PCB Layout - PCB ground layer considerations

Old system assemblies, based on vacuum tubes, were often made directly on the manufacturing floor without any PCB support. With the increased signal frequency and system integration, made possible by transistors and ICs, using a PCB was a must. Nevertheless, till the 80’, regulations were not covering commercial products as they do today. EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and immunity tests are today part of the system requirements that may challenge the designer during the design phase. High-speed applications, precision analog, and the regulations that the system must fulfill, make the PCB a fundamental part of the design puzzle. In this article, we will take a closer look at the PCB ground layer. Using it is very important, but sometimes it could lead to more problems than benefits...

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