Introduction to PCB Manufacturing in China Printed circuit boards (PCBs) form the backbone of all electronic devices and equipment. From smartphones and laptops to industrial control systems and medical devices, PCBs provide the foundation on which components are mounted and inter-connected. Over the past few decades, PCB manufacturing has largely […]

Introduction A PCB (printed circuit board) footprint refers to the pattern of copper pads and traces on a PCB that are used to mount and connect an electronic component. It provides both the physical mounting as well as the electrical connection for the component. The footprint must match the specifications […]

Introduction Keeping printed circuit boards (PCBs) clean is critical for proper function and reliability. As PCBs are processed and assembled, various contaminants can build up on the boards. Cleaning is necessary to remove harmful residues and substances that can lead to issues. There are several effective cleaning methods and solutions […]

A “turnkey” in the context of printed circuit boards (PCBs) refers to an end-to-end service model where a PCB manufacturer not only fabricates the bare boards, but also handles assembly, testing, and additional post-production support. This provides the complete package ready for the customer to use. The turnkey approach offers […]

Introduction Gerber files are the standard format used to transfer printed circuit board (PCB) design data to manufacturers for fabrication and assembly. Also referred to as “photoplotter files”, Gerber files contain vector image data describing the PCB layers, drill holes, and other fabrication details. Gerber files were originally designed for […]

Introduction to PCBs A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board made of insulating material like FR4 fiberglass with thin copper foil laminated onto it. The copper layer is patterned to form conductive tracks and pads that electrically connect various components mounted on the board. PCBs serve as the structural […]

Electronic component manufacturing is the process of fabricating the various individual parts and devices that will be assembled into finished electronic systems. The electronics industry relies on a vast global supply chain of component manufacturing spanning semiconductors, passives, connectors, electromechanical parts, and more. Understanding the manufacturing processes for these components […]

Introduction Fiducials are essential features used in printed circuit boards (PCBs) to aid in accurate alignment and assembly. Also referred to as alignment marks or registration marks, fiducials provide fixed reference points that manufacturing machines and assembly equipment use for precise positioning. Understanding fiducials and their role in the PCB […]

Introduction A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for blocking direct current while allowing alternating current to pass, smoothing power supply voltages, timing circuits, tuning radios, filtering signals, and many other purposes. Printed circuit board […]

Introduction to Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board made of insulating material, usually fiberglass, with thin copper tracks etched or printed on one or both sides. The copper tracks connect various components mounted on the board, allowing current to flow between the components. PCBs […]