Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/why-choose-halogen-free-pcbs-for-sustainable-electronics/ Halogen-free PCB materials are eco-friendly dielectrics that eliminate hazardous toxins while meeting sustainability standards without compromising performance. Halogen-based laminates can release toxic fumes during combustion or disposal, but halogen-free alternatives significantly reduce health and environmental risks. If you’re a PCB designer, product engineer, compliance ...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
I’m designing a 4-layer PCB where the two inner layers are solid ground planes, and the outer layers carry signals. Since I’ve always added ground pours on 2-layer designs, I’m wondering should I still add ground pours with stitching vias on the outer layers when internal ground planes are already present?| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Hello everyone, I have a Gerber file set for a PCB that was designed around 7–8 years ago. Unfortunately, I don’t have the original PCB design source file (like Altium, Eagle, etc.), only the Gerbers. I need to generate the XY coordinates (Pick & Place file) for SMT machine assembly. Could anyone guide me on: Whether it’s possible to extract or reconstruct XY coordinates directly from Gerber files, Any tools or scripts (open-source or commercial) that can help generate component placeme...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Have a PCB question? Ask below in this thread. Ask Us Anything about... PCBs 2025-10-15 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) → 2025-10-15 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)| SierraConnect - Latest posts
See the Q&A: QuestionAnswer When I transition to and from stripline to microstrip, I put gnd vias close to the transition. How important is it to stitch the ground planes together at other locations? Why?As you pointed out, the importance of stitching ground planes together depends largely on the frequency of operation. The farther away the stitching vias are from the transition, the less impact they have on the circuit’s performance. A useful way to think about this is in terms of waveleng...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
A via stub is the unused, plated portion of a via barrel that extends beyond the signal layers it is intended to connect. The unused segment behaves like an open-circuited transmission-line stub, introducing reflections, increased capacitance, and insertion loss. The reflections caused by the stub can interfere constructively or destructively with the main signal, leading to data errors or reduced eye opening. As a PCB designer, you should aim to eliminate via stubs to maintain signal integri...| SierraConnect
Hi everyone, I’m designing a PCB that will switch 230 VAC at about 8 A using a relay. I’m still learning and would like to check if my understanding is correct: Trace width: At 50 Hz (mains), skin effect is negligible, so I can size the copper like DC. For 8 A on 1 oz copper I think I need around 6–8 mm width or a large copper pour for about a 20 °C rise. (With 2 oz copper it seems about 3–4 mm width would be enough.) Does that sound right? Creepage / clearance: When people say “gi...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-reduce-ground-bounce-pcba/ Ground bounce is a source of noise in a PCB assembly. It is important to prevent this as it interrupts high-speed or high-frequency operation. The major cause for ground bounce is the difference in ground potentials at various points on the circuit.| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Part Number:TPS1685 Tool/software: Hi, i am using this new efuse. i still no idea do i need to leave it emply on the pin 19 PGood and pin 13 FLT , i have been asking different ai , Most wasn’t a reliable answer, i mean some ai said it can be a indicator light. I want to know do i need to connect it with resistor or should i need to leave it in blank. Some ai said FLT should be connect at least 10kΩ to somewhere which has 3.3V or 5V , i still don’t get it. PGood>>This is an open-drain act...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
What are the current best practices for connecting digital ground, analog ground, and chassis ground in mixed-signal PCBs?| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Hi everyone, Has anyone here worked on making a Rogowski coil in PCB format? I am trying to design one, but I need to split a full circular coil into two semicircle PCBs (or multiple pieces) and then join them together so they behave like a single continuous Rogowski coil. I’d like advice on: How to route the traces so that the winding direction is consistent across the two halves. Best way to connect the two semicircles electrically (pads, vias, connectors, or solder joints) without introd...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Join our webinar on RF thermal management and simulation with Ozen Engineering. Webinar agenda: Why thermal management is critical in RF circuit design Identifying heat sources Modes of heat transfer in RF systems Comparing thermal properties of common RF laminates Stack-up design for efficient heat dissipation Thermal pads and exposed die in high-power RF components The importance of heatsinks Thermal vias: design and placement DFM tips for thermal management Simulating trace and via layouts...| SierraConnect
Review the terms of service for the SierraConnect PCB forum. Learn about user responsibilities, privacy policies, and the legal guidelines for using our platform.| SierraConnect
Review the terms of service for the SierraConnect PCB forum. Learn about user responsibilities, privacy policies, and the legal guidelines for using our platform.| SierraConnect
Review the terms of service for the SierraConnect PCB forum. Learn about user responsibilities, privacy policies, and the legal guidelines for using our platform.| SierraConnect
Confused about how to implement effective shielding for EMI? This seminar cuts through the general advice and focuses on fundamentals, helping engineers determine the best shielding strategies for their hardware, applications, and installation conditions. Gain practical insights and test methods to ensure your shields perform as needed. What you’ll learn: How shields work and how functionality varies by application Key considerations: frequency range, materials, seams, apertures, and instal...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Optimize your digital PCB designs by learning how to route effectively and manage signal energy. This seminar guides you through practical strategies to improve signal integrity and minimize interference. What you’ll learn: Why some PCB routing strategies outperform others How to plan fanout and routing order effectively Best practices for differential pairs and length matching How signal energy flows through your board and across layers Techniques to minimize interference and control energ...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
For USB or high-speed interfaces, is it better to connect the cable shield directly to PCB ground or through a filtering element such as a ferrite bead?| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Hi, I have the books by Archambeault, Ott, Morrison, Young and countless application notes. I can recite Maxwell’s equations by heart and I know of the Telegraphers equations. However, I would like, if someone can point me to it, a reference to a paper or book that shows the mathematics behind what people talk about when they say “the signal is in the field not in the conductor”. I have researched the Poynting vector and what that means and believe it or not there is still discussion ab...| SierraConnect
Join our DFA webinar to learn how to avoid common DFA mistakes for achieving defect-free assembly. Agenda: • Troubles caused by overlooking the design for assembly rules • DFA mistakes that you love to make • Best practices for creating assembly files • What you should do for component placement • DFA rules for reflow soldering compatibility • How to design thermal relief for heat dissipation • How our SPI and AOI machines catch solder bridges, opens, and component misalignment ...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-choose-pcb-laminates-based-on-ipc-standards/ Following IPC standards for PCB laminates makes it easier to choose dielectric materials that fit the specific needs of rigid, high-speed, and flexible boards. Standards like IPC-4101, IPC-4103, and IPC-4202 set clear benchmarks for key properties such as impedance control, thermal performance, and durability. By using these standards as a guide, you can confidently pick materials t...| SierraConnect
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/key-aspects-dfm-hdi-pcbs/ Design for manufacturability (DFM) for HDI PCBs refers to designing layouts that reduce the errors associated with fabrication and assembly.| SierraConnect
I’m working on a six-layer PCB with the following stackup: L1: Top (signals) L2: GND L3: Signal L4: PWR L5: GND L6: Bottom (signals) Some high-speed signals (USB3 differential pairs and a 4-bit SDIO bus) had to be routed on L3 due to space constraints. To maintain return paths, I’ve added stitching vias near signal vias when moving between layers. My question is: since L2 and L4 are both solid reference planes, do I also need stitching capacitors at the start and end of these L3 traces? O...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Back when two-layer boards were the norm, one of the main reasons for using a hatched pour was to help balance copper density between each PCB layer and reduce the risk of warping during fabrication. A hatched pour behaves mechanically more like a set of traces than a continuous copper plane, which made it less prone to stress compared to a solid fill when paired with routing on the opposite side. In current HDI manufacturing, you rarely see hatched planes used for this purpose, but the same ...| SierraConnect - Latest posts
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-design-reliable-microvias-in-your-pcbs/ Microvia failure occurs due to the thermal stresses that arise during the PCB assembly process. These stresses can have a significant impact on the reliability of the plated hole. Key design strategies for enhancing microvia reliability include selecting suitable materials for laser drilling, adhering to IPC-T-50M guidelines, and implementing stack-up configurations in alignment with IPC...| SierraConnect
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/building-pcb-prototype-from-scratch-designers-guide/ Designing a PCB prototype from scratch requires in-depth technical analysis and precise execution. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the process, including every critical step from requirement gathering to final testing and regulatory compliance. Highlights: When creating a PCB prototype: Identify the end application, budget, and regulatory needs to set clear design ...| SierraConnect
