4PCB
Advanced Circuits, Inc. (ACI)

As experts in the manufacture and assembly of printed circuit boards, we work to make our blog a helpful resource on PCB topics and the industries that we work with, including automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and many more. Here you'll find insights into PCB design, tech trends, assembly issues, and trending topics in the general news media as they relate to printed circuit board technology.

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The Significance of Thermal Management in the PCB Design Process

Temperature influences electronic component behavior and characteristics in numerous ways. The effects are not limited to the components that get hot directly, but also those that are indirectly affected — for example, due to proximity or the PCB material’s thermal … Continue reading

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The Importance of Power and Ground Planes in PCB Design

Ground and power planes are large conductive areas in a PCB design that serve diverse purposes. Ground planes provide a common reference point for electrical signals and serve as return paths for currents. Power planes carry power supply voltages to … Continue reading

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Advanced PCB Routing Strategies

PCB routing is pivotal in ensuring the functionality, signal integrity, manufacturability, and reliability of electronic designs. Conductive traces are more than mere component interconnections or power distribution paths, and through effective routing, engineers can minimize signal degradation, crosstalk, and electromagnetic … Continue reading

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Approaches to PCB Design for Signal Integrity and Manufacturability

After formalizing a circuit’s functionality in a schematic diagram and deciding on the parts, devices, and technologies to employ, the next step is to create a functional PCB layout. This step aims to place all components on the PCB and … Continue reading

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Navigating The Choice Between Surface-Mount Devices and Through-Hole Components

Before constructing a PCB layout, engineers should take a few preparatory steps to streamline the layout creation. When designing digital and analog circuits, one crucial question is which technology to use. While numerous integrated circuits and discrete components come in … Continue reading

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Demystifying the PCB Design and Manufacturing Process

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) form the vital backbone of practically all modern electronic devices, as they facilitate the production of intricate yet reliable designs in large quantities. By providing stable mounting points for electronic components and reliably connecting them, PCBs … Continue reading

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Transforming PCB Design: Lessons from Facility Visits

PCB design is dynamic, with constant advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. As PCB designers, our approach to creating innovative and manufacturable boards evolves over time. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the transformative experiences that change perspectives on … Continue reading

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Tackling Glass-Weave Skew in PCB Design. A Blend of Expertise and Practical Solutions

In PCB design, dealing with glass-weave skew is akin to a high-stakes balancing act. This phenomenon, which can significantly impact the performance of high-speed digital circuits, arises from the very fabric of the PCB – the glass-weave pattern. As PCBs … Continue reading

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Bridging the Gap: Why Designer-Fabricator Collaboration Matters in PCB Manufacturing

The relationship between designers and fabricators plays a crucial role in the success of any project. However, there has been an ongoing discussion about the disconnect between these two groups and the benefits of having designers who understand the intricacies … Continue reading

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Exploring the Synergy of Mechanical and Electrical Components in PCB Design

In the realm of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, the interplay between mechanical and electrical components forms a fascinating and complex exchange. This intricate interaction is crucial for the effective functioning of myriad devices in our technology-driven world. Understanding how … Continue reading

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