Does a Differential Pair Need a Return Plane?

A differential pair is any two transmission lines. When each transmission line has a return plane, its pretty clear how the differential impedance is related to the geometry. But what if there is no... [more]

How to Fight Magnetic Noise Gremlins

Have you ever had a noise-sensitive circuit and tried to find the noise source? Even after you completely encased sensitive portions in all sorts of shielding, you still had noise? It’s very... [more]

Feeding the Beast: Consumption-Based PCB Design

A step-by-step guideline for determining the PCB design requirements based on device energy consumption requirements. Wave cycle times and transmission line capacity form the basis of this... [more]

Manufacturing by Design is the New DfM

Today’s SMT and PTH assembly processes are driven by component packaging technology and functional design requirements. These requirements are driving manufacturing/test toward “build right” and... [more]