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Understanding the fundamental components of electronics is crucial for any engineer. Whether you're starting your first project or refining your skills, knowing these components will enhance your ability to design and build effective circuits. This guide will help you understand the key components you’ll often encounter throughout your electronics design journey. It also explains how to use resources from the Student Lab—like the Mouser...

Many companies are reconsidering where they manufacture their products in today's interconnected world. Over the past few decades, it has been common for businesses to offshore production to countries with lower labor costs. However, there is a growing trend of companies moving their manufacturing operations closer to home, a practice known as reshoring or regionalizing their production. This shift aims to reduce risks in the supply chain and...

Introduction Wire bonding technology has evolved significantly over the years and so has its use cases and applications. As devices become more compact and powerful, designers need precise tools to handle complex interconnects, and Altium Designer has responded with capabilities that streamline wire bonding for Chip-on-Board (COB) designs, stacked dies in cavity, and other high-performance applications. This article explores the advanced wire...

Some products created by PCB designers won't have a very long lifetime. For example, consumer electronics is one area where product designs are constantly evolving, and many products are considered throwaway. At the other end of the spectrum, you have areas such as aerospace and some industrial systems. These products can be expected to have very long lifetimes and vendors of these products are expected to maintain a repository of design and...

It's a worst-case scenario no one wants to experience: You discover that a batch of components in your latest product is counterfeit, and you realize the dizzying array of potential consequences – system failures, safety hazards, and a PR nightmare. Unfortunately, this scenario isn't just a bad dream for many. Industry associations estimate that counterfeit electronic components likely cost U.S.-based semiconductor companies over $7.5 billion...

Imagine this: A design engineer is burning the midnight oil, racing to finish a prototype for a groundbreaking medical device. With a sudden spark of inspiration, she realizes that to solve a design challenge, she needs a specific microcontroller – and fast. What does she do? Who does she turn to? An electronic component distributor, of course. There are thousands of component distributors today, including many regional and specialist suppliers...

Introduction Wire bonding has long been the dominant method for connecting semiconductor dies to package lead frames and circuit boards, particularly in Chip-on-Board (COB) technology, where the die is directly mounted onto the PCB. Wire bonding for COB became popular in consumer electronics, such as calculators and early digital devices due to its reliability and cost efficiency in mass production. Over time, wire bonding COB evolved to meet...

Counterfeit components are a continuing concern. Even the most vigilant companies can fall prey to fake parts despite stringent quality controls, as counterfeit components are nearly indistinguishable from genuine ones. For supply chain professionals, the ability to identify and prevent counterfeit components from entering production is vital. Failure to do so can result in product failures, financial losses, and even legal repercussions. This...

In our interconnected world, supply chains serve as the vital arteries of global trade. However, they are also highly vulnerable to disruptions from natural disasters like hurricanes and typhoons, as well as human factors such as strikes. These events can halt production, delay shipments, and lead to significant financial losses. Building a resilient supply chain is not just a strategic advantage but a necessity. This article explores key...