The Engineering Projects

How to Calculate PCB Trace Width

Hi Guys! Hope you’re well today. I welcome you on board. Thank you for clicking this read. In this post today, I’ll discuss how to calculate PCB trace width? The PCB (printed circuit board) is a mechanical layout that electrically connects different components on the board using conductive copper traces that maintained current throughout the circuit board. Different electrical components are placed on the non-conductive substrate which are soldered from the other side of the board. On the non-conductive side of the board copper traces electrically connect these components. Earlier end-to-end wiring was used in place of PCB boards but now it’s become obsolete. Needless to say, PCB has revolutionized the modern electronics that are precise and compact and cover less space compared to devices where wire wrap and point to point construction is used. Thanks to technology… nowadays, electrical devices are more sophisticated, economical and are capable of performing more functions than their predecessors. That was all the little intro about printed circuit boards. Let’s dive in and elaborate on how to calculate the PCB trace width.

How to Calculate PCB Trace Width

Before we move further and discuss how to calculate PCB trace width, let’s first define what PCB traces are, and why they are used.

Copper Traces

The base of the PCB is made of a substrate which is fiberglass. And most common fiberglass is composed of FR4 material. This substrate material is non-conductive and provides the core strength and rigidity to the board. On top of the substrate is the copper trace. These traces are conductive and electrically connect different electrical components on the board. They come with varying thickness depending on the applications they are used in. The capacity of the current passing through the copper traces mainly defines the width of the copper trace. More width of copper trace allows more amount of current to flow. If the PCB is a one-layer PCB, then the copper traces are laminated on one side of the board. If it is a two-layer PCB then copper traces are laminated on both sides of the board. Multiple-layer PCB can support up to 16 layers of copper traces on board.

Formula to Calculate Trace Width

The equation to calculate the width of the trace is given below.

Width [mils] = Area[mils^2]/(Thickness[oz]*1.378[mils/oz]) 

… where 1.378 is related to standard 1 ounce pour thickness. So, before calculating the width we must know the trace area which can be calculated by the following equation. Trace area can be calculated by the following equation:

Area [mils²] = (Current[Amps] / (k*( Temp_Rise[°C] )^b) )^(1/c) 

… where for external layer, k = 0.048, b = 0.44, c = 0.725. … and for internal layers value of ‘k’ will change and it will become 0.024 while both value of ‘b’ and ‘c’ remains same. This equation to calculate area tells us how wider the trace needs to be to conduct current without any potential issues. It is important to note that the required widths of traces for inner layers are commonly higher compared to the width of traces on the outer layers. You can use any width depending on the application. -- Know that… after designing the PCB on any software, you need to fabricate the board which you can fabricate yourself. If you don’t want to involve yourself in the hassle of fabrication of PCB right from the scratch, you can outsource the manufacturing of your boards. PCBWay is one of the renowned service providers. Just go to their website, connect with them, and order an online quote for your required board before making your decision for the final circuit board. We have always worked with them, when it comes to PCB designing and they have always provided best job. That’s all for today. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article. If you’re unsure or have any questions, you can approach me in the section below, I’d love to help you the best way I can. Feel free to share your valuable feedback and suggestions around the content we share so we keep coming back with quality content customized to your exact needs and requirements. Thank you for reading the article.

Simplest Half Wave Rectification in Proteus

Hello friends, I hope you all are doing great. In today's tutorial, I will show you how to perform Simplest Half Wave Rectification in Proteus.  In this tutorial, we will design a simple Proteus simulation, where we will use a diode for half-wave rectification.

Before designing the Proteus simulation, we will first have a theoretical overview of Half Wave Rectification as it's always the best approach to read theory before practical (Proteus Simulation). So, let's get started:

What is Rectification ???

• Rectification is an electrical process, used to convert Alternating(AC) Voltage into Direct(DC) Voltage using a circuit called rectifier.
• The Rectification process is always carried out using diodes, as we know diodes allow the current to flow in one direction only, thus they can easily block the opposite flow of alternating current.
• Based on DC output, rectification is divided into two types i.e.
  • Half-wave rectification. (needs single diode)
  • Full-wave Rectification. (needs multiple diodes)
• Now, let's have a look at, what's the difference between these two types of rectification processes:

Half wave Rectification

• In Half Wave Rectification, half wave of Alternating(AC) Voltage gets converted into Direct(DC) Voltage, while the other half gets blocked.
• A single diode is used for Half Wave Rectification, as shown in the below figure:

• We can allow either pulse(positive or negative) to pass or block and it depends on the diode's direction.
• In the above figure, we are allowing positive AC pulses to pass, while blocking the negative AC pulses.
• If we reverse the direction of the diode, it will block positive pulses & will allow negative ones.

Full Wave Rectification

• In Full Wave Rectification, a complete alternating(AC) pulse(both positive & negative) gets converted into Direct(DC) voltage.
• As you can see in the above figure, we are now utilizing both cycles of AC current and converting them into DC current.
• Hence, the full wave is more efficient than a half wave, as we have seen half wave simply drops half of the pulse.

As today's topic is about Half Wave Rectification, so we won't discuss it in detail but I hope, now you must have understood the difference between full wave & half wave. Let's design half wave rectifier in Proteus:

Half Wave Rectification in Proteus ISIS

• Proteus is one of the best software for simulating electrical/electronic circuits.
• Basically, we have to design a really simple circuit, as shown in the below figure:

• In order to design this half-wave rectifier, we will need these three components:
  • Sine Wave Generator.
  • Diode.
  • Resistor.
• So, click on the “pick” button and select these components from Proteus Library, as shown in the below figure:

• Now, let's design our circuit, so drag & drop these components one by one in the word space.
• Set the resistor's value to 500 ohms.
• Connect a ground terminal as we are using Vsine i.e. the alternating current source. You will find the GND component in the Terminal area from the left menu.
• Now let's connect the wires, as shown n below figure:

• Once we have completed the basic circuit, we’ll now analyze our output on the Oscilloscope.
• You will find it in the left menu under "Virtual Instruments".
• The Oscilloscope has four terminals named A, B, C, D. We’ll connect Terminal A before Diode and Terminal B after the diode, to analyze both Input and output at the same time.

• Double Click on the alternate current source to set the values.
• Here, I am using an amplitude of 110 ms^-1 and a frequency of 1000 Hz.

 

• I have normalized the oscilloscope axes for better examination of the pulses, here are my settings:

• Now run your Proteus simulation, and if everything goes fine, you will get results, as shown in the below figure:

HWR output through Analog Graph:

In the previous section, we have analyzed the curve with Oscilloscope. Now, we are going to use another awesome feature of Proteus i.e.e Analog Graph. We will plot our input/ output curves of Half wave rectifier on the analog graph in Proteus.

• First of all, remove the oscilloscope from the circuit.
  
• Select the "Current Source" and place one probe before the diode and one after it, to get both input and output at the same time.

• For the output, take the analog option from the graph terminal. Click on the screen where you want the graph. You can make the size of the graph according to your choice.
• So now you have a blank graph screen. You have to set the parameters, add the trace and then simulate it.
• So, let’s do it. Left-click on the graph screen will show you this dialogue box. Choose add trace.
• This will show you the screen where you can add the traces. Once you have added the traces one by one by clicking the required prob, we can proceed.
• This is the time when you have to edit the graph to show right output. Right click again on the graph screen will let you to see the dialogue box again. This time, you have to choose “Edit Graph”. Choose the value according to need. I am choosing "3m"
• .So, you have set all the required thing. This is the time to stimulate your graph and see the required result.

• This is the required result. We give the Input as alternating current, but in the output we got pulsating direct current that flow in one direction.
• We can maximize the result by right click and choosing “Maximize”.
• The green one is the input and the output that is in red is the output i.e.  direct current.

So, that was all. This was the tutorial in which we found what is rectification, what is the use of diode in the rectification, how can we use oscilloscope as well as analogue graph to see the result of rectification. For more tutorials and learning stay tuned with us.

JRC4558 Op-Amp Datasheet, Pinout, Features, Alternatives & Applications

Hi Guys! Happy to see you around. I welcome you on board. Thank you for clicking this read. In this post today, I’ll walk you through the Introduction to JRC4558.

The JRC4558 is a single silicon-chip monolithic dual operational amplifier. This amplifier is a high-performance device and is internally compensated. It is widely used in sample and hold amplifiers and pedal circuit designs. The JRC4558 is available with a remarkable input impedance of around 5 MO, a high voltage gain of around 100 dB, and a good slew rate of around 1.7V/µs.

I suggest you buckle up as I will walk you through the complete introduction to JRC4558 covering datasheet, pinout, features, alternatives, and applications. Let’s jump right in.

Introduction to JRC4558

• The JRC4558 is a single silicon-chip monolithic dual operational amplifier that comes with high voltage gain and good input impedance.
• It is applied in portable instrumentation and Intrusion Alarm Systems.

• There are a total of eight pins incorporated on the device, where PIN 8 is the voltage supply pin and pin no 4 is the ground pin. And you’ll get two outputs at the same time.
• There are two inputs i.e. input A and input B and both inputs contain one inverting input (-) with Voltage V- and non-inverting input (+) with voltage V+.
• The ideal op-amps are different from the real op-amps used in this chip. The ideal op-amp comes with infinite gain while the voltage gain of this device is finite and is around 100dB.
• The slew rate of this device is around 1.7V/µs which is achieved when the output voltage of the amplifier reaches its maximum rate of change.

• This chip is incorporated with two independent, good input impedance and internally frequency compensated operational amplifiers that are carefully designed to run over a wide range of voltages from a single power supply.
• The JRC4558 produces an output signal that is much larger than the potential difference at the input.
• It is also applied in general-purpose operational amplifier circuits like differential amplification, comparators, and mathematical operations.
• This device is carefully designed and requires only a 5V standard voltage supply to operate in electronic circuits. You don’t need to include an additional -5V supply to run this device.
• Moreover, it is also employed in single-supply voltage systems, amplification blocks, and transducer amplifiers.
• This device is capable of performing two different operations at the same time as it incorporates two op-amps on board.
• The versatility of this device makes it a good pick for analog circuits.
• It is widely used in scientific devices and industrial and consumer applications.
• This device can be used individually or as a component of most complex integrated circuits.

JRC4558 Datasheet

Before applying this device to your electrical project, it’s wise to go through the datasheet of the component that contains the main characteristics of the component. Click the link below and download the datasheet of JRC4558.

JRC4558 Pinout

The following figure shows the pinout diagram of JRC4558.

The JRC4558 comes with a total of 8 pins as mentioned below in the table.

Pin Description of JRC4558
Pin No.	Pin Description	Pin Name
1	The output pin of Op-amp A	OUT (A)
2	The Inverting input pin of the Op-Amp A	Inverting Input (A)
3	The Non-Inverting Input Pin of Op-Amp A	Non- Inverting Input (A)
4	Ground or Negative supply terminal	Power (-Vs)
5	The non-inverting Input Pin of Op-Amp B	Reference
6	The Inverting input pin of the Op-Amp B	Output
7	The output pin of Op-amp B	Power (+Vs)
8	Positive supply terminal	+VS

JRC4558 Features

The following are the main features of the JRC4558.

• No. of Amplifiers = 2
• Voltage Gain = 100 dB
• Device Slew Rate = 1.7V/µs
• Input Impedance = 5 MO
• Available Bandwidth = 3MHz
• Operating Temperature Max = 70°C
• Supply Voltage Range = ± 5V to ± 15V
• of Pins on the component = 8
• Operating Temperature Min = 0°C
• Available Package = 8-Pin DIP and SOP Package

JRC 4558 Alternatives

The following are the alternatives to JRC4558.

• LM158
• LM358
• LM358A
• LM2904Q
• LM158A
• LM2904
• LM747
• LM4558

JRC4558 Applications

The JRC4558 is used in the following applications.

• Applied in Sample and Hold Amplifiers
• Used in Portable Instrumentation
• Employed in Instrumentation Amplifiers
• Used in Long-Duration Timers/Multivibrators
• Incorporated in Intrusion Alarm System
• Employed in Photocurrent Instrumentation
• Used in Comparators and Function Generators

That’s all for today. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article. If you are unsure or have any queries, you can pop your question in the section below. I’d love to help you the best way I can. Feel free to share your valuable suggestions and feedback around the content we share, so we keep sharing quality content customized to your exact needs and requirements. Thank you for reading the article.

Why EV Pickup Trucks Will Spearhead The Switch To Electric Motors

Hi Guys! Hope you're well today. Glad to have you here. In this post today I'll detail why EV pickup trucks will spearhead the switch to electric motors. In 2019, approximately 63 percent of Americans looking to buy a car were interested in buying an EV, according to Consumer Reports. The stage is set for major EV manufacturers to contend over the market. Of all body styles, pickup trucks seem to be of particular interest to them. General Motors, Tesla, and Ford are doubling down their efforts in EV pickup design. This is all so that models like the Hummer EV and the Cyber truck can release within the next few years. Trucks are favored for their towing power, traversal abilities, and relatively low need for maintenance. Those are perfect attributes for EV platforms to expand upon. Here are the top advantages EV pickups bring that will let them lead the switch to electric vehicles.

Pickups Will Make The Switch To EVs More Palatable

The first and most important reason EV pickups will lead the charge in switching to electric is because they appeal to a wider demographic. At least, that is the case in the United States. The latest data from Hedges & Co. shows that there are almost twice as many pickup owners in America as there are car owners. People from all walks of life find a use for pickup trucks. Hence, capitalizing on pickup trucks will make the switch to electric vehicles more attractive to the common driver. Jessica Caldwell, the auto analyst for Edmunds, says that everyday motorists are the key to bringing the electric dream to fruition, not enthusiasts. They would need to be convinced to change their behaviors to accommodate the differences in operating an electric pickup. But with the benefits that EV engines offer, manufacturers are optimistic that they can be made to see the advantages in making the switch.

Greater Capacity For Customization And Novel Features

With so many Americans expressing interest in EVs, selling EV trucks sounds easy on paper. However, General Motors’ Josh Tavel says that it's not as simple as that. The average Hummer buyer, he says, is not buying the truck to have a lower carbon footprint. The target demographic has always been monster truck and military enthusiasts, says Tavel. It has been this way ever since the vehicle first rose to popularity in the late 90s and early aughts. What they are marketing to are the adventurous and outgoing types. This market, GM says, overlaps significantly with engine-savvy car enthusiasts. If they can be made to adopt the electric engine, they can influence everyone else to do so as well. This is why they added some features they know will appeal to vehicle aficionados. These include novel additions such as a crab walk mechanism and intuitive graphic displays. . All these and more can be easily supported by an EV built from the ground up with efficiency as a focal point.

More Reliability And Power Than Traditional Trucks

Electric pickups could not have come at a more appropriate time. Nowadays, consumers are clamoring for efficiency and reliability. This is mainly out of concern for the environment. On top of this, however, people also want cars that are simpler to maintain and break down less. Current surveys point to a drastic shift from public to private transport soon. More than 78 percent of commuters will mainly rely on private vehicles for transport from now on. This was according to the 2020 EY Mobility Consumer Index. EVs have fewer moving parts. Thus, they are potentially more powerful and consistently reliable than internal combustion vehicles. Reliability is one of the most prized and sought after traits in trucks, according to consumer truck reviews and rankings.

Enhanced Performance For Commercial And Recreational Use

The increased towing power and dependability of EV pickups make them attractive commercial fleet vehicles. The long-range operation of electric trucks is more economical than fossil fuel ones. Headquarters and stop points could be established according to the trucks’ ranges and charging stations set up at these points. This way, refueling can be done overnight at the stops themselves, instead of on the road. A supply line like this can be vastly more efficient in terms of time and energy. As for recreational use, EV pickups can excel at carrying vacationing and camping equipment. This can be of particular appeal to suburbanites, who often vacation by going out into the wilderness to camp and kayak. With a fair number of Tesla owners, they would appreciate being able to do so in an environmentally friendly way as well.  More engine power can allow them to carry more gear, and longer range can let them make better headway before stopping.

Mutual Benefit For Consumers And Manufacturers

Auto manufacturers stand to gain much from the demand for EVs, especially in pickups. This is thanks to their high-profit margins and demand. The average price of a full-sized EV pickup is $50,000. Even so, they are easier to maintain and have better long-term performance. This makes them a more sensible long-term investment. Figuring out the right price point is a major point of emphasis for manufacturers. Ken Morris, vice-president of General Motors’ EV and self-driving vehicle division, voiced his views on this challenge. According to him, the tricky part will be to price the trucks low enough to make them preferable over traditional ones, but not so low that it hurts profit. This has turned out to be rather difficult with the 200-kilowatt-hour batteries that EV pickup specifications demand. These would cost $20,000 per unit, which is slightly more expensive than your average economy vehicle. These factors together make it easier for automakers to fund their R&D projects for better EV tech. Even with a higher mark-up, consumers simply accept this as a matter of course for a young technology. And thus, they buy the vehicle anyway. Although controversial, it certainly facilitates the rapid growth of electric vehicles. This growth will likely go faster from here on out. That's all for today. I hope you find this article helpful. If you have any questions, you can approach me in the section below. I'd love to help you the best way I can. Thank you for reading the article.

LM2576 Buck Converter Datasheet, Pinout, Features & Applications

Hi Everyone! I welcome you on board. Thank you for clicking this read. In this post today, I’ll walk you through the Introduction to LM2576.

LM2576 is a step-down voltage regulator, also known as a buck converter, mainly employed as a pre-regulator in linear regulators. The customized output version of this buck converter gives you the ability to set the output voltage as you like better. It is available with a remarkably good load and line regulation. Moreover, it is used to drive load under 1A and is available in fixed output voltages with 3.3V, 5V, 12V, and 15V.

I suggest you buckle up and read this post all the way through, as in this post I’ll detail the Introduction to LM2576 covering the datasheet, pinout, features, and applications. Let’s jump right in.

Introduction to LM2576

• LM2576 is a voltage regulator, also called a buck converter, mainly used as a pre-regulator in linear regulators.
• It is a simplified version of switching power supplies where it houses all functions needed to step down the circuit voltage.

• This buck converter comes with an integrated switch that drives load under 1A.
• LM2576 is available with remarkable load regulation and load line.

• LM2576 is available in two versions: version with fixed output voltage featuring 3.3V, 5V, 12V, & 15V and version with adjustable output that comes with the ability to choose your desired output.
• It is also known as the DC-to-DC power converter mainly used to step down the voltage from the input supply to its output load. The current is increased during this occurrence of voltage regulation.
• This buck converter comes with a fixed-frequency oscillator of around 52 kHz. It is also available with an in-built frequency compensation method.
• Frequency compensation is used to minimize the oscillation and vibration in the electrical circuit. Resistance-capacitance networks are applied for this frequency method to work.
• Apart from the excellent load and line regulation, this component is available with a manual shutdown option using an external ON/OFF pin.

LM2576 Datasheet

Before you apply this component to your electrical project, it’s better to go through the datasheet of the component that features the main characteristics of the device. You can download the datasheet of LM2576 by clicking the link below.

LM2576 Pinout

The following figure shows the pinout diagram of lm2576.

LM2576 is available with five terminals:

1. ON/OFF: This pin is used to shut down the voltage regulator when the input supply current is decreased to 50uA. The threshold voltage is 1.3V. When the voltage on this pin is set to below the threshold voltage, it will turn on the voltage regulator. When the voltage on this pin goes above the threshold voltage it will turn off the device. And when this pin is connected to the ground or leave it open, it will remove the shutdown feature from the device. Whether you connect this pin to the ground or leave it open, in both cases the regulator remains turned on.
2. VIN: This pin is connected to the bypass capacitor that reduces the voltage transients along with providing the switching current.
3. Output: This terminal behaves like an internal switch where voltage potential goes back and forth between (Vin – Vsat) and -0.5V. The Vout/Vin is this pin duty cycle. The coupling is reduced due to the presence of PCB copper attached to this pin.
4. Ground: This is the ground pin.
5. Feedback: For the feedback loop, this pin defines the regulated output voltage.

LM2576 Features

The following are the main features of LM2576.

• Output Voltage available for variable type regulator = 1.23V to 37V
• Internal Oscillator frequency = 52-kHz (this is a Fixed Frequency)
• Output Current = 3A
• Used as a switch-mode step-down voltage regulator
• Comes with In-built Current Limit and Thermal Shutdown Protection
• Output Voltage available for fixed voltage regulator = 3.3V, 5V, 12V or 15V
• Maximum Input Voltage =  40V
• Available packages = TO-263 & TO-220

LM2576 Applications

The following are the main applications of LM2576.

• Incorporated as a pre-regulator in linear regulator
• Used in On-card switching regulators.
• Employed to drive load under 1A.
• Employed in a simple efficient step-down regulator.
• Used in a positive-to-negative converter.

That was all about the Introduction to LM2576. Hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article. If you have any queries, you can pop your question in the section below, I’d love to help you the best way I can. Feel free to share your valuable feedback and suggestions around the content we share, so we keep producing quality content customized to your exact needs and requirements. Thank you for reading the article.

1n4734 Zener Diode Datasheet, Pinout, Features & Applications

Hi Folks! I hope you’re well today. I welcome you on board. In this post today, I’ll walk you through the Introduction to 1n4734.

The 1n4734 is a silicon planner power Zener diode that is employed as a low current voltage regulator. It is incorporated as a shunt regulator in many applications. This Zener diode conducts the current in both directions in contrast to the regular diode that conducts in one direction only i.e. regular diode conducts in forward biased condition only. This Zener diode conducts in both conditions forward biased condition and reverse biased condition. Power dissipation in this Zener diode is 1W and standard Zener voltage tolerance is ±10%.

I suggest you read this entire post till the end, as I’ll detail the complete Introduction to 1n4734 covering datasheet, pinout, main features, and applications. Let’s dive in.

Introduction to 1N4734

• The 1n4734 is a Zener diode employed as a low-current voltage regulator. It is also employed in clipping circuits with high power ratings. This Zener diode is made of semiconductors and is used in voltage protection circuits.

• The current flows from the anode side to the cathode side in the regular diode in a forward-biased condition. On the other hand, in the case of the Zener diode, current conducts in both conditions i.e. forward biased condition and reverse biased condition. Forcing regular diodes to conduct in both conditions will damage the device.
• The Zener diode is normally used in modern electronics and is constructed by plenty of different voltages.

• While picking the Zener diode there are two parameters that you should consider… one is the power dissipation and the other is the power Zener voltage. When a higher reverse voltage is applied to the Zener device it creates the Zener voltage.
• Some Zener diodes experience sharp and highly doped p-n junction when they undergo a Zener effect or Clarence Zener.
• The power dissipation inside the Zener diode is used to identify the amount of current flow. More power dissipation results in more current flow. Power dissipation in this Zener diode is 1W.
• Zener diodes are utilized to generate low-power supply rails using higher voltages. Reference voltages in the electrical circuits are also produced by these Zener diodes.
• In some electrical circuits, there is a limit to the applied voltage. The voltage applied above this limit can damage the device. These Zener diodes are used in those circuits to prevent circuits from overvoltage.

1N4734 Datasheet

Before you apply this component to your project, it’s wise to have a look at the datasheet of the component that contains the main characteristics of the device. Click the link below if you want to download the datasheet of 1n4734.

1N4734 Pinout

The following figure shows the pinout diagram of 1n4734.

• The 1n4734 comes with two terminals named anode and cathode. The anode terminal is positive while the cathode terminal is negative.
• The current enters the diode through the positive anode terminal while the current leaves the diode through the negative cathode terminal.

• The current flows in both conditions in 1n4734 i.e. forward biased condition and reverse biased condition.

1N4734 Features

The following are the main features of the 1n4734 Zener diode.

• Package = DO-41
• Zener Voltage (VZ) = 5.1V
• Used as shunt regulators.
• Power dissipation (PZ) = 1W
• Zener regulator current (Izt) = 49mA

1n4734 Applications

• Used in voltage protection circuits.
• Used as voltage protection for Microcontrollers.
• Used as a low current voltage regulator.
• Used for clipping circuits with high power ratings.
• Used in voltage stabilizing circuits.

That’s all for today. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article. If you’re unsure or have any questions, you can ask me in the section below, I’d love to help you the best way I can. Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback around the content we share, so we keep sharing quality content customized to your needs and requirements. Thank you for reading the article.

Top 10 Professional PCB Design Software

Hi Friends! Hope you’re well today. I welcome you on board. Thank you for clicking this read. In this post today, I’ll detail the Top 10 Professional PCB Design Software. PCB designing is an integral part of executing some electrical projects. No matter if you’re a tech geek or starting the very first time, you may come across the PCB designing process at times. And believe me… if you do some drill beforehand, you don’t need to hire professional services from outside, and you can easily design and execute an electrical project yourself. In this post today, I’ll mention the comprehensive list of Professional PCB Design Software. Some of them are free to use and give you the ability to design your PCB on the go, while some are available with limited versions. You’ve got to buy them to get their full services.

Top 10 Professional PCB Design Software

I suggest you before jumping right into the designing process, you must make your design on the Veroboard or breadboard. This way you can easily find the glitches in your design and fix them before applying your permanent design on your PCB. Moving to PCB designing part is like making a final decision since you won’t get a second chance to fix your errors. In case you find errors in the final PCB design, you need to start all over again. Be on the safe side and start making your project on the Veroboard first then move to the PCB design process. Before I bore you to tears, let’s discuss the Top 10 Professional PCB Design Software.

1. Eagle

Eagle stands first in the list of professional PCB design software. It’s a powerful tool to design your PCB on the fly. Know that… EAGLE free download is a limited version available for engineering students that comes with 2 signal layers, 2 schematic sheets, and an 80cm2 (12.4in2) board area. Moreover, you get the chance to download this software for operating systems including Windows, MAC, and Linux. This software provides easy component placement, the ability to connect schematic diagrams, PCB routing, and detailed library content. Check this link to free download the Eagle software.

2. Proteus

Proteus is another robust and user-friendly PCB design software in the list. I personally use this software to design PCBs. Apart from designing your PCB in the software, it provides you the opportunity to simulate your electrical design. Before I start my design process in the software, first I run the electrical circuit simulation to see if the design is working perfectly. You can seamlessly design your PCB on this software and see your design in the 3D format. Read PCB Designing in Proteus ARES, that I’ve uploaded previously… to see how to design your PCB in Proteus Ares. You can download Proteus Software from here.

3. Altium

Altium is another powerful tool on board. It comes with a comprehensive list of tools for designing your PCB. You can download the free trial before wetting your hands in the paid version. ‘The most connected experience for PCB design and realization’ I love this tagline on their site. This platform gives you the ability to collaborate and interact with designers worldwide. Apart from creating your component list and BOM file, you can test your final design in the 3D simulator before sharing it online with anyone.

4. TinyCAD

Easy to use and easy to learn, TinyCAD is a remarkable software package. It helps you create your library projects and can whip out drawings at a remarkable pace. You can also make your presales conceptual designs. Additional features include drag connected component, snap to grid, 90degree (and more) wire guide, and rotate. You can seamlessly draw your electrical parts. This software is open-source and free to use for everyone.

5. Fritzing

With a user-friendly and attractive interface, Fritzing is a unique software for PCB design. There is one drawback. The hardware is a bit difficult to simulate. Also, we prefer trying out your hardware physically before designing it on this software. Designed by the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, Fritzing gives you the ability to go from experimenting with the prototype to creating a permanent PCB design.

6. ZenitPCB

Robust and quick, ZenitPCB helps to create seamless Schematic designs of electrical circuits. It incorporates signal wires to layout the electrical connection between the circuits. A schematic diagram generated by ZenitCapture contains several pages, helping you better understand the layout of any electrical circuit. It is free to use and open-source software. You can use it for personal or professional purposes. It is limited to 800 pins and can help create PCB design in a super-fast way.

7. CircuitStudio

CircuitStudio stands seventh in the list of professional PCB design software. The remarkable PCB design tool, CircuitStudio contains advanced PCB layout to extend interactive routing. It features Intelligent Situs Autorouting technology and comes with Native 3D PCB editing support. Integrated with digital and analog simulation, this software incorporates a customizable and easy-to-use interface. Moreover, it is compatible with EAGLE and Altium software. It comes with a free-to-use 30-day trial. You need to pay for the product if you want all features lifetime.

8. OrCAD

OrCAD is a great pick to design advanced electronic projects. From creating an initial schematic diagram to generating the final design, this software keeps you covered. One remarkable feature is you can scale this software as your business grows. Easy to learn and easy to use, OrCAD comes with powerful interactive interfaces. It is free to use for a limited time, you need to quote the price if you aim to purchase this software with all features.

9. EasyEDA

EasyEDA is another excellent tool in the club. It is a web-based EDA and PCB layout tool for engineers. You can see complete circuit simulation as you design PCB schematic diagrams. Apart from creating awesome schematic diagrams, you can design a multi-layer PCB. It features a small database of components, the reason for creating better design with advanced components, you need to design components on your own. If you don’t want to involve yourself in the nitty-gritty of the PCB design process, you can outsource your project. Yes, that’s right. You can get the services of PCBWay that helps you design the complex layout of your PCB designs. You can get an online quote for your PCB designs. Plus, you can get a hold of real-time fabrication tracking. With over 99.6% satisfied rate, quick support of a skilled professional is available. Just submit your requirement and get the instant quote.

10. DesignSpark PCB

DesignSpark PCB is another remarkable addition to the list of professional PCB design software. It incorporates a user-friendly interface and helps you create schematic diagrams fast and quick. It is free to use and an open-source tool for designing PCB layouts. This was the comprehensive list of Top 10 Professional PCB Design Software. Some are free to use and some you need to purchase to get all features. Recall, it is better to create your design on Veroboard first before designing your PCB layout on the software. It will save you both time and money. Feel free to share your valuable suggestions and feedback in the comment below. And if you need any help regarding the list of mentioned software, I’d be happy to contribute. Thank you for reading the article.

The Best Technologies for Catching Security Flaws in 2020

Hi Friends! Hope you’re well today. I welcome you on board. In this post today, I’ll detail the best technologies for catching security flaws in 2020. Security is a key priority for all organizations, and attacks have become increasingly specific. Usually, attackers take advantage of specific bugs or vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive data. The cost of breaches can be huge, which is why organizations are equipping themselves with the best technologies aimed at catching vulnerabilities and security flaws before a potential hacker can take advantage of them. Let’s take a look at the best technologies being used in 2020.

White Box Testing (SAST)

One of the older technologies that has been around for over 10 years is white box testing. It is commonly referred to as Static Application Security Testing (SAST). This technology is useful for detecting software vulnerabilities early in the software lifecycle. These issues can be detected through their file name and line number. Additionally, it has in-built adherence to coding regulations. There is, however, a tendency for some false negatives and positives to be detected. The technology can also be somewhat complex, which can lead to issues in implementation. They are also not able to find defects outside the application code such as in third-party interfaces. Typically, SAST can find 14% of vulnerabilities within a code. This makes it useful, but it also means that other technologies should be used as a part of a comprehensive security structure.

Black Box Testing (DAST)

A supporting technology that is often used alongside the above testing method, is black-box testing. This is known as Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST). Some organizations tend to wonder about sast vs dast. In truth, rather than selecting one over the other, it is far better to use them together. DAST can detect security vulnerabilities in running applications. Runtime problems can also be detected with ease. Unlike SAST, the exact line of code is not always able to be located. DAST requires a running application which means they can also be used later in the life cycle. Overall, the dynamic approach allows this technology to detect memory leaks, SQL injections, and many other real work vulnerabilities. It is helpful to use it before an application goes live.

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

Both DAST and SAST have been around for a while. They are still reliable, but they shouldn’t be thought of as complete solutions for dealing with ever-evolving modern threats. IAST is a newer technology aimed to plug these gaps and to provide a more comprehensive security solution. This technology works through the placement of an agent directly within an application. It can scan the entirety of the code within an application which makes it very useful for catching all types of security flaws and vulnerabilities.

Runtime Application Security Protection (RASP)

Similar technology to IAST is RunTime Application Security Protection.  Instead of directly testing, it acts as a potent security technology that is effective at keeping threats out. It is placed within an application and allows consistent security checks to be conducted. Protection can be gained even when specific vulnerabilities are exposed. This makes it a fantastic technology to use in addition to other security solutions. It is even capable of responding to and neutralizing any live attacks. Security teams, however, should not solely rely on RASP. Instead, they should remember that even if attacks are prevented, the underlying flaws would still require a fix.

Reducing False Positives

No technology is completely infallible, and false positives are to be expected due to a variety of factors. Generally, there is a way to significantly reduce the number of false positives picked up by these technologies. This can be achieved through the use of abstract interpretation algorithms. For the best results, they should be specifically tailored to the application domain.

Challenges of Combining Tools

One type of tool isn’t enough to provide full security, and therefore a variety of solutions should be implemented. Know that combining tools isn’t always easy, and there are certain considerations to take into account. One specific challenge comes from the fact that each tool will have different naming conventions and severity ratings. This can cause issues when you look to rank vulnerabilities and decide on the best course of action. In this instance, it is worth using cross-referencing tools to determine the threats to your application. It is well worth the extra time and effort involved in utilizing these tools since a security breach can be incredibly costly. Organizations are becoming far more aware of these threats in 2020, and this has led to an increased usage of all of these various security technologies.

Summary

Overall, there is no technology better than the other. Rather, it depends on how they are used, and many are more effective when used together. Getting these combinations correct and utilizing the latest technologies should be a key security priority for all organizations. That’s all for today. Hope you find this article useful. If you have any questions, you can approach me in the section below, I’d love to help you the best way I can. Thank you for reading the article.

7 Most Commonly used Types of PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

Hello everyone, how are you doing and I hope everybody is doing great.  i am going to discuss today the Types of PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Thank you, everyone, for coming back to our website and it means so much. we are grateful for your engagement and most importantly for choosing to educate yourself over anything else in the world.

PCB circuit boards are everywhere and we daily use dozens of circuit boards and interact with them. There is no doubt in saying that the PCB has made our lives easier and advanced. For example, the first thing in the morning your alarm goes off, and wherever you hit snooze, every time you send a signal through its circuit board.  And probably the list goes on as you turn the light on off etc.

Let's begin!

What is PCB

The abbreviation of the Printed circuit board is PCB, and it is the core of electronic products. But all of them are not equal. They are available in different types and made from different materials and specifications for a wide range of applications. Since the early 1900 PCBs are manufacturing and there is a major evolution of PCB happened in the last few years. PCB is a board that interconnects different electronic and electrical components. It is necessary for building a circuit. This article will bring a deeper understanding of the types of the circuit board and help you in finding the most suitable PCB for your needs. If you are working on some electronics project and want to design or fabricate PCB / PCBA, then we would suggest you to try PCBWay Fabrication House. They have an experienced team, eager to guide you throughout the process. & they always provide excellent results as per your requirements.

Different Types of Circuit board

• As I mention before that printed circuit board comes in a different size because of their characteristics and different requirements.
• The copper rails on circuit boards are used to connect different points of locations. They are easy to recognise.
• Their design makes them different from each circuit.
• Most of the PCBs are made of fibreglass, composite epoxy, and other composite materials.
• For simple electronics most of the time only one or single layer PCB use. But for the sophisticated or complex one such as motherboards and computer graphics card multi-layers PCBs used.

Now let's find about the types of circuit boards in details.

Single Sided PCBs

A single-sided circuit board is the simplest one and made out after a different process. Let's find out.

• It is the least complicated one.
• Contain one layer of substrate or base material
• One layer of the substrate is covered with the thin layer of metal or copper (it is excellent conductor)
• After the copper base painting usually a protective solder mask is applied.
• A silkscreen coat is applied to complete the look

Since the circuit board is single sided, it is easy to design and manufacture. All of the components are located on one side of the board. They can be purchased on low cost and especially for high volume orders. Their cost is low as compared to other circuit boards. They are used in a variety of applications like cameras, radio, printers, calculator etc.

Double Sided PCBs

Double Sided Printed circuit boards are more common as compare to single sided PCBs. Because of their high properties.

• Both sides have metal conductive layers and parts are connected to both sides
• Electric components are separated evenly on the entire board
• Holes are drilled through the board to connect to the other side too.
• For connecting both sides used through holes or with the surface-mount.

What is Through Hole

Through holes in double-sided PCBs means that small wires (known as leads) are fed through the holes with each end of the leads and then joined to the right component.

What is Surface Mount

In the surface mount wires are not used as connectors. Alternatively, small leads are soldered directly to the board. Simply put, that board itself is used as a wiring surface for the many components.

• Less space
• Allowing the board to complete more function by freeing up space
• Lighter weight and higher speed than through hole

Double-sided PCBs are used in complex applications as comper to single sided PCBs. It demands a medium level of complexity. The applications that used double sided or double layers PCBs are power supplies, HVAC systems, LED lighting and Vending machines etc.

Multi Layers PCBs

The Multi Layers PCBs are more complex than double sided PCBs. It consists of a series of three or more double layers.  These are using advanced technology in double sided boards.

• More than two layers of the substrate on the board
• The insulating material used on every layer
• The same latest technology of double sided is used to connect the different components
• The largest multilayer PCB was fifty layers thick.

All the applications that are using multi layers PCBs are data storage, file servers, satellite etc.

Rigid PCBs

Rigid Circuit boards are made of the solid substrate like printed circuit boards. Printed circuit board are not just classified based on layers and sides.

• It prevents the board from twisting.
• A most common example is a rigid motherboard
• The main difference is the number of layers
• Rigid PCBs consist of different rigidity

Rigid PCBs can be simple to multi-layers of PCBS. These PCBs can be used everywhere where it needs for PCB.  This type of circuit board is solid and inflexible. Fibreglass is one of the best options because it keeps the board from bending and stops any type of damage.

Flex PCBs

Flex is a short form of flexible. You can guess it with a name that it will make the flexible PCBs with the flexible plastic.

• Fit into different shapes
• Bend the board anytime and keep it safe
• Costly than other designs
• PCBs are light in weight and used in advanced technology

 

Rigid-Flex PCBs

As shows in name that it is the combination of rigid and flex. It is the last type a litle bit confusing but the main concept behind it was to use it with the strongest boards.

• Bothe flexibe and rigid
• Circuit board is rigid but its connect layers with the flex circuit board
• Difficult to make
• Consist of multi layers of flexible PCBs

It have many advantages of using over flex and rigid PCBs. These are found in cell phone applications, digital cameras and automobile etc.

1N5819 Schottky Diode Datasheet, Pinout, Features & Applications

Hello Friends! Happy to see you around. Thank you for clicking this read. In this post today, I’ll document the Introduction to 1n5819. The 1n5819 is a Schottky diode, also called hot-carrier diode, employed for extremely fast switching. This diode is formed when the metal material is combined with the semiconductor material. This combination results in the formation of a barrier that blocks the flow of electrons. The reason this is also called a hot-carrier diode. I suggest you read this post all the way through, as I’ll walk you through the complete introduction to 1n5819 covering datasheet, pinout, features, equivalents, and applications. Let’s get started.

Introduction to 1N5819

• The 1n5819 is a Schottky diode used for fast switching applications.
• With high switching speed and low forward drop voltage, this device is employed in high-frequency applications like DC-DC inverters.

• This diode features low electronic energy in an unbiased condition that is responsible for the creation of a barrier inside the diode that in return blocks the movement of electrons. The formation of a barrier is the reason these Schottky diode devices are also known as a hot-carrier diode.

• The regular diodes and Schottky diodes are similar devices in terms of the current flow. Both favor the movement of current in one direction only i.e. from the anode terminal to the cathode terminal.
• These devices are different in terms of the voltage required to power up these devices. Output 2V DC voltage source applied to the diodes, Schottky diodes require only 0.3V, leaving behind 1.7V to power up the diode while regular diode requires only 0.7V leaving behind 1.3V to power up the regular diode.

Know that… where less power dissipation is required these Schottky diodes can be replaced with the MOSFETs.

1N5819 Datasheet

Before working with this component, it’s wise to go through the datasheet of the component that features the main characteristics of the device. You can download the datasheet of this device by clicking the link below.

1N5819 Pinout

The picture below shows the pinout diagram of 1n5819.

• The component 1n5819 is composed of two terminals. These terminals are used for the external connection with the electrical circuit.
• One terminal is called anode that is positive while the other terminal is called cathode that is negative.
• The positive anode is made of metal material while the negative cathode is composed of semiconductor material.

• The conduction process is carried out from the anode terminal to the cathode terminal. An anode is an area from where current enters the diode and a cathode is the side from where it leaves the diode.

1N5819 Features

The following are the main features of 1n5819 that help you understand how this device is different from its peers available in the market.

• Diode type = Schottky diode
• Semiconductor used = n-type
• RMS Reverse Voltage = 28V
• Average forward current = 1A
• Forward Voltage Drop = 600mV at 1A
• Forward Surge Current = 25A
• Peak reverse voltage = 40V
• Available package = DO-41

1n5819 Schottky Diode Construction

• This Schottky diode is made of metal and semiconductor material. The anode side is composed of metal while the cathode side is made of semiconductor material.
• The n-type semiconductor is used for the construction of the Schottky diode. The n-type semiconductor is a material where electrons are the majority carriers while the holes are minority carriers. You can also use p-type semiconductor material for the making of this Schottky diode but n-type materials are preferred over p-type material since the latter carries low forward drop voltage.
• When metals like tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and platinum are attached with the n-type semiconductor material they constitute Schottky diode.
• In the Schottky diode, the current moves from the anode terminal to the cathode terminal and this diode blocks the movement of current in the opposite direction.
• The forward drop voltage on the Schottky diode is mainly related to the nature of metal and the semiconductor material used for the formation of a barrier that restricts the movement of electrons.

1N5819 Applications

The 1n5819 is used in the following applications.

• Used to control the electronic charge.
• Used in freewheeling and logic circuits.
• Used in sample-and-hold circuits.

• Used in polarity protection and DC/DC converters applications.
• Used for signal detection and extremely fast switching applications.
• Used in radio frequency applications and solar systems.
• Used in high-frequency and low voltage inverters.

That was all about the Introduction to 1n5819. Share your valuable suggestions and feedback around the content we share and help us create quality content based on your requirements. If you have any questions related to this article, you’re most welcome to ask in the comment section below, I’d love to help you the best way I can. Thank you for reading this article.