Rigid Flex PCB

Designing High Voltage PCBs: Key Layout and Material Considerations

When working with high-voltage circuits, design priorities shift. While many PCBs focus on high-speed signaling, impedance control, or component density, high-voltage designs prioritize safety, insulation, and spacing. Whether you're developing an industrial power controller, EV subsystem, or medical device, successful high-voltage PCB design demands a clear understanding of creepage, clearance,...

The Rise of the Nimble Enterprise: Why Outsourcing Supply Chain Expertise Makes Strategic Sense

There was a time when business success was measured by how much a company could do in-house. From raw material procurement to delivery, fully vertically integrated corporations—think Ford or General Electric—dominated. The logic was simple: control every step, minimize risk. But that model no longer fits today’s fast-changing environment. The most...

Minimizing Material Waste Through Optimized Nesting

When designing flexible circuits, especially those with irregular shapes, it’s easy to overlook how layout decisions impact manufacturing efficiency. But how your parts are nested within a panel directly affects both material waste and cost. That’s why it’s important to consider panel optimization early in the design process—not just during...

Understanding Prepreg and Core Dielectrics in PCB Stackups

In multilayer PCB fabrication, what connects copper layers together isn’t just glue—it’s carefully engineered dielectric materials that control signal integrity, insulation, and mechanical performance. Among these, prepreg plays a critical role, serving as both an adhesive and an electrical insulator between copper layers. Whether you’re working on high-speed digital signals, RF layouts,...

Flat Flexible Cables (FFC): A Cost-Effective and Scalable Interconnect Solution

For engineers balancing performance, flexibility, and cost, Flat Flexible Cables (FFC) remain one of the most efficient interconnect solutions in electronics today. Their simple structure, adaptability, and low manufacturing cost make them ideal for countless applications—from consumer electronics to industrial controls, smart home, industrial equipment, vehicles, electric...

Choosing the Right PCB Separation Method: V-Scoring, Routing, and Die Cutting

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing involves precise processes, not just in design and component assembly but also in how the final boards are separated from their manufacturing panels. At PICA Manufacturing Solutions, we use various depaneling techniques to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. The three primary methods—V-scoring, routing, and die...

PCB Base Materials: FR-4, FR-2, CEM-1, and CEM-3

Selecting the right base material for a PCB is never a simple choice. The properties of the substrate affect everything—from thermal stability to dielectric performance, mechanical strength, and manufacturing compatibility. Four standard materials dominate PCB fabrication: FR-2, FR-4, CEM-1, and CEM-3. While all of them provide insulation and structural integrity,...

Choosing the Right Manufacturing Method for Extra-Long Flexible Circuits

FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) manufacturing has evolved significantly, with both panel-based and roll-to-roll (RTR) processing methods widely used. Each method has its own advantages, limitations, and specific applications, particularly when manufacturing extra-long flex circuits. Below is a comparison highlighting capabilities specifically relevant to producing extra-long FPCs depending on application needs,...

Understanding Copper Limits & Bend Radius in Flex PCBs

Whether you're designing for a high-durability dynamic application or a compact static installation, every detail matters—from copper type and thickness to stackup design and layer placement. These design elements directly influence the PCB’s flexibility, durability, and long-term performance. For electrical and mechanical engineers alike, mastering these principles is key to...

Precision Cleaning with PICA: Ultrasonic PCB Cleaning at Our Kuala Lumpur Facility

At PICA, we know that the performance and reliability of printed circuit boards (PCBs) depend heavily on their cleanliness. That’s why our Kuala Lumpur facility is equipped with advanced ultrasonic cleaning technology, ensuring every PCB meets the highest quality standards.What Is Ultrasonic Cleaning?Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves,...

Understanding PCB Via Holes: Through-Holes, Blind Vias, Buried Vias, & More

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) form the backbone of modern electronic devices, providing the physical platform for mounting and interconnecting electronic components. Among the essential elements in PCB design are vias—small holes that allow electrical connections between different layers of the board. Vias play a role in ensuring efficient routing of...

Understanding the Multi-Purpose Role of Flux in PCB Assembly

Flux is a fundamental material in the electronics manufacturing process, particularly in the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and functionality of electronic components by enabling high-quality solder joints. Its versatility and multifunctionality make it indispensable in the reflow...

Driving Innovation in PCB Manufacturing: Insights from PCB Carolina 2024

PCB Carolina 2024 brought together industry leaders to explore advancements in PCB design and manufacturing. Joe DiPalermo, our Director of Engineering, delivered an insightful presentation on the latest techniques and considerations for designing and producing flexible and rigid-flex circuits.Joe DiPalermo, Director of Engineering at PICA, has been a cornerstone of...

Compliance: Ensuring Safety and Performance in Flexible Printed Circuit Manufacturing

When developing and manufacturing flexible printed circuits (FPCs), adhering to industry standards ensures reliability, safety, and performance. Two pivotal standards in the FPC industry are UL 796 and IPC 6013. While both standards guide the design and production of printed circuit boards, their focuses and requirements differ significantly, impacting how...

Essential Documentation for Manufacturing Bare PCBs and FPCs

When placing an order with PICA Manufacturing Solutions for bare Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) or Flexible Printed Circuits (FPCs), having the correct documentation and files is crucial. This ensures smooth production, meets quality standards, and aligns with your specific requirements. This article outlines the mandatory and good-to-have documents and files...

High-Frequency Signal Insertion Loss

This blog is the introduction to a white paper called Introduction to High Frequency Signal Insertion Loss. Click the button below to request the full white paper. The white paper has additional sections on measures to improve dielectric loss, how conductor loss occurs, measures to improve conductor loss, and insertion...

Advanced Surface Finishes for Enhanced PCB Performance

This blog is an introduction to a white paper that contains additional information on surface finishes including: Immersion Silver or Tin,  OSP (Organic Solderability Preservatives), HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling), Carbon Ink, and Combination Finishes (e.g., Hard Gold/OSP, Soft Gold/OSP, Gold Immersion/OSP). Click the button below to request the full...