Red/Black Separation in PCBs For TEMPEST Designs
By ZM Peterson • Nov 29, 2025TEMPEST designs rely on separation between secure and non-secure communication channels in the PCB layout.
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From Sea to Space: How Pressure Impacts Component Reliability
By C González • Nov 9, 2025Electonic components and assemblies face similar reliability problems in space and at sea. Learn more in this article.
Blind/Buried Via Fabrication in Sub-Laminations vs. HDI PCBs
By ZM Peterson • Oct 25, 2025Mechanically-drilled and laser-drilled vias required different PCB manufacturing processes. Learn more in this article.
Rapid Prototyping Strategies for Military Electronics
By ZM Peterson • Oct 9, 2025Mil-aero PCBs demand high reliability from domestic PCB manufacturers, which creates challenges for rapid prototyping.
PCB Manufacturing Files For Beginners
By C González • Sep 28, 2025This guide covers Gerber files, drill data, BOMs, pick-and-place files, fabrication drawings, and assembly documentation to ensure smooth production.
Guide to Vias in High Speed PCB Design
By ZM Peterson • Jul 11, 2025Contrary to popular rules of thumb, vias can be used in high-speed PCBs if they are designed with the right impedance.
DO‑254 Compliance for PCB Design and Embedded Systems
By C González • Jun 17, 2025Learn about the intersection of high-reliability hardware and software development for military and aerospace electronics.
Impedance Mismatch and S-Parameter Reciprocity
By ZM Peterson • Jun 1, 2025Impedance mismatch in a linear network like a transmission line does not destroy reciprocality of S-parameters.
Are Teardrops Required on IPC Class 3 PCB Designs?
By ZM Peterson • May 12, 2025Teardrops on PCB traces are often used to help ensure reliability. See why they are sometimes used on IPC Class 3 designs.
Substrate-Like PCBs and UHDI Create New Design Opportunities
By ZM Peterson • May 1, 2025Substrate-like PCBs blur the lines between IC substrates and traditional etched circuit boards.
High-Energy Surge Testing in MIL-STD-1275F
By C González • Apr 28, 2025The newer MIL-STD-1275F standard provides surge testing requirements for 28V DC systems in military vehicles.
ITAR and EAR Compliance for PCB Design Teams
By ZM Peterson • Apr 24, 2025Learn how electronics design teams can navigate ITAR and EAR compliance in PCB design, firmware development, and manufacturing workflows.
Analog vs. Digital Power Regulator Control Strategies
By ZM Peterson • Apr 21, 2025Compare analog and digital power regulator control strategies, including architecture, performance, design trade-offs, and application guidelines.
How the PCB Stackup Impacts EMC
By C González • Apr 16, 2025Some of the simplest radiated emissions failures in high-volume products are solved with the right PCB stackup design.
Can We Onshore US PCB Manufacturing? With Michele Nash-Hoff: OnTrack Bytes
By ZM Peterson • Apr 13, 2025Michele Nash-Hoff discusses why domestic production is essential for national security and economic growth. Learn about key factors like workforce development, capital equipment, and supply chain growth.
Is a PCB Panel Drawing Required Before Manufacturing?
By C González • Apr 11, 2025Find out if your PCB project needs a panel drawing and if you should spend time to include a panel drawing in your design outputs package.
Data Logger PCBs and Cards for Measurement Systems
By ZM Peterson • Apr 3, 2025Your next custom measurement system can benefit from the right low cost data logger unit. Here are some options for your next system.
Plated Through-Hole Size for PCB Component Leads
By C González • Mar 30, 2025Learn about sizing drill holes for PTH components in your PCB based on IPC standards.
System-on-Module vs. Single-Board Computer: Which is Best for Embedded?
By ZM Peterson • Feb 21, 2025Building with a system-on-module vs. single board computer has its tradeoffs, learn more about these embedded systems platforms in this article.
Electronic Components and the Gray Market With Kenny McGee: OnTrack Bytes
By ZM Peterson • Feb 18, 2025Explore the challenges of electronic component recycling and the risks of reclaimed parts in the gray market.
Flex PCB vs. Custom Cables in Rugged Mission Computers
By ZM Peterson • Feb 13, 2025Read about the advantages and disadvantages of flex PCBs and custom cables in multi-circuit board designs for rugged mission computers.
Gerbers, ODB++, and IPC-2581 With Dana Korf: OnTrack Bytes
By ZM Peterson • Feb 10, 2025Learn about PCB design outputs, including Gerbers, ODB++, and IPC-2581, and their role in fabrication and assembly.
Antenna Switches and Antenna Tuning in RF PCBs
By ZM Peterson • Feb 4, 2025Using an antenna tuning switch can boost antenna efficiency, while antenna switches offer routing flexibility to RF antennas on a PCB.
Is FPGA Design Coming Back in Style?
By ZM Peterson • Jan 29, 2025Explore the evolution of ASICs, MCUs, and FPGAs, their roles in embedded systems, and why FPGAs are gaining popularity as system hosts.
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