Development – 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 How to Use PCB Artist, The Best FREE PCB Software /blog/how-to-use-pcb-artist-the-best-free-pcb-software-advanced-circuits/ /blog/how-to-use-pcb-artist-the-best-free-pcb-software-advanced-circuits/#respond Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:47:40 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=855 Continue reading ]]> how to use PCB layout software PCB Artist

Advanced Circuits’ PCB Artist™ is the best free PCB design software in the industry.  Available  as a free software download on our website (www.4pcb.com), it has become a favorite not only with engineering students but also advanced engineers due to its easy schematic to PCB layout, Gerber format, controlled autorouter, and extensive library of over 500,000 thousand parts.

Easy to Learn PCB Layout Software

To get you started, we can provide you with a PCB Artist™ Tutorial Manual.  This downloadable manual can show you step by step instructions from creating the schematics for you printed circuit board, converting the schematic to PCB, and how to use the software’s PCB Design Editor.

On our website you can also find links to our video tutorials for our printed circuit board design software as a 7 part series with step by step instructions.  To view the PCB Artist™ tutorial videos, navigate to our Tips and Tools page.

Instant Online PCB Web Quoting, Ordering & Status Tracking

You can also order your boards right from the PCB Artist™ design software, making it really fast and convenient for our customers.  Advanced Circuits has been an early pioneer in offering instant online web quoting, ordering, and status tracking, taking a giant leap forward with the introduction of FreeDFM; a free pre-order file-check service that has become an indispensable tool for engineers to avoid design errors and fabrication delays.  Upload your files to FreeDFM.com and within minutes we will send you a detailed quote along with a graphical report identifying any file design issues.  All orders at Advanced Circuits receive a FREE detailed design file review by our large CAM engineering staff prior to fabrication, unlike some “no touch” shops.  If we find problems, we work with you quickly to fix any issues as soon as possible.

For a FREE download of our PCB Artist™ software, please click here.

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How to Become an Electrical Engineer /blog/how-to-become-an-electrical-engineer/ /blog/how-to-become-an-electrical-engineer/#respond Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:27:14 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=728 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit boards electrical

As you continue on your collegiate career, it may seem difficult to choose one field that you want to specialize in. If you’ve spent a lot of time growing up building robots and computers or even designing new products that you want, electrical engineering may be your calling. However, what do you need to do in order to become an electrical engineer once you’ve received your degree? It is critical to have a strong knowledge of computers and the CAD software you’ll need to design printed circuit boards your future position will require.
While it is important to have the scientific understanding to anticipate and solve complex problems, it is equally important to hone your skills as a communicator and leader to demonstrate your ability to grow in your profession. After you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering you may choose to obtain an engineering license before applying for a job in your desired field.
Common Industries for Electrical Engineers
The interesting thing about electrical engineering is just how vast it is in its career possibilities. In addition to working with computer systems, engineers are needed in industries such as utilities, communication, aerospace, defense and more. All of these industries work with suppliers of printed circuit boards in order to get the parts they require for everything from machinery to consumer products. In order to start your career as an electrical engineer you’ll want to continually develop your skills as a circuit board designer and see what you are capable of making. Contact a representative at Advanced Circuits today about our engineering students program and see how you can get the PCBs you need for your next project.

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Power Sources for Printed Circuit Boards /blog/power-sources-for-printed-circuit-boards/ /blog/power-sources-for-printed-circuit-boards/#respond Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:21:33 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=721 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board power
One of the most important obstacles that you are faced with when designing your printed circuit boards is finding an adequate power source. This will obviously differ depending on the application, whether it is in medical equipment, automobiles or consumer electronics. As countries around the world continue to work to become more environmentally friendly, new technologies are being developed to achieve this goal. In addition to standard and rechargeable batteries, various types of energy are powering devices.
• Sunlight – Solar panels and chargers harvest sunlight to power energy stores and provide homes and phones alike with the juice they need.
• Movement – Automatic watches have been harnessing the power of movement for years. As we move into the future, phones and even buildings will be able to convert human energy into electricity.
• Body Heat – Wearable devices are in development that can take body heat from an individual and convert it to energy. These will then power electronics and other equipment for first responders and in emergency situations.
How Power Affects Printed Circuit Board Designs
With product designers building smaller devices for the masses, engineers must get creative when it comes to choosing a power source and other components for their printed circuit boards. In addition to needing a large enough capacity to support battery life, it is also necessary to have a sustainable energy source that will lessen environmental impact and improve end user experience. You can learn more about the ways PCBs are incorporating new methods of energy harvesting and get started on your next circuit board order by contacting an Advanced Circuits representative today.

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Printed Circuit Boards in Emergency Scenarios /blog/printed-circuit-boards-in-emergency-scenarios/ /blog/printed-circuit-boards-in-emergency-scenarios/#respond Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:33:48 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=714 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit boards emergency
In addition to developing the latest and greatest tech products for both consumer and business use, engineers continue to work on new ways to assist with emergency response and safety applications. Printed circuit boards are not only helping first responders locate people during an emergency, they are also helping those affected by natural disasters have as much assistance as possible in the immediate aftermath. A new type of consumer light bulb, which debuted at CES last year in Las Vegas, uses PCBs to harness energy in order to power itself for up to four hours after the power goes out.
This is useful technology in and of itself for everyday users around the world, but it especially comes in handy for those in areas stricken by earthquakes, tornadoes and floods. The technology is made possible by LEDs because their thinness allows for room for the PCB, battery and components located inside the bulb.
Reinventing Everyday Products with Printed Circuit Boards

The light bulb that can be used even when the power is off seems like a no-brainer, but it is the result of looking at the world around us and reimagining how products can work in the future. Constant reinvention of everyday products allows engineers to think of new ways and features to incorporate that take these to the next level. It all starts with the printed circuit boards that a product is built on. Without the PCB the components wouldn’t be able to operate. Take a look at the newest PCB capabilities and discover how you can reinvigorate your board design by contacting an expert at Advanced Circuits today.

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Printed Circuit Board and Tech Trends for 2015 /blog/printed-circuit-board-and-tech-trends-for-2015/ /blog/printed-circuit-board-and-tech-trends-for-2015/#respond Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:26:34 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=711 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board trends for 2015
The end of 2014 is upon us and organizations are getting ready to unveil their product lines for the next year. Consumers are anxiously waiting to see the new technology that will debut and how companies are improving upon their existing offerings in order to create something different. What can be expected of a printed circuit board, and what do engineers need to focus on as we prepare to lift the curtain on 2015? Some exciting trends to watch in the industry include:
Portable Devices with Extended Capabilities – Tablets and smartphones will continue to earn market share due to their ability to replace household items that consumers use. Look for new tablets on the market to be sold as personal televisions that people can take anywhere. With more storage space and faster processing and components, tablets truly help people cut the cord and do what they want when they want.
Even Smaller Applications for PCBs – Not only will devices get smarter can deliver more content for consumers, organizations that rely on electronic equipment will see a size reduction without a loss of quality. Medical offices, manufacturing plants and research labs will all benefit from smaller machines that work to improve productivity and accuracy.
PCBs Get More Complex – As devices get smaller and faster, their PCBs must adapt. Engineers and circuit board manufacturers will develop new ways to effectively design and produce PCBs that power more components and work as needed in high-stress environments.

Get Started on Your Printed Circuit Board

The first thing that engineers, students and hobbyists must do to stay ahead of the curve is work to develop and improve the printed circuit board they rely on to advance their own projects. This starts with the design phase and continues through material selection, testing and implementation. Contact an expert at Advanced Circuits today for more information.

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Sections of Printed Circuit Boards Assisting Space Missions /blog/sections-of-printed-circuit-boards-assisting-space-missions/ /blog/sections-of-printed-circuit-boards-assisting-space-missions/#respond Fri, 19 Dec 2014 16:04:07 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=468 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit boards space travel

An important question to ask when designing printed circuit boards is, “Will these boards perform as needed in my application?” While it can be easy to simulate the intended use for your PCBs on a small scale, what do you do when working on a multi-million or billion dollar project that has no room for error? For the European Space Agency (ESA), the answer lies within examining PCBs for potential defects long before they are installed in equipment being sent to space.

ESA’s Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory in the Netherlands takes microsections of PCBs being considered for use set in resin and inspects them to see if they meet rigorous space-quality standards. Since components and PCBs are getting smaller and more powerful, it is essential for agencies to do whatever it takes to ensure the circuit boards used will perform as needed.

Getting Your Desired Results from Printed Circuit Boards

The success or failure of any project rests on the quality of parts used. This means that without the right printed circuit boards in place, you may not get the results you need. Having to go back to the drawing board costs precious time and money. Here are areas to consider during the PCB design process that will assist your quest for the perfect boards:

  • Intended Use
  • Operating Temperature Required
  • Size Limitations
  • Compliance Requirements
  • Compatibility with Various Components

By answering these questions you will be able to come up with a cohesive design that delivers the results you need. Learn more about PCB design and the extensive quality assurance testing that boards undergo by contacting an engineering expert at Advanced Circuits today.

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Printed Circuit Boards May Treat Spinal Cord Injury /blog/printed-circuit-boards-may-treat-spinal-cord-injury/ /blog/printed-circuit-boards-may-treat-spinal-cord-injury/#respond Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:42:38 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=465 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board spinal chord injuries

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions around the world and often causes paralysis below the level of injury, causing people to lose the use of their arms or legs. As their condition worsens other problems may develop, such as respiratory issues and urinary tract infection. As the medical community looks for new ways to treat this ailment, engineers have begun working on brain machines that use sensors and printed circuit boards to help those in need achieve a higher quality of life. Researchers at Duke University are developing a solution that helps those with SCI regain movement using the following:

  • A 165-pound brain-machine exoskeleton suit that supports the weight of the wearer
  • Hydraulic power for smooth movement
  • A brain-machine interface (electroencephalography [EEG] cap) that allows the wearer to send brain signals to the suit

The key of the exoskeleton suit is that PCBs are put together with mesh at key locations, such as at knees and other joints, so that the brain machine can communicate with the suit and trigger movement.

How Can Printed Circuit Boards Advance Medical Treatments?

In addition to being used in wearable devices that monitor brain activity and convert the information to movement, printed circuit boards can be used to help medical equipment and other machinery advance the quality of care offered around the world. From in-home robots that assist senior citizens complete various tasks to body suits that allow paralyzed individuals to walk again, engineers are developing new ways to add more into PCBs and technology. To learn more about how circuit boards can be improved to make a difference for your next project, contact an engineering expert at Advanced Circuits today.

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Printed Circuit Boards Defining Wearable Market /blog/printed-circuit-boards-defining-wearable-market/ /blog/printed-circuit-boards-defining-wearable-market/#respond Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:51:14 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=451 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board wearable PCB

It is no secret that the market for wearable technology continues to grow at a fast rate. Smartwatches, fitness trackers, biometric readers and more are all sought after for their ability to connect consumers with their existing devices. However, while wearables continue to add in new components and features, the fact remains that consumers demand high quality data that they can then analyze. High quality printed circuit boards are required in order to make this happen.

Zulki Khan’s article of September 28, 2015 in Embedded.com, Fundamentals guide wearable PCB designs, discusses finding the ‘sweet spot’ with PCB laminate materials that are cost-effective and that deliver the characteristics necessary in today’s wearables, such as low dielectric loss. Khan also points out: “Wearable PCBs require much tighter impedance control, which is an essential element for a wearable device, resulting in cleaner signal propagation.” Khan continues with a comparison of FR4 and Rogers 4000 Series laminates and declares: “Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for Rogers 4000 Series has exceptional dimension stabilities.” This discussion continues on EETimes.

Since the market for wearable technology is also exploding for first responders, aerospace firms and defense applications, it is necessary to tool your product to provide the most value to the end user. Due to the size of the product, PCBs must be made smaller and thinner than ever before while delivering accuracy that older generations of technology failed to accomplish. As the market for wearable technology expands, expect more focus to be put on biometric sensors and accuracy over calling and texting features.

Looking Toward Future Printed Circuit Boards

As with all technologies, printed circuit boards continue to evolve over time. From the earliest PCBs, which were made from materials like Bakelite, Masonite and even layered cardboard, to the advanced laminates used today, a lot has been done to improve PCB design, function and performance in the last century. New printed circuit board technologies, such as flex circuits and those created from 3D printers, are being tested as engineers continue to look for ways to maximize value while minimizing costs. Stay up-to-date on the newest capabilities for PCBs and learn more about the laminates and materials available for your next order by contacting an expert at Advanced Circuits today.

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Printed Circuit Board and Electronics 2015 Outlook /blog/printed-circuit-board-and-electronics-2015-outlook/ /blog/printed-circuit-board-and-electronics-2015-outlook/#respond Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:32:02 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=447 Continue reading ]]> printed circuit board PCB consumer electronics

As the end of 2014 approaches, electronics professionals start to take a look at what 2015 will bring in terms of new consumer trends and areas of focus in the industry. Printed circuit board technology is allowing product designers and engineers to introduce new computers, smartphones and wearables that have greater performance levels than ever before. Based on sales numbers this year and the growing buzz around consumer electronics that are in the pipeline, forecasters expect varied levels of success for the industry in the year ahead. According to TrendForce and as reported by Printed Circuit Design & Fab Online Magazine, notebook computer shipments will grow 0.6% in 2015 while table shipments will decline 3.5%. This may be due to a number of factors, including:

  • Organizations in the market to update workplace computers and laptops
  • Updated software and features for notebooks offer something new for consumers
  • “Phablets” pushing for more market share
  • Notebook prices are lower, creating more direct competition

Opportunities for Printed Circuit Board Designers

The benefit of looking ahead at emerging market trends is that a printed circuit board designer can anticipate consumer demand for certain products and features. This way, organizations can incorporate the information into their research and development processes to ensure that they remain on the forefront of the industry. Whether it is with smartwatches, smartphones or notebooks, understanding the technological capabilities in front of you and taking steps to deliver for your consumers help ensure your continued growth moving forward. To learn more about the latest developments in printed circuit boards, contact an expert at Advanced Circuits today.

Source

  1. Drysdale, Chelsey, “Report: Tablet Shipments to Decline 3.5% in 2015,” Printed Circuit Design & Fab Online Magazine, 1 December 2014, Web, 10 December 2014.
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Inexpensive PCBs, Robots Teach Children Programming /blog/inexpensive-pcbs-robots-teach-children-programming/ /blog/inexpensive-pcbs-robots-teach-children-programming/#respond Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:41:54 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=425 Continue reading ]]> cheap-pcbs

A main priority for engineers and technology companies in the United States is to develop ways to get the next generation interested in science and engineering. This way, our children will one day be able to lead global development for PCBs, consumer products, medical research and more. Researchers at Harvard University are doing just that and have created an inexpensive robot using basic printed circuit boards that gives children the tools they need to learn about programming and robotics.

This robot uses vibration motors for locomotion and does not have a chassis, according to WIRED. So how does it work? The robot gets its programming interface and power from a connected laptop or desktop computer and uses a highly graphical programming language that allows children to drag and drop commands for it to carry out. In addition to creating this robot, which only costs around $10, the research team has developed a 15-lesson curriculum that teaches students about sensors, programming flow and logic and how to create specific robot behavior.

Starting with the Basics of PCBs

In order for students to gain an understanding and passion for engineering, steps must be taken to introduce them to PCBs and the basics when they are in middle school and high school. From basic design theories to component and material selection, it is important for kids to work with printed circuit boards and start to learn programming languages. This will help to develop the next generation of engineers that will have the tools they need to foster innovation and invention down the road. To learn more about how Advanced Circuits supports engineering students and their development, contact a representative today.

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