Flexible PCBs are a tremendous innovation in the world of printed circuit boards. Rather than having to adhere to a rigid structure, these printed circuit boards can be bent, shaped and twisted as need be to fit your application. Some modern applications would be impossible without them. However, as

Jump to:  Panelization Methods Design Considerations for Tab Routing Panelization Instructions for Breaking Out PCB Boards V-Score vs. Tab Routing PCB Panels Choose MCL for Your Panelization Project   Automated circuit board assembly equipment often has trouble working with smaller boar

It seems like printed circuit boards have been around forever. It’s hard to imagine our lives today without them. In fact, the printed circuit board has taken a long journey to become the vital piece of electronics we use today. The story starts long before any of the electronics we take for g

Printed circuit boards that are components of commonly used devices like smartphones and tablets can be subject to a wide variety of contaminants over the course of their use. There is an increasing need for services to clean PCBs that have been corrupted by contaminants but not actually physically

While researching various types of printed circuit boards for your industry applications, you may have come across a mention of the halogen-free PCB and wonder if it is right for you. What is a halogen-free printed circuit board, and in what circumstances would you need one? Do I Need Halogen-Free P

Table of Contents: Step 1: Designing the PCB  Step 2: Design Review and Engineering Questions Step 3: Printing the PCB Design Step 4: Printing the Copper for the Interior Layer  Step 5: Etch the Inner Layers or Core to Remove Copper Step 6: Layer Alignment Step 7: Automated Optic

The solder mask is an essential element in printed circuit board manufacturing. Without a quality solder mask, most printed circuit boards wouldn’t last very long. There are several elements that go into creating an effective solder mask, and it’s a key feature of your printed circuit bo

Jump To: What Is IC Packaging? Why Is IC Packaging Important? What is IC Packaging IC Package Types IC Design Considerations What is the Most Common Type of IC Package Alternative IC Package Materials and Methods for Assembly What is Die-Attach Material?  Wire Bond Assembly Types Encapsulant

One concern you may have with respect to your circuit boards concerns interconnect defects, or ICDs. What exactly are interconnect defects, and what can you do about them? Here is the basic information you need to know regarding this troublesome issue.   What Are Interconnect Defects (ICDs)? An

It is generally desirable to have reduced emissions with your printed circuit boards. Reducing emissions comes down to having the right design approach. Some manufacturers may not realize they are not stuck with the level of emissions their printed circuit boards currently register. If you are looki

What’s the Difference Between Ceramic PCB, FR4 & MCPCB? If you’re using printed circuit boards, you can use the standard FR4 boards or you can go with a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB). Ceramic printed circuit boards are a type of metal core PCB you may prefer. There’s

Jump To:  What Is Polyimide/Polyamide PCB Material? When Should It Be Used? What Is FR4 PCB Material? What Are FR4’s Applications? Why Choose Polyimide/Polyamide Over FR4? Where Can I Get Polyimide/Polyamide PCB’s?   Many companies that use printed circuit boards are content

Why Picking the Right Laminate Is so Important Picking the right high-temperature PCB laminate materials can be crucial to your operation. If you are going to use your printed circuit boards in high-temperature situations, PCB laminates for high temperature are a requirement. Failing to use the prop

There was a time when corporations paid little attention to the waste produced by creating their products. Today, however, we understand much more about the impact industrial waste has on the environment — and responsible companies are taking steps to reduce such waste and engage in more envir

Printed circuit boards are a crucial element for a wide variety of businesses, especially now in the digital age, when electronic technology is so important to many different fields. There is a significant range of different types of printed circuit boards as well, with different materials, shapes a

Jump To:  What Is FR4 Substrate Material? How Is FR-4 Used in PCBs? How to Select FR4 Thickness When to Use FR4 Temperature Management Making the Choice: FR4 vs High-Frequency Laminate   Most electrical engineers and individuals involved with printed circuit boards are familiar with the m

What Is Pad Lifting on a Circuit Board? The pads on your printed circuit board are there so component pins can make connections to the copper plate. However, if you have lifted pads, the pins may not be able to make that connection cleanly and the component will fail.   Where am I Likely to See

Mistakes in your printed circuit board design can lead to increased costs for your engineers, designers and manufacturers while slowing your time to get to market. That hurts your revenue and can lead to significant problems in your department. No one wants to experience those concerns, so we’

When it comes to printed circuit boards, there are certain standards in place that buyers look for. Experts may tell you to be sure to work with a UL PCB supplier, an ITAR registered supplier or an ISO PCB supplier. But what do these things really mean, and what exactly should you be looking for whe

PCB: SMT Component Placement PCBs have conductive traces that allow electricity to flow through the board. Each SMT component on the board is placed in a specific location on the conductive pathway so the specific component can receive sufficient power to function. When considering the placement of