SierraConnect

Why does material selection matter so much in #RF PCB design? Because your base material isn’t just holding your traces—it’s part of the circuit. In #radiofrequency applications, the laminate influences propagation speed, phase shift, signal loss, and even how passive structures (like embedded inductors or capacitors) behave. Small variances in Dk, Df, dielectric thickness, or copper roughness can lead to big performance issues. That’s why RF materials are engineered differently from HSD ones. They offer consistent dielectric properties across thicknesses, reduced resin content variability, and are electrically tested for stability and repeatability. The takeaway? In RF, tight tolerances aren't just nice to have—they're the name of the game. We give you the link to the full webinar recording here: https://lnkd.in/gxDmeiYg #pcb #pcbdesign #signalintegrity Isola Group Alexander Ippich

“So what are the guidelines for a good grounding system?” “In two minutes?” Ignacio de Mendizábal 📡 discussed the fundamentals of grounding for high-speed #PCBdesign, emphasizing the importance of understanding whether a system is AC, DC, analog, digital, or mixed-signal. He referenced Daniel Beeker’s point (taught by Ralph Morrison… It’s all about the space…) that at high speeds, design isn’t just about electricity but about managing #electromagnetic fields. Ignacio stressed that proper grounding involves carefully designed ground planes, controlled #impedance, and ensuring signal return paths are well-defined to prevent unintended radiation. He explained that #EMC issues arise when energy escapes the system due to uncontrolled return paths, making thoughtful #PCB layout critical for minimizing #EMI. Watch Trace Talks EP 8 on avoiding EMC nightmares in PCB design: https://lnkd.in/gq-kGW_t

Well, we only had one question in this week's AMA but what a tough one it was! 😅 We've had a couple of replies but if we have any #aerospace engineers here, feel free to jump in. See the answers in this thread: https://lnkd.in/gNi7DhUw #rocket #engineering #pcb #pcba

Missed the recent Sierra webinars with EMA Design Automation and Isola Group? We’ve compiled the best Q&As! Here are the questions: ► For DDR4, how concerned do you need to be about crosstalk between data lines of the same byte? ► Do we need back drilling for #DDR4 or #DDR5? ► Can you confirm that there's no maximum length limits as long as they are matched in length? ► What oxide treatment processes are recommended to reduce the impact of additional roughness from the lamination process? ► For surface finish, do you have comparison plots for lower frequencies like 1-10 GHz? Watch our webinar recordings here: https://lnkd.in/gR_T5ZU2 #pcb #pcbdesign #pcbmanufacturer #pcbmanufacturing

Anyone else routing their way out of a Friday afternoon? Before you exit the building or close your laptop, check out our upcoming classes! ► #EMI & #EMC by Kenneth Wyatt https://lnkd.in/gWCqEMne ► #Heat management by Keven Coates https://lnkd.in/gahQrDNi #pcb #meme #electronics #sierraconnect #forum

Join our next Ask Me Anything about #PCBA processes where you can ask us questions on: ► #PCB DFA ► #Components ► Quality and testing ► And much more!  Post questions on forum before: April 2nd #forum #community #pcbdesign #pcbassembly

Decoupling capacitors are crucial for #powerintegrity, but how do you approach their selection and placement in your #PCB designs? Do you follow specific guidelines for value selection, proximity to ICs, or layer stack-up considerations? Let's share some tips on the forum, shall we? https://lnkd.in/dYaxGgH5 #pcbdesign #decouplingcapacitors #engineering

5 important #DFM checks for PCB designers A successful #PCB starts with a well-designed stack-up—get it right before diving into layout. Once your stack-up and component placements are in place, routing comes next. Even if you haven’t finalized all the rules, it’s key to separate critical and non-critical elements early on. Drill setup is just as important, especially when designing for specific industries like medical, aerospace, or military. Always ensure your #PCBmanufacturer approves your drill specs to avoid fab roadblocks. Finally, details matter—proper solder mask application, silkscreen clarity, and well-formatted design files make all the difference in ensuring a seamless transition from #PCBdesign to fabrication. Plan ahead, and set your board up for success! Watch the full webinar: https://lnkd.in/gN_VR9tz

Here's a recap of the top posts of the month on the forum. You can check them out and post your own questions below! https://lnkd.in/gAAq9pAr #pcb #pcbdesign #forum #community #engineer #ee #hardware #electronics

“How [does Quilter] compete with these big companies?” https://lnkd.in/gdfMUpcS “In my opinion, the most important question to ask is, you go on the floor of, like, my old job, SpaceX or Tesla or Apple or Google, any of these #hardware companies, and you ask the #PCBdesigners, are you using any #automation right now? What are you doing today to design the board? And they're not. Right? So the way I see it is nobody's captured this market yet. Nobody solved it. It's all up for grabs. How do we compete with these big companies? We have to get first to these customers and give them something that they can actually start to use.” Sergiy Nesterenko in Trace Talks EP 7 on automating #PCB layout 👇 https://lnkd.in/gdfMUpcS