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Flexible PCBs and rigid flex PCBs can both carry high-speed signals, some of which demand controlled impedance. Implementing controlled impedance on a flex PCB is not a very easy task for several reasons. If you choose the controlled impedance route, where the manufacturer tests the impedance and makes adjustments to the stack up, you rarely have the freedom to do this as it may force the flex layer thickness to be too thick or too thin. If you...

One common high speed PCB design rule is: keep track of the return current path for your signals. This is actually a lot easier than it sounds, as the return path for a fast digital signal or even a moderate frequency analog signal is confined below the trace to a significant extent. At very low frequencies or DC, the return path could technically exist anywhere, which leads to some alternative routing practices you may see in audio designs, low...

One of the biggest supply chain risks that we discuss in our design guides is the risk of counterfeit electronics. Fake parts are so insidious because you often don't know a part is faked until there is a catastrophic failure. No one likes to admit that they were duped by fake parts, so it is likely that these instances are severely underreported. If you're planning to buy from overseas distributors or brokers, there are some simple things to...

In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, we explore the innovative BOM Portal in Altium 365, a cutting-edge tool transforming PCB design and electronic development. Tech Consultant Zach Peterson sits down with Ananth Avva, General Manager at Altium's Cloud Platform, and Damir Khayrutdinov, Product Manager at Altium, to discuss the tool.  Altium's BOM Portal, compared to ActiveBOM, offers a seamless and efficient approach to managing bill of...

Design teams often grapple with prolonged design cycles and coordination issues, leading to delays and inefficiencies. In the current landscape, design processes are hindered by fragmented collaboration, resulting in increased layout times and difficulties in synchronizing design updates. Elevate your design efficiency and overcome collaboration hurdles by implementing PCB CoDesign. This innovative solution empowers teams to work simultaneously...

As you would imagine, flexible circuits are ideal for applications that require a PCB to be thin, small, and light weight. Because of the thin, lightweight nature of the materials, they also present challenges for fabrication and assembly. Today’s blog is going to give a high-level look at some of these challenges and zero in on component selection and placement and how that can make or break the flexible circuit in application. Placement in...

Oscilloscope probes are an essential part of your lab setup if you have an oscilloscope, but have you ever stopped to consider just how the probes could be affecting the signal you're carefully studying to understand the behavior of your circuit or analysis the performance of a component? This article will look at different oscilloscope probes, compare performance, see how probes affect what you see, and determine which probes are best for your...

Welcome to the intricate realm of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design, where what begins as a simple circuit board evolves into a sophisticated masterpiece of electronic engineering. As the backbone of modern electronics, PCBs breathe life into our everyday devices, from smartphones to laptops. Crafting a reliable and functional PCB extends beyond merely connecting components. It demands a meticulous understanding of various aspects to achieve...

Watch the webinar and learn how Z2Data integration can help you build resilience in engineering, compliance, and procurement through the comprehensive supply chain and component data. Speakers Grace Gladue, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Altium 365 Pavel Polischuk, Product Manager at Altium 365 Guest Speaker Arjun Peruvemba - Product Marketing Specialist, Z2Data Brandon Nader - Sr. Director of Marketing, Z2Data The founders of Z2Data b...