Circuit Board – Advanced Circuits | PCB Manufacturing & PCB Assembly https://www.4pcb.com/blog Printed Circuit Boards and PCB Assembly Manufacturer Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 2-Layer vs. 4-Layer Printed Circuit Boards /blog/2-layer-vs-4-layer-printed-circuit-boards/ Fri, 13 Aug 2021 20:05:39 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2427 Continue reading ]]> When it comes to printed circuit boards (PCBs), there are infinite possibilities for how many layers you can have. Some supercomputers have nearly a hundred layers in their construction, but, the most common layered PCBs usually have only two or four layers. Read on to find out what the differences are and how you can make an informed decision for your next project.

2-Layer PCBs

Compared to 4-layer PCBs, 2-layer PCBs are much easier to work with due to their simple design. While not as simple as 1-layer PCBs, they’re as straightforward as you can get without sacrificing the functionality of double-sided inputs. The reduced complexity leads to an equally reduced price tag, but this means there are fewer possibilities than with the 4-layer PCB. As a pro, though, there is no propagation delay with the signal.

4-Layer PCBs

4-layer PCBs have much greater surface area than a 2-layer PCB, increasing the possibilities. As a result, they can be great for more complex devices. Because of their complexity, the production cost will be higher and development will be a bit slower. They are also more likely to have propagation delays, so be sure to factor in extra production time to any project timeline.

What are the Layers Used For?

The most important layer in a PCB is the copper signal layer, which is what the PCBs are named after. While 2-layer PCBs have two signal layers, 4-layer PCBs have – you guessed it – four. These signal layers are used to connect to other electronic components in the device. In between those layers is the insulation layer or core, which is added in between the signal layers to give it structure. In 4-layer PCBs, here’s also the solder mask layer, which is applied on top of the signal layers. This prevents the copper traces from interfering with other metal components on the PCB. They also have a silkscreen layer which is used to add numbers to the different components, making them easier to understand.

If you’re looking for PCB solutions, look no further than Advanced Circuits. We offer PCB assembly, barebones PCBs, free PCB design software, and so much more. Our 24-hour tech support team would love to help you– contact us today.

 

]]>
How to Better Plan Your Printed Circuit Build /blog/how-to-better-plan-your-printed-circuit-build/ Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:20:41 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2417 Continue reading ]]> Are you wondering what the easiest and most cost-effective way to build a printed circuit board (PCB), also called a printed wiring board (PWB), is? How do you start? Does Advanced Circuits have any PCB solutions?

Start with a Schematic

A schematic uses symbols to designate the components and shows the components used and how they connect in the circuit and is needed to design the PCB.

PCB Design

The PCB designer uses the schematic and specifications of the components to design the PCB manually or with a computer-aided design (CAD) program like the one offered free through Advanced Circuits.

TIP: To make your PCB look professional:

  • Place the components on a 0.10 grid, horizontally (x-axis) or vertically (y-axis), not on angles.
  • Place the components with polarity (anodes) facing the same direction in both axes.

The same with resistor stripes.

Inserting the Components on the PCB

The components are inserted manually or by a machine called an automatic insertion machine. This procedure is called PCB electromechanical assembly.

The component wire leads are soldered in place by hand or a wave solder. Some companies bend the wire leads on the solder side of the PCB to hold the components in place before soldering.

Before the Production Run

The making of a prototyping board before the production run is not only a common but wise procedure. By doing so, any errors in the circuitry or printed circuit board design are more likely to be detected.

TIP: Prototype PCBs often lack a solder mask. Make sure the traces are wide enough to handle the amperage with a solder mask.

Advanced Circuits Can Solve Your PCB Needs

If you are looking for a one-stop shop for your PCB needs, Advanced Circuits is your PCB solution. From the design of your PCB to making your boards to assembly.

Some of the services provided are:

  • PCB Design Layout software
  • Free PCB file checks
  • Barebones PCBs
  • PCB full spec prototyping
  • PCB full spec production
  • PCB assembly
  • PCB stencils
  • 0-10 layers PCB (standard)
  • 0-40 layers PCB (custom)
  • No minimum order
  • DOD contracts ready
  • Space & flight approved PCB supplier

Advanced Circuits is your market industry expert, whether you are a student, hobbyist, or a manufacturer of defense, aerospace, or medical equipment.

Contact us today for more information or to have a live chat with an expert.

 

]]>
Free Resources and Tools Make Circuit Board Design Easy and Error-Free /blog/free-resources-and-tools-make-circuit-board-design-easy-and-error-free/ Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:22:01 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2191 Continue reading ]]> Circuit board design is essential in the modern manufacturing process as almost every electronic device uses a PCB (with or without surface-mount technology). And yet, the process of making a PCB is rarely thought of as fast, easy, or without some risks, delays, and errors. If it were just a matter of circuit board design, it would be one thing, but there are many different steps to PCB design.

For instance, there is the initial circuit board design process. Then there are processes like film creation, mapping of copper paths, and V-scoring and testing. This is why promises of same-day production or turnaround are greeted with skepticism and raised eyebrows. However, Advanced Circuits is able to deliver on same-day turnaround times, flawless design, and more.

Single-Space Circuit Board Design and Production Plant

It is rare to find circuit board design solutions in a single facility or space. However, Advanced Circuits has over 25 years in the circuit boards industry and ranks as one of the largest one-stop providers. Specializing in circuit boards and prototypes, we have a comprehensive set of services and solutions that include:

  • One day PCB production: Among the only PCB providers capable of manufacturing and assembling circuit boards in a single day, we have the ability to provide circuit board designs of great complexity in a short amount of time.
  • Full support: Unlike many other manufacturers, our team works with you every step of the way. We begin with a quote based on initial design spec uploads and guide you through to the final production and assembly phases.
  • Quality: With free design and testing resources, clients can be assured of the overall quality of the product they will receive. However, a full CAM review is done before any manufacturing begins, as well as visual inspections of the final circuit boards.
  • Transparent pricing: There are no hidden fees or sneaky pricing that covers essential services, including stenciling fees, setup fees, and other unnecessary charges.
  • One-stop solution: Circuit board design benefits immensely from seamless design, review, and production options. With everything happening under one roof, it means designers and engineers are on-site to evaluate and remediate when necessary. It means no risk for errors, delays, and costly problems.

After Circuit Board Design Comes Evaluation and Production

Of course, circuit board design is not all about production. Yes, speed and efficiency are amazingly beneficial, but only if the initial circuit board design is all it is meant to be.

This is something Advanced Circuits understands. We add value to customers’ experiences and outcomes with such services and benefits as:

  • No minimum orders: No need to lock a huge segment of the budget into meeting the financial demands of minimum orders on simple to complex circuit board designs with this substantial option.
  • CAM engineer evaluations: All products are evaluated by one of our in-house engineers long before production begins in order to spare clients any costly mistakes.
  • Free design software: The cost of PCB design software is part of doing business. Advanced Circuits offers proprietary and exclusive PCB Artist software available in an unrestricted format and entirely for free. It downloads to a client’s Windows-based desktop and is capable of up to 28 layers in a single design. The program has over 500k parts from which to choose, integrates a controlled auto-router function to speed up design processes, and offers multi-page schematics for more complex projects. With a complete library of tutorials to train those using the program, there is no reason not to take advantage of it.
  • Free evaluation software: For those already using a CAM program of their own, the option for FreeDFM allows the manufacturing quality of a design to be tested. The files are exported in a Gerber format and loaded to the online software, which reviews the entire file, corrects any glitches, and generates a report indicating changes or potential problems.
  • Full tech support: While it’s great to have customer support around the clock, few PCB firms offer their clients an opportunity to troubleshoot with the help of a CAM engineer. Advanced Circuits has experts of this kind available 24 hours a day.

Going Above and Beyond for Your Success

Another benefit of working with Advanced Circuits is that it is possible to use our available resources and then order through the free software. Rather than downloading and re-uploading, it is possible to simply use the software options and then run an order through at the end of the review and correction process. The CAM engineer review is always done, regardless of the channel used to order, and there is always a discount for making an order directly through the free resources.

Not everything has to be outsourced or complex, and your circuit board design and production don’t have to involve multiple companies that put you at risk for error. When there are such easy, free, and comprehensive solutions, the risks are erased, money and time are saved, and production schedules guaranteed.

Partnering with Advanced Circuits means designers and producers get a unique experience marked by attention to detail. This is different from the “no-touch” approach that so many circuit board design firms are forced to work with. Demanding pre-tested files, they just run the project “as is,” jeopardizing the budget should there be undetected errors. The team at Advanced Circuits runs each circuit board design through expert examinations long before production begins.

Your One-Stop-Shop for PCB Design Needs

Why work with a broker when there is an option to pair up with one-stop specialists? We offer some of the fastest turnaround times and the best on-time shipping record in the industry.

Printed circuit board design does not have to be a gamble or a process that involves all kinds of back and forth between designers and producers. Whether you want a one-off or prototype with a fast turnaround time (even a single day), or you are looking for a solution that integrates design, testing, production, and assembly in one space, you’ll find it here at Advanced Circuits.

 

]]>
Best Tips for Creating Quality Circuit Boards /blog/best-tips-for-creating-quality-circuit-boards/ Thu, 14 May 2020 22:02:16 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2172 Continue reading ]]> Do you need to create circuit boards for a project? Perhaps you are building a new electronic device to sell that needs to have specialized PCBs. Maybe you are creating a printed circuit board for a personal project or an experiment that you want to try. There are countless reasons that someone might be trying to create a circuit board, but they all have one thing in common. Everyone wants to make sure that their design works before they have it manufactured. This is true whether they are going to have thousands manufactured or just one.

Have a Goal in Mind

One of the mistakes that some novice designers make is only having a basic understanding of what it is that they truly want to create. You need to have an overall goal in mind for the board. You need to know what it must do, and you need to have an idea of how to ensure that your circuit board is as efficient as possible. Once you know what you want the board to do and you have an idea of how it should be created, you can move on to the design phase. It’s important that you do not skip this first step.

Use High-Quality Software

One of the most important aspects of creating circuit boards today is choosing the right software to get the job done. At Advanced Circuits, we offer software called PCB Artist, which is entirely free and unlimited. It provides a range of benefits, including Gerber format files, integrated schematics, a design rule and check report, help files, a library manager with more than 500,000 parts, and more. You can even use the software to create a design that is up to 28 layers.

The software will help to make sure that you are creating a design that works. However, you will also want to be sure that the design is fully optimized, not just operational.

Optimize the Design

It is important to optimize at every level, starting with the board size. Consider what you need the board to do and determine how large it needs to be to include the necessary components.  You also want to optimize the layer design and the via selection. Ideally, you will be able to create the smallest possible board for each project. This allows the device itself to be smaller, which is the goal for so many different types of electronics today.

One of the mistakes that many make is trying to be more complex than they need to be with the design. Generally, it is better to have a simple design that works well than a complex design that may not be as efficient as you had hoped. Always look for simplicity and efficiency with your designs. The end product will be better off for it.

Consider the Materials

You should also consider the materials that are being used in the construction of the circuit board. If you want to have quality devices, you do not want to skimp on the quality of the materials you are using. This means you should always make sure that you are working with a high-quality manufacturer that provides great materials and great construction of your circuit boards.

Testing the Design in Software

Once you have a design that you are happy with, you still want to make sure it works before you move on to the next step. The first part of testing is to check the Gerber files with a viewer. Depending on the software used to create the circuit board, there might also be a testing feature that you can use. In addition, when you work with Advanced Circuits, there is a free review before the project moves into manufacturing. This helps to ensure that you are getting a product that works. However, there is another step you can take to ensure it truly is ready for full manufacturing, as noted below.

Consider Getting a Prototype

Even though you are sure the circuit board will work, you may want to play it safe and get a prototype sent out to you before placing a large order. This can be a smart way to ensure that everything works as you intended. It allows you to see how the board works in practice, and you may find that you could make a few more adjustments to improve the board further. It’s better to know this with a prototype rather than when you have a shipment of several thousand boards on your doorstep.

Work with Advanced Circuits

Even if you have a great design in mind, you will not be able to execute your vision unless you are working with an excellent partner throughout the process. Advanced Circuits can provide you with the help you need from start to finish, no matter how simple or complex your project might be. As stated previously, we offer PCB Artist, which is software that will make it easy for you to create your design and to make sure it works before moving forward. You can contact us to get a quote instantly, and you can get in touch if you have questions.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to our customers. We do not have a minimum number of boards that you need to order, so it will be possible to get exactly what you need. Maybe you only need to have one or a handful of circuit boards for prototypes of a personal project. Maybe you need to have thousands of boards. We can help, and we can provide you with very fast turnaround time.

If you are creating a circuit board today, be sure to work with only the very best. As you can see, Advanced Circuits strives to make the entire process as simple as possible from start to finish. From software to create the circuit board to testing options and great customer service, you can be sure you are getting nothing but the best when you choose to work with us. We’ve maintained our reputation in the field for a reason.

 

]]>
Understanding Blind and Buried Vias /blog/understanding-blind-and-buried-vias/ Wed, 18 Dec 2019 21:13:43 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2071 Continue reading ]]> A topic that often comes up when discussing printed circuit board manufacturing is blind and buried vias. Here we’ll discuss what these are and how they can help you receive PCBs that function the way you intend. We’ll review the benefits of blind and buried vias, how they’re built, and why it’s vital to work with an experienced PCB manufacturer that knows how to properly add blind and buried vias to printed circuit boards.

It can often be difficult to fit all the needed connections on a PCB onto a single layer. A way around this problem is with vias. They are conductive holes that are shaped similar to a barrel, which allows for connections across multiple layers of the PCB. While there are several vias, there are two that are used most often. These are the blind and buried vias, and we believe they can provide some excellent benefits to those who use them in their PCBs.

What is the Difference Between Blind and Buried Vias?

A blind via will connect an outer layer of the board to one of the inner layers. However, it does not go all the way through the entire PCB. A buried via is located within the board and will connect the inner layers without reaching the outer layers. There is also a through-hole, which goes through the entire board vertically and will connect all the layers. It is a relatively simple concept to understand, and it can provide some excellent benefits.

Many Benefits of Blind and Buried Vias

Many PCB boards are small and have a limited amount of space, so the blind and buried vias can provide additional room and options for the board. The buried vias, for example, will help to free up space on the surface of the board without affecting the surface components or traces that are on the top or bottom layers. The blind vias can help to free up some additional space. They are often used for fine pitch BGA components. Since the blind vias only go through a portion of the board, it also means that there will be a reduction of signal stubs.

While the blind and buried vias can be used with many various PCBs, they tend to be used most often for high-density interconnect PCBs, or HDIs. The HDIs are popular because they can offer better power delivery and an added layer density. Through the use of the hidden vias, it will also help to keep the board smaller and lighter, which is very helpful when you are creating electronics. They are commonly used in medical devices, tablets, laptops, cellphones, and similar small electronics.

While the blind and buried vias can be helpful for those who need them, they can also add to the cost of the PCB. This is due to the added work that is required to add them to the board, along with the testing and manufacturing that will need to go into them. This means that you should only use them when it is truly necessary; because you want to have a great board that is tight and efficient.

How Are the Blind and Buried Vias Built?

The vias can be made either before or after the multilayer lamination. The blind and buried vias are added to the PCB through drilling, which can be precarious. It is important that the builder understands and is aware of the depth of the drill. If the hole is not deep enough, it might not provide a good connection. On the other hand, if the hole is too deep, there is a chance that it could degrade the signal or cause distortion. If any of these things were to occur, it would not be viable.

In a blind via, the hole will need to be defined using a separate drill file. The ratio of that hole diameter to the drill diameter needs to be equal to one or less. With a smaller hole, the distance between the outer layers and the inner layers will be smaller.

With a buried via, each of the holes needs to be made using a separate drill file. This is because they connect to different parts of the inner layer of the boards. The hole depth to drill diameter ratio will need to be no larger than 12. If it is larger than that, it will run the risk of touching other connections within the board.

We recommend working with Advanced Circuits for PCB manufacturing. This will help to ensure that the design and the build of the board, including the blind and buried vias, are feasible. Failure to prepare and to work with a quality board manufacturer could end up in added costs.

Our experts have the tools and techniques to ensure proper drill depths. We can ensure that there is no air trapped in the PCB during the process. The plating will be applied properly to connect the internal layers.

Choosing a Printed Circuit Board Manufacturer

Because it is so important to ensure blind and buried vias are added to the PCB properly, finding the right manufacturer becomes essential. We at Advanced Circuits provide reliable PCB manufacturing and assembly that meets your specifications.

We own a large printed circuit board manufacturing facility that uses state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to provide quality and consistency. All orders placed with us go through a free engineering file review before they go into production. This helps to ensure that the boards are created properly and that they work. No one wants to receive boards that are unusable. It would be a waste of time and money.

Also, we know how important it is for you to get your boards on time. We can provide you with PCBs with blind and buried vias with fast turnaround time, not to mention fast shipping.

When you are choosing a manufacturer, you will also want to have an understanding of how much the order will cost. We offer instant PCB quotes.

If you need PCBs that have blind and buried vias, the right company can make getting what you need fast and easy. Advanced Circuits offers excellent manufacturing, reliable products, and superior customer service.

]]>
Quality Circuit Board Manufacturing in USA /blog/quality-circuit-board-manufacturing-in-usa/ Wed, 31 Jul 2019 17:45:59 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1977 Continue reading ]]> Advanced Circuits celebrates 30 years of quality circuit board manufacturing in the USA.  Since 1989, the company has been committed to bringing the best value, quality, and service to North America’s circuit board market for both quickturn prototypes and high volume production quantities.  Advanced Circuits’ circuit board fabrication capabilities and innovative services have made the manufacturer a top choice for electronic design engineers, ranking among the top three circuit board manufacturers in North America in sales volume.

Top Notch Support for Circuit Board Fabrication

Advanced Circuits is well known for its outstanding service.  When you source your circuit boards from Advanced Circuits you can be sure to get personalized support from a dedicated team that is ready to assist to ensure a smooth ordering process.  Customers can count on the industry’s largest support team that includes 24 hour live technical support Monday through Friday and even Saturdays until 4pm EST.

One Advanced Circuits customer says, “I was quite impressed with fab managers even calling me past 9 pm to obtain a clarification on a board issue that arose. This is the first time I’ve ever been able to straighten out a fast-turn PCB order from the middle of a shopping-mall food court”.  Our sales and support team treat each and every order as a time-sensitive order and provide immediate communication and full documentation to help resolve any issues that may arise quickly and efficiently.

Advanced Circuit Board Qualifications & Certifications

Electronic design engineers and some of the world’s top brands rely on Advanced Circuits for high quality precision craftsmanship for their circuit boards.  The company operates three USA based manufacturing facilities with advanced PCB industry certifications and the latest state-of-the-art circuit board manufacturing equipment to offer high accuracy and precision fabrication.  Powerful PCB solutions range from the simplest designs to the most rigorous requirements for the medical, commercial, defense, and aerospace marketplace. Advanced Circuits is MIL-PRF-31032, MIL-PRF-55110, AS9100D, ISO 9001 Certified, IPC 6012 3/3A, IPC 6018 Class 3 Qualified, and ITAR Registered as well as being DOD contracts ready.

To learn more about Advanced Circuits circuit board manufacturing capabilities, certifications, and innovative PCB fabrication services, please contact your Advanced Circuits Sales Representative or call 1-800-979-4722.

 

 

]]>
Exacting Precision and Capabilities Required for HDI PCBs /blog/exacting-precision-and-capabilities-required-for-hdi-pcbs/ Mon, 01 Jul 2019 14:51:18 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1954 Continue reading ]]> HDI PCBs are increasingly becoming more common as consumers demand for smaller and more capable electronics grows and electronic design engineers push the limits of technology.  HDI PCBs, short for High Density Interconnect printed circuit boards, take a great deal of precision to manufacture using specialized equipment and the skills of highly trained technicians.  Unlike most traditional circuit boards, HDI PCBs have extremely thin lines, much tighter tolerances, high conductive layer counts, and a higher concentration of pads in a smaller area to fit more (and smaller) components on both sides of the circuit board to achieve a greater level of functionality and performance from a single circuit board.

HDI PCB Fabrication Capabilities

Advanced Circuits operates three state-of-the-art PCB manufacturing facilities in the US with the capabilities, qualifications, certifications, and the expertise to meet the most demanding requirements for HDI PCB fabrication.  Our broad range of printed circuit board fabrication capabilities support the stringent requirements for advanced HDI PCB design in all industries including medical, aerospace, defense, and commercial markets.

Advanced Circuits Supports up to 40 layers boards, laser drilled microvias, stacked microvias, blind vias, buried vias, via-in-pad, laser direct imaging, sequential lamination, .00275″ trace/space, fine pitch down to .3mm, controlled impedance and much more.  Advanced Circuits is able to manufacture HDI PCBs with no minimum order requirements and with flexible turn-time options.  Each design receives a detailed review by our CAM engineers prior to production to ensure a worry-free fabrication process and support team is available 24 hours a day Monday-Friday, even Saturdays until 4pm EST, to assist with your HDI PCB order.

HDI PCB Materials

HDI PCBs use advanced laminate materials that tend to be much thinner than the materials used in more conventional printed circuit boards.  Because HDI PCBs demand an elevated level of precision and accuracy for fabrication and overall performance, specialty materials that meet certain specifications are required.  Advanced Circuits offers a wide range of material options suitable for a variety of HDI PCB specifications sourced from top industry providers such as 3M, Arlon, Bergquist, Isola, Rogers, ITEQ, Taconic, Ventec and others.  You can rely on Advanced Circuits, one of the largest PCB manufacturers in North America, to source the materials for your next HDI PCB design.  Our laminate offerings include:

  •  Ultra-Low Loss
  • Halogen Free
  • High Speed Digital
  • High Thermal Reliability
  • Lead-Free High Tg
  • RoHS Compliant

To download the complete list of Advanced Circuits printed circuit board manufacturing capabilities, material offerings, and certifications, click here (PDF).

 

]]>
PCB Manufacturing for Prototyping & Production Runs with Advanced Circuits /blog/pcb-manufacturing-for-prototyping-production-runs-with-advanced-circuits/ Tue, 07 May 2019 21:20:18 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1928 Continue reading ]]> Advanced Circuits is the best choice for all your PCB manufacturing needs, especially for demanding requirements that call for advanced precision and expanded capabilities.  PCB manufacturing for both production runs and small quantity prototyping with Advanced Circuits’ broad range of services, such as quickturn expedite options, free PCB design tools, and in-house PCB assembly, make for a smooth and worry-free process.

Advanced Circuits’ three manufacturing facilities have the capabilities and advanced industry certifications to handle PCB fabrication of many different types of circuit boards; including PCBs for military/aerospace, medical, and commercial applications.

Below, we list common types of PCBs manufactured for various applications. For a complete list of Advanced Circuits’ PCB manufacturing capabilities, click here [PDF].

Common Types of PCBs

●    Single Layer PCB

A single layer PCB can also be referred to as a single-sided board. These boards possess a conductor pattern on one side only and may have non-conductive components on the opposite side of the board. The board is comprised of merely one layer of a conductive metal layer (usually copper), finishing with a shielding solder cover called Solder Mask. These single layer PCBs are most commonly found in more simple electronics.

●    Double Layer PCB

Also known as double-sided boards, these PCBs possess two conductive copper sides on opposite sides of a non-conductive substrate. The two sides may be connected to each other by small plated thru holes known as vias that let signals pass through from one conductive side of the board, through the non-conductive substrate, to the other side.

●    Multi-Layer PCB

Three or more conductive layers in a PCB is commonly called a multi-layer PCB.  A multilayer board is fabricated by using epoxy resin, immense pressure and precision.  Materials used in the lamination process include: inner layer core, sheets of “prepreg” (woven glass cloth with epoxy resin), and sheets of Cu foil.  Once cured, the resin will join the glass sheets, core, and foil together into the multilayer PCB panel.  Advanced Circuits is able to manufacture up to 40 layers boards.

●    High Frequency PCB

Each design of high frequency PCBs differs from the next. These boards were designed and created to carry electronic signals comprised of over 5 Gigahertz and require advanced PCB laminate materials for optimum performance.  High frequency PCBs found in high-speed electronics and advanced technology communication products.  Advanced Circuits works with top PCB laminate providers to bring you a wide range of material options such as high-frequency ceramic filled laminates, and other suitable materials for high frequency applications.

●    High Density Interconnect (HDI) PCB

HDI PCB manufacturing requires an advanced level of technical expertise and the latest state-of-the-art equipment for exacting precision.  Fitting more technology in less space through miniaturization, multiple conductive layers, advanced components, and lasered through-holes offer steady and rapid processing on a much smaller scale than its counterpart boards.  Advanced Circuits achieves high quality and precision with in-house laser drill capabilities that include precise depth control. Laser direct imaging (LDI) capabilities ensure exacting registration and all multilayer inner cores receive a thorough check using Automated Optical Inspection units for excellent defect detection of the finest features.

]]>
Circuit Boards: The Basics /blog/circuit-boards-the-basics/ Mon, 22 Apr 2019 21:29:35 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1919 Continue reading ]]> Creating a circuit board can be a complex process beginning with the design itself. With advancing and progressive technology, the processes have become increasingly simplified with the help of PCB design software and innovations in the PCB manufacturing industry.

Advanced Circuits is the leading PCB manufacturer known for its high quality and innovation.  The company offers expanded circuit board manufacturing capabilities, quickturn circuit board prototyping services, and in-house circuit board assembly.  To learn more about how Advanced Circuits can help with your PCB design, manufacturing, and assembly requirements, click here to contact your Sales Representative.

In this blog post, we discuss the basics of circuit boards in a general sense.  For more in depth information and PCB manufacturing resources, click here to access our Circuit Board Resources page.

What is a Circuit Board?

The purpose of a circuit board is to hold copper circuitry (or trace) to conduct signals equivalent to the way a wire would, while acting as the physical support to mount the independent electronic components it connects together for a desired function. The copper trace etched on the circuit board supplies the direct connection. The material used as the foundation for circuit boards is customarily glass-reinforced epoxy laminate, but there are many different types of laminates that can be used to support different circuit board requirements and end-use specifications.

A PCB is the electronic device’s skeletal frame and a solid base.  A PCB possesses electrical interconnections amid the mechanisms. There are a variety of circuit board types including: single-sided (one copper layer), double-sided (two copper layers), and multi-layer (inner and outer layers), microwave and RF circuit boards and more.

The 2 layer and multi-layer PCBs rank among the most popular and can harbor 40 or even more stacked conductive layers into a single circuit board.

How Does a Circuit Board Work?

Circuit boards are engineered to for many different applications and every circuit board design is intended to connect different electronic components to achieve a desired result, but most circuit boards make use of the following common components to manipulate electrical conductivity:

Capacitors – Store the electric charge of the circuit board

Resistors – Provide set amount of electric current resistance

Inductors – Stores energy as a magnetic field

Diodes – Enable the electric current to move in one direction

Other essential elements found in circuit boards are:

Copper – The copper layer is essential to the PCB and are thinner than its counterparts. The copper is responsible for carrying the electric charge.

Via holes are drilled by precise drilling instruments and cleaned to ensure they do not become clogged. Electric charge flows through these holes and is carried between each layer of the PCB.

 Solder Mask – The last layer protects the copper and metal from damage. The solder mask provides a protective plating, which is usually green in color, but it can be any other color.

For a more complete list of key industry terms, please visit our online PCB Glossary.

]]>
Printed Circuit Board Design Tips For Beginners /blog/printed-circuit-board-design-tips-for-beginners/ Fri, 22 Feb 2019 20:56:11 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=1881 Continue reading ]]> Printed circuit board design is never an easy process, but you can always count on Advanced Circuits to help you at every step of the way.  We provide free tools that can help you identify issues in your printed circuit board design and design files before you submit your order for production.

FreeDFM is our free online software that identifies possible manufacturability issues in your design by simply uploading your Gerber files to our online portal.  Within minutes, you will receive a free graphical report of any issues found via email and you will also receive a discount code for up to $100 off your next circuit board order.

PCB Artist is another great tool that Advanced Circuits offers that is absolutely free.  PCB Artist is our professional-grade printed circuit design software that was developed to make it easy for customers to create their design and submit it to us directly from the software for production.  Click here to learn more about our printed circuit board design software and download the complete software package.

The quick tips below may help make your printed circuit board design process easier and help you save on costs associated with fabrication and PCB assembly.

Become Familiar With The Manufacturer’s Printed Circuit Board Design Specifications & Requirements

Manufacturers have specific requirements regarding trace spacing/width, layers count, internal/external copper weight, among many other specifications and requirements for the fabrication of your printed circuit board design. Checking the manufacturer’s website will be a great place to start since you can access most of the necessary guidance and resources online.  Advanced Circuits makes it easy to find all the information you need online and our live support team is always available to guide you through this process.  A quick way to get started is to check our Standard & Custom Spec chart for a glance at our capabilities and services.  You can also download a PDF copy of our complete capabilities list here.

When Possible, Keep Your Components On The Top Side Of Your Printed Circuit Board Design

If it is possible, having the components on one side of the printed circuit board may help you save on costs, especially during the PCB assembly process.  Try to always leave at least 100 mils between components and the printed circuit board edge and begin by placing components that require a specific location first. Also, when you add components, you should consider using the snap to grid option in your PCB design software and space the components evenly horizontally and vertically avoiding component orientations that are not 0 or 90 degrees. If you’re looking for a good value, staying within a minimum of a 5mil trace/space will be best.

Integrating Signal Traces In Your Printed Circuit Board Design

Be sure to make the signal traces as direct and short as possible on your printed circuit board design. You can use vias to move signals in between layers. A good practice is to lay out the board with horizontal traces on one side and vertical traces on the other. Your signal trace width can be smaller in general, ideally you want to have a trace width for signal traces of 6-10 mils.

Avoid 90 Degree Trace Angles In Your Printed Circuit Board Design

The reason why these are problematic is that their outer side has a greater potential to be etched narrower when compared to the regular trace width. As time goes by, this could lead to shorts. You should consider replacing these with 45-degree angles instead to deliver the same results you need without any of the downside.

For more tips and helpful resources, please visit our PCB Engineering & CAM Resources page on our website.  There you will find more in-depth information about our capabilities, tolerances, CAM procedures, stack-ups/controlled impedance, and more.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our support team via email or by calling 1-800-979-4722.

 

]]>