Low Power Embedded Systems Design and Power Management
By ZM Peterson • Feb 16, 2021Learn more about designing low power embedded systems and how your design firm can help.
Looking for your favorite topics? Search the NWES blog below:
PAM-4 Layout and Routing Challenges for PCB Designers
By ZM Peterson • Feb 5, 2021Learn all about designing with PAM-4 signals and components in your high speed PCB layout and embedded systems.
Using Thermal Analysis of PCBs to Design Rugged Electronics
By ZM Peterson • Jan 28, 2021Learn more about thermal analysis in PCB design for rugged electronics and embedded systems like military IoT products and backplanes.
How to Add the Raspberry Pi Microcontroller to Your PCB
By ZM Peterson • Jan 22, 2021The Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller board is a simple option for building embedded applications. Here’s how you can add one to your PCB.
Amplifier Stability: The Complete Design and Analysis Guide
By ZM Peterson • Jan 14, 2021Read our comprehensive guide to learn about amplifier stability for power amplifiers, RF front ends, and general-purpose amplifiers.
Understanding Transmission Line Input Impedance and S11
By ZM Peterson • Jan 6, 2021Learn how to calculate transmission line input impedance and how it relates back to S11, reflection coefficients, and return loss.
The Internet of Military Things for Aerospace and Defense
By ZM Peterson • Dec 29, 2020The internet of military things focuses on building extensible systems for aerospace and defense electronics applications.
The Fundamentals of High Speed Backplane Design
By ZM Peterson • Dec 23, 2020Read our guide to learn more about high speed backplane design for aerospace and defense electronics.
How Via Inductance Affects Signal Integrity at High Frequencies
By ZM Peterson • Dec 16, 2020Read our guide on via inductance to learn more about its effect on signal integrity, particularly at high speed and high frequencies.
Helping Aerospace and Defense Electronics Clients Expedite PCB Design and Production
By NWES • Dec 9, 2020A case study in expedited aerospace and defense electronics design and manufacturing by NWES.
Your PCB Layout Review Checklist Before Manufacturing
By ZM Peterson • Nov 18, 2020Before you send your PCB out for manufacturing, run through a PCB layout review checklist to ensure manufacturability and conformance to design requirements.
When Does Your Product Need ITAR PCB Manufacturing and Design Services?
By ZM Peterson • Nov 11, 2020We’ve compiled essential information needed to understand ITAR PCB manufacturing for aerospace and defense electronics.
What Makes Aerospace and Defense Electronics Different from Regular PCBs?
By ZM Peterson • Nov 3, 2020Found out how aerospace and defense electronics are different from other areas of PCB design and manufacturing.
What Bandwidth is Needed for an Arbitrary Digital Signal?
By ZM Peterson • Oct 28, 2020The digital signal bandwidth you need depends on the data rate in your bitstream and the number of discrete signal levels.
Coplanar Waveguide Design for Your RF PCB
By ZM Peterson • Oct 22, 2020Here's why you should use coplanar waveguide design in your RF PCB layout.
FR4 Thermal Properties to Consider During Design
By ZM Peterson • Oct 13, 2020Here are the important FR4 thermal properties to keep in mind when selecting PCB substrate materials.
DC-DC Converter Inductor Selection Guidelines for High Power Systems
By ZM Peterson • Oct 7, 2020Here’s how to select a DC-DC converter inductor for your power electronics.
RF PCB Layout and Routing Tips for mmWave Products
By ZM Peterson • Sep 30, 2020RF PCB layout appears in all-analog and mixed-signal systems, but mmWave products require meticulous layout and routing choices.
Waveguide Cavity Design in Your RF PCB Layout
By ZM Peterson • Sep 22, 2020It’s easy to design a waveguide cavity for your next RF PCB.
What's in Your PCB Manufacturing Files?
By ZM Peterson • Sep 16, 2020Your PCB manufacturing files contain all the information your fabricator and assembler need to create your board.
What to Keep in Your PCB Footprint Checklist
By ZM Peterson • Sep 10, 2020Before you start your PCB layout, look through the items in our PCB footprint checklist to help you stay on track.
Guide to Signal Integrity Analysis in PCB Design
By ZM Peterson • Aug 31, 2020We’ve prepared the ultimate guide to getting started with signal integrity analysis in PCB design.
PDN Impedance Analysis with Parasitic Extraction (Q & A)
By ZM Peterson • Aug 25, 2020Parasitic extraction is an important part of PDN impedance analysis, and there are three basic methods that can be used.
The Basics of Metal-Core PCB Design and Manufacturing
By ZM Peterson • Aug 19, 2020If you need high heat dissipation and reliability, consider using metal-core PCB design.
How Low are Dielectric Losses in Microstrip Lines?
By ZM Peterson • Aug 13, 2020We've compiled everything you need to know about condutor losses and dielectric losses in microstrip lines.
When to Use Z-Parameters for Signal and Power Integrity
By ZM Peterson • Aug 7, 2020Z-parameters are extremely important for relating the voltage and current in multiport networks, including the PDN in your PCB.
Types of Beamforming and Their Uses in RF PCBs
By ZM Peterson • Aug 1, 2020More modern RF systems will use various types of beamforming to control transmission. Here’s how beamforming works in RF PCBs.
Thermal Management Challenges in the 5G Era
By ZM Peterson • Jul 26, 2020Read our survey of current thermal management challenges in 5G handsets and base stations.
RF Front End Design: Specifications and Component Selection
By ZM Peterson • Jul 19, 2020Pay attention to these important component specifications in your RF front end design.
Quantum Computing Hardware Development Challenges in 2020
By ZM Peterson • Jul 13, 2020There are many challenges involved in quantum computing hardware, and not all of them relate to scaling qubits.
Transmission Line S-parameters: A Summary and Causality
By ZM Peterson • Jul 7, 2020Read our short guide for a summary on transmission line S-parameters and how they are used in causal signal modeling.
Your Guide to High Speed Signal Integrity in PCBs
By ZM Peterson • Jun 30, 2020Read our guide if you want to learn about high speed signal integrity in your PCB layout.
BGA Escape Routing with Impedance Control in HDI PCBs
By ZM Peterson • Jun 25, 2020Here’s how to ensure impedance control during BGA escape routing in your HDI PCB.
How to Design Your HDI PCB Stackup
By ZM Peterson • Jun 20, 2020When signal integrity and routing density are critical, pay attention to these HDI PCB stackup design guidelines.
Complying with EMC Standards for Automotive Electronics
By ZM Peterson • Jun 15, 2020Here are the important EMC standards for automotive electronic products you need to know.
How Your Digital Signal Bandwidth Affects Your PCB
By ZM Peterson • Jun 10, 2020Your board may not operate as designed due to your digital signal bandwidth.
Lidar vs. Radar in Autonomous Driving: Which Sensor is Best?
By ZM Peterson • Jun 6, 2020The debate between lidar and radar in autonomous driving and ADAS systems rages on.
Why Tech Companies Need a Content Marketing Strategy
By ZM Peterson • Jun 1, 2020A content marketing strategy for advanced technology products helps your company stay competitive.
What is the Fiber Weave Effect in a PCB Substrate?
By ZM Peterson • May 27, 2020The fiber weave effect is known to cause skew, but it causes other signal integrity problems as well.
DC Analysis and Power Integrity in PCB Design
By ZM Peterson • May 23, 2020Here’s why DC analysis is a critical part of power integrity in PCB design.
Types of Crosstalk and Coupling in High Speed/High Frequency PCBs
By ZM Peterson • May 18, 2020Here are the different types of crosstalk you’ll find in your high speed and high frequency PCBs.
PCB Layer Stackup Design for Planes and Signal Layers
By ZM Peterson • May 14, 2020Your PCB layer stackup design is critical for signal and power integrity in your new board.
Impedance Matching for High Speed Signals in PCB Design
By ZM Peterson • May 8, 2020We've compiled the important guidelines you need for impedance matching in your high speed circuits.
Switching Power Supply Design for High Voltage and Current
By ZM Peterson • May 4, 2020Here are some important things to consider during switching power supply design.
What is Input Impedance?
By ZM Peterson • Apr 30, 2020The input impedance of your circuits determines signal behavior and power transfer into an electrical circuit. Read more to learn what is input impedance.
Should You Use an Autorouter for PCB Design?
By ZM Peterson • Apr 23, 2020When to use an autorouter is an age-old debate among PCB designers.
The Basic Signal Integrity Simulation Tasks You Should Perform
By ZM Peterson • Apr 21, 2020There are some basic signal integrity simulation tasks you should use to examine your board’s functionality. Here’s what to watch for in your PCB layout.
DC-DC Converter Topologies: Which is Best for Your System?
By ZM Peterson • Apr 16, 2020Here are the standard DC-DC converter topologies you can use in power systems and IC designs.
Guide to PCB Trace Length Matching in High Speed Design
By ZM Peterson • Apr 8, 2020Here’s your guide to PCB trace length matching in high speed design.
What is an LDO and Will You Need One in Your Design?
By ZM Peterson • Apr 5, 2020What is an LDO? The answer may surprise you. Here’s when you need to use an LDO in your next PCB.
The Future of Embedded AI and Custom SoCs
By ZM Peterson • Mar 31, 2020Embedded AI is going fully to the edge with models defined at the hardware level using firmware. Here’s what to expect from the custom SoC market.
Low-Dk PCB Material Advantages and Disadvantages
By ZM Peterson • Mar 27, 2020Low-Dk PCB material substrates have some advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what you need to know when selecting a PCB substrate material.
Unifying SEO and Content Marketing for Tech Companies
By ZM Peterson • Mar 20, 2020Content marketing for tech companies requires an integrated SEO and engagement strategy. Here’s how to develop a holistic digital marketing strategy.
Guide to Electronic Parts Sourcing in 2020 and Beyond
By ZM Peterson • Mar 16, 2020When you’re planning your next design, electronic parts sourcing practices are critical for ensuring manufacturability. Here’s how to source parts in 2020 and beyond.
The Benefits and Risks of PCB Layout Outsourcing
By ZM Peterson • Mar 12, 2020Here's how to weigh the risks and benefits of PCB layout outsourcing. If you keep these points in mind, you'll make the best choice when outsourcing design work.
Yocto vs. Debian for Embedded Systems Design and IoT
By ZM Peterson • Mar 8, 2020Yocto vs. Debian: which is the best OS for your next embedded system? The right design form can help you build your next embedded system.
XTAL Oscillator Circuit Design and Layout Tips
By ZM Peterson • Mar 4, 2020Your XTAL oscillator circuit will keep your signals carefully timed and in sync. Here’s how to layout XTAL clocks for your next board.
HDI Layout Guidelines for Your Next PCB
By ZM Peterson • Feb 28, 2020HDI layout and routing can be complicated, but the right design team can lead you to success.
Transmission Line Dispersion and Losses in Your High Speed PCB
By ZM Peterson • Feb 24, 2020Here’s what you need to know about transmission line dispersion and managing losses in your next PCB.
The Best High Speed Board Design Guidelines
By ZM Peterson • Feb 17, 2020We've compiled the best high speed board design guidelines for advanced digital circuit boards and mixed-signal systems.
GaN vs. GaAs for RF Amplifiers and Power Conversion
By ZM Peterson • Feb 13, 2020GaN vs. GaAs: which type of amplifier is right for your application? Here’s what you need to know about these semiconductors.
What is Embedded Firmware Development?
By ZM Peterson • Feb 8, 2020If you’re a software developer and you want to work with hardware, you’ll need to know what is embedded firmware development.
How to Design Your PCB Return Current Path
By ZM Peterson • Feb 5, 2020Here’s how to design and control a PCB return current path for high speed/high frequency boards and devices.
Designing Haptic Feedback into Your Electronics
By ZM Peterson • Feb 1, 2020Your next electronic medical device or VR system will offer a more realistic experience if you include haptic feedback.
EMI Filter Circuit Design for Your Next PCB
By ZM Peterson • Jan 29, 2020Passive and active components can be used in EMI filter circuit design. Here’s how each type of EMI filter circuit works.
Load Pull Analysis for RF Signal Chain Design
By ZM Peterson • Jan 24, 2020Designing an RF signal chain? Here’s how load-pull analysis helps with power transfer and impedance matching.
Phototransistor vs. Photodiode: Which Detector is Best?
By ZM Peterson • Jan 21, 2020Debating between a phototransistor vs. photodiode? Learn more about each type of detector in this article.
2020 Conference Announcements: Catch us at CLEO, SPIE, IEEE, PCB West, and AltiumLive
By ZM Peterson • Jan 17, 2020Catch up with us at CLEO, IEEE, SPIE, PCB West, and AltiumLive in 2020.
A PCB DFM Checklist Helps You Pass a Design Review
By ZM Peterson • Jan 15, 2020Here's how a PCB DFM checklist will help you pass a design review before manufacturing.
Computer Vision in Embedded Systems and AI Platforms
By ZM Peterson • Jan 12, 2020Computer vision embedded systems design takes hardware and software expertise.
Thermal Noise in Communication and Optical Systems
By ZM Peterson • Jan 9, 2020Thermal noise in communication systems sets a lower limit on noise in your system.
Remove Ground Bounce with Proper Bypass Capacitor Placement
By ZM Peterson • Jan 4, 2020Here’s how bypass capacitor placement affects ground bounce and where you should place your bypass capacitors.
Benefits of SEO and Content Marketing for Tech Companies
By ZM Peterson • Jan 1, 2020Tech companise need to bring SEO and content marketing together into a unified strategy.
Right-angle PCB Traces: It’s Time to Kill the Myths
By ZM Peterson • Dec 27, 2019It’s time to put the myths about right-angle PCB traces to rest. Here’s what every designer should know about right angle PCB traces.
Analog vs. Digital PDN Impedance: How to Design for Each Signal
By ZM Peterson • Dec 23, 2019An analog PDN impedance is different from digital PDNs in many ways. Here’s what you need to know about each type of PDN.
Optimizing PCB Trace Width for Low Inductance and Current Requirements
By ZM Peterson • Dec 19, 2019Here's how to optimize PCB trace width for impedance control.
Modeling High Frequency PCBs as Causal Systems
By ZM Peterson • Dec 18, 2019Any model for signal behavior should treat PCBs as causal systems.
Choosing a Decoupling Capacitor Size for Power Integrity
By ZM Peterson • Dec 10, 2019Here's how to choose a decoupling capacitor size for the power delivery network in your PCB.
The Future of Photonics, Electronics, and Additive Manufacturing
By ZM Peterson • Dec 10, 2019The future of photonics will see convergence with electronics, additive manufacturing, and modularity.
Designing Your RF PCB Stackup
By ZM Peterson • Dec 5, 2019Here's how to design your RF PCB stackup to ensure power and signal integrity.
SerDes Design: Physical Channels and Signalling
By ZM Peterson • Dec 1, 2019SerDes design brings multiple signal integrity problems to high speed designs.
Why Impedance Matching is Important in a Transmission Line
By ZM Peterson • Nov 28, 2019Here's why impedance matching is important in a transmission line.
Does Your Business Need a Thought Leadership Marketing Plan?
By ZM Peterson • Nov 26, 2019A thought leadership marketing plan is designed to showcase your expertise.
Modular Electronics Design for Embedded Systems
By ZM Peterson • Nov 22, 2019Modular electronics design greatly simplifies embedded systems design, programming, and production.
Substrate Integrated Waveguide Design for RF PCBs
By ZM Peterson • Nov 19, 2019RF PCB designers can now take advantage of substrate integrated waveguide design for mmWave devices.
RF PCB Layout: mmWave Routing and Interconnect Losses
By ZM Peterson • Nov 15, 2019RF PCB layout and routing is all about controlling interconnect impedance and losses.
Transmission Line Ringing and Impedance Control in PCB Design
By ZM Peterson • Nov 13, 2019Here's how you can reduce transmission line ringing with impedance control in PCB design.
Low Power PCB Design for IoT and Mobile Devices
By ZM Peterson • Nov 11, 2019Low power PCB design is as much about power integrity as it is about power consumption.
The Link Between Signal Integrity and Power Integrity in Your PCB
By ZM Peterson • Nov 6, 2019Signal integrity and power integrity are intimately related and cannot be considered individually.
Conducted and Radiated EMI in Your PCB Layout
By ZM Peterson • Nov 1, 2019Here's how conducted and radiated EMI originate in your board and some basic steps you can take to control EMI in your PCB layout.
Causes of Ripple Voltage: Power Supply Noise and Transients in Your PDN
By ZM Peterson • Oct 29, 2019There are four important causes of ripple voltage and other noise figures in your PDN.
ADC Noise Reduction in Your Analog PCB Signal Chain
By ZM Peterson • Oct 24, 2019The performance of your ADC and ADC noise reduction depend heavily on your PCB layout and your sampling parameters.
IoT Market Trends in 2019: PCB Design and Manufacturing
By ZM Peterson • Oct 22, 2019Here's how upcoming IoT market trends in 2019 will affect PCB design for new technology.
Overcoming 76-81 GHz Automotive Radar EMC Challenges
By ZM Peterson • Oct 14, 2019Overcoming automotive radar EMC challenges requires a combination of hardware and software solutions.
PDN Design and Power Rail Ripple Suppression in Your PCB
By ZM Peterson • Oct 11, 2019PDN design for advanced electronics can be difficult, especially at high speeds and high frequencies.
PCB Design, Simulation, and Analysis: Which Tools to Use
By ZM Peterson • Oct 7, 2019Accurate system design is much easier when you use the right PCB design simulation tools in circuit analysis for high speed and high frequency devices.
Schematic vs. Layout: PCB Geometry, Parasitics, and Signal Integrity
By ZM Peterson • Oct 2, 2019Here's the difference between a schematic and layout for a PCB. Your layout is a major determinant of signal integrity.
PCB Supply Chain Management in Agile Projects
By ZM Peterson • Sep 23, 2019Here's what you need to know about supply chain management for your next PCB during agile projects.
Using CCD Sensors for Imaging and Spectral Measurements
By ZM Peterson • Sep 18, 2019Here's what you need to know when choosing a CCD vs. CMOS sensor for imaging and spectral measurements.
Creating an Agile Hardware Design Process in PCB Development
By ZM Peterson • Sep 10, 2019What can an agile hardware design workflow do for you? Here's how an agile hardware design workflow helps decrease development time and improve product quality.
What is a Circuit Schematic?
By ZM Peterson • Aug 26, 2019Are you new to circuit design and PCB design? If you're just getting started with electronics design, here's what you need to know about your circuit schematic.
Thought Leadership vs. Content Marketing: What's the Difference?
By ZM Peterson • Aug 15, 2019What's the difference between thought leadership vs. content marketing? You'll get a complete comparison here.
The NOAA National Fisheries Data Management System: A Real Blockchain Use Case
By ZM Peterson • Aug 5, 2019NOAA comes up with a realistic blockchain use case.
Radical Innovation in PCB Design Software in 2019 and Beyond
By ZM Peterson • Jul 12, 2019With the rise of Industry 4.0, there is plently of room for innovation in PCB design software.
Kelly Criterion Explained
By ZM Peterson • Jun 16, 2019What is the Kelly Criterion and why is it important? Learn more in this article.
Why Have Most ICO Founders Not Been Imprisoned for Fraud?
By ZM Peterson • May 17, 2019Whether ICO or IEO, expect more fraud in the near future due to lack of coherent regulation.
Analog Signal Resonance in PCB Interconnects
By ZM Peterson • Mar 31, 2019Analog signal resonance is a critical signal integrity issue that affects RF/wireless devices and mixed signal devices.
Meet the Trainer: How to Improve Your Impact as an International Author
By ZM Peterson • Mar 12, 2019Some important guidelines to help international authors improve their writing skills.
IT Forensics on Hacked Chinese Server
By A Pavic & ZM Peterson • Feb 24, 2019Hacked Chinese server? Here's how to investigate.
JP Morgan's New Stable Coin
By ZM Peterson • Feb 14, 2019The surprising revelation from JP Morgan Chase is taking the crypto world by surprise.
Why We Need Modular Blockchains
By ZM Peterson • Feb 5, 2019Blockchains can take a cue from extensible development.
Self-consistent Time-dependent Laser Theory
By ZM Peterson • Jan 18, 2019The latest advancs in the theory of lasing in any geometry.
New Blog Series: Findings from the Founder
By ZM Peterson • Jan 12, 2019A new series highlighting insights from the founder of NWES.