Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1500943
JUNE 2023 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 27 For complex PCB technologies, designers should consider various factors that impact the cost of PCB production including material selec- tion, copper weight, PCB size, number of layers, finish options (ENIG, HASL, etc.), and mini- mum trace width and spacing requirements. What issues should PCB designers be more aware of? ermal management and signal/power integ- rity are critical concerns that require careful attention during PCB design. EMI compliance, power handling of high and low voltage, and ensuring signal integrity are all critical aspects of PCB design. For example, sometimes iso- lating digital and analog signals becomes chal- lenging in a miniature form factor. e same issue can also be observed for high- and low- voltage power rails. e transmitted data may be distorted, inter- fered with or attenuated, leading to an inaccu- rate or unreliable result. PCB designers must design the board to prevent issues such as sig- nal reflections, crosstalk, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) by following best practices of signal integrity, proper grounding, shield- ing, and routing techniques. High-powered boards with high compo- nent density and high-speed signals also pres- ent heat-related issues that require careful management. e designer needs to ensure that they strike the right balance between heat dissipation and power-related issues when increasing copper size/thickness. PCB designers need to carefully consider the place- ment of heat-generating components, such as processors, power chips, or high-power LEDs, and design appropriate thermal management solutions, such as heat sinks, thermal vias, and copper pours, to dissipate heat effec- tively and maintain optimal operating temper- atures. Are there any technologies or processes that PCB designers should be more aware of? e manufacturing and assembly processes. PCB designers need to design with manu- facturing and assembly processes in mind, especially when designing for assembly and test (DFx). is can be done by ensuring that the physical layout does not violate process- ing capabilities, considering how the physical layout will interact with the assembly process, and making design considerations for test- ing the boards. Additionally, designers must ensure that the assembled PCB does not inter- fere with mating PCBs and other mechanical parts. For instance, the designer must know how to design the board with sufficient toler- ances and clearances for proper installation of heatsinks and enclosures. In a nutshell, designing a PCB requires a comprehensive approach that considers the board's purpose and application, thermal man- agement, signal and power integrity, and man- ufacturing and assembly processes. Designers should have a clear understanding of the under- lying principles and values that drive these con- cerns to ensure that their designs are not only technically but also functionally sound. is will promote accuracy, reliability, sustainabil- ity, efficiency, and simplicity in their designs. Qandeel Sheikh