A microstrip is a planar transmission line with a conductor on an outer PCB surface and a reference plane separated by dielectric material. Keysight defines it as a thin conductive trace printed or etched on the top of an insulating substrate with a parallel ground plane on the other side. Because some electromagnetic field exists … [Read more…]
Tantalum capacitors are polarized electrolytic capacitors used for DC power filtering, local energy storage and supply decoupling. They provide relatively high capacitance in compact packages, making them useful when PCB space is limited and predictable capacitance under operating voltage matters. Growing demand for passive components has also brought tantalum capacitors into recent supply-chain discussions. At … [Read more…]
This specialized semiconductor packaging and testing companies list includes ASE Technology Holding, Amkor, JCET, Powertech, Tongfu, Huatian, ChipMOS, Hana Micron and UTAC. These providers operate in semiconductor back-end manufacturing: connecting and protecting dies, then testing devices against electrical requirements. Their portfolios differ across memory, logic, RF, power and multi-die integration. Choosing a provider starts with … [Read more…]
A pencil hardness test checks how a cured solder mask resists damage from a prepared graphite pencil. A useful result identifies the pencil grade, test method and damage endpoint. A dark graphite line is not automatically a scratch, and a hard surface does not prove that the coating is firmly bonded to the PCB. What … [Read more…]
The 1k resistor color code is brown–black–red–gold for a common four-band resistor with ±5% tolerance. A five-band version with ±1% tolerance uses brown–black–black–brown–brown. Both represent 1,000 Ω, also written as 1 kΩ or 1k0. Surface-mount versions may carry the marking 102 or 1001, while smaller packages may be unmarked. Once you identify the value, check … [Read more…]
PCB layer registration is the positional alignment of copper features on different layers of a printed circuit board. If an inner-layer pad shifts away from its intended location, a drilled hole can leave too little copper around the barrel, even when the external artwork looks correct. Reliable multilayer fabrication therefore depends on controlling both copper-layer … [Read more…]
Face ID and fingerprint sensors make unlocking your phone quick and convenient. You might also use biometrics to approve purchases, access banking apps, or sign in to accounts. So, when your phone suddenly stops recognizing your face or fingerprint, the problem can disrupt more than your lock screen. Sometimes, a simple setting or dirty sensor … [Read more…]
Aluminum core PCB assembly is well suited to tower LED obstruction lights that generate concentrated heat and require reliable performance in outdoor environments. The aluminum substrate helps transfer heat from LED components to the lighting housing, making it useful for compact, higher‑output warning light modules. However, aluminum is not always the best option. LED power, … [Read more…]
IPC 620 is the commonly used name for IPC/WHMA-A-620, the requirements and acceptance standard for cable and wire harness assemblies. It addresses workmanship in wire preparation, crimped and soldered connections, connector assembly, and associated inspection and testing. For a production order, the useful reference is not simply “IPC compliant”: it is the agreed revision, product … [Read more…]
A Yagi PCB antenna uses printed conductive elements to concentrate RF energy in a specific direction. Its performance depends on element dimensions, PCB materials, feed structure, and impedance matching. Small changes in these factors can shift the resonant frequency, reduce gain, or distort the radiation pattern. For a 2.4 GHz Yagi PCB antenna, good impedance … [Read more…]