Software billed as the first free automated part builder uses computer vision technology to let PCB designers make schematic symbols in just minutes. Called InstaBuild, it uses a datasheet as the input and automatically extracts symbol pinouts, understands whether a pin is an input, output or power pin, and auto-arranges the symbols based on published […]
PCB Design
Cloud-based symbol/footprint library speeds PCB design
Designers can now search and download free, cloud-based symbols and footprints directly during PCB design capture and layout, significantly boosting design productivity. “For forty years, PCB designers have frittered away countless hours defining parts because there simply wasn’t a workable, affordable source for accurate, ready-made parts. In fact, surveys show that most professional designers spend […]
75-GHz open top socket for BGA1156 packages
A new BGA socket design uses high-performance elastomer capable of 75 GHz bandwidth to give a low inductance and handle wide temperature applications. The GTL-BGA-6007 socket from Ironwood Electronics is designed for a 35×35-mm package size and gives less than 1 dB of insertion loss. The contact resistance is typically 30 milliohms/pin. The socket is […]
Getting started in electronics: core components
By “Spec“, Electro-Tech-Online forum member Often newbies ask, ‘How can I get started in electronics?‘ This is a big question, but the very short answer is, ‘Learn the two fundamental electronics laws (Kirchoff, Ohm), get a good book about electronics theory and practical, build some circuits, and make some measurements.’ Follow-on questions are, ‘What electronic […]
Würth Elektronik eiSos launches board-to-board connector family
WR-BTB is a new family of signal plug connectors from Würth Elektronik eiSos suitable for SMT assembly. The plugs with coded guide are available in versions with 40, 64, 80 or 100 pins. The models with 0.8 and 1-mm pitch are also available in various heights. Various male and female plugs can be combined to […]
PCB Design: changing the focus
by Craig Armenti Those of us who have been in the PCB design business for more than a decade either have direct knowledge of, or have heard the stories about, how the profession has evolved since the late 70’s and early 80’s. The shift from drafting tables, Mylar, and hand taping, to light tables, digitizers […]
PCB Piezotronics supplies accelerometers for GOES-R weather satellites
PCB Piezotronics has supplied Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company with accelerometers for use on NOAA’s GOES-16 weather satellite. GOES-16 is the first of four Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) next-generation weather satellites. The advanced spacecraft and instrument technology used on the GOES-R series will result in more timely and accurate forecasts and warnings. It will improve […]
Going smaller & more portable with PCB embedded components
I recently came across the TDK SESUB-PAN-T2541 Bluetooth module. It is a complete bluetooth module consisting of a Texas Instruments CC2541 Bluetooth “System-on-Chip” (SoC) and the peripheral components required to use it – crystal, balun, and 15 other passive components. While it initially doesn’t sound that remarkable, when you look at the size (4.6mm x […]
