Floppy Drive 4 pin Power Connector

Typically used for 3½ floppy disk drives.  Called a "Berg" connector. AMP EI Series part numbers: AMP / TE Connectivity 171822-4 – Cable socket AMP / TE Connectivity 171825-4 – Vertical PCB header AMP / TE Connectivity 171826-4 – Right Angle PCB header   Pin Name Color Description 1 +5VDC Red +5 VDC 2 COM Black Ground 3 COM […]

Read More

USB Power Requests

The Power Request Made within the USB CONFIG DESCRIPTORs.  You can have more than one with different power requests, but host devices may not support dealing with multiple configurations. General Power Availability A device that wants to be able to function on all systems and hubs should request 100mA max.  Multiple Power Configurations One solution […]

Read More

Brushed DC Motor Drives

PSU Votlage A motor will only go as fast as you have volts to apply (with no loading taken into consideration), so whilst you can run a DC motor and its drive at below its rated voltaged, the maximum speed possible will reduce.  This can usually be calculated from a motors RPM/V specification and this […]

Read More

Innovation Vouchers

An Innovation Voucher provides funding so that your business can work with an external expert for the first time, gaining new knowledge to help your business innovate, develop and grow.

Read More

Via’s

Via Current Rating A general rule of thumb for typical via's (say 0.5mm) passing high currents between layers is to allow 0.5A nominal per via.  Bigger hole sizes increase this rating with the larger surface area of the plating through the hole, but for high current connection more smaller vias can beneficial if your copper […]

Read More

E-Ink

Its been a long time coming for E-Ink displays to be available for general use (i.e. for customers not committing to 1 million units a year!).  These distributors are carrying them: www.craftdata.co.uk Temperature Range More limited than for LCD screens.   An operating temperature range of 0º to +50ºC seems to be typical for an E-Ink […]

Read More

Why Are PCB’s Green?

A PCB's colour is given by the solder mask coating and actually PCB's can use one of many colours these days.  The reason green is still often used is probably a combination of its always been down that way and because green solder mask is actually a very good balance of being OK on the eyes […]

Read More

Actuation Force / Operation Force

Actuation force or operation force is usually expressed in Newton units. 1N is the force of Earth's gravity on a mass of approximately 102 g. On Earth's surface, a mass of 1kg exerts a force of approximately 9.8N down.     

Read More

Automated test of assembled PCB’s

  The following are generic instructions for making your PCB design suitable for automated assembled PCB operational test systems.  It is always best to check with your manufacturer to ensure there are no requirements specific to their test system. 1 test pad per voltage/potential to be monitored All pads on the same face of the […]

Read More