This article, grounded in practical PCB manufacturing
PCB boards serving as the core carriers of electronic devices, see their performance and cost directly influenced by the precision of their design and manufacture. Via holes, as the fundamental structures enabling electrical interconnection between PCB board layers, exhibit distinct forms—through-holes, blind vias, and buried vias—which not only differ in manufacturing processes but also present
In recent years, the widespread adoption of smart wearable devices has significantly transformed people’s lifestyles and health management. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to smart glasses and medical devices, wearables have become an integral part of our daily lives. These devices are getting smaller while becoming increasingly more powerful. Behind this transformation lies the innovation
In the complex process of PCB design, PCB layout and PCB routing are two core stages that together determine the final performance and reliability of the product. However, during the design process, many engineers often fall into the trap of “focusing on routing and neglecting layout,” overlooking the foundational role that layout plays in PCB
In the current era where 5G communication technology is reshaping the global information landscape with lightning speed, 5G base stations, serving as the “nerve endings” of network coverage, directly determine user experience and communication quality through their performance stability. Hidden within these base stations, high speed high frequency boards function like precise “nerve pathways.” With
In the era where electronic devices are constantly evolving towards higher performance and greater integration, the heat dissipation issue of PCBs has become increasingly critical. Copper, with its outstanding thermal conductivity, has become the core carrier for PCB heat dissipation design. Compared to FR-4 substrate material, copper has a significantly superior thermal conductivity. Rational utilization
Flexible Circuit Boards (FPCs), with their unique bendable properties, have become a key component in high-end applications such as foldable smartphones, wearable devices, and industrial robots. Among them, 4-layer FPCs are the mainstream choice in the market due to their balance of signal transmission capability and flexibility. However, the seemingly simple laminated structure is significantly
Precise control of interlayer spacing is the true key to achieving stable pcb impedance, and prepreg thickness is the “behind-the-scenes driver” that determines that spacing. How are interlayer spacing and prepreg thickness tightly linked, and through what mechanisms can impedance be regulated by adjusting prepreg thickness? The Triangular Relationship Between Interlayer Spacing Prepreg Thickness and
For high-frequency or high-speed digital circuits, wiring on FR4 materials is no longer as simple as just connecting components. Impedance-controlled design directly affects signal integrity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and system stability. Centered around “how to optimize FR4 wiring through impedance control,” this guide provides engineers with actionable strategies and considerations during PCB design and manufacturing
In a 4 layer PCB board, although signal crossing over reference plane gaps may seem minor, it can trigger a series of issues such as signal distortion, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and timing skew, compromising product stability and reliability. Signal reflection is one of the most immediate consequences. When crossing gaps, impedance changes abruptly, preventing some
When routing differential wiring on 4 layer pcbs, inadvertent interlayer transitions can readily cause signal distortion and a sharp decline in product yield. Unlike single-layer or thick multilayer boards, the compact space and fixed interlayer dielectric in 4-layer boards make differential wiring transitions prone to impedance discontinuities and timing deviation issues. Mastering core techniques is
In the context of the PCB manufacturing industry’s upgrade towards high-end and miniaturization, HDI boards, with their unique technological architecture, have become the core carrier for solving the challenges of extremely small-sized circuit design. They not only meet the miniaturization demands of consumer electronics, medical devices, and automotive electronics but also propel PCB manufacturing technology
The PCB pad, as a critical part connecting components to the PCB, directly determines the performance and stability of the entire circuit. However, in actual production and maintenance processes, pad detachment issues occur from time to time. This not only leads to circuit failures, affecting the normal use of products, but also increases maintenance costs
Conformal coating, also known as triple-proof coating, is a functional polymer coating material specifically developed for printed circuit boards (PCBs). Its core function is to form a dense protective film that closely conforms to the contours of the PCB surface and component gaps, achieving the ‘triple protection’ effect of moisture, dust and corrosion resistance. It
The inner layer black oxide process is one of the earliest surface treatment technologies applied in multilayer PCB manufacturing. With mature technology and relatively low cost, it is still widely used in mid- to low-end applications such as conventional multilayer PCBs and consumer electronics PCBs. Process Principle The core of the PCB inner layer black
Impedance Boards (commonly referred to as impedance boards) are specialized circuit boards in PCB manufacturing that require precise design, calculation, and strict production control of signal trace characteristic impedance. Their core value lies in ensuring signal transmission stability. Unlike conventional PCBs that only ensure electrical connectivity, impedance boards impose stringent requirements on impedance deviation throughout
In PCB soldering processes, the role of flux is indispensable. Without high-quality flux, even with premium solder and precision equipment, achieving acceptable solder joints remains challenging. Yet flux exhibits a pronounced dual nature—it is both the ‘hero’ of soldering and the ‘source’ of residual hazards. This characteristic is closely tied to flux composition, type, and
FPC has gained increasing application in the trend towards miniaturisation and portability of electronic devices, owing to their unique flexibility. However, FPC design is complex and specialised, involving multiple critical stages such as material selection, routing design, process adaptation, thermal design, and reliability-oriented design. Each stage presents numerous key considerations and potential pitfalls, requiring precise
PCB loop area refers to the physical spatial area enclosed by the closed circuit formed by current flow on a printed circuit board (PCB). It is a critical factor influencing a circuit’s electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and signal integrity. Loop area serves as a pivotal metric for determining signal integrity (SI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in
In 4 layer board designs (typical stack-ups such as signal layer-ground layer-power layer-signal layer), vias serve as the core carriers for interlayer interconnections, facilitating signal, power, and ground continuity between layers. However, constrained by their physical structure, vias cannot achieve ideal conductivity. Their parasitic parameters are essentially derived characteristics from the interaction between conductors and
In actual production and usage, warping issues in 4 layer PCBs are frequently encountered. This not only impacts production yield and assembly efficiency but also poses long-term reliability risks for end products. Upon investigating the causes of warping in 4 layer PCBs, we have identified asymmetrical lamination as the key factor contributing to this problem.
4-layer PCBs find extensive application across numerous sectors including consumer electronics, industrial control systems, and automotive electronics. Their pivotal role owes much to the core materials—the core board and prepreg. These two components work in tandem to form the stable physical framework of the 4-layer PCB. 4-layer PCBs and Core Materials 1.Core Value and Structure
The moisture resistance of FR4 PCBs is directly linked to the stability and longevity of electronic products. Material selection, process optimization, and strict environmental control are all indispensable. Only through sustained technical refinement can a robust defensive barrier be built for the electronic world. The Fundamental Nature of FR4 Water Absorption FR4 is not a
