The layer-up strategy for multilayer PCBs directly determines signal integrity, power supply stability and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and is a core skill that hardware engineers must master. A well-designed layer-up arrangement can suppress interference and enhance reliability at the lowest cost; conversely, it may lead to issues such as signal distortion and failure in EMC […]
BGA packaging has become the mainstream form of integrated circuit packaging due to its high density, high reliability and excellent electrical and thermal performance. Compared to traditional DIP and QFP packages, BGA distributes solder balls evenly across the underside of the package, resolving the issue of bridging between closely spaced pins, shortening lead lengths, reducing
A BGA substrate (Ball Grid Array Substrate) is the core carrier of a ball grid array package; essentially, it is a high-density interconnect (HDI) multilayer PCB used to mount the chip, provide electrical interconnection between the chip and the motherboard, and offer mechanical support, with solder bumps arranged in an array on the reverse side.
A bare PCB serves as the core framework of a traditional circuit board; its fundamental function is to guide the flow of current through carefully designed circuit paths, and it is widely used in various types of electronic devices. A blank PCB (i.e. a bare board) features a simple structure, offering engineers and designers ample
In the design of power adapters, the quality of the PCB routing on the bare PCB directly determines the stability, reliability and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the entire unit. A well-designed PCB routing not only effectively suppresses noise and reduces losses, but also helps to mitigate safety compliance risks. Six Key PCB Routing Techniques 1.Current
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the core components of modern electronic products, and their manufacture relies on a key base material: copper-clad laminate (CCL). Depending on product form and application, CCL is primarily divided into two categories: rigid copper-clad laminate (conventional CCL) and flexible copper-clad laminate (FCCL). Among these, FCCL, owing to their unique bendable
The soundness of RF board layout directly determines the transmission quality of RF signals, interference immunity and the overall performance of the equipment; it is a core aspect of RF product design. This article focuses on its core principles, preparation, practical implementation and simulation, outlining key points to guide engineering practice. Core Principles of RF
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, drones have become deeply integrated into every aspect of daily life and industrial production, emerging as indispensable smart devices. At the heart of a drone’s stable operation lies drone PCB assembly (printed circuit board assembly) – this compact circuit board serves as the drone’s ‘brain’ for computation, its ‘nerves’
The key difference between leaded solder and lead free solder processes lies in the lead content of the solder. According to the EU RoHS Directive, lead content must be below 1,000 ppm (parts per million) to be considered compliant; Japanese standards are even stricter, requiring a level below 500 ppm. Lead-free solders typically consist mainly
As PCBs evolve towards being lighter, thinner, smaller and more compact, rigid flex boards (also known as rigid-flex assemblies) have emerged as a key technology for reducing the size and enhancing the performance of electronic products, alongside high-density rigid boards, thanks to their three-dimensional connection and assembly capabilities. By combining flexible circuits (FPCs) with traditional
As IC pin densities increase and signal frequencies rise, the choice of PCB surface treatment process has become particularly critical. Gold plated circuit boards were once favoured for their high flatness and long shelf life, but issues such as gold whisker short circuits and the skin effect have become increasingly prominent in high-density, high-frequency applications.
What is FCT testing? The core principle of FCT (Functional Circuit Test) is to treat the PCBA as a complete functional module, simulate its actual operating environment within the end product, apply real-world input signals, and verify whether the output response meets design requirements. Put simply, it involves providing the Unit Under Test (UUT) with
The defining characteristic of rigid PCBs (rigid printed circuit boards) is that they are ‘non-flexible’; relying on their rigid substrate, they provide stable support and electrical connection pathways for electronic components. Unlike the flexible substrates used in flexible PCBs, the rigidity of a rigid PCB derives entirely from its core substrate. In actual production, the
IC packaging involves encapsulating the bare die—cut from a wafer—into a complete component that can be directly mounted onto a PCB. It fulfils three fundamental functions: establishing an electrical connection between the die and external circuits, protecting the die from environmental damage, and aiding heat dissipation. To give a practical example: in the case of
What is a RF PCB? Put simply, a RF PCB is a printed circuit board specifically designed for the transmission and control of radio frequency and microwave signals. Within the industry, PCBs operating at frequencies above 100 MHz are generally classified as RF PCBs, whilst those operating at frequencies above 2 GHz fall within the
In the field of PCB design and assembly, through hole PCBs remain a core technology—even though surface-mount technology (SMT) now dominates most modern devices. Many engineers still opt for through hole PCBs when designing products that require high mechanical strength, high power handling capacity, or ease of maintenance. In practice, you will find through hole
As electronic products continue to evolve towards lighter, thinner designs and higher levels of integration, hardware design is no longer confined to simple two- or four-layer boards. 6 layer PCBs (six-layer printed circuit boards), as a compromise solution that balances performance, size, cost and structural stability in complex circuit designs, have become one of the
Millimetre wave radar is a precision detection device operating in the 30–300 GHz millimetre wave band. Its wave length lies between that of microwaves (1–100 mm) and far-infrared waves (0.75–1 mm), combining characteristics of both. As one of the core sensors in intelligent driving perception systems, millimetre wave radar emits high-frequency millimetre-wave signals and receives
In millimetre wave radar systems, the antenna is the core component that determines system performance; its design and manufacturing process directly influence detection range, angular resolution, sensitivity and interference resistance, and form the foundation for achieving precise sensing and efficient response. From in-vehicle ADAS to industrial IoT and aerospace, the continuous expansion of millimetre wave
In printed circuit board (PCB) design, pcb thickness is a crucial parameter. Currently, 1.6 mm is the most commonly used standard thickness in the vast majority of general-purpose applications, such as consumer electronics and industrial control. However, as electronic products evolve towards miniaturisation, high performance and multifunctionality, PCB thickness must also be selected flexibly according
During the PCB manufacturing process, the darkening of the gold plating layer is a relatively common cosmetic defect. This not only affects the visual appearance of the product but may also indirectly impact its electrical conductivity and resistance to oxidation, resulting in unnecessary production losses. Based on practical production experience, this issue is not caused
High TG laminates refer to materials with a Tg value typically above 170°C; for example, common lead-free compatible laminates can have a Tg of around 185°C. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition temperature (Td) at which these laminates lose 5% of their mass is also higher—taking a standard FR4 laminate from a particular brand as an example,
In the electronic assembly process, the baking of FR4 PCBs may seem unremarkable, but it is in fact a critical step that determines the quality of the solder joints. Its primary purpose is to thoroughly remove any moisture absorbed by the board during storage, transport or whilst in the workshop environment. If moisture remains within
Rolled copper and electrolytic copper are the two main types of copper foil used in high frequency PCBs for lamination with PTFE boards. Due to differences in their manufacturing processes, there are significant variations between the two in terms of lamination strength, high-frequency performance, process compatibility and environmental resistance. Rolled copper is produced through a
