KiCAD (pronounced ‘keycad’) is a capable open-source pcb layout tool, which recently reached version 6. I have been trying to use the software, and feel stuck an ‘just muddling thorough’. In search of ...

Satellite and spacecraft avionics are increasingly combining K-band RF, high pin-count, ultra deep-submicron GHz-speed digital, GSPS analogue, and low-voltage, high-current power distribution onto a ...

Considerations for dividing analog and digital blocks. Decoupling techniques. Breaking down the board layers. How best to deal with grounding. Similar to building a house, it’s essential to create a ...

One of the big problems with doing PCB layout is finding a suitable footprint for the components you want to use. Most tools have some library although — of course — some are better than others. You ...

Printed-circuit-board (PCB) substrate material, like FR-4 glass epoxy, is a poor conductor of heat. Conversely, copper is an excellent conductor of heat. So, more copper area on a PCB is ideal from a ...

In PCB design, design for manufacturing (DfM) is all about correcting mistakes after reviewing a PCB layout. We then devise corrective actions to fix those mistakes and improve procedures to make ...

Like all new technologies, it took a while for engineers to accept and promote the PCB. In the 1960s, Zeneth used to brag about using point-to-point wiring (Figure 1). Now everything is done with a ...