4PCB
Advanced Circuits, Inc. (ACI)

As experts in the manufacture and assembly of printed circuit boards, we work to make our blog a helpful resource on PCB topics and the industries that we work with, including automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and many more. Here you'll find insights into PCB design, tech trends, assembly issues, and trending topics in the general news media as they relate to printed circuit board technology.

Have an idea for a blog topic you would like us to cover? Get in touch with us

PCB Design and Prototypes

Engineers designing printed circuit boards (PCBs) commonly generate a prototype board prior to full-scale manufacturing of boards for end products. Multiple prototype runs will often be included in the development of the final fabricated PCB, for good reason. Prototypes may … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Development, Printed Circuit Boards | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What is Surface Mount Technology?

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is the widely-used alternative to older through-hole (TH) printed circuit board design and manufacturing practices. While TH fabrication still has its place, SMT has largely taken over where size, weight, and automated manufacturing processes are considerations. … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Assembly, PCB Manufacturing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Advantages of a Good PCB Layout Software | Blog

PCB Artist™ Download the best free PCB design software with a library of over 500,000 parts.  Click here» Printed circuit board (PCB) layout software is a critical tool in the designer’s toolbox. With functionality provided by sophisticated software, board designers … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Development, Printed Circuit Boards | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

High Density Interconnected PCBs (HDI)

 What Is Different About HDI PCBs? High Density Interconnected printed circuit boards (HDI PCB) have made technological advancements in electronics possible. They have been referred to under a variety of names: Sequence Build Up (SBU), Microvia Process (MVP), and Build … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Development, PCB Manufacturing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

PCBs and Surface Mount Technology

Surface Mount Technology in Printed Circuit Boards Just what is surface mount technology? Prior technology of printed circuit board design and fabrication consisted mostly of components situated on the board and connected to conductors through holes and typically soldered in … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Assembly | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Laser Direct Imaging in PCB Manufacturing

  How Does LDI Work? LDI processing requires a board with a photosensitive surface, positioned under a computer-controlled laser. A computer scans the board surface into a raster image. Matching the raster image to a pre-loaded CAD/CAM design file that … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Manufacturing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Advanced Circuits Releases Upgrades to its Free PCB Design Software: PCB Artist™ 3.2

  Aurora, CO – Advanced Circuits has released version 3.2 of its free professional-grade PCB design software, PCB Artist™, the most active PCB software on Downloads.com with over 265,000 downloads.  Since its first release in June of 2007, Advanced Circuits’ … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Development, Printed Circuit Board News, Printed Circuit Boards | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Gerber File Problems and Solutions

What Are Gerber Files, and Why Should PCB Designers Use Them? Printed circuit board (PCB) designers are tasked with creating innovative, functional, and efficient designs for boards to be utilized in a myriad number of products. Some may be very … Continue reading

Posted in PCB Development | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

PCBs and the Internet of Things

What is Meant by the Internet of Things? In today’s world, it’s nearly impossible to get through the day without interacting with some sort of electronic device. Most are connected in some way to a source of communications, facilitated by … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

PCBs and Why They Contain Gold

What is Gold Used for in PCB Fabrication? Businesses and consumers alike rely on electronic devices for nearly every aspect of day-to-day life. Automobiles are packed full of printed circuit boards (PCBs) for everything from lighting and entertainment to sensors … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment