Multilayer PCB Via Spacing: Hole-to-Hole and Hole-to-Trace Design Guide When designing a multilayer PCB, engineers often focus on routing efficiency, signal integrity, layer stack-up, and power distribution. However, via placement and spacing are equally important, especially as routing density increases. The same discipline applies to Multilayer PCB, where a small…

What Is a Pseudo 8-Layer PCB? When discussing PCB layer counts, the number of layers usually refers to the number of conductive circuit layers. However, the number of core materials used in a PCB stackup does not always correspond directly to the number of circuit layers. For example, a conventional…

Single-Sided vs Double-Sided vs Multilayer FPC: What Are the Differences? FPC, short for Flexible Printed Circuit, is also commonly called a flexible PCB or flex circuit. The defining characteristic of an FPC is its flexibility. Compared with conventional rigid PCBs, flexible circuits are thinner, lighter, bendable, and capable of adapting…

PCB Panelization: 10 Key Design Considerations When completing a PCB design, some boards need to be arranged into a larger manufacturing panel before production. This process is known as PCB panelization. But when is panelization necessary, and what should engineers consider when designing a panel? Proper PCB panelization design can…

Why Is 50 Ohm Impedance Commonly Used in PCB Design? In PCB design, impedance generally refers to the characteristic impedance of a transmission line. It describes how electromagnetic signals propagate along a conductor and is determined by factors such as trace geometry, dielectric material, copper thickness, and the surrounding reference…

Why Should You Avoid 90-Degree PCB Traces? 3 Key Reasons When engineers first learn PCB layout, one of the most common rules they encounter is to avoid 90-degree traces. But is a right-angle PCB trace always unacceptable? The answer is no. Whether a 90-degree trace should be avoided depends largely…

What Is AOI Inspection? Complete PCB Inspection Guide AOI inspection, or Automated Optical Inspection, is an important quality-control technology used throughout modern electronics manufacturing. It uses cameras and image-processing algorithms to inspect PCBs and PCB assemblies for visible manufacturing defects. Unlike manual visual inspection, an AOI Inspection system can automatically…

PCB Gold Fingers: Design, Manufacturing and DFM Guide Gold-plated contact pads along the edge of computer memory modules, graphics cards, expansion cards, and other electronic boards are commonly known as gold fingers. In the PCB industry, these contacts are also referred to as PCB Gold Fingers or edge connectors. Gold…

PCB Solder Mask and Gerber Files: Complete Design Guide In PCB manufacturing, solder mask coverage is an important part of the final board appearance, electrical insulation, and assembly performance. One common misunderstanding is that selecting an option such as “via tenting” or “via opening” when placing an order can change…

How to Prevent PCB Short Circuits During PCB Design In PCB design and manufacturing, a PCB Short Circuit is one of the most common and costly defects engineers and manufacturers need to prevent. A short circuit can result from incorrect copper routing, overlapping vias, insufficient clearance, improper copper pours, or…