What is a PCB Guard Ring? A PCB guard ring is a conductive trace or layer that surrounds a specific area on a printed circuit board. It is typically connected to the ground plane or a low-impedance reference point, such as a power supply or a dedicated ground pin. The primary purpose of a guard…

Introduction to Substrate-Bonded PCBs A printed circuit board (PCB) mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from one or more sheet layers of copper that are laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate. Substrate-bonded PCBs take this a step further by utilizing an additive…

Introduction to Integrated Circuits (ICs) Integrated circuits, commonly known as ICs or chips, are miniaturized electronic circuits manufactured on a thin substrate of semiconductor material, typically silicon. These tiny devices have revolutionized the world of electronics since their invention in the late 1950s. As a circuit designer, understanding the fundamentals of ICs is crucial for…

Introduction to Selective Soldering Selective soldering is a process used in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly where specific components are soldered onto the board without affecting nearby components. This technique allows for precise soldering of selected components while leaving heat-sensitive or pre-assembled components intact. Selective soldering offers several advantages over traditional wave soldering and reflow…

Introduction to 60% Keyboard PCBs A 60% keyboard PCB is a compact and efficient printed circuit board designed for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a minimalist layout without compromising functionality. This article will guide you through the process of building your own 60% keyboard PCB, from understanding the components and layout to soldering and firmware…

Overview of the Hx711 Module The Hx711 module is a breakout board for the Avia Semiconductor Hx711 24-bit ADC for weigh scales. It allows you to easily read load cells and scale sensors to measure weight. The module interfaces with microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi using just two wires. Some key features of the…

Introduction to PCB Circuit Boards A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a fundamental component in modern electronics. It is a flat board made of insulating materials, such as fiberglass or plastic, with conductive pathways etched or printed onto its surface. These pathways, known as traces, connect various electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated…

What is a Cold Solder Joint? A cold solder joint is a defective solder connection that occurs when the solder fails to melt and flow properly during the soldering process. This results in a dry, cracked, or incomplete bond between the solder and the surfaces being joined. Cold solder joints are a common issue in…

Introduction to Keyboard PCBs A keyboard PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the foundation of any custom mechanical keyboard. It serves as the central nervous system, connecting all the components and enabling the keyboard to function properly. Designing and building a keyboard PCB requires a thorough understanding of various factors, including the layout, switch types, microcontroller,…

What is Countersinking and Counterboring? Countersinking and counterboring are two techniques used to create recesses in a printed circuit board (PCB) to accommodate the heads of screws or other fasteners. These techniques are essential for ensuring that the fasteners sit flush with the surface of the PCB, preventing any protrusion that could interfere with the…