Engineering Blog
Practical PCB layout and EMC guidance from real board reviews.
Reference Planes & Return Paths
Crossing a Split in the Reference Plane: Why It Fails EMC Testing
An analysis of what happens when high-speed traces cross a gap in reference copper that extends to the board edge.
· 1 min read
Signal Routing
Crosstalk in Microstrip Traces: What Causes Field Spread and How to Reduce It
What causes crosstalk and how to minimize field spread.
· 1 min read
Stackup & Layers
4-Layer SGPS Stackups: A Common Misuse and How to Improve EMC Performance
How to use SGPS boards, and how they can be improved for EMC performance.
· 2 min read
Reference Planes & Return Paths
Crossing a Split in the Reference Plane: Why It Fails EMC Testing
An analysis of what happens when high-speed traces cross a gap in reference copper that extends to the board edge.
· 1 min read
Stackup & Layers
Layer Transitions in a 4-Layer SGPS PCB: Managing Fields to Avoid EMC Risk
How to avoid EMC risks when transitioning between layers with a 4-Layer SGPS PCB.
· 1 min read
Signal Routing
How to Route Differential Pairs for EMC: What to Avoid and What to Prioritize
A brief guide on the what to avoid and what to prioritize in differential pair routing.
· 1 min read
Signal Routing
Copper Pour on Signal Layers: When Flooding Does More Harm Than Good
A real-world example of copper flood causing more harm than good.
· 1 min read
Reference Planes & Return Paths
Void Crossings: How Moving Traces a Few Centimeters Reduces EMC Risk
How moving traces just a few centimeters can make all the difference in EMC behavior.
· 1 min read
Placement & Floor Planning
Don’t Blindly Copy a Datasheet Reference Layout: An EMC Example
If you use this reference layout in your design, EMC problems are guaranteed.
· 1 min read
Placement & Floor Planning
PCB Floor Planning for Low EMI: Component Placement as Your First Line of Defense
The physical placement of parts on your PCB is the first line of defense in EMC.
· 1 min read
Stackup & Layers
Stitching Vias at Layer Transitions: Managing Fields in SGGG PCBs
Stitching vias are an incredibly useful tool when managing fields at layer transitions in PCBs.
· 1 min read
Power & Converters
Common-Mode Current in Offline Converters: Controlling Transformer Noise Between Isolated Domains
Transformer currents between isolated domains are a common source of EMC issues. A simple, properly placed component is cheap insurance.
· 1 min read
Reference Planes & Return Paths
Why Microcontrollers Need a Solid Reference Plane for EMC
Continuous reference planes are critical for modern microcontrollers and high frequency signals.
· 1 min read
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