Once you’ve got your schematics, you need to complete the circuit board design—a process also called circuit board routing. PCB design requires you to lay out your circuit as it will appear, and if you get it wrong, you can wind up with an unreliable PCB. Read on to learn four design tips for a printed circuit board.
Don’t Only Use an Autoroute
Almost all PCB design software comes with an “autoroute” feature that takes this complex process out of your hands. However, autorouting is not perfect, and you shouldn’t rely on it to provide a flawless PCB.
We recommend using the “autoroute” feature once you’ve placed all your components. The tool is great for checking your completion rating—if you find that you’re below 85-percent completion, you should adjust your component placement.
Use Sufficient Trace Width
A trace width calculator is an essential tool when determining your trace width. Otherwise, you may have trouble with excess heat in your PCB. This is because copper traces on the board generate heat when current flows through them.
As long as your trace width stays within the values given by your manufacturer’s specifications, you can adjust the trace width values. Remember that you can use larger trace widths than the calculator tells you, but you can’t use smaller widths.
Consider Component Placement
Component placement is critical for success. For example, heat-sensitive capacitors shouldn’t be placed near diodes that generate heat. Always remember that components with more pins need more space. Often, designers pack components together and then realize that they didn’t leave enough space for routing traces.
Don’t Forget About EMI
Printed circuit boards are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, and this can cause all sorts of problems with performance down the line. There are a few ways to protect your PCB from EMI, so reach out to an EMI shielding expert to learn how you can prevent interference.
Now that you know these four design tips for a printed circuit board, you’re ready to create an efficient PCB without any hiccups!
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
