JLCPCB Blog

Heating Hub

Simultaneous Dual-Frequency Induction Heating: When One Frequency Forces the Wrong Compromise

Key Takeaways One frequency, one compromise: When geometry demands both deep bulk heating and controlled surface gradients simultaneously, a single frequency forces an unacceptable trade-off—dual-frequency widens the process window. Give each channel a role: Assign the lower frequency to bulk penetration and the higher frequency to surface shaping. Structured recipe development follows naturally from this separation. Validate with metrics, not opinions: Dual-frequency is justified only when controlled......

Jul 14, 2026

Design Tools & Best Practices

How to Design Your Own Keyboard PCB: From Layout to Firmware

Designing a custom keyboard PCB is one of the most rewarding entry points into practical electronics. You not only get a really useful product on your desk, but also you learn schematic capture, matrix scanning, footprint selection, USB, and firmware. Most of the hardware engineers use the same skills that show up on professional boards. This guide walks the entire build from choosing switches, wiring the diode matrix, adding the microcontroller and USB-C, laying out the board, and flashing QMK or VIA......

Jul 14, 2026

PCB Fabrication Case

PiBrick Pocket-CM5: A Compact Raspberry Pi CM5 Handheld PC Built with JLCPCB

Key Takeaways The piBrick Pocket-CM5 is a fully functional, smartphone-sized Raspberry Pi CM5 handheld PC with a physical QWERTY keyboard, AMOLED display, and M.2 NVMe SSD The project utilizes JLCPCB's 4-layer PCB fabrication with controlled impedance (90-ohm for USB, 100-ohm for PCIe/MIPI DSI) to maintain signal integrity Designed using EasyEDA and fabricated by JLCPCB, the project was submitted to the EasyEDA Spark program, successfully securing parts and materials sponsorship for its development. J......

Jul 14, 2026

Signal & Power Integrity

Optimizing Power Nets for Stable and Efficient High-Performance PCBs

Key Takeaways Power Nets as Systems: It is a complete copper network of planes, pours, traces, and vias built to deliver clean, stable voltage. Control IR Drop: Copper resistance causes voltage drop. Use wider traces, solid pours, or heavier copper (2 oz+) to stay within voltage tolerances. Minimize Loop Area: Place decoupling capacitors close to power pins with short, wide traces to handle fast transient currents. Scale Your Vias: A single 0.3mm via carries only 1 to 2A. High-current paths require pa......

Jul 14, 2026

PCB Materials Science

Your Ultimate Guide to PCB Rulers

In the world of PCB design and manufacturing, having the right tools is crucial for achieving accuracy and precision. One such tool that has gained popularity among professionals and hobbyists is the PCB ruler. This specialized measuring tool is designed to provide accurate measurements, reference information, and component footprints, assisting designers, engineers, technicians, and assemblers in various stages of PCB development. In this guide, we'll explore what a PCB ruler is, the features and mea......

Jul 14, 2026

Power & Ground Layout

The Engineer's Guide to High Current PCB Design 2026

Key Takeaways System-Level Thinking: High current PCB design is about the entire power path — traces, vias, copper planes, connectors, component pads, and return paths working together. One weak link can cause voltage drop, overheating, or long-term failure. Common Failure Points: Undersized traces, insufficient via arrays, broken ground plane continuity, over-reliance on IPC tables without derating, and overlooked connector contact resistance are the five most frequent causes of high-current board fa......

Jul 14, 2026