The Marketing Minute: Marketing With Layers
The Right Approach: Electro-Tek—A Williams Family Legacy, Part 1
It’s Only Common Sense: If You’re Not Differentiated, You’re Dead
Rules of Thumb: Design007 Magazine, November 2024
November 11, 2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
Rules of Thumb
Rules of thumb are everywhere, but there may be hundreds of rules of thumb for PCB design. They’re built on design formulas, fabricators’ limitations, and tribal knowledge. And unfortunately, some longtime rules of thumb should be avoided at all costs. How do we separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak?
In the November 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, we delve into rules of thumb—which ones work, which ones should be avoided, and when it’s time to “do the science.” As our contributors point out, rules of thumb are a great place to start—a default position—but designers should have a good understanding of the mechanics that these rules are built upon.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
China Expands Rare Earth Export Restrictions, Tightening Grip on Global Supply Chains
10/16/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamChina sharply expanded its rare earth export restrictions on Oct. 9, adding additional elements and refining technologies to its control list while imposing stricter rules on foreign users in the defense and semiconductor industries.
Our Legislative Outlook: PCB007 Magazine October 2025 Issue
10/16/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamMost agree that we are experiencing an unprecedented time in global business and economics, with rules and laws that open doors to business but can complicate operations and make profitability more challenging. This month, PCB007 Magazine features some of today’s leading experts on legislative issues affecting the electronics industry, including rules and laws, trade, sustainability, business expansion, grants, and more in the U.S., Europe, and China.
Setting Design Constraints Effectively
07/31/2025 | Stephen V. Chavez, Siemens EDAPCB design requires controlling energy within the medium of a PCB. The manner in which we control the chaos of energy is by implementing and utilizing physical and electrical rules, known as constraints, along with a specific structure and material(s) that make up what is known as the foundation of the design. These rules govern everything within the PCB structure and generally fall into two camps: performance and manufacturability. Setting this foundation correctly is extremely important and the key to success.
Beyond Design: Refining Design Constraints
07/17/2025 | Barry Olney -- Column: Beyond DesignBefore starting any project, it is crucial to develop a thorough plan that encompasses all essential requirements. This ensures that the final product not only aligns with the design concept but is also manufacturable, reliable, and meets performance expectations. High-speed PCB design requires us to not only push technological boundaries but also consider various factors related to higher frequencies, faster transition times, and increased bandwidths during the design process.
Are Our Stackup Rules No Longer Valid?
12/19/2024 | Cherie Litson, EPTAC MIT CID/CID+Are the stackup rules we used to follow no longer valid? It depends on what you’re designing. Electrical rules change depending on your circuit. Fabrication rules change depending on which fabricator you’re working with. Today, we just have more options, and sometimes, cost is a bigger rule than anything else. If you search online for information about layer stackups, trace widths, and hole sizes in PCBs, you’ll find a variety of resources.