-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- I-Connect007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current Issue
Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
March Madness
From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - I-Connect007 Magazine
PCB Designers: Perfect Your Data Package with New eBook from Prototron
September 27, 2018 | I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
For PCB designers, producing a comprehensive data package is crucial. If even one important file is missing or output incorrectly, it can cause major delays and potentially ruin the experience for every stakeholder. Learn how to perfect your data package with I-Connect007’s most recent title: The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… Producing the Perfect Data Package.
The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… is an ongoing book series specifically dedicated to educating PCB designers and serves as a valuable resource for people seeking the most relevant design information available.
Written by Prototron Circuits’ Mark Thompson, an industry veteran with over 38 years of experience, this book describes exactly what a PCB fabricator requires in a design output package and explains the consequences of providing incomplete or inaccurate information. Mark also highlights the importance of earlier communication between the designer and fabricator.
Douglas Brooks, Ph.D., says, “Mark Thompson does an outstanding job detailing what needs to be included in the handoff between the board designer and fabricator. Understanding and following his advice will lead to a smooth transition between these two functions. His new book should be required reading for every designer.”
Readers will learn effective ways to eliminate discrepancies and errors, ensure project success, and reduce costs and wasted time.
Download your free copy today! You can also view other titles in our full library.
We hope you enjoy The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… Producing the Perfect Data Package.
For more information, contact:
Barb Hockaday
I-Connect007 eBooks
barb@iconnect007.com
+1-916-365-1727 (GMT-8)
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
April Issue of I-Connect007 Magazine: Beyond the Rulebook
04/14/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn this month’s I-Connect007 Magazine, we asked PCB designers, fabricators, and suppliers what it really means to operate without a rulebook. Their perspectives vary, especially between seasoned designers and experienced fabricators, but a common thread emerges: progress depends on pushing boundaries and finding a way forward, even when the path isn’t clear. In many ways, this mindset has always been part of what we do, whether we’ve called it that or not.
Marcy’s Musings: Operating Without a Rulebook
04/15/2026 | Marcy LaRont -- Column: Marcy's MusingsWhat happens when the rulebook is no longer useful, or worse, has not yet been written? With electronics innovation happening at warp speed, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, proven path, or tidy checklist to follow. “Design for invention” begins at the edge of known capability, where traditional DFM gives way to something far less certain, and far more exciting. It’s not about breaking rules for the sake of it; it’s about recognizing when the rules no longer apply and having the insight, collaboration, and courage to move forward anyway.
Connect the Dots: Designing for the Future of Manufacturing Reality—Solder Mask and Legend
04/09/2026 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsPCBs seem to be getting more complex by the day, so it is important for designers to keep educating themselves about the realities of manufacturing increasingly intricate boards. Last month’s column highlighted design considerations for the strip-etch-strip process and how manufacturers approach that phase of production. Now that we have a functioning board, we must protect the PCB from environmental hazards and document the circuit components. This article will detail the solder mask and legend process and offer best practices for designers to ensure a high-quality result.
New Book Explores How UV Technology Is Transforming Electronics Protection, Efficiency, and Sustainability
03/06/2026 | I-Connect007I-Connect007 announces the release of The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to…™ UV Curable Conformal Coatings. Authored by respected industry technologists Brian Chislea and Cody Schoener, PhD, of Dow, Inc., this new book offers a comprehensive exploration of UV-curable conformal coatings and their expanding role in improving the protection, performance, and sustainability of electronic assemblies.
Professional Development Courses for Every Electronics Manufacturing Sector
03/05/2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamProfessional Development Courses at APEX EXPO are designed to give electronics professionals focused, instructor-led learning that connects directly to today’s manufacturing realities. The courses are offered Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, and allow attendees to build new skills while still taking part in the broader APEX EXPO experience.