Layout & Routing

What impact do HDI via structures have on PCB design metrics? Andy Kowalewski describes a recent experiment. A PCB’s density has traditionally been seen as a function of the trace and space geometry and the number of signal layers. Emerging technologies such as microvias and buildup fabrication may force us to rethink this formula. In […]

New PCB tools have the intelligence to cut time and cost, explains Mark Forbes As far back as Marconi himself, RF design has been seen as having a touch of magic associated with it. Designs that looked just fine on paper would often require empirical tweaks to make them work properly. Until recently, even circuits […]

The 17th annual PCB West Conference and Exhibition takes place this year at the Santa Clara Marriott, September 14-19. For 2008, the conference’s theme is “Grow your knowledge in the heart of Silicon Valley.” This is an approach intended to reflect some of the obvious hot button issues in board design (e.g., high-speed, lead-free, etc.) […]

The successful completion of complex PCB layouts requires a combination of highly skilled and experienced layout designers, a structured front-to-back design process, and advanced EDA toolsets. Success can be defined as meeting or exceeding all electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing requirements, and, where an external PCB design center is involved, satisfying the client in all interactions [...]

What do we mean by a ‘left shift’ in design for manufacturing (DFM) analysis? Think of it as moving the DFM analysis from a tool run by the manufacturer into an integrated solution within the printed circuit board (PCB) design system. It is a major advance in the design of PCBs, allowing users to ultimately [...]