Engineering Insights, Tutorials & Best Practices
Deep-dive articles on PCB trace width calculations, via sizing, impedance control, and industry standards. Written by engineers, for engineers.
Practical guidance on the mixed-signal PCB return path mistakes that create ADC noise, ground bounce, and EMC problems. Learn when to avoid plane splits, where to stitch vias, and how to review converter crossings before release.
Practical guidance on the mixed-signal PCB return path mistakes that create ADC noise, ground bounce, and EMC problems. Learn when to avoid plane splits, where to stitch vias, and how to review converter crossings before release.
Practical guidance for selecting 1oz, 2oz, or heavier copper on power electronics PCBs. Learn when copper weight solves a real problem, when wider pours are enough, and what buyers should confirm before fabrication.
Real PCB current-carrying examples using IPC-2152 thinking. See how layer, copper weight, bottlenecks, and board context change the trace width you should actually release to fabrication.
Practical PoE PCB guidance for 802.3af, 802.3at, and 802.3bt. Size the 48V path, bridge, vias, and bottlenecks without overbuilding every Ethernet-adjacent trace.
Practical guidance for choosing 1oz vs 2oz copper, trace and pour sizing, via count, and voltage-drop targets on motor driver PCBs.
How wide should CAN bus traces be on a PCB? Practical routing guidance for CAN and CAN FD, including width targets, pair symmetry, impedance considerations, and fab-ready checkpoints.
A comprehensive comparison of the two major PCB current carrying capacity standards. Learn when to use each and how they differ in trace width calculations.
Compare 0.5oz, 1oz, and 2oz PCB copper weights. Real-world applications, cost trade-offs, and trace width impacts explained.
Avoid costly PCB redesigns by learning the most common trace width mistakes. From temperature rise to manufacturing tolerances.
Understanding the key differences between thermal vias and signal vias is crucial for effective PCB design. Learn sizing, placement, and when to use each type.
Calculate the exact number of vias needed for your PCB. Engineering formulas for current requirements with practical examples.
Compare microstrip, stripline, and coplanar waveguide for high-speed PCB design. Impedance calculations and use cases.
Complete reference guide for high-speed interface impedance requirements. Covers USB 2.0/3.0, HDMI, PCIe Gen 1-5, DDR3/4/5, and more with practical design tips.
Essential online calculators for PCB design: trace width, via current, impedance, and more. Boost your productivity with these free tools.
Never send a flawed PCB to manufacturing again. 25-point checklist covering trace widths to impedance matching.
Thermal and electrical differences between internal and external PCB layers. How layer choice affects trace width and heat.
Put your knowledge into practice with our free PCB design calculators.