Analog Circuit an electrical circuit that provides a continuous quantitative output as a response from its input. Automated Test Equipment (ATE) equipment that automatically tests and analyzes functional parameters to evaluate performance of the tested electronic devices. Built-In Self Test an electrical testing method that allows the tested devices to test itself with specific added-on hardware. CAD Computer Aided Design. CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing. Chip the individual circuit or component of a silicon wafer, The leadless form of an electronic component -as applies to a surface-mount component. Also applies to an IC - both surface-mount and through-hole varieties. Design For Manufacturing (DFM) checks that ensure that the design fits the fabrication process requirements. DFM includes a check for minimal trace width, minimal trace-to-trace distance, minimal hole clearance, etc. Dielectric an insulating medium between conductors. DIP dual in-line package with two rows of leads from the base in standard spacing between the leads and row. DIP is a through-hole mounting package. DRC Design Rule Check. Edge Connector a connector on the circuit-substrate edge in the form of plated pads or lines of coated holes used to connect to other circuit boards or electronic devices. Electronic Component a part of the printed circuit board, such as resistor, capacitor, transistor, etc. Fine Pitch fine pitch is more commonly referred to surface-mount components with a lead pitch of 25 mils (0.025inches) or less. Footprint geometry of pads for soldering an electronic component. Functional Test the electrical testing of an assembled electronic device with simulated function generated by the test hardware and software. Gerber File data file used to control a photo-plotter. Ground Plane a conductive plane as a common ground reference in a multilayer board for current returns of the circuit elements and shielding. IC Integrated Circuit. In-Circuit Test electrical test of an individual component or part of the circuit without removing the component(s). Leakage Current A small amount of current that flows across a dielectric area between two adjacent conductors. Legend Printed letters or symbols on the board, such as part numbers and product numbers or logos. Minimum Conductor Width The smallest width of any conductors, such as traces, on a board. Minimum Conductor Space The smallest distance between any two adjacent conductors, such as traces, on a board. Net a set of pads that are to be connected electrically on the board. Netlist List of parts and their connection points which are connected in each net of a circuit. NPTH Non-plated through-hole. Pad Metallized area of the board for connection and attachment of electronic components. PCB Printed Circuit Board. Pin part of an electronic component that is soldered to the board. Pitch the center-to-center spacing between conductors, such as pads and pins, on a board. Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) a component package with J-leads. PTH (plated-through hole) a plated hole used as a conducting interconnection between different layers or sides of a board either used as connection for through-hole component or as a via. Routing (tracing) the process of placing electronic connections (traces) between pads on the board. Signal layer layer of a board, in which traces can be placed. For a two-sided board two signal layers are available the Top and the Bottom layers. Silk screen - a layer designed for placing legend elements on the top or bottom side of the board. Two corresponding layers are available the Top Silk and the Bottom Silk. Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) an integrated circuit with two parallel rows of pins in surface mount package. SMD Surface Mount Device. SMT Surface Mount Technology. Test Point a specific point in a circuit board used for testing for functional adjustment or quality test in the circuit-based device. Thermal pad pad of a special form used when it is connected to copper pours. Thermal pads improve solderability of the joint, reducing the chance of a so called "cold solder joint". Through-hole a drilled hole in the board, usually for mounting a component. Trace (or Route) a layout or wiring of an electrical connection. UL Underwriters Laboratories. A popular safety standard for electrical devices supported by many underwriters. Via a plated-through hole used for interconnection of conductors on different sides or layers of a circuit board. Wave Soldering a
manufacturing operation in which solder joints are soldered simultaneously
using a wave of molten solder. |