112 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2022
The first thing to consider in our world of PCB design is just how much data
there is that needs to be managed. From a casual overview it may not seem
that extensive, but let's break the average design down into its four separate
pieces. This gives us the schematic, circuit simulation, PCB layout, and analy-
sis, and that is just a generalization. Designs often have more pieces than
that in them, especially when you consider the depth of system level design.
The growing popu-
larity of wide band-
gap semiconduc-
tors, such as gallium
nitride and silicon
carbide has enabled
components to
achieve higher
operating temperatures and power outputs
than silicon-based technology. However, this
has not eliminated the need for careful ther-
mal management to evenly distribute the heat
generated to avoid the formation of danger-
ous hot spots and to minimize power losses.
Track welding is what some factories may
opt for if they find an open circuit. The tech-
nique is to attach/stick/weld a thin piece
of copper across the broken track. Sounds
okay, right? But how reliable is the repair?
And how does IPC cover this subject?
TOP TEN
Tim's Takeaways: Say 'No' to File Hoarding: Data Management Tips
Beyond Design: The Impact of
Filled Vias on Thermal and
Signal Integrity
Nexar, SnapEDA Announce Partnership to
Increase CAD Model Library Collections in
PCB Design Workflows
Nexar, a business unit of Altium LLC announced that SnapEDA has
joined Nexar's growing ecosystem of electronics innovators. As a
Nexar partner, SnapEDA will make available their library of computer-
aided design (CAD) models to enhance printed circuit board (PCB)
design and innovation.
EDITOR'S
PICKS
Fresh PCB Concepts:
Recommendations for
Track Welding and
Open Circuit Repair
