Hommer Zhao’s Post

Unveiling the Majesty of Purple PCB: Setting Standards in Quality and Aesthetics Let's delve into what makes this iconic board a standout choice for discerning engineers and designers alike. 1. Unparalleled Quality Standards: When it comes to quality, the Purple PCB sets the bar high. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, each board undergoes rigorous testing and inspection to ensure optimal performance and reliability. From material selection to manufacturing processes, every aspect is meticulously curated to meet the highest industry standards. 2. Exceptional Aesthetics: Beyond its technical prowess, the Purple PCB captivates with its striking aesthetics. The vibrant hue adds a touch of sophistication to any electronic device, making it a coveted choice for projects where aesthetics are paramount. Whether it's a consumer electronics product or a high-end industrial application, the Purple PCB elevates the visual appeal with its distinct presence. 3. Versatility and Adaptability: Despite its regal appearance, the Purple PCB is anything but limited in its applications. Versatile and adaptable, it caters to a wide range of industries and projects, from telecommunications to automotive and beyond. Whether you're designing a cutting-edge IoT device or a sophisticated medical instrument, the Purple PCB offers the flexibility to bring your vision to life. 4. Enhanced Performance and Reliability: Beyond aesthetics, the Purple PCB excels in performance and reliability. Engineered to deliver optimal signal integrity and thermal management, it ensures seamless operation even in demanding environments. With its robust construction and superior electrical properties, the Purple PCB instills confidence in the performance of your designs, setting the stage for success. 5. Inspirational Design Freedom: The Purple PCB serves as a canvas for creativity, offering designers unparalleled freedom to explore new ideas and concepts. Whether it's experimenting with unconventional layouts or pushing the boundaries of miniaturization, the Purple PCB encourages innovation and pushes the limits of what's possible in electronic design. 6. Join the Purple PCB Revolution: Are you ready to embrace excellence and aesthetics in your electronic designs? Join the Purple PCB revolution and experience the unparalleled quality and allure it brings to your projects. Elevate your creations with the majestic Purple PCB and make a lasting impression in the world of electronics. Like, share, and follow for more updates on the Purple PCB and other cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of electronic design. #pcb #pcba #pcbassembly #pcbmanufacturing #pcbmanufacturer

Mastering the Flex: How to Deal With Flexible PCB Opportunities and Challenges Let's dive into the exciting realm of flexibility and innovation. Embrace the Flexibility: Flexible PCBs offer a unique advantage in design flexibility. Whether you're working on wearable tech, curved displays, or compact electronic devices, embrace the potential for creativity that flexible PCBs bring to the table. Understanding the Design Process: Flex PCB design requires a different mindset compared to traditional rigid boards. Learn about the intricacies of designing for flexibility, including bend radii, layer stackups, and materials that can withstand repeated flexing. Material Selection Matters: The choice of materials significantly impacts the performance of flexible PCBs. Understand the properties of flexible substrates, adhesives, and cover layers to ensure durability and reliability in dynamic applications. Tackling Signal Integrity Challenges: Flexibility introduces new challenges to signal integrity. Dive into techniques for managing signal traces, minimizing crosstalk, and maintaining impedance control to ensure optimal performance. Bend and Flex Testing: Before mass production, conduct thorough bend and flex testing on prototypes. Identify weak points, evaluate the impact on components, and refine your design to enhance the reliability of flexible PCBs. Collaborate with Manufacturers Early: Engage with PCB manufacturers from the early stages of your flexible PCB project. Collaborating closely with manufacturers helps you understand their capabilities and constraints, leading to a smoother manufacturing process. Custom Flex Cables for Specific Applications: Flexibility allows for custom cable designs tailored to specific applications. Explore the potential of custom flex cables for unique form factors, ensuring a perfect fit for your project's requirements. Consideration for Environmental Factors: Flex PCBs are often employed in challenging environments. Factor in environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals when designing flexible PCBs for robust performance. Integration with Rigid PCBs: Explore opportunities for integrating flexible PCBs with rigid counterparts. This hybrid approach allows you to leverage the strengths of both types of boards, enhancing the overall functionality of your electronic devices. Stay Informed About Industry Innovations: The world of flexible PCBs is evolving rapidly. Stay informed about the latest advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and design techniques to stay at the forefront of innovation. Ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by flexible PCBs? Like, share, and follow for more insights on mastering the art of flexibility in PCB design. #pcb #pcba #pcbassembly #pcbmanufacturing #pcbmanufacturer #pcbfabrication

24 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬? The DEMO-AD7124-DZ evaluation board for the 24-bit ADC AD7124 has only two layers. This seems strange to me. Did Analog Devices want to show that an expensive 24-bit ADC also works on a two-layer PCB used for cheap mass products? Did they want to save money themselves? Similar questions follow immediately when I take a look at the ground plane: Did they want to show that 24 bit is also possible with a perforated ground plane (picture below, to the left)? Or did they simply not bother to avoid the interruptions? On a board with lots of free space! 𝘌𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘰𝘶𝘴 (picture to the right). I replaced four 0402 resistors with size 0603 - which allowed me to run a trace between the pads. I added two 1812-size 0R resistors, which allowed me to run four traces between the pads (!). These were changes without relevant cost implications. 💡 I recommend that if you are not doing the layout yourself, you discuss the possibility of changing the size of resistors and the use of 0R jumper resistors with the layout designer. This can also save a complicated routing with lots of vias on a four-layer print. The next post will explain why an uninterrupted groundplane is particularly important for analog high-performance boards like the DEMO-AD7124-DZ. (Layout recreated with KiCAD, available from AD in PADs format only, a tool I do not have a license for) --- ⚡ An in-house Design Review Day is an excellent opportunity to promote the transfer of know-how among your electronics engineers. By critiquing my schematics and layouts, their knowledge becomes apparent. As one participant said to his colleague after the seminar, “𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭! 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?” The seminar is available in English and German, throughout Europe. Details and request at www.designreviewday.com 👉 (Only in German) Nächster offener Design Review Day am 5. Dezember 2024 im Technopark Zürich. Jetzt anmelden über www.designreviewday.com --- #elektronikentwicklung #hardwaredesign #circuitdesign #pcbdesign #pcb

𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁. It involves creating physical components and circuits, covering schematic design, PCB layout, component selection, and signal integrity analysis. Proper hardware design ensures reliability and efficiency, crucial for your device's performance. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁? A well-executed hardware design lays the groundwork for a successful product. It helps achieving: ✅ Flawless functionality, seamless data gathering and connectivity. ✅ Reliable performance that meets power consumption and durability requirements. ✅ User-friendly products that are comfortable to interact with. 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 ☑️ reduce time-to-market and costly rework in the development cycle ☑️ streamline development processes ☑️ successful product launch ☑️ prevent issues like poor performance and high power consumption. In essence, hardware design is the silent partner that translates ideas into reality and paves the way for a product that delivers on its promise. 𝗪𝗲 𝗗𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻. Lune Digital #HardwareDesign #SmartTech #IoTDevices #TechInnovation #ProductDevelopment #PCBDesign #ComponentSelection #SignalIntegrity #TechBlueprint

HP's MicroLED Monitors Stack Together Like Legos: An anonymous reader quotes a report from Digital Trends: HP researchers have published a paper detailing a new modular monitor design they call "composable microLED monitors." Using advancing microLED tech to make smaller screens with no bezels, they imagine a Lego-like system that allows customers to buy different monitor modules and slot them together at home. In the paper, diagrams show "core units" with a direct connection to the host computer being expanded both horizontally and vertically with multiple extensions. The idea is that by choosing from flat or curved extension pieces and connecting them to the core unit, you can make a monitor in whatever size or shape you want. To keep assembly simple and effective, the design uses jigsaw-like connections alongside magnets to ensure each module automatically aligns correctly. And to prevent the number of possible configurations from getting out of hand, the design only allows extensions to attach to the sides or bottom of the square-shaped core unit. Once your strangely shaped monitor is complete, you would be able to choose how your operating system treats each part -- either as an extension of the core unit or as a separate screen. These settings would be controlled with physical switches on the modules that you could change whenever you wanted. As for the sizes of the modules, HP proposes a range of different possibilities, some more complicated than others. In an ideal situation, customers would be able to choose from either flat or curved core units and add flat or curved extensions of varying sizes. If that proved too difficult, curved monitor elements could be taken out of the picture completely, and customers would just add flat extensions to a flat core unit. As cool as this all sounds, there is a glaring problem -- how would the seams between each module look? Thanks to the bezel-less design, there at least wouldn't be a thick black divider between each part. However, a thin line or visible distortion would be inevitable. One approach HP proposes is minimizing the gap between each panel as much as possible and just accepting the thin line it creates. Alternatives include complicated techniques to disguise the joints using hardware or software solutions that modify the display of edge pixels to minimize visual joints. HP would have to find a balance between technical viability, cost, and customer feedback to determine the best overall solution. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Unraveling the Wonders of PCB Layout Design! Greetings, Tech Enthusiasts! Join me on a fascinating journey into the world of PCB layout design, where innovation meets precision. Let's unravel six critical aspects that transform your PCB from good to exceptional. 1. Symmetry Speaks Volumes: The Beauty in Balance! Discover the artistry in symmetry. Unearth how a balanced layout not only enhances the aesthetics of your PCB but also contributes to signal integrity, minimizing electromagnetic interference and maximizing performance. 2. EDA Tools Unleashed: Navigating the Design Landscape! Embark on a tour through the powerful landscape of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. Learn how these tools can significantly boost your design efficiency, streamline workflows, and uncover hidden potentials in your layouts. 3. High-Speed Design Harmony: Dancing with Data! Dive into the dance of high-speed design. Explore techniques that ensure harmonious data flow, minimize signal degradation, and optimize the performance of your PCB, especially in applications demanding rapid data transmission. 4. Grounding Techniques: Rooted in Stability! Establish a stable foundation with grounding techniques. Uncover the secrets of proper grounding to eliminate noise, enhance signal integrity, and ensure the reliability of your PCB design. Stay grounded for a smoother electronic journey! 5. Stack-Up Strategies: Elevate Your Design Game! Elevate your design game with strategic stack-up planning. Learn how different layer arrangements impact signal integrity, impedance control, and overall functionality. Master the art of stacking up layers for optimal performance. 6. Flexibility in Flex PCBs: Adapting to Change! Embrace the flexibility of Flex PCBs. Explore the advantages of flexible circuit design, allowing your PCBs to adapt to complex form factors and dynamic applications. Unshackle your creativity and design with newfound flexibility! Tap, Share, and Stay Tuned for More! Tap that like button, share these design wonders with your network, and stay tuned for more insights into the captivating world of PCB layout design! Let's keep pushing the boundaries of innovation. #DesignWonders #PCBPerfection #pcb #pcba #pcbassembly #pcbmanufacturing #wire #cable #wireharness #factory #auto

#100daysamplifierdesign #100daysamplifierdesign Day32 In analog IC design, interdigitated and common centroid layout patterns are techniques used to improve matching and minimize mismatch effects due to process variations, temperature gradients, and other factors. An **interdigitated layout** involves arranging devices (e.g., transistors) in an alternating pattern. This means placing the fingers or segments of the devices in an interleaved fashion. For example, if you have two transistors, the layout would place segments of the first transistor next to segments of the second transistor in a repeated sequence. This method helps to average out any systematic variations across the devices, enhancing matching by ensuring that each device experiences similar conditions. A **common centroid layout** goes a step further by arranging devices such that their centroid, or geometric center, is the same. This pattern places the devices in a symmetrical fashion around a central point. For instance, if you have four transistors, the layout would position them in a square or cross pattern, with pairs of devices diagonally opposite each other. The common centroid layout is particularly effective in minimizing gradient effects because any gradient across the layout affects each device equally, thereby improving matching and reducing offset. Both techniques are crucial in precision analog circuits where device matching significantly impacts performance. Interdigitated layouts are simpler and quicker to implement, suitable for cases where moderate matching is sufficient. Common centroid layouts offer superior matching but require more careful design and layout effort. They are often used in high-precision analog applications like differential pairs, current mirrors, and voltage references where matching accuracy is critical.

The ATMega328P is tried and true, and while it’s been rising in price, it’s still available – with even an updated version that sports a few more peripherals; most importantly, you’re sure to find a 328P in your drawer, if not multiple. Apart from that, the board uses two modules from a Chinese manufacturer, G-Nice, for both GPS and Lora. Both of these modules are cheap, making this tracker all that more accessible; I could easily see this project being sold as a “build your own beacon” kit! #pcbdesign #hardware #firmware #iotintegration #schematicdesign #pcblayout #electronics #designengineer #pcb #designrule #signalintegrity #testinganddocumentation

HP's MicroLED Monitors Stack Together Like Legos: An anonymous reader quotes a report from Digital Trends: HP researchers have published a paper detailing a new modular monitor design they call "composable microLED monitors." Using advancing microLED tech to make smaller screens with no bezels, they imagine a Lego-like system that allows customers to buy different monitor modules and slot them together at home. In the paper, diagrams show "core units" with a direct connection to the host computer being expanded both horizontally and vertically with multiple extensions. The idea is that by choosing from flat or curved extension pieces and connecting them to the core unit, you can make a monitor in whatever size or shape you want. To keep assembly simple and effective, the design uses jigsaw-like connections alongside magnets to ensure each module automatically aligns correctly. And to prevent the number of possible configurations from getting out of hand, the design only allows extensions to attach to the sides or bottom of the square-shaped core unit. Once your strangely shaped monitor is complete, you would be able to choose how your operating system treats each part -- either as an extension of the core unit or as a separate screen. These settings would be controlled with physical switches on the modules that you could change whenever you wanted. As for the sizes of the modules, HP proposes a range of different possibilities, some more complicated than others. In an ideal situation, customers would be able to choose from either flat or curved core units and add flat or curved extensions of varying sizes. If that proved too difficult, curved monitor elements could be taken out of the picture completely, and customers would just add flat extensions to a flat core unit. As cool as this all sounds, there is a glaring problem -- how would the seams between each module look? Thanks to the bezel-less design, there at least wouldn't be a thick black divider between each part. However, a thin line or visible distortion would be inevitable. One approach HP proposes is minimizing the gap between each panel as much as possible and just accepting the thin line it creates. Alternatives include complicated techniques to disguise the joints using hardware or software solutions that modify the display of edge pixels to minimize visual joints. HP would have to find a balance between technical viability, cost, and customer feedback to determine the best overall solution. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Did you know? Most PCB traces are routed at 45-degree angles rather than 90 degrees, and it's not just for aesthetics! This design choice actually has some critical benefits, especially in high-frequency RF circuits. Here’s the reason engineers avoid sharp 90 degree turns in PCB layouts. When a trace turns at a 90 degree angle, it disrupts the flow of current by creating a “corner” effect that can lead to signal reflection and impedance mismatch. This means that signals, especially high-frequency ones, might get distorted or even lost a huge headache for RF circuits or high-speed digital designs. In contrast, a 45 degree turn allows for a more gradual change in direction, which helps minimise signal reflection and keeps the impedance steady. Moreover, 45 degree angles also contribute to better manufacturability. Sharp 90 degree corners can trap etching chemicals during production, which can lead to issues with the trace width or even cause short circuits. Using 45 degree angles can help improve yield and reduce the risk of costly manufacturing defects. Now you know why.