PCB Assembly Component Shortages: What to Do When a Part Is Unavailable
Compare sourcing, customer-supplied components, approved alternatives and other options when a PCB assembly part is unavailable.
Why Is There Too Much Solder Paste? Stencil Thickness, Apertures and Printing Checks
Learn why solder paste may print too thick or smear, and check stencil thickness, aperture design, alignment, paste release and inspection.
PCB Footprint Mistakes: How to Check Pinouts and Dimensions Before Ordering
Learn how to check PCB footprints against the exact part, verify pin mapping and dimensions, and review assembly files before ordering.
QFN Soldering Problems: Causes, Inspection and How to Prevent Defects
Learn how to troubleshoot QFN solder bridges, opens and voids, and review footprint, stencil, thermal vias and inspection before assembly.
Via-in-Pad PCB: When to Fill, Cap, Tent or Leave Vias Open
Learn when to fill, cap or tent via-in-pad designs, compare BGA and QFN requirements, and prepare clear PCB manufacturing notes.
PCB Pilot Build: What to Verify Before Moving from Prototype to Production
Plan a PCB pilot build with practical checks for revisions, component changes, first-article inspection, testing and production release.
Solder Mask vs. Conformal Coating: Can You Use Both on a PCB?
Compare solder mask and conformal coating, learn when to use both, and plan coating keep-outs, inspection and assembly requirements.
PCB Mouse Bites: Breakaway Tab Design, Spacing and V-Cut Comparison
Learn how PCB mouse bites work, compare breakaway tabs with V-cuts, and review hole spacing, edge clearance and panel files before assembly.
Pick and Place File Guide: Format, Export and Assembly Checks
A practical guide to PCB placement files: what the fields mean, how export settings change the output, and what to check before assembly.
PCB BOM Guide: Fields, Examples and Assembly Checks
Prepare a clearer PCB assembly BOM with practical field explanations, a worked review example, export checks and guidance on supporting manufacturing files.
Flex PCB Stiffeners: Materials, Thickness and Design Guidelines
Choose reinforcement around the job it must do: support a component area, build a connector tail to its finished thickness, or strengthen an attachment point.
PCB Fiducial Marks: Size, Placement and Design Guidelines
Understand global, local and panel fiducials, distinguish copper diameter from mask opening, and check your design before PCB assembly.