http://www.pcbdesign007.com/ PCB fabricator news from around the world: PCBDESIGN007 Highlights This Bleeding Edge is a bit different, though the word "bleeding" is quite appropriate. My ticker is on the mend and I'm feeling better. But I have to wonder: Did my 40 years of working with medical equipment companies save my life? I certainly believe so. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=71132 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:38:00 GMT This application offers a system-level radar library to accelerate radar system development. System designers will welcome the full compatibility of their existing IP, while realizing more accurate real-world effects at an earlier architectural stage. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=71127 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:48:00 GMT The deadline for the Technology Leadership Awards is September 24, 2010. The TLA recognizes engineers and CAD designers who use Mentor's innovative technology to address today's complex PCB systems design challenges and produce industry-leading products. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70881 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:32:00 GMT IPC has just released the B revision of IPC-7351, Generic Requirements for Surface Mount Design and Land Pattern Standard. IPC-7351B gives designers and board makers updated information on the diverse requirements of land pattern geometries for active and passive components designed for surface mounting. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70642 Sat, 04 Sep 2010 12:05:00 GMT The free evaluation version of CADSTAR 12.1 with all the latest functionality, is now available to download from Zuken.com. The Express version allows designers to see for themselves how easy it is to use CADSTAR and experience its powerful technology enabling capabilities. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70999 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:09:00 GMT Today's video equpment operates at gigabit rates, necessitating the use of large coaxial BNC connectors. Non-optimized BNC footrpints can cause impedance mismatches, reflections and signal loss. In this paper, Tsun-kit Chin of National Semiconductor discusses some common issues with BNC footprints, such as problems with the connector-to-board transition, and offers techniques for transparent footprint designs. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70992 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:06:00 GMT This release offers new capabilities that increase productivity for RF system designers, including time delay neural network (TDNN) advanced amplifier behavioral models for capturing memory effects and measurement data interchange format (MDIF) model support. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70938 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:12:00 GMT E-System Design, Inc. is proud to be a Platinum sponsor of Eric Bogatin's Differential Signal Boot Camp event, taking place October 4, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70884 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:09:00 GMT Designing differential pairs is challenging enough, and the "alphabet soup" of high-speed serial links such as SATA, SAS and XAUI create more problems as you move from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps and beyond. Eric Bogatin discusses some of the cutting-edge design techniques he'll be teaching at his "Differential Pair Boot Camp" in Santa Clara on October 4. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70671 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:49:00 GMT CST is hosting a series of technical Webinars focusing on the benefits that full-wave simulation brings to high-frequency/high-speed design. The events will focus on challenging applications and how advances in numerical techniques and computing technology have enabled fast turnaround and reduced prototyping costs. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70853 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:46:00 GMT Electronic Interconnect (EI) will exhibit at and participate in the upcoming Design-2-Part Show at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama, September 14-15, 2010. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70812 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:01:00 GMT ANSYS has been ranked number 39 on the 2010 FORTUNE 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list. The ranking includes ANSYS as the sole provider of product development software, a recognition that underscores the strategic value of engineering simulation, as well as the ANSYS leadership position in this growing and critical market. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70773 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:56:00 GMT Europe's leading PCB manufacturer Wurth Elektronik is on the road again, running Design Conferences throughout Europe and India. The presentations examine design issues surrounding standard PCBs as well as those relating to innovative advanced technologies. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70759 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:10:00 GMT The reviews are in--and we're not talking about the latest summer blockbuster. Just one month after acquiring SMT Magazine, I-Connect007 published its first issue of the magazine. The feedback from loyal SMT readers has been overwhelmingly positive. SMT Magazine is just one example of what we have planned for the future. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70758 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:02:00 GMT "This was our sixth consecutive quarter of meeting or exceeding guidance," said Gregory K. Hinckley, President. "Our Flomerics and LogicVision acquisitions are performing well, and our new Valor division is on track to contribute to a strong second half. As a result, we are increasing guidance for the full year." http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70708 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:58:00 GMT American Standard Circuits, Inc. has announced that they will be a corporate sponsor of Eric Bogatin's Signal Integrity Boot Camp in Silicon Valley, California, October 4, 2010. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70677 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:49:00 GMT Zuken has released version 12.1 of CADSTAR, the desktop PCB design suite. Amidst the call for companies to tighten their belts as they climb out of recession, CADSTAR brings new functionality that helps cut design and manufacturing costs. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70616 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:53:00 GMT Interconnect separation is usually expressed as a crack that propagates at the internal interconnection. This failure mode produces a crack that is wedge-shaped, with the large end on the side of the foil closest to the middle of the PWB. An interconnect failure frequently develops slowly over time, accumulating damage at a constant rate after onset. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70391 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:42:00 GMT In Part III of a series, we'll take a look at loop or mounted inductance. Loop inductance is important, for instance, when we need a reasonably accurate estimate for the Series Resonance Frequency (SRF), or for the anti-resonance peaking between two different-valued capacitors or between the capacitor's inductance and the static capacitance of the power/ground planes it connects to. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70672 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:44:00 GMT Traditionally, we've understood that a good, quiet power delivery system is one with lots of bypass capacitors. And it was easy to extend the understanding to the concept that more (bypass capacitors) is better. But there is another, better way to look at this whole issue. The concept of an "ideal" PDS impedance curve can be useful to keep in mind. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70670 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:03:00 GMT Nothing like a bit of Nietzsche to get one's brain going! In this edition of my series "Writing 4 Engineers" we look at the use of "that" and "which," which can get many of you in trouble. Or is it "that" can get many of you in trouble? http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70666 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:04:00 GMT Developers of mil/aero and other high-rel applications depend on solid failure analysis. Paul Reid discusses how thermal cycling will cause a robust plated through-hole to crack slowly over time. Plotting a resistance graph of damage accumulation allows technologists to determine onset, rate of accumulation and whether the damage is accelerating linearly or exponentially. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=58530 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:39:00 GMT The program provides donors an opportunity to sell their equipment in an online public auction, with profits going to LIVESTRONG. The on-line auction will run August 31-September 3, 2010. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70654 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:32:00 GMT Andrew Goodwin, President of NorthBridge, said, "By working closely with OCM Manufacturing we can offer a true one-stop shopping experience for customers who wish to bring their ideas for electronics products to life without the overhead of hiring design engineers or bringing manufacturing assets in-house." http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70594 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:31:00 GMT I-Connect007 has announced the launch of the first issue of the new digital SMT Magazine. The magazine launched its premier issue Tuesday, August 11, 2010. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70533 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:39:00 GMT The characteristic impedance of a microstrip line is a complex function of frequency. Impedance changes are usually measured with time TDR, but does the observed impedance value depend upon rise time? What impedance value is actually visible in TDR of a line segment? Yuriy Shlepnev investigates in this app note. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70420 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:15:00 GMT BGAs are becoming more dense, making it more difficult for board designers to route traces to the center of the array. One of the easiest solutions is to add layers, but that flies in the face of today's push to trim the complexity and cost of hardware. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70486 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:20:00 GMT Differential signaling is now the norm for carrying fast signals. Differential signal transmission, using tightly coupled parallel PCB tracks, is more reliable than the single-ended variety. John Berrie explains how to design multi-gig boards using built-in analysis tools. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70390 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:30:00 GMT The deadline for DesignCon 2011 abstracts is this Friday, August 13, 2010. DesignCon is soliciting proposals for two types of sessions: technical papers and tutorials. DesignCon 2011 takes place January 31 - February 3, 2011 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70468 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:11:00 GMT Zuken has recently become a supporting member of the international eCl@ss standard, the classification system for the description of products and services for achieving standardized product information. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70466 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:00:00 GMT This paper examines the thermal properties of various halogen-free laminates used in handheld electronic products and correlates these properties with manufacturing requirements. Thermal properties investigated include z-axis CTE, time to delamination at 260°C and 288°C and temperature to decomposition. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70439 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:06:00 GMT Chairman Tony Abri, said, "Although we have a limited design capability, this new partnership will enable us to offer a much broader service--giving customers the satisfaction of knowing their products will be designed for manufacture, prototyped and, ultimately, built in production all managed through one channel." http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70423 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:35:00 GMT Guest Editors Mark Thompson and Kelly Dack discuss techniques and materials for improving heat dissipation on PCBs, as well as the challenges designers face in trying to accurately calculate heat dissipation. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70310 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:54:00 GMT "This quarter's results continue to reflect the improved business momentum that we have seen over the last few quarters, in spite of the greater than anticipated negative currency effects. Overall, our business performed well, with a positive contribution from all major geographies," stated Jim Cashman, President and CEO. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70343 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:02:00 GMT What? You don't know what "Nescio Quid Dicas" means? I'm shocked and horrified. I thought everyone knew that this is Latin for "I don't know what you're talking about." In "Writing 4 Engineers," you never know what you might learn! http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70330 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:24:00 GMT To often, OEMs push PCB design projects onto their electrical engineers, computer technicians -- basically, anyone but the PCB designer. But it usually winds up costing the company time and money. That's what happens when companies try to trivialize our profession! http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70328 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:24:00 GMT The 2010 release of Microwave Office offers new functionality and tools to increase productivity for high-frequency monolithic microwave integrated circuit, MIC, RF PCB and module designers. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70229 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:13:00 GMT We all know the buzz words: impedance, 50 ohms, 10%, balanced lines, CTE, dielectric constant and loss and countless more. In this new series, PCB 101, I will break down some of these buzz words in layman's terms in the hopes that more people will understand what's happening inside the circuit. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70133 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:26:00 GMT Isola Group, SARL, has launched the Beta version of its new IsoStack software tool. The Web-based tool will allow Isola's direct customers and OEMs to design stack-ups for PCBs using Isola's materials. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70141 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:06:00 GMT Engineering support service provider PCB Planet has launched two new services for EMS and design companies. PCB Planet provides a range of support services to handle necessary but time-consuming, lower added-value tasks. These services include schematic capture, PCB layout, and the development and management of component libraries. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70194 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:23:00 GMT With Ansoft Designer 6.0's new Solver on Demand technology from ANSYS, electronic design engineers can now quickly and accurately analyze signal-integrity, power-integrity and electromagnetic interference problems from a single schematic- and layout-based environment. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70155 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:21:00 GMT The program is a cooperative effort between Actel and independent providers of FPGA design services, IP, embedded software or hardware products or services that support Actel FPGA devices. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70137 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:31:00 GMT At frequencies over 200 MHz, board designers must pay particular attention to signal integrity issues. "Signal integrity is all about the white space on the schematic. You can see the chips, packaging, wiring and the other components. Signal integrity is all about the spaces between those components," said Eric Bogatin. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70098 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:43:00 GMT If you're on software maintenance, you're really paying for your software vendor to be your team partner, 24/7/365. But if your support call gets lost in a black hole, you're left wondering, "What's the point of paying maintenance anyway?" Let me walk you through maintenance, from a product manager's point of view. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70132 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:09:00 GMT Following a launch pad failure, PWB Inc.'s Interconnect Stress Test system determined the root cause when no other test could find the problem. "This endorsement by NASA is a major confirmation to PWB of its deployment of its technology throughout the Mil/Aero industry," said Bill Birch, President of PWB Inc. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70096 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:23:00 GMT Collaborative efforts between Mentor Graphics and National Instruments have resulted in a solution that provides test-oriented feedback to designers at every step of the design process. The SystemVision SVX collaboration environment allows test program development to proceed without physical prototypes. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70056 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:40:00 GMT Q Rate Coax and Twinax Cable Assemblies feature rugged, high-performance Edge Rate contacts and an integral metal power/ground plane which provide for superior electrical performance. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70103 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:33:00 GMT Zuken has appointed Quadra Solutions, the sole distributor of CADSTAR within the UK, to also be the exclusive CADSTAR distributor in Benelux. Since the company was established in 1999 by Stephen Dobson, Simon Dobson, Rob Hargreaves and Keith Watkins, Quadra Solutions has more than quadrupled in size. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70091 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:05:00 GMT In pre-processing, the definition of compact equivalent aperture models and cable harnesses will be performed in CST's familiar design environment. Coupling between the electromagnetic field and cable solvers is enhanced to enable direct transient simulation of susceptibility problems in systems containing complex cable bundles, including shielded twisted pair circuits. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=70064 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:52:00 GMT Solder-free and 3-D assembly will help bridge the performance and density gaps needed to extend Moore's Law, as lithography on silicon runs out of steam. It will offer America the chance to restore her electronic manufacturing mojo and provide for her security. Please, America, don't miss this chance to leap-frog the rest of the world! http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69967 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:46:00 GMT The leading industry standard for surface mount land pattern design and layout, IPC-7351B provides designers and printed board fabricators with updated guidance on requirements of land pattern geometries used for the surface attachment of electronic components, as well as surface mount design recommendations for achieving the best possible solder joints. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69973 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:17:00 GMT I recently converted a pair of 75-year-old headphones into some absolutely mega-cool retro iPod headphones. I'll show you how you can create these amazing headphones yourself, at very little cost, and be the envy of everyone you meet. Or at least you'll be the envy of anyone interested in old electronics, and who isn't? http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69963 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:06:00 GMT We finished the last Quiet Power column with a few questions about the inductance of bypass capacitors: Why do different vendors sometimes report different inductance values for nominally the same capacitor? Start by asking the vendors how they obtained these inductance values. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69962 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:50:00 GMT Formula Student promotes careers and excellence in engineering by challenging university students to design, build, develop, market and compete with a single-seat racing car. The team "Rennstall Esslingen" asked Zuken for its support, knowing that the firm works with some of the world's major automotive companies. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69954 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:40:00 GMT The solution uses Cadence Encounter Power System and Allegro Package Designer, combined with support from third-party package analysis providers, to implement a standard format for die modeling. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69947 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:11:00 GMT Intercept Technology Inc. has made recent advances in its RF design flow with an enhanced bidirectional link between Ansoft's HFSS and Intercept's Pantheon PCB/hybrid/RF layout design application. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69953 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:17:00 GMT PCB West 2010 will be held September 28-30 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Silicon Valley. Register online before the Early-Bird deadline of August 27 and save up to $100 on select registration packages. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69925 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:53:00 GMT Mentor Graphics Corporation issued a call-for-entries of its 22nd annual Technology Leadership Awards, continuing its tradition of recognizing excellence in PCB design. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69800 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:19:00 GMT John Ritchie, Product Manager for Rogers Corporation, reviews his company's new high-frequency laminate product, RO4360, which features a Dk of 6.15. The new product can address issues concerning what Ritchie sees as three mega-trends in the industry: The drive toward mass transit, sustainable energy and Internet growth. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=59079 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:26:00 GMT Entrants to the "2010 SchmartBoard MCU Challenge" can enter any or all of the segments and, utilizing SchmartBoard MCU Development Boards, design a circuit that best uses the MCUs from Microchip, Parallax and Texas Instruments. The contest runs from July 2010 through the end of the year. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69754 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT Submit your proposals now for the DesignCon 2011 DesignCon Business Forum and technical panels. Business Forum panels feature senior managers and executives addressing critical issues of concern to those responsible for managing the business of electronic design. DesignCon 2011 takes place January 31-February 3, 2011. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69752 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:39:00 GMT The Zuken Z-DAC Annual Conference is the company's most important event during the year. This year the event takes place at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead October 12-13, 2010. The Early Bird price of $250 and is available until midnight on August 27. After that, the price goes up to $425. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69636 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:18:00 GMT IPC and Canon Communications have joined forces to produce Electronics Midwest, an exhibition and technical conference for the assembly and PCB design and manufacturing industries. Providing business and technology solutions that save time, energy and money, the event will bring the best of the global electronics industry together, September 28-30, 2010. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69641 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:30:00 GMT Corner cracks are observed less often than barrel cracks, but with high-rel boards, we can't be too careful. Unlike barrel cracks, which can fail catastrophically, knee cracks tend to propagate over time. The damaged pad actually resembles a funnel and the warp and weft of the glass give the funnel an uneven, puckered shape. http://www.pcbdesign007.com/pages/zone.cgi?a=69569 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:07:00 GMT