The Pulse: Modelled, Measured, Mindful—Closing the SI Loop

July 18, 2019 | Martyn Gaudion, Polar Instruments

In this woolly world where high-speed signals enter a transmission line with a well-defined shape and emerge at the receiving end eroded and distorted—and at the limits of interpretation by the receiver—it is well worth running simulation to look at the various levers that can be figuratively pulled to help the pulse arrive in a reasonable shape. At speeds up to 2 or 3 GHz, it usually suffices to ensure the transmission line impedance matches the driver and receiver. And a field solver makes light work of the calculation. But push the frequency higher, and other factors come into play.

Sensible Design: Resins Fit for a Purpose—Failure Mitigation and Environmental Concerns

July 18, 2019 | Team Electrolube, Electrolube

So far, in my columns on resin chemistries and encapsulation/potting techniques, I have tended to concentrate on the properties of these materials. My insights have included how they are best applied in the factory, and the steps that must be taken to get the best performance from them once they are in the field to protect an electronic assembly or lighting fixture against the elements. In this column, I am going to address the question of resin failures—in particular, how to avoid them—and to get a better idea of where and how appropriately selected and applied modern resins are making a big difference in the world of extreme electronics installation and implementation.

Beyond Design: The Key to Product Reliability

July 18, 2019 | Barry Olney, In-Circuit Design Pty. Ltd.

With today’s rapid product development cycles and time-to-market pressures, PCB designers are pushed to their limit. This situation leaves many developers with the question of how to ensure that their high-speed digital design...

The Shaughnessy Report: Everything Starts with the Designer

June 20, 2019 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007

We may think that the days of throwing the design “over the wall” are over. But communication is still a big problem; many designers never speak to their fabricator until they get that Friday evening phone call. But many...

Tim's Takeaways: Rules Keep You from Crossing the Line

June 20, 2019 | Tim Haag, Consultant

Driving rules are designed to keep drivers between the lines of traffic instead of crossing over those lines into dangerous situations. Similarly, design rules are also intended to keep PCB trace routing between the lines instead of...