Target Condition: Are Autorouters Friend or Foe?
Fresh PCB Concepts: Assembly Challenges with Micro Components and Standard Solder Mask Practices
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
A Handy Compilation of Our Top 10 DFM Articles
January 27, 2017 | Andy Shaughnessy, PCBDesign007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
When we started working on this issue, I searched through our files and found that we’ve published some great DFM articles over the past year or so. While topics like signal integrity tend to get most of the limelight, in the end it all comes down to solid DFM practices. So, without further ado, we present this compilation of our Top 10 DFM articles and columns, culled from the pages of The PCB Design Magazine and The PCB Magazine. Enjoy.
The Top 10 Ways Designers Can Increase Profits
So, can you truly increase profitability through PCB design practices? Yes, you can. And it starts with a philosophy that embraces DFM techniques. Then you must be ready for the initial release to a fabricator by ensuring that you are communicating all of your specifications and needs clearly to the fabrication house so that you get an accurate quote. By Mark Thompson.
Beyond Design: The Need for Speed—Strategies for Design Efficiency
Years of experience with one EDA tool obviously develops efficiency, whether the tool be high-end feature-packed or basic entry-level. However, there comes a time, with the fast development pace of technology, that one should really consider a change for the better to incorporate the latest methodologies. This month, I will look at productivity issues that impede the PCB design process. By Barry Olney.
Brooks' Bits: How Many Vias Does It Take To…?
Sounds like the opening words of a bad joke. Well, here’s the answer, and it’s no joke: One! That’s right. No matter how much current you are putting down the trace, all you need is a single via. And a small one, at that. OK, that last statement might not be true in every single case. But it is true in a LOT more cases than you think. I will explain why in this column. By Douglas G. Brooks.
Mark Thompson: It’s All about Communication
During DesignCon, we talked with columnist Mark Thompson about why communication is paramount when designing and prototyping boards. Thompson also explained how designers can avoid making common mistakes that can set back an entire project. By Barry Matties and Andy Shaughnessy.
Trouble in Your Tank: Building Reliability into the PCB, Part 2
Many engineers have been in this situation: Process audits are completed. Personnel who have direct influence are properly trained. Analytical controls are in place. Great! Yet there are boards that are not meeting specification (IPC 6010 Series, IPC 600, IPC 610). And now the team has to deal with the rejects and provide corrective actions. By Michael Carano.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the January 2017 issue of The PCB Design Magazine, click here.
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