App note from NXP Semiconductors about multilayer PCB as additional heatsink for flat SMD components mostly power transistors to dissipate heat. Link here (PDF) This application note illustrates how to improve the power dissipation of discrete components by using multilayer PCBs. It focuses on the impact of using larger copper areas to improve the thermal […]
Tag Archives: pcb
App note: Design considerations for mixed-signal, How to design a PCB layout
Another application note from e2v, this time about PCB design involving mixed-signal (Analog and Digital) components. Link here (PDF) This application note aims at providing you with some recommendations to achieve improved performance. The initial assumptions are the following: • Proper grounding and routing of all signals is essential to ensure accurate signal conversion • […]
Over the top UCload
Sjaak has published a new build, uC controlled dummy load: I’m mostly a digital guy, but I’m wanting to design my own power supply. If I’m wanting to test that i need a dummy load. I got inspired by the re:load (www.arachnidlabs.com/reload ). I added a microcontroller, rotary switch, external powersupply input and the obligatory […]
Making PCB vias with conductive ink
Here’s an alternative method for making PCB vias using conductive ink from Diyouware: We developed an alternative method for making PCB vias through-hole using our robot. As you probably know the traditional DIY method consists in threading a wire through the holes and then soldering it and then cutting it off. For example, if we have 100 vias in […]
PCB inspection stand for Chinese magnifier
Tom Keddie writes, “On the last hacker camp I picked up a magnifier with HDMI output on Taobao (or more expensive but no airfare needed 14MP HDMI HD Microscope USB Industrial Camera 180X C mount Lens Stereo Stand) I find myself needing to peer into and under packages a lot, I got sick of holding […]
App note: Passives aren’t really So Passive: PCB
The last part of “Passives aren’t really so passive” series app notes from Maxim Integrated discusses about PCB flaws that can lead to passive errors to IC performance. Link here (PDF) Active components like transistors and integrated circuits change signals using energy from the power supply. However, passive components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, and connectors […]
Making a PCB business card
Ilia Baranov has designed a reference business card: Back of card includes: Ruler in both 1/10″ and mm. AWG Hole size gauge (not super accurate due to plating, but that is unavoidable) Resistor/capacitor/inductor/diode sizes Common surface mount component sizes Common electrical symbols and shortcuts/equations Common conversions Trace size comparison Quote from Dune! Project info at Mr.Robot […]
USB Infrared Toy free PCB build
Kuba Tyszko built a free USB IR Toy PCB. With the USB IR Toy you can use a remote control with your computer, view infrared signals on a logic analyzer, capture and replay remote control buttons. If you build a free PCB we’ll send you another one! Blog about it, post a picture on Flicker, […]
EAGLE BOM generation script
Dilshan Jayakody writes: This is a quick post about EAGLE parts list generation script which I was written to replace existing “part2html.ulp”. This script generates more organized and detailed BOM HTML file and it can directly replace “part2html.ulp”. This script is tested with EAGLE 6.6.0, but it can also work with older versions of EAGLE […]
RFM26W Breakout Board – First DirtyPCB manufacturing service test
Kai Bader’s first PCB manufacturing run with DirtyPCBs: The PCBs are well produced, no “dirt” besides a bit of dust from my side. A few tiny scratches that did not affect the board. The silk screen is clearly readable. Details at Kai Bader’s blog.
App note: EMC tests and PCB guidelines for automotive linear regulators
PCB design guidelines from ON Semiconductors on minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI) on automotive linear regulators. Link is here Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is important for the functionality and security of electronic devices. Today’s designers must deal with steadily increasing system frequencies, changing power limits, high-density layouts required by more complex systems, and the ever-present need for […]
Mikey’s first DirtyPCB experience
Mikey shares his first impressions with DirtyPCBs: Yes, exclamation mark and lots of yelling! The PCB’s has arrived, lets have a look at them. At first glance they look very good, silk screen is fine, both on top and bottom. The outline of the board feels smooth with a sharp edge, just as it should […]
DirtyPCB Arduino business card
Here’s an instructable by ProtoG on how to make your own PCB business card: In this instructable I am going to show you how to make your own printed circuit board business card. I feel that these business cards will really help you stand out from the crowd and make a great impression. It might even […]
ChipHeadBang – design for an USB to Serial converter with ICSP header for (slow) bitbang programming
microtherion has published new project the ChipHeadBang, that is available on Github: Design for an USB to Serial converter with ICSP header for (slow) bitbang programming, based on the CH340G chip. While this seems to work pretty well, and the CH340G can be obtained extremely cheaply from sources such as AliExpress, driver support can be a bit […]
Yet another Bus Pirate free PCB build
Jason Mann built a free Bus Pirate v3.8 PCB. The Bus Pirate is an open source hacker multi-tool that talks to electronic stuff. I received my free PCBs from #dangerousprototypes at the end of last month. I quickly put them together, but I ran into problems programming the bootloader and firmware. I finally managed to […]
DirtyPCBs silkscreen text size
sleemanj writes: I made some text on my pcbs really quite small, fully expecting it to be a miserable mess, but in fact it’s beautifully sharp. In the text sparks.gogo.co.nz shown below, the width of the lines in the characters is approx 6 mil (approx 0.15mm), this is a “Vector Font Size 4 with Normal […]
DirtyPCBs two layer ENIG PCB closeups
DirtyPCBs two layer ENIG PCB review by manis404: The standard service is $14 for 10 boards. You can have the pads ENIG finished for $15 more, which brings the total cost to $29 for 10 boards, shipped. It is still an excellent deal. The quality is excellent too, as the closeups below illustrate. See more […]
Systematic PCB verification approach
From the comments on our previous PCB Checklist post, George Hadley shared this helpful checklist for submitting a PCB to a fab house: Systematic PCB Verification Approach (PDF!): 1. Parts completion check: 1. All major components included? Microcontroller/FPGA/SoC/Microprocessor/CPLD? Power supply/regulation? Sensors? User interface elements? (LCDs, buttons, switches, etc.) Actuator drivers and control? (Motor control? LED constant current drivers? […]
DipTrace export settings for Dirty PCB
As a follow up to the PCB layout design with DipTrace post, KF5OBS blogged about on how to set-up DipTrace to export a PCB layout correctly for Dirty PCB: Dirty PCB offers – as the name implies – dirt cheap PCB manufacturing. The trick is a very low profile and a straight-forward system that needs minimum […]
PCB Checklist – What to check before you submit
Baldengineer’s checklist for submitting a PCB to a fab house: Recently I’ve been expanding my retro game collection to include game cartridges imported from Japan. The problem is that I don’t have Japanese game systems (yet). So I’m creating an open source adapter to convert Famicom carts to the NES. Before I submit the PCB to […]