Schematic Gate Symbols: Explained
Schematic gate symbols allow engineers to visualize and efficiently design circuits that implement digital logic. As products, appliances, and systems get smarter, the electronics that drive them become more digital. PCBs are typically classified based on construction or application. Nevertheless, circuit boards that utilize digital components are predominant for board types like embedded systems containing […]
PCB Layout Bridge Rectifier: Important Design Guidelines
Cell phone chargers are one of the most common uses of electronic rectifiers. Some may say that love, money, or even coffee make the world go around. Engineers usually lean toward a more scientific answer, such as ‘power makes the world go around.’ There is a strong case for this perspective. Can you imagine what […]
Electronic Components Semiconductors: Guide
Electronic component semiconductor silicon wafer It is indisputable that the invention of the transistor opened the door for the current technological revolution. Today, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find products that do not leverage electronics to enhance capabilities and functionality. More often than not, these products and systems are driven by circuit boards that […]
Arduino Opta Datasheet: Applications and Analysis
Arduino Opta micro PLC in TH35 module form factor for easy mounting Since the inception of the Arduino project in 2005, electronics enthusiasts have been attracted to Arduino boards and products. By simplifying the design and development of interactive systems, Arduino paved the way for hobbyists, students, and early career designers to test prototypes and […]
TPS54620 Datasheet: Analysis
The TPS54620 datasheet provides all critical information about device operation and details. All devices need power to operate, but power delivery methods are vast and customizable. One method is a step-down buck converter that reduces the voltage from the power input to increase the current at the output. Whether the application is for high-density distributed […]
HC-SR04 Datasheet: Analysis
The HC-SR04 datasheet provides all the critical information to set up and evaluate the device. Sensors are an important part of interfacing any microcontroller with the surrounding environment. One method of sensor analysis is object detection. While infrared is a common, cheap manner of object detection, it can suffer from poor responsiveness during conditions where […]
Best Electronic Parts Search Tools for PCB Designers
Electronic parts search tools must sift through millions of components. PCB Designers have to weigh many part options when building their bill of materials (BOMs). Searching and comparing dozens or hundreds of unique MPNs for cost, availability, package, etc., can be a considerable time sink, especially for design teams that cannot lean on a procurement […]
Common Electronic Component Problems and Solutions
Identifying electronic component problems and solutions requires technical analysis. There’s a marked difference between designing and manufacturing electronics: the former (solely) does not have to account for many real-world issues when operating as a simulator. Even with a greater mindfulness of design for manufacturing (DFM) practices, the steps between design and manufacturing can vex a […]
PCB USB C Connector: Important Design Guidelines
PCB USB-C Connectors are ubiquitous for their fast charging and reconfigurable high-speed data transfer. As the latest update to the USB connector type format, USB-C offers unparalleled ubiquity across electronics for data transfer and power charging. From the designer’s perspective, USB-C has some additional considerations to weigh during layout to prevent poor performance. For any […]
Electronic Schematic Symbols: PCB Design Best Practices
Electronic product innovation today is based on effectively using the oldest form of communication: symbols and imagery. Today, it is difficult to find any product that does not directly or indirectly rely on electronics. From relatively simple functions like controlling LED indicators to driving smart devices and appliances, PCBs and the electronic components that comprise […]