PCB ONLINE LIMITED

From prototype PCB assembly to bulk production, #PCBONLINE provide one-stop PCB assembly services, including R&D, PCB fabrication, components, #PCBassembly, PCBA value-added, and box-build assembly, focusing aerospace, defense, communication, automotive, medical, industrial electronics, etc. Focus not just for aerospace, defense, communication, automotive, medical, industrial electronics, etc. View the short clip to know what pain points we solve for our clients.

1. Define Design Objectives Start with a clear understanding of project requirements. For the Gigabit Networking Router PCB, the key objectives are: ● Support gigabit-speed Ethernet signals. ● Fit within standard router casings. ● Efficiently dissipate heat from multiple processors. Defining these goals early ensures the design meets performance, size, and thermal specifications. 2. Develop the Stackup A well-designed stackup is crucial for the PCB's performance. For the router project, the 8-layer PCB stackup included: ● Top Layer: High-speed signal traces (Ethernet lanes) ● Layer 2: Ground plane for signal shielding. ● Layer 3: Low-priority signal routing. ● Layer 4: Power distribution. ● Layer 5: Power plane for critical ICs. ● Layer 6: High-speed signal routing. ● Layer 7: Ground plane for shielding. ● Bottom Layer: Mixed-signal routing for auxiliary components. #multilayerPCB

Steps of Designing a Custom Arduino Shield PCB Before starting the design of your custom Arduino shield, it is essential to research the Arduino pin layout and identify the components required for your project. For example, when designing a shield for the Arduino Uno, you need to familiarize yourself with its headers for digital I/O, analog inputs, power, and communication interfaces. Step 1: Define the purpose The first step in designing your custom Arduino shield PCB is to define its purpose clearly. Will it be used to control motors, read sensor data, or provide wireless connectivity? Understanding the shield's purpose will help you determine the required components and layout. Additionally, you need to consider whether the shield will be a one-time-use solution or if it needs to be adaptable for future projects. If scalability is a requirement, consider adding extra connectors or useful features to extend its functionality. Step 2: Choose design software The next step is to select a suitable PCB design software. There are many options available, ranging from free and basic to paid and advanced software tools. Some popular choices include EasyEDA, Proteus, KiCad, and Altium Designer. When selecting software, consider the following factors: - Library support: Accessing pre-designed components from libraries can save a lot of time. - Simulation capabilities: Being able to simulate your circuit helps identify potential issues early in the design phase. - 3D visualization: Visualizing your PCB in 3D ensures proper fit and improves the aesthetics of your design. Step 3: Create the schematic To create a schematic, you will first need to add the elements like resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors that are needed within the circuit to your software workspace as illustrated in the next image. #ArduinoPCB

The comprehensive nature of such an eight-layer PCB is due to its structure comprising eight layers. Each of these layers is intended for different roles. 1. Top layer: - Supports RF traces dedicated to Ka-band communication. - Guarantees controlled impedance for applications with high-frequency requirements. 2. Layer 2 (ground plane): - Acts as a cover against electromagnetic interference (EMI) to radio frequency traces. - A stable reference plane ensures enhanced signal quality. 3. Layer 3 (power plane): - Supplies three types of voltage (1.2, 3.3, and 5 volts). - There is a reduction of noise using the correct decoupling and bypassing. 4. Layer 4 (signal layer): - Handles communication buses such as SPI, I2C, and beam steering signals. - Trace routing is performed so that interference between the traces is minimized. 5. Layer 5 (secondary power distribution): - Provides power to circuits. - Power lines are separated to avoid cross interference. 6. Layer 6 (digital signal layer): - Supports fast signals for control systems, Wi-Fi, and USB. - Short trace lengths with control are provided to ensure timing. 7. Layer 7 (ground plane): - Separates power noise from digital signals. - More shielding is provided for vulnerable transmissions. 8. Layer 8 (bottom layer): - Provides a plane to distribute heat. - Hold thermal vias that connect to a copper pour for enhanced heat management. The arrangement of the layers is not fixed, and the above PCB layers are just for your reference. These neat and distinct layers of the 8-layer PCB ensure reliable operation even in harsh conditions. #8layerPCB #multilayerPCB

The LoRa with ESP32 example project includes schematics and PCB for both the transmitter and receiver. With just a few components and straightforward programming, this example can be expanded into more complex systems—such as controlling multiple devices, integrating sensors, or even building mesh networks. Transmitter with Button The transmitter circuit includes: ● An ESP32 microcontroller. ● A button connected to a GPIO pin. ● An SX127x LoRa module for communication. #esp32

The smart water meter design is a sophisticated yet compact system that integrates key components to deliver accurate water flow measurement, efficient data processing, and seamless NB-IoT communication. Below is a detailed overview of the design: Schematics key components: 1. Ultrasonic flow sensor Measures water flow with high accuracy. Operates non-intrusively, ensuring no obstruction to the water supply. Integrated with the microcontroller for real-time data processing. 2. Microcontroller Handles data acquisition and processing from the ultrasonic sensor. Implements algorithms for anomaly detection, such as identifying leaks or tampering. Manages communication with the NB-IoT module and power-saving features. 3. Quectel BC65 NB-IoT Module Enables data transmission to cloud servers via the NB-IoT network. Compact and power-efficient, ideal for battery-operated systems. Offers enhanced security features to safeguard transmitted data. 4. Battery management circuit Designed for ultra-low power consumption to extend battery life. Includes a power regulator to ensure consistent voltage for all components. Supports long-term operation, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. #iot

NB-IoT water meters combine NB-IoT technology with robust water flow monitoring mechanisms. They are battery-powered and can work continuously for 10 years without battery replacement. Besides, their signals can penetrate. Their benefits include: ●Accurate billing based on real-time usage. ●Leak detection and water conservation. ●Reduced operational costs for the property management team. Let's break down the key elements of their functionality: 1. Water flow measurement At the heart of the NB-IoT water meter is a sensor often ultrasonic or mechanical that measures the water flow. Ultrasonic sensors are particularly popular for their accuracy and non-intrusive measurement methods. 2. Data processing A microcontroller processes the raw flow data from the sensor. Beyond simple calculations, it detects patterns and flags anomalies, such as potential leaks or tampering. 3. Communication via NB-IoT NB-IoT modules like the Quectel BC65 or BC92 send processed data to cloud servers or local databases via a cellular network. This ensures that users and utility companies can access the information in real-time through apps or dashboards. 4. Power efficiency One standout feature of NB-IoT is its ultra-low power consumption. Smart water meters are designed to operate on battery power for several years, minimizing maintenance. #iot #NBIoT

In regular PCB design, the current to flow through the PCB traces are within 10A, 5A, and even 2A, especially for commercial electronics. However, for high-power and high-current devices, such as the battery management system (BMS) for electric vehicles, and industrial inverters, their PCBs require a higher current capacity of the PCB traces. The current capacity of PCB traces for these high-current applications may reach 50A, 80A, 100A, and even 200A. How to increase the current capacity of PCB traces? What is the Current Capacity of PCB Traces First, let's define what the current capacity of PCB trace is. It is the maximum current value that can safely pass through the PCB traces without causing overheating and other issues. n theory, the formula of the current capacity of PCB traces according to the IPC-2221 standards is: I=K⋅Wa⋅Hb Where I stands for the theoretical current capacity of PCB traces in amperes (A), W is the trace width in mils, H is the copper thickness in oz, K, a, and b are empirical coefficients. At a 10°C temperature rise, for external traces, K=0.048, a=0.44, b=0.725, for internal traces, K=0.024, a=0.44, b=0.725. At a 20°C temperature rise, for external traces, K=0.095, a=0.44, b=0.725, for internal traces, K=0.048, a=0.44, b=0.725. In practice, the current capacity of PCB traces is larger than the above theoretical value, as the high-current PCB design should leave abundance for current capacity. #highcurrentPCB

IoT embedded systems are specialized computer systems combined with hardware and software components to execute certain functions under minimal human interference and integrate them into a larger system or IoT device. An embedded system typically consists of hardware components like microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators. Specialized software is programmed into read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory to perform its functions. Below are the #IoT embedded systems for smart transportation cameras from PCBONLINE. #embeddedsystem

Below, we use a BLE temperature sensor with the ESP32 prototype project as an example to illustrate how to set up BLE with ESP32. Requirement -An ESP32 development board -An Arduino IDE with ESP32 board support installed -A BLE client app on your smartphone (like nRF Connect) -A real temperature sensor, such as DHT11 or LM35 More details: https://lnkd.in/gRawy_3m #ESP32