Having open vias in pads is just about the number one "do not do" when creating a printed circuit board. Number two or three is don't have open vias near pads without a solder mask dam to stop the flow... Read more
There was a time when I relied pretty heavily on the libraries that came with my CAD software. At first, I exclusively used what came with the package. Next, I started downloading libraries for new components from user contributed content.... Read more
I once ordered a set of surface mount resisters and instead received a bag of 5.5mm barrel jacks. Funny thing is, the label and part number on the bag were correct for the SMT part. The part that I received... Read more
Some things never cease to astound me. A lot can go wrong in a product design cycle. Creating a good layout from a complex schematic is a difficult enough job as is, but when component marking logic leaves the building,... Read more
With so many components on allocation, having extended lead times or simply not available, minor re-design is the popular task of the day. MCUs can often be replaced with another family member and most passives and power components have options... Read more
Some parts just look cooler than others. I really like the super tiny WLCSP (wafer level chip scale package) BGAs that some newer ARM microcontroller and power components come in. They not only fit the "smaller is cooler" mantra, but... Read more
Most of what I write about here on the Screaming Circuits blog relates to DFM (design for manufacturing) and PCB layout best practices. Being in the business of prototype and on demand manufacturing (POD), we are frequently exposed to the... Read more
The term "via" probably comes from the Latin word meaning "road." Therefore, open via would essentially mean "open road." Open roads, here in Oregon sometimes run through open range ranch land. That means that cows have as much right to... Read more
Earlier this year we built the electronic badges for the Open Source Hardware Summit. The badge was very nice as is, but I extended it with a LiPoly battery pack of my own design. The badges were assembled in our... Read more
The name stands for "Extra Small Outline No-lead." It's a newish package from Texas Instruments. In my experience, Ti is one of the better companies where testing and documenting manufactureability is concerned. The datasheet for this device [www.ti.com/lit/an/scea055/scea055.pdf] is no... Read more
