Knowledge

The PCB production process involves multiple critical factors that affect the performance, reliability, and quality of the final product. Key factors include material selection (such as copper clad laminate and solder mask), design specifications (e.g., layer count and trace width), and manufacturing processes (including etching, drilling, lamination, and plating). Read More

Circuit board deformation in PCBA design can lead to issues such as misalignment, soldering defects, and mechanical failure. Common causes of deformation include thermal expansion, material choices, asymmetrical design, and improper handling. To minimize deformation, strategies such as using materials with low thermal expansion, optimizing PCB thickness and stackup, ensuring even copper distribution, and avoiding asymmetrical designs are crucial. Read More

This article compares PCB immersion gold and electroplated gold in terms of process principles, appearance, thickness, soldering performance, oxidation resistance, and signal transmission performance. Read More

The KB6160 is a high-performance integrated circuit designed for applications in consumer electronics, industrial automation, automotive systems, and IoT devices. This blog explores its key specifications, including a 3.0V to 5.5V operating voltage range, -40°C to +85°C temperature range, and up to 50 MHz clock speed. The IC features low power consumption, high-precision ADC/DAC capabilities, multiple GPIO ports, and embedded protection. Typical applications include smartphones, industrial sensors, automotive ECUs, and IoT solutions. Design considerations such as thermal management and signal integrity are discussed. For complete technical details, the official KB6160 datasheet provides comprehensive guidance. Read More

The KB6165 is a high-performance integrated circuit designed for diverse applications in consumer electronics, industrial automation, automotive systems, and IoT devices. This blog highlights its key specifications, including an operating voltage range of 3.0V to 5.5V, operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, and clock speeds up to 50 MHz. The IC features low power consumption, high precision ADC/DAC capabilities, multiple GPIO ports, and embedded protection. Typical use cases range from smartphones to industrial sensors and automotive ECUs. Guidance on design considerations, such as thermal management and signal integrity, is provided to ensure optimal performance. For detailed implementation, refer to the official KB6165 datasheet. Read More

High-speed signals are defined when the line propagation delay exceeds half the rise time of the signal driver. Signal propagation delays depend on PCB wiring and device characteristics. To mitigate issues like signal reflection and waveform distortion, high-speed routing methods are essential for signals falling in uncertainty and problem regions defined by rise time and propagation delay. Read More

Reflow temperature profiles are divided into four zones: preheating, heat preservation, reflow, and cooling. Proper time allocation is essential to avoid issues like solder joint defects, active component volatilization, tombstones, and tin beads. In older reflow ovens, adjustments should consider chain speed changes and furnace characteristics, with peak temperatures potentially combined with rapid cooling zones to optimize performance and prevent prolonged exposure to high heat. Read More

Key considerations for reflow temperature settings involve exhaust air volume, heating zone structure, solder paste temperature profiles, and sensor placement. Proper conveyor speed and zone temperatures determine the duration and uniformity of heating and cooling, with recommended rates being a heating rise of less than 3°C per second and a cooling drop of less than 5°C per second. These settings ensure quality soldering by minimizing thermal stress and achieving a consistent temperature curve tailored to the assembly's requirements. Read More

Stencil hole sizes generally follow a 1:1 ratio with the pad, except in specific cases. For lead-free components, the stencil opening may need to be shrunk to prevent bridging or solder ball issues. For components with poor coplanarity, openings may need to be expanded by 0.5–1.5mm outward. Large-area pads require grid or wire holes to prevent defects such as scratches during printing or lifting during soldering. The stencil design for keyboard PCBs should avoid openings longer than the pad, and solder paste should not be applied to non-wet surfaces of packaged components to prevent solder ball formation after reflow soldering. Read More

A surge is a transient disturbance that causes a momentary voltage spike exceeding the normal operating range of a power supply. Although brief, surges can reach high magnitudes, arising from external factors like lightning or internal events such as inductive load disconnection, short circuits, or large equipment operation. Surges in power supply circuits are particularly problematic as they can damage devices without adequate surge protection. Inductive circuits are especially prone to surges due to back electromotive force generated when current is abruptly interrupted. Effective surge protection measures are essential to prevent device damage, which depends on the withstand voltage level of the connected equipment. Read More

While X1 capacitors offer better performance, X2 capacitors are more commonly used due to their sufficient performance and cost-effectiveness. Notably, X1 capacitors can replace X2 capacitors, but the reverse is not feasible due to the higher surge voltage requirements of X1-rated circuits. Common applications include switching power supplies and surge suppression in various household and industrial devices. Read More

The reflow zone peaks at 245°C, with a minimum temperature of 200°C, reaching the peak in about 35 seconds at a heating rate of 1.3°C/s. Finally, the cooling zone duration is approximately 100 seconds. This profile ensures optimal soldering performance for lead-free applications, adhering to precise thermal requirements for high-quality PCBA manufacturing. Read More

This technology offers advantages such as high sensitivity, long service life, and reliability, making it ideal for industrial automation applications. It is widely used in industries such as metallurgy, chemical, and textile, where features like precise positioning, resistance to harsh environments, and ease of installation are critical. Key electrical specifications include working voltage, working current, voltage drop, and short circuit protection, ensuring efficient and safe operation. Read More

Common types include electromagnetic relays, solid-state relays, temperature relays, reed relays, time relays, high-frequency relays, and polarized relays, each tailored for specific applications. Size classifications range from miniature to small relays, while load capacities span micro-power to high-power relays. Protective classifications include sealed, enclosed, and open relays, with sealed relays offering superior isolation. Among these, electromagnetic and reed relays are most commonly used in electronic production due to their versatility and reliability. Read More

Examples demonstrate applications such as voltage followers, voltage dividers, and adjustable output circuits, where op amps stabilize and amplify input signals. The behavior of op amps relies on the principles of negative feedback and voltage-phase relationships. A summary emphasizes the core properties of op amps, including infinite magnification, infinite input impedance, and their role in maintaining input voltage balance. These properties are critical for designing precise and stable electronic circuits. Read More

Electronics hardware engineers play a pivotal role in the entire product development process, ensuring that each stage aligns with the project timeline. Key stages include schematic design, PCB layout, prototype fabrication, debugging, and testing. The design process integrates various factors such as function, performance, power consumption, thermal management, signal integrity, EMC compliance, and manufacturability. Despite misconceptions, achieving the main functionality of a PCB constitutes less than 30% of the overall effort. Hardware design demands adherence to Product Requirement Specifications (PRS) while balancing cost-effectiveness (COGS). Success requires not only technical expertise but also continuous learning to navigate the complexities of development and production. Read More

Simulation examples illustrate the behavior of capacitors in circuits: charging and discharging processes through resistors ensure that the voltage across the capacitor transitions gradually. Applications such as bootstrap capacitors exploit this behavior to influence MOSFET operation. In RC filter circuits, resistors and capacitors determine the cutoff frequency, shaping the response to square waves and demonstrating the principle of gradual voltage transitions due to energy storage and dissipation. Read More

PCB design and system stacking prioritize efficient layouts, power supply safety, and signal isolation. Subsequent PCB prototype production involves BOM preparation, SMT assembly, and initial factory communication. Prototype debugging includes a systematic verification of PCBA appearance, power circuit functionality, voltage levels, and system stability using tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes. The process ensures robust performance and addresses common debugging issues such as power abnormalities and communication failures. Read More

Simple projects may be debugged directly after assembly, while complex systems require a phased approach, debugging unit boards before final assembly and whole-machine testing. For mass production, debugging is typically performed on assembly lines, with complex equipment sometimes requiring additional adjustments at final assembly sites or experimental bases. Read More

Power distribution design plays a critical role in minimizing power supply noise and involves reducing power plane impedance through methods like using low-resistance materials, short and thick power lines, and decoupling capacitors. The text also highlights the impact of non-ideal power supply impedance and high-frequency circuit effects on power integrity, emphasizing the need for careful design and optimization to meet performance and reliability requirements. Read More

Proper assembly process management is highlighted to prevent defects during integration, and the cleanliness of PCBA surfaces is underscored to eliminate risks posed by residues like flux and dross. Additionally, the text stresses evaluating the supplier's after-sales service capabilities and the importance of providing manufacturers with reasonable profits to incentivize high-quality production. PCBA procurement is described as a comprehensive evaluation process encompassing technology, management, and service to establish a robust foundation for electronic product manufacturing. Read More

This text discusses the differences among ELF, AXF, HEX, and BIN file formats, focusing on their data volume and usage scenarios. ELF files, generated by GCC, contain the most information and can be converted into HEX and BIN formats, but the reverse is not true. AXF files include debugging information essential for environments like Keil and tools like J-Link. HEX files, containing hexadecimal data and programming addresses, are larger than BIN files, which consist of pure machine code without address information. BIN files require a specified address for programming and are used in scenarios such as OTA remote upgrades. The document emphasizes the hierarchical nature of file formats and their appropriate applications in debugging and firmware downloading. Read More

Teflon materials exhibit superior performance due to their chemical inertness, high-temperature tolerance, low friction, and excellent dielectric properties, making them indispensable across various industries. Read More

Optocouplers offer strong anti-interference capabilities, making them essential in systems that require isolation between weak and strong currents, particularly in industrial applications. Read More

The gradual voltage change in capacitors is a fundamental behavior due to their energy storage properties and is demonstrated effectively through simulation. Differential circuits follow a similar principle. Read More

Effective use of CMOS components is crucial for ensuring circuit board performance and quality stability. Key considerations include: 1. Limiting Output Current. 2. Using a Filter Network. 3. Implementing RC Networks. 4. Avoiding Suspended Input Pins. These measures aim to enhance reliability and minimize issues during the use of CMOS components. Read More

The article also discusses the role of hardware engineers in R&D teams, including requirements analysis, collaboration with suppliers, and BOM preparation. The suggested improvement path for hardware engineers stresses practical experience, continuous learning, and a step-by-step approach to reaching higher expertise levels. Read More

Other common issues include poor contact of gold fingers in industrial control boards, signal interference, poor thermal stability of components, and environmental effects such as moisture and dust. The importance of software parameters in circuit behavior is also highlighted, as improper settings can lead to malfunctions. Practical solutions, such as cleaning gold fingers and analyzing thermal effects, are suggested to address these faults efficiently. Read More

The PCBA manufacturing industry, characterized by low and stable profit margins, faces intense competition. While some suppliers engage in unsustainable practices to undercut prices, experienced customers prioritize transparent pricing and accept reasonable supplier profits, reinforcing the viability of contract manufacturing as a strategic option. Read More

This text provides a comprehensive explanation of basic electrical concepts, including current, voltage, resistance, power supply, load, circuits, electromotive force (EMF), inductance, and inductive reactance. It defines current types (direct and alternating), voltage as the driving force of current, and resistance as the opposition to current flow. The text introduces Ohm's Law, which relates voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit. It discusses power sources, loads, and the nature of circuits, including open and short circuits. Electromotive force is explained as a measure of a power source's energy conversion capability. Lastly, the text covers inductance and inductive reactance, emphasizing their role in electromagnetic induction and the impedance of alternating currents. Read More