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Welcome to a new installment on the Pi.MX8 compute module SoM project! In this update we will be putting the finishing touches to our PCB design and getting the design ready for prototype production. In the last article we completed the routing of the signal layers. This was the most time-consuming part of the PCB layout for the Pi.MX8 module. However, we still have two tasks ahead of us that require just as much care: routing the power planes...

In today's ever-changing electronics industry, using outdated design software can significantly disadvantage you. Without access to the latest features and improvements, you may encounter issues like reduced productivity, increased errors, and compatibility issues. Are you ready to unlock the benefits of a continually improving design environment? Altium Designer is committed to providing its users with the most advanced design capabilities...

Basics of Signal Integrity Signal integrity refers to the quality and reliability of electrical signals as they travel through a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). In high-speed PCB design, maintaining signal integrity is critical because even minor signal distortions can lead to data corruption, communication errors, and overall system failure. Factors such as impedance mismatches, crosstalk, signal reflections, and power fluctuations can...

For some modeling tasks, an impedance vs. frequency curve for a ferrite bead is needed to properly estimate or simulate circuit behavior. This applies to SPICE simulations of power supplies or filtering applications involving ferrites. While we generally don't advocate the use of ferrites in ways that have been popularized in the past, it's very important to test and validate any proposed design involving ferrites. When a SPICE model for a...

Printed circuit board (PCB) design is continuously advancing, requiring electronics designers to deliver new functionality and reliability while always keeping a focus on cost efficiency. By understanding the relationship between choosing components and the effect on PCB costs, designers and engineers can make better decisions when optimizing their designs for performance and cost.  This article explores various classifications of electronic...

The life sciences supply chain is unique due to its complexity, high stakes, and the critical role it plays in patient care and public health. It handles a wide range of items, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and biologics, each with unique requirements for storage, handling, and transportation. Key aspects that set the life sciences supply chain apart include: Complexity and Regulation: The products it handles are...

In today's competitive business environment, efficient inventory management is a key strategic factor for reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through advanced forecasting. The Case for Advanced Forecasting The case for Advanced Forecasting is compelling. It’s a strategic approach that leverages cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to predict future trends and behaviors...

The most common add-in card in standard desktop computers and embedded computers is the PCIe card. PCIe add-in cards come in multiple form factors and use an edge slot connector, mounting either vertically or at a right angle along a motherboard. You also have different types of PCIe devices, such as SSDs or modules that plug into an M.2 connector. In this article, I'll cover the mechanical and electrical requirements for PCIe add-in cards that...

With the growing demand for PCBs in just about every electronic device in development, time is of the essence. For manufacturers or even hobbyists, quickly getting hold of a functional prototype can be the difference between success and missed opportunities; as a solution to this time-intensive problem, some manufacturers have started offering quick-turn PCBs.  Note from the editor: The text below lists several companies offering quick-turn PCB...