Electronic Component Reliability: Designing for Compliance

Ensuring electronic component reliability should be a primary objective of design.

Until you can check off electronic component reliability your design is not complete. Electronic circuits, devices, and systems are only as good as the components that compose them. In fact, virtually all electronic attributes depend on the quality, performance, safety, and durability of the constituent components. Collectively, these attributes define how reliably electromechanical devices, PCBs, […]

Best SnapEDA Alternatives for CAD Library Management

PCB layout on CAD tool

PCB layout on CAD tool SnapEDA is an online electronics design library that helps engineers streamline their design process by offering components compatible with various EDA tools. However, some engineers may want alternative CAD library resources for different reasons, including a lack of library coverage for niche components, a need for manufacturer-verified models, or better […]

Best Electronic Parts Search Engine

N-type Transistor TO-92 package along with circuit symbol

A reliable electronic parts search engine is crucial for PCB design and manufacture. An electronic parts search engine is crucial for PCB design and manufacturing. Leading search engine resources provide accurate, up-to-date information about component availability, pricing, and specifications. By using a reliable search engine, engineers avoid last-minute redesigns due to obsolescence or shortages. Additionally, […]

NX3008NBKS Datasheet: Details and Design Tips

The NX3008NBKS is available in the compact SOT363 SMD package.

The NX3008NBKS datasheet has all the information necessary for circuit simulation and layout. Without power, electronics don’t function. Power has become an increasingly important aspect of modern devices due to the constraints of onboard (i.e., battery-supplied) power, which enhances the device’s uptime between charges. Today, the MOSFET is the premier power component for general applications […]

PCB Component Density: Configuring Design Layout

Improving engineering department efficiency produces better PCBs

PCB component density is evershrinking, from the now rarely-used through-hole components to surface mount technology (SMT). The drive toward miniaturization in electronics has changed how engineers approach PCB design. As consumer demand results in smaller, more powerful devices, engineers must increasingly fit complex functionality into shrinking spaces. This pursuit has created advancements in PCB component […]

PCB Component Placement: Guidelines

PCB component placement is the first step to realizing an assembled board.

PCB component placement is the first step to realizing an assembled board. PCB layout flows through placement. As the starting point of the layout, designers tend to race through procedural tasks like the stackup, footprints, and design rules to get to the “fun part.” Make no mistake; there is a certain gratification to deftly navigating […]

PCB Component Placement Tolerance

A fabricated (bare board) PCB sitting on pick-and-place machine rails

PCB component placement tolerance is a function of IPC footprint tolerancing and various stages of board processing accuracy. PCBs always have to do more with less. Miniaturization of electronics is a welcome development for consumer devices, but comes with additional complications for the designers and manufacturers. The product development team must optimally determine the best […]