Hello learners! Welcome to the introduction of the round PCBs, where we are going to discuss the round PCBs in detail. This is specially designed for articles for beginners as well as for intermediate skills in printed circuit boards. PCBs are the backbone of any circuit, and it is crucial to understand the type and application of the circuit and its PCB in detail before starting to work on it.
If you are going to buy crucial products like PCBs, always choose the best option that has positive reviews and a great experience. The best option for this is PCBWay.com, which has a great variety of PCBs, electronic components, equipment, and services. They have a vast variety of PCB services that range from high-speed PCBs to optical module PCBs, semiconductor tests, aerospace PCB circuit boards, and many other fields in different shapes, including round PCBs.
The best thing is that they provide the fastest services, and ordering online is easy here. Go to PCBWay.com and click on the PCB instant quote. They will ask for different parameters that you have to fill according to your circuit. Choose the build time and add it to the cart. You can find the detailed process on their website.
In this article, we’ll see the basic introduction of round PCBs. We’ll see the definition of round PCBs and understand how they are different from the other shapes. After that, we’ll see its manufacturing in detail and will see different phases of manufacturing. We’ll also have a look at their application. Let’s start learning.
The PCBs are present in different shapes and sizes and are customized by keeping different parameters in mind such as the scope, type, and working of the circuit. Usually, people have seen rectangular or square PCBs but one must know that round PCBs bring flexibility and functionality in the design and features of the circuits. To easily understand these, let's have a look at their introduction:
"Round PCBs are different from rectangular or square PCBs in terms of shape and applications and these bring factors like space utilization in circuits and provide better performance in different scenarios."
These PCBs introduce signal integrity in the high-frequency circuits because the components are tightly packed in the curved traces and as a result, better performance is gained. The difference is the presence of the curves in the round PCBs that have multiple advantages in the circuits.
Just like other PCBs, the manufacturing of the round PCBs involves different steps and special techniques are applied in these steps. Let’s have a look at these steps:
A PCB design software is used to get started with the design process of round PCBs. it creates the schematic and layout of the circuit. In the case of round PCBs, great care and attention are required because of the curves. The route tracing and component placement are different from the rectangular or square PCBs.
Once the round PCBs are designed, the process of Gerber file generation is carried out. This file has multiple instructions and information regarding the design and some of them are listed below:
The Garber file just discussed is used for the creation process of the photomasks. These are the essential photographic films that have patterns related to the different layers in the round PCBs. A large sheet of laminated material such as the FR4 is cut into the designed panel. A feature of this panel is, that it is pre-drilled with the registration hole so that it may be aligned with the design.
A photosensitive film (photoresist) is put to the copper foil in the laminate panel's inner layers.
The photomasks for these layers expose the required patterns to ultraviolet (UV) light. The exposed photoresist hardens, leaving the unexposed portions soft. The panel is then processed, eliminating any unexposed photoresist. This leaves the copper traces exposed. The visible copper is chemically etched away, leaving the inner layers with the appropriate circuit designs.
The design is now get ready with different processes such as the lamination of the surface and then drilling the holes according to the design. If the design consists of different panels then all of these are aligned together to get the best output. Once the panel is ready, the imaging and etching of the outer layer are carried out to create the final product in terms of design.
The PCBs are then passed through the process of platting. Here, a thin layer of the conducting material is applied to the required arrears to provide conductivity. Usually, this layer is copper because of its best-conducting characteristics.
Once the copper (or any other material) is traced on the round PCBs, a solder mask is applied to the PCB so that the traces may be protected against oxidation. In the end, the silkscreen is applied to the PCBs to add more details.
The applications of the round PCBs are the same as the traditional ones but they play a crucial role in improving factors such as performance and space constraints. Here are some advantages that you must know:
The consumer electrics are changing day by day. Smart technologies have made these electronics smaller and more stylish. The round PCBs help to get better performance in the smaller space. For instance, these are used in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and related wearables where the round shape fits into the device easily.
The medical devices are becoming smaller and smarter. For instance, the large X-ray machines, or blood pressure measuring devices are smaller now and are used as wearables. The round PCBs are used here because of their round curves and smart shape to fit in these devices.
The round PCBs are not only smart but are more appealing in their looks. The automotive industry requires circuits that not only provide better performance but also look more stylish. Some automotive instrument clusters and control panels always prefer round PCBs because of their look.
As a result, we have understood the round PCBs in detail in this article. We started with the introduction to the round PCBs and then saw how these PCBs are designed and ready to work. We saw why these are better in performance and in the end, we discussed how to get the best PCBs from PCBWay.com. I hope all the points are clear now and if you want to know more, you can contact us.
Hello seekers! I hope you all are doing great. Today, we are interested to learn about a basic and one of the most crucial topics in the field of electronics that is, the difference between active and passive components. Knowing the difference between these two is not only fruitful for beginners but also helps to understand the output and nature of electrical and electronic devices throughout the circuit design process.
While designing electrical or electronic circuits, it is crucial to get the best components. There are different features that affect the performance of these tiny components, including material, type, manufacturing techniques, etc. It's a good practice to get the components from a trusted source, and I suggest you buy them from PCBWay. This is one of the most trusted sources not only for buying the components, but it helps the customer from designing the PCB to prototyping as well. It is the one-stop for almost all the circuit manufacturing and assembly.
The buyer simply has to visit the website, where thousands of quality products, including active and passive components, are listed with all the details. The buyer can see and select the best match for the project. They can see the raw material, packaging, product number, description, and other details so that even a person with no technical knowledge can choose the best product. So, I recommend you visit PCBWay Fabrication House online, and you can order your components from anywhere.
These two categories are differentiated by different parameters, and we’ll discuss them in detail. We’ll start with a simple comparison between the active and passive components and after that, we’ll discuss each and every point in detail to gain a grip on the concept. We’ll study the introduction, features, and examples of these components and in the end, we’ll see where we can get the best components in the most convenient way. Let’s start with the difference:
A circuit is made of different types of components, and it is not completed unless all the necessary components are properly designed. It requires the components, the wires to create the connection between them, and the external source as well. Before designing any circuit, the most important step is to know the nature of its components. On a border scale, the electrical components are classified into two categories:
There are different ways to differentiate these two and we’ll discuss these in detail. The structure, features, material, and other basic features decide the category. At a higher level, the circuit is not complete until it uses both these types. The details of these components will be shared with you in just a bit but before this, have a look at this chart that summarizes the difference between these two types:
Feature |
Active Components |
Passive Components |
Power Source |
Require an external power source to work such as a battery, power supply, etc |
Do not require external power for their functioning the internal structure is enough for this |
Function |
|
|
Examples |
|
|
Gain |
Can provide power gain, which means they amplify signals |
Cannot provide power gain, therefore attenuating or weakening signals in the circuit |
Control |
Can actively control the flow of current and voltage |
Can passively influence the flow of current and voltage |
Complexity |
These are generally more complex because they are made from semiconductors |
Generally simpler because these are made from basic materials |
Applications |
|
|
Examples of use in a circuit |
Transistors amplify a weak signal in a microphone; ICs process data in a computer |
Resistors control the brightness of LEDs, and capacitors smooth out the voltage from a battery |
The details of this table are explained here in the form of a basic introduction of active and passive components. I’ve tried to show the introduction in such a way that you can compare it easily.
The active components provide an active influence when electricity is applied to the circuit. These are the semiconductor materials that possess features like an amplification of the output, electrical current flow, electrical signal generation, etc. In simple words, active components work with the external power source and actively contribute to signal manipulation. The following are the fundamental features that help to understand the basics of active components:
As mentioned before, these components always require an external power or electricity source to start working. Therefore, these are the semiconductor components that are useless when there is no external power source.
Active components can amplify, switch, or manipulate the electrical signals of the circuits. These are also referred to as master conductors because they direct the current with great precision.
The superpower of the active components for which these are recognized is the amplification of the signals. A weak or low-frequency signal can be amplified with these components, and these can crank into a more audible or usable form.
Another feature that is associated with the active components is the lighting speed of these components to switch the electrical signals on and off. These are considered the digital traffic signals that control the electrical flow in the circuit.
These are usually semiconductors, and the scope of these components is not just limited to simple electronic circuits; complex circuits, such as solar cells, have the implementation of active components.
Some important examples of the active components will help us understand them thoroughly.
The passive components are entitled to be the workhorses of the electric circuit world. These are the fundamental components that are essentially required in circuits. These are different from the active component because they generate their energy to work. The following features of these components will help you understand why they are called "passive" components:
The main feature of a passive component is its ability to interact with the circuit using the present electrical signal or the energy of the circuit.
The passive components have different ways in which they can affect the flow of electrical current, voltage, or the frequency of the circuit. Some of these ways are:
Controlling the electrical flow
Filter the energy
Store the power and electricity
Distribute electrical energy in the circuit
These features result in the shaping of the electrical circuit's performance according to the requirements.
These components are present in different sizes and shapes, and they are the basic building blocks when complex circuits are designed. Collectively, these components can create the circuits that perform the variations in the tasks.
The most common example of a passive component is a resistor. These regulate the flow of electricity and are considered tiny dams in the circuit. There is a large variety of resistors therefore, these are usable in almost all types of circuits and are the most crucial part of these circuits.
The capacitors are also passive components of the circuit. These can store electrical energy in the form of electrical fields because of their internal structure. These are the tiny batteries that help in the voltage regulation of the circuits. The main use of capacitors is in circuits where the direct current (DC) of the current has to be blocked and the circuit only allows the alternative current (AC).
Inductors are the passive components that deal with the magnetic field around them. These act like mini electromagnets and oppose the change in the current. As a result, these smooth the electrical fluctuations and can be used to filter unwanted signals as well.
Hence, in this way, you know the difference between the active and passive components. These are the fundamental concepts of electrical circuits, and if these are clear, the user can design, learn, and understand the complex concept in no time. We started with a chart of the differences between these components and then explained each point in detail. We saw the definitions, features, and examples of both types in the end. Moreover, we also understood the best way to easily buy any type of electrical component from PCBWay. I hope I have discussed all the things in detail, but if you want to know more, you can ask in the comment section.
Hello, peep! I hope you are doing great. Today, I’ll explain to you a very basic and interesting topic in the electrical world. We know printed circuit boards act as the backbone of complex circuits, and microwave PCBs are an important member of this family. These are the integral components of the high-frequency circuit designs. We will study microwave PCBs in detail and find out the perfect type of circuit where these are widely used.
Now, the question arises as to where the best PCBs can easily be ordered. It is crucial to get sensitive devices like printed circuit boards from the right vendor because quality is the first parameter to be considered in such shopping. One of the most reliable sources to get microwave PCBs without any difficulty is PCBWay Fabrication House. It is a popular manufacturer and seller of PCBs and their prototyping. The users can have low-volume production and a wide variety of PCB assembly services, all of which are available under one roof.
PCBWay is one of the largest manufacturers of PCBs and provides a great variety of PCBs and related components. They not only sell PCBs but also provide services such as manufacturing, designing, prototyping, and other processes. They have a large staff that helps the users to get their queries solved instantly. I suggest you visit PCBWay.com to get any services related to electronic circuit components, especially PCBs.
In this article, we’ll start learning the introduction to microwave PCBs through the basic definition. After that, we’ll understand the features in detail and see the basic applications in different sensitive domains of electronics to understand their scope. Here is the introduction of these PCBs.
Microwave printed circuit boards are a specialized category of PCBs that are designed to be operated according to the stringent requirements of high-frequency circuits. As the name suggests, the basic purpose of using these PCBs is to have the best performance at a higher level of frequency, even in microwaves where other PCBs do not provide the right performance. At such high frequencies, these PCBs show the best performance with minimal loss and distortion. This is the reason why these have applications in extraordinary fields such as aerospace, medical devices, etc.
The basic reason behind the best performance of this PCB is because of its design. From material selection to the fabrication process, these PCBs are designed to keep high frequency in mind. Hence, the nuances of the material are vital to achieving signal integrity with reliable output.
Microwave PCBs are different from traditional PCBs because they are designed for the extraordinary Understanding the features of microwave PCBs will help you a lot to know their basics and applications.
As mentioned before, the basic reason behind the robust performance of these PCBs is because of the material used in their production. These are made with specialized substrate materials that have low dielectric constants and low dissipation factors. Common materials used in their production are:
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
FR-4 with PTFE
Ceramic-filled PTFE composites
Here, the basic material is PTFE, whereas FR- and ceramic-filed PTFE are its variants.
As compared to ordinary PCBs, microwave PCBs are employed with thicker copper layers. This not only reduces conductor loss but also contributes to better thermal management. For this, more material is required, and usually, the thickness of microwave PCBs is greater than that of many other types.
One of the most critical features of microwave PCBs is their impedance maintenance. They are designed in such a way that they prevent the phenomenon of signal reflection in microwave signals. Microstrip or stripline configurations are important techniques used during its design, and this ensures efficient power transfer from one point to another in the PCB.
An important feature of this PC is that, during the design process, great care is taken to isolate the component. This includes processes such as strategic component placement and optimized routing so that the circuit has minimal crosstalk.
Another reason why these PCBs provide the best signal integrity is the via design. The following table shows the via design options in the microwave PCBs:
Feature |
Through-hole Via |
Blind Via |
Buried Via |
Connection |
Extends through the entire PCB |
Connects an outer layer to one or more inner layers |
Connects inner layers without penetrating the outer layers |
Visibility |
Visible on both the top and bottom of the PCB |
Visible on one side of the PCB (typically the top) |
Not visible on either side of the PCB |
Manufacturing method |
Drilling through the entire PCB |
Drilling partway through the PCB, then plating the remaining portion |
Laser drilling or plating through micro vias |
Cost |
Less expensive |
More expensive than through-hole vias, less expensive than buried vias |
Most expensive |
Reliability |
Highly reliable |
Less reliable than through-hole vias, more reliable than buried vias |
Least reliable |
Applications |
High-current applications, high-density designs |
Applications where vias need to be hidden on one side of the PCB, such as for cosmetic reasons or to prevent EMI |
High-density designs, applications where vias need to be hidden on both sides of the PCB |
Another way to maintain the performance of these PCBs is to set the electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance in the design. This helps a circuit to adhere to the regulation of electromagnetic standards so that every component in the circuit has the experience of the right EMI and EMC. This not only results in better circuit design but is useful in testing and validation.
As we have discussed so far in this article, microwave PCBs are a specialized type of PCB. these have applications in the areas where PCB tolerance and high sensitivity are required. Here are some major fields where these PCBs are used:
In areas like aerospace and defence, high-performance circuits are extensively used and reliability is an important factor of these circuits. Here, the microwave PCBs are considered one of the best choices. The two most critical applications are discussed below:
For military and aerospace applications, radar systems are the basic devices and these require accurate performance all the time. In these devices, microwave PCBs help to get precise and rapid signal processing.
The electronic warfare system circuity requires a base that may bear the high frequency easily. For such systems, the microwave PCBs are the best choice. As a result, these PCBs help to have the best performance.
The microwave PCBs are the integral base of the systems in the telecommunication fields. These systems are loaded with wireless communication devices and here, usually, the best frequency is in the form of microwaves. Therefore, most of the devices use microwave PCBs to get the best performance.
Communication with the satellite requires a high frequency to communicate through the distance. For this, reliable devices that can bear the high frequency without disturbing the output are required and this is possible with the microwave PCBs.
The sensitive areas like medical imaging devices where accuracy and precision are the life-saving parameters, are always the best pieces of equipment used and microspace PCBs are worth discussing as part of these devices. Here are some medical applications where these PCBs are used:
In medical imaging devices, accuracy is an important factor because of the limitations of the colours. Here, the base of these devices is the microwave PCBs, because ideally, these do not distort the output even at the high frequency. Two important applications in this regard are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scanners.
These PCBs have applications in radio frequency (RF) ablation systems, where they help the expert work on medical treatment with precise control.
In laboratories and scientific research departments where heavy calculations are required and the device runs continuously for a long time, it is better to use microwave PCBs because of their feature to bear high frequencies.
The research applications get the most benefit from these PCBs and can work with the best results from their long-term calculations.
The scope of microwave PCBs is not limited to these fields but is widely used in industrial automation, consumer electronics, etc.
So, in this article, we have understood the basics of microwave PCBs. We started with the basic introduction and understood the features to clarify the concepts. After that, we saw the applications of microwave PCBs in different sensitive areas where they are used because of their features like accuracy and precision. Moreover, in the beginning, we discussed how PCBWay is the best choice to buy microwave PCBs. I hope you liked the content, and if you want to know something more, you can contact me through the comment section.
Printed circuit boards are the most important and basic component of the electronic industry. These boards have made it possible to create and run circuits on every level and have served as the backbone of any electronic device. With the growing demand for technology, PCBs have gone through multiple evolutions. The transformation of PCBs has made it possible to create innovative and better electronic circuits.
Today, we are talking about the emerging trends in PCB that are reshaping electronic circuits and the components used in innovative designs. But before this, it is important to understand the importance of using the emerging trends for the circuits.
PCBs are versatile components, and not all PCBs are ideal for a particular type of circuit. However, it is always advisable to use the most trending technologies to meet the needs of the time, especially in the case of designing Multilayer PCB. Here are some important and obvious advantages to using the trending technologies:
The enhanced technologies are made to provide better functionality and performance. The researchers are working on providing the best techniques to make the lower PCBs work more efficiently, even on low power. Experiments are being performed on different materials to improve electricity flow and resistance to heat.
Similarly, multiple techniques are introduced to reduce the size of components and boards to provide better accommodation for components in the boards. As a result, more components can be settled on the same board, and better performance is expected.
The advanced technology is more reliable because of the multiple experiments and research performed on PCBs. The advanced PCBs have a lower risk of failure and other related factors, and they have a longer life as compared to the older technology PCBs. For instance, in the latest PCBs, lead-free solder and other safe materials are used to ensure reliable working for a long time. Moreover, conformal coating is used as a coating to provide protection to the PCB against moisture, dust, and other contaminants that can harm the PCBs.
The advanced technology provides more versatility and variety in operations related to PCB functionalities. For instance, 3D printing technologies allow the user to create complex and smaller PCB designs that were almost impossible with the old and traditional techniques. For instance, laser direct imaging technology helps to improve the accuracy of PCBs; therefore, multiple operations can be performed on such PCBs with a lower risk of damage.
Technology is all about following the trends that people want. In the electronic industry, trends do not change rapidly, but there is still a need to follow the emerging and latest technologies to match the requirements of devices and for better component selection. Here are some trends that are present in the market for PCB and have scope in the future as well.
The material of the PCB is the most obvious and important factor to consider when choosing the type of board. Flexible PCBs are trending in the market because of their ability to adjust to different shapes and inconvenient places. The market for electronic devices requires a type of PCB that can fit into wearables and other small places and can accommodate the shape of the latest devices. People are moving towards flexible and rigid-flex PCBs because they are convenient, reliable, and durable, even in challenging situations.
It has been seen that flex and flex-rigid PCBs have more life than simple hard and inflexible boards. Moreover, these PCBs can accommodate a larger number of components because the electrical traces are flexible and can conduct electricity at a longer distance. It is evident that the electricity in these PCBs faces low resistance therefore, the conductivity is enhanced.
This is the era where everything can be made better using different technologies. Wearable devices are trending, and this has led to the success of miniaturization and HDI PCBs. Miniaturization not only makes the PCB smaller, but these are more powerful versions of the bigger PCBs because of the advanced technologies and best material used for electrical conductivity.
In small PCBs, high-definition interconnections are used for the best electrical conductivity and traces. These microvalves and multiple-layer PCBs provide better performance and are one of the most trending PCBs in the industry.
3D printing is the emerging trend in prototyping, and it provides convenience during the design process. It is used to create the conductive traces within the multi-layer intricate PCBs. This has made rapid customization and provided variety for prototyping and ideal design formation in PCBs. People are moving towards this technology because it allows them to use their creativity and make possible results. PCBWay is one of the best PCB Fabrication houses and provides the best 3D printing.
Quantum dots and nanotechnology are the trending technologies for the devices for medical industry and display applications. These are the tiny semiconductor particles used in the PCBs and provide different colours and lights when the electricity is passed through them. Such types of PCBs are trending in the advertising, market, and medical industries, where attractive and unique colours are required to distinguish different elements.
The integration of IoT technology into the PCBs is making them smarter. These PCBs are the heart f the connected world and require communication between different devices. IoT provides the functionality of different wireless communication and connections with the help of different controllers, sensors, modules, etc that enable the devices to collect and transmit the data. These smart PCBs provide automation and create the smart networks that are trending in every field.
The first step in innovative electronics is the application of the latest techniques to the PCBs. It seems PCBWay Fabrication House knows it very well because it has been working on emerging technologies to provide the latest functionalities in its PCBs. It is a Chinese company that started in 2003 and since then, it has gained a great number of customers and provides its services almost all over the world through its website. It seems like the motto of this company is to win the hearts of customers all over the world through their high-quality and affordable products and services.
This company has manufacturing facilities in multiple countries, including Shenzhen and China and the sales and support network of PCBWay makes it one of the most reliable companies around the world.
PCBWay is committed to providing the exact product according to the customer’s expectations. It offers multiple types of plates, including Rogers, copper substrates, aluminium substrates, high-frequency high-speed HDI for miniaturization and other latest techniques. The following is a list of the basic techniques PCBWay uses to provide trending products and services:
impedance control
HDI blind buried hole
Thick copper PCB
Multi-layer special stack-up structure
Electroplated nickel gold/gold finger
Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold (ENEPIG)
Shaped holes
Deep Groove
You can get details on each of them here . The research department of this company works day and night to provide innovative and demanding products when the customer contacts them for an order or suggestions.
Printed circuit boards have to be more versatile and up-to-date all the time to meet the needs of the technical world. These are the backbones of the electronic industry, and the competition among different companies makes it compulsory to use trending technologies in PCBs. We have seen why it is important to use the latest technology in the PCB and what some basic and trending technologies are. In the end, we have discussed one of the most popular companies, PCBWay, for the prototyping, manufacturing, and related tasks on the PCBs, and we have discussed some of the basic techniques it follows. I hope it was information for you.
Hi, I hope you all are doing great. Today we are talking about the silkscreen on the printed circuit boards (PCBs). We know that PCBs are the essential parts of electronic devices, and there are a variety of PCBs for different circuits. Generally, silkscreening is the process of surface printing with the help of a design cut out on a sheet. But, we are particularly talking about the silkscreen on the PCB.
It is a crucial step in the PCB design and plays a role during the PCB assembly to make sure the PCB is designed well. Generally, silkscreen is used to provide basic information about the components on the PCBs. This article has a silkscreen introduction, types, and methods.
The PCB Silkscreen is a layer of non-electric permanent epoxy ink present in the form of text or different graphics on the surface of PCBs. The basic use of silkscreen is to provide information, which may be the names, types, and polarity of the components. Moreover, it also includes information about the manufacturing company, such as its name or logo.
Silkscreen is also known as labelling or serigraphy and is the main technique in different industries. It is highly useful during the process of fabrication to verify the component's placement. Therefore, the PCB silkscreen helps the assembler, identify the perfect place for the components.
Multiple PCB companies offer services for prototype and assembly, and one of the most suitable names among them is PCBWay. It is a China-based company that is known for its quick services with no quality compromise. They provide the most reliable boards, and their critical testing system is responsible for the best results and top-quality PCBs.
Another advantage of choosing PCBWay Fabrication House is the competitive prices because they directly take orders and there is no need for any broker to buy the PCBs. The quick turnaround time, wide range of products, high-quality latest machines, and online status of the orders are the most significant features of PCBWay.
The PCB silkscreen varies depending on the design and type of the PCB, but there are some basic components of silkscreen that must be included in all silkscreens. Here are some of these:
The silkscreen is a crucial tool for the perfect assembly of the PCBs. It makes sure that all the components are placed accurately and that the PCB is functioning well. There are multiple reasons to use the silkscreen, and the most important among these are given next:
The component side of the PCB is the one where all the components of the PCB are to be mounted. The silkscreen is important to indicate the right place of the components, such as the resistors, inductors, capacitors, etc. The user simply has to follow the design on the silkscreen, and the PCB is ready to use.
Many components of the circuit are polarized, such as the diode, capacitors (polarized), integrated circuits, etc. For such places in the PCB, the silkscreen has different indications, such as dots or other symbols, to identify the right direction. This facilitates the user a lot, and it is also vital for the PCB's health when the electricity passes through the circuit because the component set at the wrong polarity may damage the PCB.
Silkscreen also provides information about the manufacturers, so the users do not have any difficulty dealing with the PCBs. This is because every manufacturer has a specific set of working rules. This information may include the following points:
This helps the users at different levels, whether they are manufacturing, placing, or using the PCB.
The silkscreen makes the PCB more attractive. These are printed in a contrasting colour to the PCB surface. In this way, the PCB looks more neat and pleasing. The better the quality of the silkscreen, the better it looks. For this, more appealing colours of the silkscreen are used to enhance the texture and design.
One must know that the PCBWay offers multiple colours of ink for customers, including yellow, green, white, and black. In this way, the customers can choose the specification of PCB silkscreen of their own choice. PCBWay also provides a variety of fonts and designs; therefore, all the controls in the customer’s hand and the proper guidance of PCBWay at each step help to make your creativity live.
There are several ways of producing silkscreen and the manufacturers select the most accurate by keeping some parameters in mind. Some of such parameters are the material of the PCB, cost, creation, and manufacturer of the silkscreen. Some of the most important methods that you must know are given here:
This technique is known for its high-resolution results, and it does not require a printing plate because it uses liquid plates. An advantage of using it is its ability to avoid shorts and maintain the PCB’s electrical integrity. This method uses liquid curable inks that are cured with UV lights. A design is applied to the lights so that only the required area is hardened, and then the unwanted part is removed. This design is now used for the silkscreening process on PCBs.
When the laser is applied to the protective layer of the PCB, the copper underneath is exposed and as a result, the PCB is ready for more processes.
This is the most traditional method for PCB silkscreen and is also known as Hand screen printing for PCB. In this process, the stencil is created on the mesh. The ink is applied to the mesh, and a squeegee is used to force the ink onto the surface of the PCB. The mesh or stencil has a specific design according to the requirements, and as a result, the silkscreen is printed on the surface.
The principle of this type of printing is the same as that of the inkjet printer. The high-speed inkjet printer is used to print the board directly. The acrylic ink is applied directly to the CAD data. This ink is then cured with UV lights during the printing process. Usually, DLP is applied to the PCB after the application of the solder mask. This is a quick method that involves fewer steps, but the users get high efficiency and precision. Moreover, factors such as setting the font size and style are under the control of the designers.
Name of Technique |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Liquid Photo Imaging |
Precision, Requires less area |
More time and ink are required to set |
Manual Screen Printing |
Cost-effective, Easy to use |
Require larger area, Not suitable for large-volume |
Direct Legend Printing |
Low dry time, Highest accuracy |
Can not apply to silver-based PCBs |
If we talk about the prominent name dealing with the silkscreen then the PCBWay is one of the best options. It provides all these methods to their buyers and also guides them about the best choice of silkscreen they must have. Moreover, they provide versatility in the design options to make your PCB exceptional. I hope you have gotten all the information you were searching for. The silkscreen is a crucial process during the manufacturing of PCBs. It provides facilitation for the user and manufacturer. There are multiple ways of PCB silkscreen manufacturing, and the user has to choose the best according to the circuit. If you need some help with the topic, you can contact us.
Printed circuit board is a very important part of electronic devices. You will find them in all electronic appliances. To make a good quality PCB, it is very important to select high-grade materials. A PCB mainly consists of a NON-conductive material. Conductive lines are etched or printed on them.
PCB materials are mainly of 3 types.
Among these 3, FR-4 is the most common. This article will discuss all that you need to know about FR4 PCB Fabrication. We will discuss all about FR4. We will focus on its advantages.
Here are some samples of FR4 PCBs made by PCBway.
Here are some common FR4 PCB assembly mounting technology types:
SMT is the most widely used technology for mounting components on FR4 PCBs. In SMT, components are mounted directly onto the surface of the PCB using solder paste. The solder paste is applied to the solder pads on the PCB. Then the components are then placed on top of the solder paste. The PCB is then heated. It melts the solder. Thus it creates a permanent electrical and mechanical connection between the component leads and the PCB.
THT involves inserting component leads through holes drilled in the FR4 PCB. The leads are then soldered on the opposite side of the PCB to create a connection. THT is commonly used for components that need additional mechanical strength. THT is also used for high power or high voltage requirements.It is less commonly used than SMT. Still it is relevant for certain applications.
Many PCB assemblies combine both SMT and THT components. This is called mixed technology assembly. In such cases, the SMT components are typically mounted first. After that, the THT components are inserted and soldered on the opposite side of the PCB.
COB technology involves mounting bare semiconductor chips directly onto the FR4 PCB. This technology works without traditional packaged components. The chips are typically attached using conductive adhesives or wire bonding techniques. COB technology is commonly used for high-density applications where size and weight reduction are critical, such as in mobile devices.
BGA is a surface mount technology that utilizes an array of solder balls on the underside of the component. These solder balls create electrical connections between the component and the PCB. BGA components offer high pin counts and are commonly used in applications that require high-performance processors, graphics chips, or other integrated circuits.
Micro BGA is a variation of BGA technology that utilizes smaller solder balls and tighter ball pitches. This technology is often used for miniaturized electronic devices where space is limited.
These are some of the common FR4 PCB assembly mounting technology types. The selection of the appropriate technology depends on the specific requirements of the PCB design, the complexity of the circuit, the size of the components, and the intended application. Manufacturers consider these factors to ensure a reliable and efficient assembly process.
FR4 PCB fabrication typically involves the following steps:
First, we need to create the PCB layout. We have to use design software like Proteus, Kicad, Eagle etc. Then we need to place components. Then we need to route the traces. At the time of routing, we should avoid DRC errors. It is very important to define the board dimensions.
Following is a typical PCB layout:
The next step is Gerber File Generation. We can Gerber files from the PCB design software. These files have the necessary information about the PCB layers, copper traces, solder masks, and other design elements.
You can generate Gerber files using Atrium, Kicad etc.
A typical gerber will look like the following picture:
Choose the appropriate FR4 material for the PCB based on the desired electrical and mechanical properties.
Choosing the appropriate FR4 material for a PCB involves considering the desired electrical and mechanical properties. Here are some key factors to consider:
HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling):
HASL is a widely used surface finish for FR4 PCBs. In this process, the exposed copper pads on the PCB are coated with a layer of tin-lead solder. The PCB is then passed through a hot air leveling machine. The machine blows hot air to level and distributes the solder evenly across the surface. This ensures a flat, solderable surface for component attachment. HASL offers good solderability and robustness. It is relatively cost-effective. However, it may not be suitable for fine-pitch components due to the relatively thick solder layer.
ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold): ENIG is a popular surface finish for FR4 PCBs.If it suitable for applications requiring good electrical performance and solderability. In the ENIG process, the exposed copper pads are first coated with a thin layer of electroless nickel. Nickel provides a diffusion barrier between the copper and the final layer. Next, a thin layer of immersion gold is deposited on top of the nickel layer. The gold layer protects the nickel from oxidation. It provides excellent solderability. ENIG offers a flat surface, good corrosion resistance, and is suitable for fine-pitch components.
OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative):
OSP is another surface finish option for FR4 PCBs. It is suitable for applications where cost and environmental concerns are important. OSP is a thin, organic coating. It is applied directly to the exposed copper pads. It provides a temporary solderable surface that protects the copper during storage and transportation. When soldering, the OSP layer is removed during the soldering process.
Supplier and Industry Standards: Consider the reputation and reliability of the FR4 material supplier. Additionally, check if the chosen FR4 material complies with industry standards, such as IPC-4101 or UL-94.
When choosing FR4 materials for PCB manufacturing, there are various supplier and industry standards that can help guide the selection process. Here are some key standards to consider:
Supplier Standards:
Industry Standards:
We have to Consider these supplier and industry standards when selecting FR4 materials. This makes sure that the chosen materials meet recognized quality, safety, and performance criteria. It is essential to collaborate closely with reputable suppliers and consult relevant standards to make informed decisions regarding FR4 material selection.
Arrange multiple PCB designs on a larger panel. It is for efficient fabrication and cost optimization. This step involves duplicating the design layout. It also adds break-off tabs for later separation.
Dirt, oils, or oxidation may affect the bonding between the copper and the substrate. Clean the copper-clad FR4 material to remove these.
The following figures show different types of cleaning techniques:
Print the Gerber files onto a photosensitive film. This process uses a machine that exposes the film to UV light through a photo tool or a film negative. The following figure shows gerber file imaging.
Place the photosensitive film onto the cleaned FR4 material. Pass it through a laminator. The heat and pressure bond the photoresist film to the copper layer. Following are some images of FR4 laminates.
Expose the laminated material to UV light. You have to use the photo tool or film negative as a mask. The UV light cures the photoresist. UV light also hardens it in the areas not covered by the opaque parts of the mask.
Remove the uncured photoresist using a developing solution. This reveals the underlying copper layer. Thus it creates the required circuit pattern.
Submerge the panel in an etching solution. It’s typically a chemical mixture that removes the exposed copper. The etching process selectively removes copper. It leaves behind the circuit traces defined by the cured photoresist.
Remove the remaining photoresist from the panel.Use a stripping solution or plasma treatment. This exposes the copper traces for further processing.
Drill holes into the panel at the designated positions. These are for component mounting and interconnection. These holes allow for the insertion of through-hole components or the formation of vias for multilayer PCBs.
Plate the drilled holes with a conductive material, such as copper. Plating establishes electrical connections between different layers of the PCB.
Apply a solder mask layer over the surface of the PCB. Leave openings only at the solder pad locations. The solder mask protects the copper traces. It also prevents solder bridges during assembly.
Use a silk screening process to print component identifiers, logos, and other markings onto the PCB surface. This step helps with component placement and identification.
Apply a surface finish to protect the exposed copper and facilitate soldering. Common surface finishes include HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling), ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold), OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative), and immersion tin or silver.
Perform electrical tests. The tests check the functionality and integrity of the fabricated PCB. This can include tests such as continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, and high-voltage testing.
Cut or route the panelized PCB into individual boards along the break-off tabs created during the panelization step.
Inspect the finished PCBs for any visual defects. There may be solder mask misalignment, open or shorted traces, or incorrect component markings. Correct these errors.
Package the PCBs appropriately. Prepare them for shipping to the intended recipients or assembly facilities.
FR4 fabrication is cost-effective. FR4 has excellent electrical and mechanical properties. They support a wide range of operating temperatures. They are known for excellent thermal properties. FR4 PCBs have high strength-to-weight ratios.
PCBway Manufacturing House is capable of printing advanced FR4 PCBs. They have Up to 64 layer processing technology. Their PCBs are ISO/TS1694:2009 certified. They also have ISO9001:2008 quality certification. They offer efficient service and fast delivery.
In the realm of electronics, the printed circuit board (PCB) serves as the foundation for countless technological advancements. PCBs connect and support various electronic components. They ensure seamless functionality and optimal performance. PCB prototyping plays a critical role in the development and testing of new designs before mass production. In this article, we will delve into the world of PCB prototyping. We will explore what it entails. We will also provide valuable insights on how to design and manufacture PCB prototypes effectively.
PCBWay is your one-stop solution for professional PCB prototyping services. With their cutting-edge technology and vast experience, they provide you with high-quality PCBs that meet your exact specifications. Whether you're a hobbyist or an entrepreneur, their dedicated team is committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of their PCB prototyping service.
They have a very user-friendly website. There you can place your order without any hassle. Below is what the website looks like:
PCBway provides a data-based, quality PCB prototyping service. Their service is available in more than 170 countries. They have a 98.3% on-time delivery rate. They process more than 2100 orders daily.
Here you can see some of their high-profile customers:
1. What is a PCB Prototype?
2. Importance of PCB Prototyping
3. Understanding the Design Process
a. Schematic Capture
b. PCB Layout Design
4. Selecting the Right Tools and Software
5. Design Guidelines for PCB Prototypes
a. Component Placement and Routing
b. Power and Ground Planes
c. Signal Integrity and High-Speed Design Considerations
6. Manufacturing PCB Prototypes
a. Fabrication Process
b. Assembly Process
c. Testing and Validation
i) DFM checks
ii) Design Rule Check (DRC)
7. Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
8. Best Practices for Successful PCB Prototyping
a. Collaboration and Communication
b. Iterative Design Approach
c. Documentation and Version Control
9. Conclusion
A PCB prototype is a functional sample of a printed circuit board that serves as a proof-of-concept for a specific design. It allows engineers and designers to validate their circuit design, test its functionality, and identify potential improvements or issues before proceeding with mass production. PCB prototypes typically undergo rigorous testing and analysis to ensure their reliability, performance, and manufacturability. Prototyping is an essential step in the product development cycle as it helps to refine the design, reduce costs, and minimize risks associated with full-scale production.
PCB prototyping offers numerous benefits and advantages throughout the product development cycle. It enables designers to visualize their circuit design, validate its functionality, and identify and rectify any design flaws or issues. By identifying and addressing these problems early on, costly mistakes can be avoided during mass production. Moreover, PCB prototyping allows for performance optimization, improved product quality, and reduced time to market.
Prototyping also provides an opportunity to evaluate different design alternatives and assess their feasibility and effectiveness. It helps designers gain a deeper understanding of the interaction between components, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize the layout for better signal integrity, thermal management, and manufacturability.
The design process is a crucial aspect of PCB prototyping, encompassing schematic capture and PCB layout design.
Schematic capture involves creating a graphical representation of the circuit design using specialized software tools. It involves selecting and connecting various electronic components to form a functional circuit diagram, capturing the electrical connections and relationships between components. During this stage, designers must consider factors such as the desired functionality, component availability, and compatibility.
The following image is an example of a schematic capture.
Once the schematic is finalized, the next step is to create the PCB layout design. This involves translating the circuit diagram into a physical representation of the PCB, positioning components, and routing traces to establish electrical connections. PCB layout design requires careful consideration of component placement. Designers should consider signal integrity, power distribution, and manufacturability too. Designers need to optimize the layout to minimize noise, ensure proper thermal dissipation, and facilitate ease of assembly.
Following is an example of a PCB layout:
To design PCB prototypes effectively, it is essential to choose the right tools and software. Numerous software packages are available that facilitate schematic capture, PCB layout design, and simulation. These tools offer features such as component libraries, design rule checks, and simulation capabilities, enabling designers to create accurate and optimized PCB prototypes.
When selecting tools, it is important to consider factors such as the complexity of the design, ease of use, availability of support, and compatibility with manufacturing processes. Popular software tools for PCB design include Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCad, and OrCAD, among others. Additionally, designers should also consider the availability of design resources, community support, and compatibility with the chosen PCB manufacturing service.
To ensure the success of a PCB prototype, adherence to certain design guidelines is crucial. Consider the following aspects during the design process:
Efficient component placement and routing contribute to optimal signal flow, reduced noise interference, and ease of assembly. Consider factors such as signal paths, thermal management, and component accessibility while placing and routing components on the PCB. Group components logically based on their functions and connections, and minimize the length and complexity of traces to avoid signal degradation and interference.
The following image shows a good arrangement of components.
Proper allocation of power and ground planes helps ensure a stable power supply. It reduces noise and improves signal integrity. Implementing a multilayer PCB design with dedicated power and ground planes is often beneficial for high-speed and complex designs. Ensure that power and ground traces are sufficiently wide to minimize resistance and voltage drops, and employ vias to establish connections between different layers.
The image below shows the power and ground planes.
For designs involving high-speed signals, careful attention must be paid to signal integrity. Consider factors such as impedance control, termination techniques, and signal routing to minimize reflections, crosstalk, and other signal integrity issues. Use controlled impedance traces for high-frequency signals, and employ techniques such as differential signaling and shielding to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The following picture shows Crosstalk Checking in PCB Layout for Signal Integrity Validation.
Once the PCB design is complete, the next step is manufacturing the prototypes. The manufacturing process typically involves two main stages: fabrication and assembly.
The fabrication process involves translating the PCB design into physical reality. It includes steps such as creating the PCB stack-up, applying the copper layers, etching, drilling, and applying surface finishes. Advanced fabrication techniques, such as advanced routing and via technologies, are employed to meet the design requirements. During the fabrication process, designers must consider factors such as the choice of substrate material, layer stack-up, copper weight, and surface finish to ensure the desired performance and reliability of the PCB prototype.
The following image shows the sequence of PCB fabrication:
During the assembly process, electronic components are mounted onto the fabricated PCB. This can be done through manual or automated processes, depending on the complexity and scale of the design. Once the components are placed, they are soldered onto the PCB, and any necessary inspections and tests are conducted. Designers must ensure proper component selection, compatibility with the manufacturing process, and appropriate soldering techniques to achieve reliable and robust connections.
PCBWay has PCB assembly capabilities.
The following picture shows the mixed 2-layer board assembly:
After the assembly process, the PCB prototypes undergo rigorous testing and validation to ensure their functionality and performance. Various tests, such as functional testing, electrical testing, and environmental testing, are conducted to verify the design's reliability and adherence to specifications. Testing may include checking for short circuits, open circuits, component functionality, and signal integrity. Designers must work closely with the manufacturing partner to define the testing requirements and ensure that the prototypes meet the desired quality standards.
PCBway’s testing and validation process is excellent. All of a PCB's design specifications are examined by the DFM inspection. This check specifically searches for any features that might be troublesome, redundant, or missing altogether. Any one of these problems could have a significant negative impact on how well the project works in the end. For example, too less space between PCB components is a typical PCB design problem. This may cause Short circuit and other issues.
DFM checks help save production costs and unanticipated expenses by spotting potential issues before manufacturing even starts. This is because fewer boards were scrapped as a result of these tests. This process can offer high-quality products at reasonable prices.
The following image shows the process of the DFM check.
DRC, which stands for Design Rule Check, is a critical step in the process of printed circuit board (PCB) design. It ensures that the PCB layout adheres to the specified design rules and constraints, minimizing the risk of errors and ensuring optimal performance of the final product. PCBway, a leading PCB manufacturing and assembly service provider, offers a comprehensive DRC service to its customers.
PCBway's DRC service is designed to meticulously examine the PCB design files, including the placement of components, routing of traces, and adherence to industry-standard design rules. By leveraging advanced software tools and experienced engineers, PCBway conducts a thorough analysis to detect potential design flaws, such as clearance violations, trace width violations, and pad-to-pad spacing violations. This comprehensive review helps identify and rectify any issues that could lead to manufacturing defects, electrical shorts, or signal integrity problems.
With PCBway's DRC service, customers can ensure that their PCB designs meet the highest quality standards. The service provides detailed reports highlighting the detected design rule violations, accompanied by suggested corrective actions. This enables designers to make informed decisions and make necessary modifications to their layouts, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and performance of the PCB.
Whether you are a professional PCB designer or a hobbyist, PCBway's DRC service offers a valuable resource to ensure your designs are error-free and ready for production. By partnering with PCBway, customers can confidently move forward with their PCB projects, knowing that their designs will be thoroughly validated and optimized for manufacturing success.
While designing and manufacturing PCB prototypes, several challenges may arise. Some common issues include component placement conflicts, electrical noise, signal integrity issues, thermal management problems, and manufacturability constraints. By employing systematic troubleshooting techniques and consulting experts when needed, these challenges can be effectively addressed.
For example, if there are signal integrity issues, designers can analyze the signal paths, adjust trace widths and impedances, and utilize termination techniques to minimize reflections and signal degradation. If thermal management becomes a concern, designers can optimize the component placement, employ heat sinks or thermal vias, and ensure proper airflow in the enclosure. Understanding the common challenges and having a systematic approach to troubleshooting will significantly contribute to successful PCB prototyping.
PCB boards can be improved through some simple methods. These methods also minimize cost increases. Some of these methods include:
Voltage-resistant protection of rectifier diodes
Protection against electromagnetic interference caused by small relays
Improvement on bonding pads shedding problem
And many more.
To ensure successful PCB prototyping, it is essential to adopt certain best practices throughout the design and manufacturing process:
Efficient collaboration and communication between designers, engineers, and manufacturers are crucial. Clear communication of design requirements, specifications, and feedback ensures that all stakeholders are aligned, reducing the likelihood of errors or misinterpretations. Regular communication helps identify potential issues early on and promotes a smooth and streamlined prototyping process.
Adopting an iterative design approach allows for continuous improvement and optimization of the PCB prototype. Iterative testing and feedback loops facilitate the identification and resolution of design issues, resulting in a more refined final product. By incorporating feedback from prototypes into subsequent design iterations, designers can refine the design, improve performance, and address any unforeseen challenges.
Maintaining thorough documentation and version control throughout the design process ensures that design revisions, component changes, and test results are properly recorded. This documentation serves as a valuable reference for future iterations and aids in troubleshooting and design enhancements. Using version control tools and organizing design files systematically will prevent confusion and ensure that the most up-to-date design files are used during manufacturing.
PCB prototyping is an integral part of the product development cycle. It enables designers and engineers to refine their circuit designs, validate functionality, and identify and rectify issues before moving to mass production. By understanding the design process, selecting appropriate tools and software, following design guidelines, and incorporating best practices, designers can maximize the effectiveness of their PCB prototyping efforts. PCBWay's PCB prototyping service offers an excellent platform for designers to turn their ideas into reality and bring innovative products to market faster and more efficiently.
By leveraging the knowledge and resources available, designers and engineers can confidently embark on the journey of PCB prototyping, pushing the boundaries of technology and ushering in a new era of electronic innovation. The continued advancement of PCB prototyping techniques will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of the electronics industry, driving innovation and enabling the realization of groundbreaking ideas.
In the realm of PCB manufacturing, the Gerber file format plays an important role in the design and production processes. Understanding and inspecting these files are crucial to ensuring the accuracy and quality of the printed circuit board (PCB). JLCPCB is a leading PCB fabrication and assembly service provider. Fortunately, it offers an exceptional online tool. It is called the JLCPCB Online Gerber Viewer. It simplifies and enhances the inspection of PCB layouts. In this article, we will discuss the significance of Gerber files. We will explore the reasons for inspection. We will also showcase the powerful functionalities of JLCPCB's Online Gerber Viewer.
A Gerber file, named after the famous Gerber Scientific Instruments, is a standard file format used in the sector of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. It serves as a crucial bridge between the design stage and the physical realization of a PCB. Essentially, a Gerber file is a collection of instructions and data that communicates the precise specifications and details of the PCB design to the manufacturing equipment.
In more technical terms, a Gerber file is generated from the PCB design software and contains a series of commands that describe each layer of the PCB. These commands include information about the placement of copper traces, solder masks, silkscreen markings, drill holes, and other crucial elements that contribute to the final PCB layout. Each layer is represented as a separate Gerber file, allowing manufacturers to accurately interpret and translate the design into a physical PCB.
The Gerber file format has been widely adopted as an industry standard due to its versatility and compatibility with various PCB manufacturing processes and equipment. It provides a concise and standardized representation of the design, enabling seamless communication and collaboration between design engineers and manufacturers.
One of the key advantages of the Gerber file format is its flexibility in accommodating different PCB layer configurations. Whether a PCB design requires single-sided, double-sided, or multi-layer boards, the Gerber file format can adapt to convey the necessary information. Each layer is defined within its respective Gerber file, allowing for clear differentiation and precise control over the manufacturing process.
Furthermore, Gerber files incorporate not only the geometric layout of the PCB but also important manufacturing details. This includes parameters like trace widths, pad sizes, drill hole dimensions, and material specifications, ensuring that the manufacturing equipment performs the necessary operations accurately and consistently.
In summary, a Gerber file is a standardized file format that encapsulates the critical information required to produce a PCB. It serves as a vital communication medium between the PCB design software and the manufacturing equipment. By conveying precise instructions and specifications, Gerber files enable manufacturers to bring PCB designs to life with the utmost accuracy and fidelity.
By analyzing the Gerber files, manufacturers can identify potential manufacturing issues, such as inadequate spacing between components, unachievable trace widths, or insufficient clearances. This helps in optimizing the design for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. Addressing DFM concerns at the early stages of the design process saves time, reduces manufacturing risks, and streamlines the production timeline.
Detecting errors early in the manufacturing process saves time and resources. Inspecting Gerber files helps identify errors such as missing or overlapping features, incorrect layer assignments, or mismatches in the solder mask and silk screen layers. With the assistance of an advanced online viewer like JLCPCB's, design engineers can quickly spot these errors and rectify them before initiating the manufacturing process, minimizing rework and production delays.
Gerber files act as a common language between designers, manufacturers, and assemblers. Inspecting the files ensures clear communication and effective collaboration, reducing misunderstandings and streamlining the entire production cycle. With the availability of the Online Gerber Viewer, stakeholders can easily share and discuss design iterations, enabling smoother collaboration and efficient decision-making.
JLCPCB's Online Gerber Viewer is a user-friendly and feature-rich tool that simplifies the inspection process of Gerber files. Let's explore some of its notable features:
The viewer boasts an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. The clean layout allows for effortless file upload and exploration. Users can quickly familiarize themselves with the tool, eliminating the need for extensive training or technical expertise. There is a clear-cut set of instructions for ordering.
Below is how the interface looks like. You have to open an account. Then you can login and start uploading your gerber files. You can login anytime to see your upload history.
JLCPCB's Online Gerber Viewer supports a wide range of file formats, including Gerber (RS-274X), Excellon drill files, and even ZIP archives containing multiple Gerber layers. This versatility ensures compatibility with various PCB design software and simplifies the viewing process. Users can confidently upload their Gerber files without worrying about format limitations.
After uploading the zip folder, it can detect the number of layers.
Take a look at the image below. Here the Online Gerber Viewer detected a 2-layered board.
Similarly, in case of this design, the same tool detected 4 layers.
All uploads are secure and confidential.
The viewer enables users to selectively display individual PCB layers or combinations of layers, making it easier to analyze specific components, copper traces, solder masks, silk screens, and other essential elements. This feature provides a comprehensive view of the PCB, allowing users to examine the design from different perspectives and assess its integrity.
You can analyze your PCB layer by layer.
This is when all the layers are visible:
Then you can select the Top layer only:
And this is the bottom layer:
There are other parts of the PCB on the left side of the console. Such as-Top silk, Top solder mask, Top paste mask etc. You can check and uncheck them to view. It makes your observation much more convenient.
The viewer offers zooming capabilities and measurement tools, empowering users to examine intricate details, measure distances accurately, and ensure precise component placements and dimensions. The ability to zoom in and out helps users identify minute details, ensuring that every aspect of the design is thoroughly inspected.
In the image below, we can see the zoom option.
As soon as you upload your gerber files, the Online Gerber Viewer gives you an analysis result. It is done within the shortest possible time.
The following figure shows how an analysis result looks like. You can see pretty much everything. Number of layers, trace width, drill size and lots more. If there is an error in your design, you will see that too. The result shows warnings in yellow.
In addition to 2D views, JLCPCB's Online Gerber Viewer also provides an optional 3D visualization feature. This immersive experience facilitates a better understanding of the PCB's physical appearance, component heights, and spatial relationships. Users can rotate, pan, and zoom in the 3D view to gain a comprehensive understanding of the PCB's three-dimensional structure.
Free or paid |
Free |
Accuracy |
100% |
Online checking |
Available |
Maximum supported size of zip or rar |
20MB |
Layered view |
Available |
Quick transfer facility to JLCPCB factory |
Available |
Measurement tools |
Available |
DFM error detection |
Available |
3D visualization |
Available |
Comprehensive file format support |
Available |
Changing view, toggling units |
Possible |
Zooming, moving,alignment |
Possible |
The JLCPCB Online Gerber Viewer is an invaluable tool that simplifies the inspection and verification of Gerber files, ensuring the accuracy and quality of PCB layouts. By utilizing this user-friendly and feature-rich tool, design engineers, manufacturers, and assemblers can effectively identify errors, optimize designs for manufacturability, and streamline collaboration. The power of JLCPCB's Online Gerber Viewer enhances the efficiency of the PCB manufacturing process, ultimately leading to higher-quality products and faster time-to-market.
With its comprehensive file format support, advanced visualization features, and collaborative capabilities, JLCPCB's Online Gerber Viewer revolutionizes the way PCB layouts are inspected and analyzed. The user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation make it accessible to users of all levels of expertise, eliminating the need for extensive training or technical proficiency. The ability to selectively display and visualize individual PCB layers or combinations of layers provides a comprehensive view of the design, allowing for a thorough assessment of the PCB's integrity.
The zooming and measurement tools offered by the viewer enable users to examine intricate details, ensuring precise component placements and dimensions. The cross-sectional views and optional 3D visualization feature provide an in-depth understanding of the PCB's internal structure, aiding in the identification of potential issues and improving overall manufacturing quality.
By inspecting Gerber files with the JLCPCB Online Gerber Viewer, design engineers can verify the accuracy of their designs, address design for manufacturability (DFM) concerns, and detect errors early in the manufacturing process. This results in optimized designs, reduced manufacturing risks, and improved overall product quality.
In conclusion, the JLCPCB Online Gerber Viewer empowers users to conduct comprehensive inspections of PCB layouts, ensuring the successful realization of design intent. Its intuitive interface, extensive feature set, and collaborative capabilities make it an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the PCB manufacturing process. By harnessing the power of the JLCPCB Online Gerber Viewer, designers and manufacturers can achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration, ultimately leading to superior PCBs and accelerated time-to-market for their products.
Hi Folks! Hope you’re well today. Happy to see you around. In this post, I’ll walk you through Top Online Software Used for PCB Designing.
PCB manufacturing starts from the simple layout design. If your design is free from errors, it will not only save you tons of time and money but also accelerate the production process. You’ll find scores of PCB design software out there. Some are better than others.
So how do you keep up?
This is a difficult task, in fact. Hence we’ve compiled the list of 10 best online software for PCB designing that will help you streamline your design process and get your boards ready for manufacturing.
Keep reading.
Know that if certain software is good for one project it doesn’t it will be equally handy for all electronic projects. Therefore we are giving you tons of options to pick from. Some are free designing tools and others are paid based on the features included in the software. So choose your pick wisely.
Fusion 360 is a unified software platform for electronics, engineering, design, and manufacturing. It combines CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design in a single tool, offering a flexible environment to monitor product performance and test your designs before the manufacturing process even begins.
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based tool connecting your entire product development process into a single platform and allowing you to interact with other team members from anywhere in the world. Not only is it handy for electrical engineers, but it also offers design solutions to mechanical engineers, industrial designers, machinists, hobbyists, and startups. You can start with a free trial and get a yearly subscription for only $545 per year.
Moreover, you can get familiar with the software with the video tutorials and self-guided courses available on the website. And get access to the technical staff that contains industry professionals ready to solve your design issues.
Altium Designer is a powerful and intuitive PCB design software that offers a unified design experience, allowing electrical engineers to view every tiny detail of the design process from idea to execution. The tool comes with a sleek and clean interface, empowering designers to access all design tools in one place to limit the possibility of errors.
From schematic to PCB layout to design documentation, the tool makes every process easy and hassle-free. Plus, the software offers seamless integration with other ECAD/MCAD tools including PTC Creo Parametric, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Autodesk Inventor. This means you can effortlessly collaborate with mechanical engineers for different design requirements without heavy file exchanges.
Altium Designer allows a cloud-based environment, permitting easy collaboration with other team members remotely, so you can get feedback on your design and instantly remove issues, and exchange data whenever and wherever required.
Speed up your design process with OrCAD PCB Software which offers scalable PCB design solutions to create designs as you like better. The company keeps updating the product with future design possibilities to ensure the best design solution for electrical engineers. The program features a range of technologies including schematic capture, PCB editing and routing, librarian tools, auto-routing, signal integrity, and more.
Get familiar with brilliant and spontaneous etch editing and placement capabilities to maximize your productivity. Additionally, with constraint management, you can make sure your final design resonates with certain requirements like length rules, net, spacing, and more.
A worldwide network of Cadence Channel Partners (VARs) sells and supports this software and you can fill up the form online to get an instant quote based on your design requirements. The product includes OrCAD PCB designer, OrCAD PSpice Designer, OrCAD Sigrity ERC, and OrCAD Capture CIS.
Backed with thousands of users worldwide, DipTrace is an intuitive schematic and PCB design software that offers economical and powerful design solutions to electrical engineers and hobbyists.
The program comes with an up-to-date components library that houses more than 160,000 components and 22,000+ patterns developed based on IPC-7351 Standard. Schematic capture is an advanced tool that features multi-sheet and multi-level hierarchical schematics. Using pattern and components editors you can design new components with custom templates.
Another innovative design tool is the pattern generator that automatically creates footprints and 3D models. Exchange your files with other 2D/3D CAD tools like Altinum or OrCAD. The import and export facility allows you to easily convert your schematic to PCB and revert to the same file format. Get high-speed signals and 3D previews from your PCB layout. No matter the stage you are in during your development process, you can analyze it on screen and form an instant decision to make your final decision an ultimate success.
Start with a 30-day free trial and then choose from a range of paid plans that start with 300 pins and 2 signal layers to unlimited pins and unlimited layers.
This tool has been in practice for quite a while now and is still used by big electronic companies, hence providing an easy development process for end users. Eagle is an EDA (electronic design automation) software that is built from the ground up that offers tools for MCAD, true 3D modeling, collaboration, documentation, simulation, and manufacturing. The program allows electrical engineers to effortlessly work on schematic diagrams, components placement, and PCB routing.
Eagle collaborates with Fusion 360 to offer an unparalleled experience for data management, and mechanical and PCB design, streamlining the product development process for everyone to contribute with endless possibilities. Compared to other software, this program comes with a simple interface, where you don’t get inundated by the scores of tools, menus, and buttons. At the time of writing this article, Eagle offers paid plan for $545 per year, however, you can get in touch with the sales team to learn more about the financing options.
Streamline your design process with KiCAD EDA – an open-source platform to meet your design needs. From basic schematic to complex designs, the tool automates the design process to maximize your productivity and turn your imagination into reality. The official library houses tons of thousands of symbols to pick from or gives you the ability to create your custom symbols.
Moreover, you can verify your design with both electrical rules checker and an integrated SPICE simulator. Features like excellent visualization and a powerful interactive router ease your layout tasks with better control over the design. KiCad's 3D Viewer is a remarkable addition to the product that empowers you to examine the mechanical structure and visualize your finished product. Present your work with a built-in raytracer that features customizable lighting to develop realistic images. The program is compatible with a range of operating systems that you can select from the website. However, if your system is not listed on the mentioned OS, you can submit a merge request to get a product that resonates with your operating system settings.
Incorporated with a controlled autorouter and multi-page schematic, PCB Artist offers easy-to-use design solutions to electronic engineers. It features a components library with more than 500,000 parts allowing you to design your PCB with advanced components. The neat and sleek interface allows everyone to create circuit boards with little to no design knowledge. Even a beginner can get familiar with the tool with little effort.
With free live chat support, you can get technical support for your design needs. PCB Artist is committed to delivering flawless services to a range of organizations including small businesses, enterprises, non-profits, govt. and small businesses. Guides and tutorials are available to help you get a hold of the software and dig into designing the most complex parts.
After all this grind and drill, your PCB design is ready. You have carefully created Gerber and BOM files with the final ready-to-use board in mind. Now comes the manufacturing part. And you have tons of options to pick from. To keep you covered, we are describing one of the finest PCB manufacturing houses – PCBWay.
PCBWay is a China-based company that offers a range of services from basic PCB manufacturing, SMD stencil, and PCB assembly to 3D printing and CNC machining. What makes it unique from the competitors? Good question. The quality service at an economical price with brilliant customer support keeps this company above the rest.
They have a team of expert professionals that don’t compromise on quality and make sure every customer is heard, validated, and valued. No matter the product needs, they will help you and treat you like a part of the development stage so you never feel left out in the process.
And the best part – once you become a part of their community and become a regular customer, they give you a discount with every order. Moreover, you can invite friends with the referral link to join the company and can enjoy a 5% commission on each order. You’ll Beans as a reward for every purchase which will help you get parts from the PCBWay online shop. Additionally, you can share your projects on the website and engage a wider audience, and get acquainted with like-minded people.
It all starts with the neat and straightforward website interface that is flooded with information about the company and what they offer. Get familiar with the services they provide with a single click. No back-and-forth run of pages that make you overwhelmed with unnecessary information. You can click PCB Instant Quote option on the front page and start filling out the form with the parameters and the requirement of the final circuit board.
Some people are not adept at installing the components on the board. This is where PCBA service comes in handy. Once you click the instant quote option and scroll down you’ll see the Assembly service which gives you flexible options to either allow PCBWay to source components or you can provide them for the installation on the manufactured board.
PCBWay has established its name in the electronic industry with brilliant service and quality products. This time they have taken one step further. They have recently introduced CNC machining and 3D printing service to satisfy their clients with 3D modeling needs. To get those services, you can pick from the range of materials you want your product to be made from. 3D printing can manufacture parts within hours all the while maintaining accuracy and quality.
Technical support is readily available. If you struggle to make the final decision for your finished product, they will guide you with technical complications so you can get your desired product without errors. Once you upload the Gerber and production files, they will thoroughly review them before confirming the order, so you can fix issues in advance to speed up the production process.
Hope you get familiar with the features of the PCB software mentioned above.
It is wise to get the trial version of the software before going for the paid option. This way you can make an educated decision if this is what you’re looking for.
Once you successfully make your design, it’s time to get a manufacturing service to get your board in real time. And in our opinion, PCBWay is a decent choice to meet your manufacturing needs and properly execute your electronic projects.
That’s all for today. I’m positive that you’ve enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions, you can ask me in the section below. I’d love to help you the best way I can. Thank you for reading the post.
First article inspections, originally developed for the aerospace and defense industries, are now being used as best practices in other industries. They are an effective way to ensure that the manufacturing process produces an output that meets design specifications. First article inspection helps reduce production delays and waste.
First article inspection is an integral part of the AS9145 process. It is also part of the APQP/PPAP (Advance Product Quality Planning/Production Planning and Control) approval process. The first article inspection report summarizes the design and manufacturing process of the part, including specification requirements, raw materials and associated sub-assemblies.
First article inspections are performed to ensure that the supplier's manufacturing process meets the design specifications. They can be completed by the supplier or the purchaser.
First article inspection is typically performed by obtaining part dimensions using a CMM (computerized measuring machine). Afterwards, the dimensions are compared to the original design. This allows the buyer to identify potential problems early. First part inspection can also be used to detect errors in the operator's process.
FAI works best when used in conjunction with a supplier who has experience in manufacturing precision parts. The advantage of using FAI is that it reduces the number of defects generated in the first place, thus saving money on rework.
First article inspections are also useful in industries where expensive materials cannot be reworked. They are particularly important in the aerospace industry, where accuracy is critical. They help ensure that the characteristics of all components are taken into account. First-part inspections also ensure repeatability of the manufacturing process.
First article inspection is an important part of the quality control program. It ensures a consistent manufacturing process and guarantees product specifications. It can also help you save money.
First article inspection is a quality control process often used by manufacturers of small, complex parts. It involves using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to compare manufactured parts to specifications. The results of the inspection are usually recorded in a first article inspection report.
First article inspection is critical because it provides an objective measurement of the manufacturing process and helps determine if the product meets customer specifications. It is usually completed by the supplier or an approved subcontractor. First article inspections are beneficial to a wide range of industries. They are particularly useful in industries with stringent specifications and requirements. For example, first article inspection is an important part of quality control in the aerospace industry.
FAI is also a useful quality control tool when expensive materials are used. It can confirm that the product is of sufficient material quality and cannot be reworked.
The first article inspection process can be automated. A process can be created that automatically sends the form to the approver. This helps eliminate errors and ensures that no important information is missed. It can also help develop standard operating procedures.
FAI is beneficial because it can reveal problems that are not visible during mass production. It can also reveal changes in operator processes. First article inspection can also help you determine if adjustments need to be made to the manufacturing process.
PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is a collection of documents used to validate a manufacturer's manufacturing process. It is used to help manufacturers meet customer requirements for product quality and safety. It is a risk identification process that helps reduce revisions while ensuring a repeatable process. It is overseen by the International Aerospace Quality Group.
The PPAP contains a list of test results, manufacturing process details, and quality control plans. PPAP submissions are created collaboratively between the customer and the supplier. The customer must certify the supplier.
Manufacturing industries such as the automotive and aerospace industries use PPAP processes. The checklist identifies the information needed for each stage of the new product introduction process. It also includes a PFMEA, process flow diagram and gauge R&R that must be provided by the supplier to prove that the raw materials meet the customer's specifications.
FAI(First article inspection) is a critical step in the manufacturing process. It checks design and manufacturing documentation to ensure that the process is repeatable and that the product meets the customer's specifications. It also ensures that the supplier's manufacturing process is appropriate for the part.
FAI is also used to verify that external special handling steps have been performed by the supplier. It should be performed after tooling changes, repairs, or design changes. It should occur after the manufacturing process has been stable for a period of time.
After adding a new supplier to the manufacturing process, the supplier must perform a FAI. It would be advantageous to manufacture a sample unit for the customer for evaluation purposes.
Performing a first article inspection is an important step in delivering the goods the buyer needs. It helps the manufacturer determine if they are producing the correct parts to specification. Buyers can also confirm that the manufacturer understands their design during the first inspection. It helps reduce manufacturing delays and waste.
Product inspection is performed first before the mass production process begins. These inspections can be performed on parts made by different suppliers or using various equipment or methods of manufacturing. In addition, they are used in the aerospace and defense industries. These are some of the industries that can benefit from the use of first article inspection.
The first article inspection report is an objective proof that the part meets the specifications. It includes dimensional and cavity measurements. The report also summarizes quality control checks. It also includes a table of inspection requirements that includes balloon numbers, associated tolerances and specifications.
First-part inspections are critical in a wide range of industries. They are especially important for manufacturers of small, complex parts with tight tolerances. These inspections are necessary because problems are identified early in the manufacturing process, saving money and time.
If a supplier is responsible for producing large quantities, quality control procedures must be in place. Each product must be manufactured to the specifications provided by the customer. It is more expensive to find problems later in the manufacturing process.
First article inspection services allow suppliers to identify problems before mass production. This saves money because it identifies problems earlier and reduces downtime in the correction process.
First article inspection is performed by qualified personnel who use Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to inspect manufactured parts. Coordinate measuring machines are the most accurate measuring instruments used in quality control. They are also used to inspect parts that are difficult or time-consuming to inspect.
First article inspection is usually performed at the beginning of a production run. First-part inspection is not required for second and third production runs. However, for new orders, a first article inspection report may be required in some cases. It can also be done by an approved subcontractor.
Companies supplying to government agencies or other regulated industries must be more careful in their manufacturing processes. They must also be more stringent in the quality of their materials. FAI helps them meet these requirements. The process also ensures that all requirements are met and reduces the potential for costly errors.
The cost of first article inspection is usually very low. In major cities in China, India and Vietnam, it typically costs about $299 per person-day. However, additional travel costs may be incurred in other regions. FAI costs must be included in the total project cost.
Many manufacturers in industries such as automotive, aerospace and medical devices use First Article Inspection reports. These reports are very detailed and contain information about the quality of the part manufacturing process.
First article inspection is a critical quality control step. It helps ensure that the product meets design specifications. It clarifies expectations and saves time and money by identifying problems early. First article inspection also has advantages in highly regulated industries. First article inspection reports are often used in such industries to ensure that products meet engineering design specifications.
Several steps are required to perform a first article inspection. Depending on the needs of the buyer and supplier, first article inspection can be performed for a variety of reasons. Many industries use first article inspection, including aerospace, automotive and medical devices. It can also be used for purchase orders and procurement planning.
Suppliers and buyers must work together to ensure that the product meets all requirements when performing first article inspection. When a part does not meet specifications, it is usually the supplier's fault. The supplier may need to modify the design or manufacturing process.
Purchase orders, purchase planning and manufacturing can all benefit from first article inspection. Each parameter and step of the manufacturing process should be verified in a report. An automated workflow can generate a first article inspection report. The report can then be automatically sent to the approver.
First article inspection is a quality control process that occurs prior to the start of the batch manufacturing process. It is an objective measurement of the manufacturing process and helps to confirm compliance with engineering design specifications. It also helps to eliminate waste, confirm safety requirements and reduce costs.