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January 5, 2024

Designing the Future: Unraveling the Intricacies of PCB Innovation

In the realm of modern electronics, the printed circuit board (PCB) stands as a cornerstone of innovation, serving as the vital nervous system that brings technology to life. Within the intricate network of electronic components, the PCB plays a pivotal role, guiding the flow of data and power to actualize the brilliance of electronic devices we rely on daily.

 

Pioneering the Vision

 

At Addis PCB, we stand at the frontier of PCB design, where innovation meets precision, and creativity intertwines with functionality. Our journey is one that seeks to unravel the complexities of PCB innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s conceivable and pondering the very essence of what it means to design the future.

 

Redefining Connectivity

 

Every connection on a PCB represents a pathway to possibility, where innovation meets practicality. We understand that each line, each pad, and each copper track is not just a conductor of electricity, but a conduit for ideas to flow, shaping the landscape of digital transformation. Through our meticulous design process, we pave the way for seamless connectivity, offering a canvas where innovation thrives.

 

Innovating with Precision

 

The intricacies of PCB design demand nothing short of precision. From the meticulous routing of traces to the strategic placement of components, our team of artisans and engineers work tirelessly to weave a masterpiece of circuitry. We embrace the challenge of navigating the evolving landscape of technology, infusing each design with the precision it deserves.

 

Harmonizing Form and Function

 

Elegance in design meets robust functionality in the world of PCB innovation. Our commitment to harmonizing form and function is unwavering, as we craft PCBs that not only power devices but enhance the user experience. Whether enabling complex electronic assemblies or lending sophistication to IoT solutions, our PCBs are a testament to the artistry and functionality we embody.

 

Cultivating Sustainable Innovation

 

In an age where sustainability is paramount, we tread the path of responsible innovation. From embracing eco-friendly materials to optimizing board layouts for efficiency, sustainability is woven into our design ethos. With a deep understanding of environmental impact, we oversee the creation of PCBs that meet the highest standards of responsible design.

 

At Addis PCB, our quest for unraveling the intricacies of PCB innovation unfolds as a testament to our unwavering commitment to pioneering the future. Through a fusion of creativity, precision, and responsibility, we continue to redefine what’s possible in the world of PCB design, paving the way for a future where electronic innovation knows no bounds.

 

June 9, 2023

The Benefits of Outsourcing PCB Design Services

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design is a critical element of electronic product development. It involves designing the layout of the circuit board, including the placement and routing of components, to ensure optimal performance and reliability. PCB design is a specialized skill that requires expertise and experience. Outsourcing PCB design services can offer several benefits to companies, especially those that do not have in-house PCB design capabilities.

The benefits of outsourcing PCB design services.

1. Cost savings

Outsourcing PCB design services can offer significant cost savings to companies. By outsourcing, companies do not have to invest in expensive PCB design software, hardware, and personnel. PCB design service providers have the required infrastructure and expertise to deliver high-quality PCB designs at a lower cost. Outsourcing also eliminates the need for companies to hire and train PCB designers, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

2. Expertise and experience

PCB design service providers have a team of expert designers with years of experience in designing PCBs for various industries. Outsourcing PCB design services can give companies access to this expertise and experience, which can be invaluable in ensuring that the PCB design is optimized for performance and reliability. PCB design service providers have the necessary knowledge and skills to design PCBs that meet the specific requirements of the industry.

3. Faster time to market

Outsourcing PCB design services can help companies reduce the time to market for their products. PCB design service providers have the required expertise, experience, and infrastructure to deliver high-quality PCB designs within a short time frame. This can help companies get their products to market faster, giving them a competitive advantage.

4. Improved quality

Outsourcing PCB design services can help companies improve the quality of their PCB designs. PCB design service providers have a team of expert designers who follow industry best practices and standards to ensure that the PCB design is optimized for performance and reliability. PCB design service providers also use the latest software and hardware to create high-quality designs.

5. Flexibility

Outsourcing PCB design services can offer companies flexibility in terms of resource allocation. Companies can outsource PCB design services on a project-by-project basis, allowing them to scale up or down as required. This can help companies manage their resources more effectively and efficiently.

April 26, 2023

One Big Roller-Coaster

You’re only a stranger once

I’ve always hated humid school day afternoons. The blazing hot sun combined with the tedious and unending radio news that my grandma refuses to change when she picks me up from school leaves me wondering if our home moves away as we drive forward. However, this day was different. Unable to hold back my excitement, I rushed out of school to the car as soon as the bell rang.

I was on my way to the Addis Tech Group (ATG) office for the very first time to do a six-month recap on my blog, “One big roller coaster.” I had started blogging in my freshman year of high school as a way to share my passion for programming with others. I never imagined that it would lead me to ATG, a company that is truly passionate about technology and its potential to make the world a better place.

When I arrived at the ATG office, I was immediately greeted by a friendly and welcoming team. They took me on a tour of the office and introduced me to everyone. I quickly felt like I was part of the team.

Over the next few hours, I had the opportunity to talk to several members of the ATG team about their work. I was inspired by their passion and dedication to their craft. I also learned a lot about the latest technologies and trends in the tech industry.

By the end of the day, I was feeling energized and inspired. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet such a talented and passionate team. I knew that I had found a place where I could grow and learn.

I’m so glad that I took that first step and reached out to ATG. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain about your future, I encourage you to do the same. You never know where it might lead you.

Here are some tips for connecting with new people:

  • Be yourself. People can tell when you’re being fake, so it’s important to be genuine.
  • Be interested in others. Ask questions and listen to what they have to say.
  • Be positive. People are drawn to those who are upbeat and positive.
  • Be helpful. Offer to help out with tasks or projects.
  • Be patient. It takes time to build relationships.

Remember, you’re only a stranger once. So go out there and start connecting with people!

February 17, 2023

One Big Roller Coaster

The Evolution of Technology from Stone Tools to Quantum Computing- Part 2

 

Quantum computers are advanced machines inspired by quantum physics. They operate by studying and controlling the behavior of atoms and particles, which is completely different from a regular computer. Although it as an upgraded and advanced version of the computers we use regularly, is not exactly the next generation computer. Meaning, you cannot build a better table just by adding more and more tables together. In the same way, it is not possible to build a quantum computer just by adding classical computers together. A classical computer performs operations using classical bits which can be either zero or one. In contrast, quantum computer uses quantum bits or qubits which can be both zero and one at the same time. 

Let’s say you’re playing a game of flip the coin on your computer. In this case, there is a 50% chance that either if you will win. The computer will take heads and tails as bits of zero and one and depends on only these two results. On the other hand, a quantum computer also has these possibilities including a possibility of a mixture of both heads and tails, both zero and one with some portion of zero and some portion of one. Due to do this uncertain possibility, your chance of losing shall increase. Whether you choose heads or tails, the outcome will still be there between both possibilities, just like a mixture of sand and rocks. Even though the portion of sand is very little in that mixture, you can’t say that it’s not there. This property of superposition empowers the mesmerizing concept of quantum computers.

 Just like the other technological transformations around the world, quantum computers have the potential to impact our lives in numerous ways including security and healthcare. They can be used to create private keys for encrypting messages from one location to another. It will not be possible to copy the unique an unbreakable key of quantum uncertainty. This functioning is already tested by some global companies and is connected to over 17 billion devices globally. Although it is still under research work, quantum computing is the future of our coming generations.

February 9, 2023

Component placement in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout Design

The schematic design is done! What is the next big thing? 

Once the schematic design is complete, it is time to pass it to the next phase of the design stage to continue with the PCB layout design. All the efforts and know-how invested during the schematic design phase will be significantly compromised if the PCB layout design is not done correctly. Component placement is one of the foundational integrals of the PCB layout design process. It is more like placing the foundation of a house. There must be good planning and envisioning of what the final PCB should look like to have a board that is -Right the first time!   

PCB floor planning 

Component placement requires the PCB layout designer to envision various aspects of the design steps in advance. Before starting the placement of the component, the following important aspects of the design phases should be well thought out. As hard as it may be, these seven aspects of the design technics will need to be envisioned before and during the component placement stage. 

  1. Smooth routing (continuity of the circuitry flow)
  2. Functionality (components that have similar functions)
  3. Signal integrity
  4. Design for manufacturability (DFM)
  5. Design for testability (DFT)
  6. First time right!
  7. Design for usability. 

Starting with a block diagram will really help to plan out the PCB floor planning to an excellent kickstart. 

The size of the board is the decisive factor in how the component placement is going to be done. The bigger the board size the easier it is to plan out the component placement.  

When components are placed further apart, it gives room for routing and via-fan out. Being able to place all the components on the same side of the board will cut the assembly cost by a great deal. Placing parts on both sides of the PCB will be considered as an option when there is not enough space to place all the components on one side of the board. This will be the case in high-density interconnect (HDI) design and miniaturized board designs.    

Board size 

The first thing we must do is determine the board size. The board size is typically provided by the mechanical designer. A drawing exchange format (DXF) is a typical file format that the mechanical designer uses to communicate with the PCB layout designer. The DXF will contain board cutout, mounting hole locations, certain connector locations, switches, or LED (Light Emitting Diodes) locations, and any components that will need to be placed on a specific spot on the board. Also, heatsinks, sensors, and antennas can be part of the information that the Mechanical designer may include in the board outline. We can call or refer to these parts as fixed parts. It is always good to clearly communicate with the mechanical designer or anyone involved in this level of the design stage. It is this kind of clear communication that will allow the designers to determine and make sure that the board outline and the placement of any critical component are lined up with the enclosure, faceplate or housing of the final product.  

“Design is really an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating.” Donald A. Norman 

Once the PCB layout designer takes care of the placement of the fixed parts, it is particularly important to communicate back to the mechanical designer. The best means of communication back to the mechanical designer may be using STEP model of the board along with the critical components which can be exported and handed over to the mechanical designer to double-check and verify the accuracy of the board size as well as the placement and clearance of the fixed components.  

Design rules 

Before getting into the full-scale component/footprint placement mode, it is critical to set up the design rules. Referring to and following IPC standards is key. How tight or relaxed the design rule should be is mainly determined by the size of the board and the number of components. Of course, there are various other factors that govern the placement of the components. Unless the board is exceedingly small and the component count is exceptionally high, it is always good to keep the design rule to be on the high end. The more the parts are spread the easier it is to route the board. Also, when it comes to assembly, it is much easier and less expensive to assemble a board with components placed spread out versus components that are close or touching each other due to lack of space. If the design is determined to be a high-density interconnect (HDI), then it is highly recommended to start by communicating with the contract manufacturer (CM) / assembly house at an early stage. Finding the capability of the contract manufacturer (CM) will help to fine-tune the design rules check (DRC) to that of the CM’s capability. It is always good to find out the minimum and maximum capability of the various CMs (Contract Manufacturer’s) design rules. This will allow the procurement team to have a pool of CMs to choose from. Once the design rules are set, it is good to make sure that the auto design rule check is turned on. Most or almost all layout design tools have the option to turn on and off the on-line DRC mode. Using online DRC while placing components from the start will save so much time. It is sometimes annoying to be forced not to temporarily place components very close to another component just to clear space for rearranging other component placement. But that should not be a reason to completely turn off online DRC. Even if online DRC is turned off for this purpose, it is very important to turn it on back and resume the component placement with online DRC turned on.     

A component placement done with design for manufacturability (DFM) in mind will give peace of mind to the entire team, including purchasing and the product development team.  

We are ready to start placing the components once the design rule is set up. Always use the highest component placement grid that is possible. Again, this is also determined by the board size and component size (the bigger the board size the higher the grid should be). The same thing with the components; the bigger the components, the higher the grid should be). But regardless of what; it is always advised to never place components without setting up a reasonable grid system based on an increment of 0.05mm (about 0 in). Using a grid system will also help ease routing among other things.           

Placing component by functionality 

Effective communication with the schematic designer is particularly important. Understanding the flow of the schematic even before starting the component placement will save a lot of unnecessary effort. Are there any critical components that need special attention? Are there components that are expected to get extremely hot? Is this a Radio Frequency (RF) design, analog design, digital design, and or mixed-signal design? Grouping components by their functionality can be a good starting point at the high level. This can be done outside of the board outline till it is determined what to place where. This will be a good time to color all the power (PWR) and ground (GND) nets as this will display on the ratsnest during the component placement.  

 

It is always challenging to figure out where to start the component placement, especially when there are quite a lot of components in a design. How do we determine where to start the component placement? To quote Desmond Tutu, “There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” Where do we even start that one bite? Start with components such as connectors, switches, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and or any component that is determined to be placed at a certain location due to mechanical constraints. Mounting holes should also be placed in the early component placement stage. It is then an excellent strategy to continue placing components that are associated to the already placed components. It is at this point using the schematic as a guide will begin. The schematic is the source of guidance. It is also an innovative idea to first group components that need to be grouped together such as power supply, digital circuitry, RF circuitry, and analog circuitry together. By this time, the designer should determine if components will be placed on both sides of the boards or not. Using both sides of the boards for component placement will increase the cost of the assembly but it certainly helps to make the best of the space. Using both sides of the board for component placement will allow decoupling capacitors to be placed close to the power pins. If the board is a dense board, using both sides of the board for component placement will allow a smooth routing.  

It is unusual to expect placing components once and to be done with component placement. In a normal scenario, the PCB layout person will go back and forth placing, rotating, flipping, and moving components repeatedly. The only components that will be placed once and be kept untouched are the fixed components that the Mechanical Engineer provided with the board outline. Component placement is a time-consuming step of the process. As the saying goes – PCB design is 90% placement and 10% routing. Indeed, 90 percent of the PCB layout design is invested in component placement. If that is not the case, the routing process will be much more difficult and time-consuming.  

 

 Top side placement   

Bottom side placement 

PCB layout component placement requires the ability to visualize the various processes and steps simultaneously and throughout the component placement process.  

The following are important points to keep in mind while placing the components 

  1. Smooth routing space is required especially for critical routing nets. 
  2. Keeping enough space to fan out surface mount devices
  3. Having enough space for copper pour as needed for power and ground. 
  4. Enough space for placing silkscreen for each component. This is less important on the list. 
  5. It is important to orient pin one marking for the IC’s the same direction whenever possible.
  6. Keep components that are expected to dissipate a lot of heat away from other components and make sure there is enough space to place heat sink as well as place enough copper area on the board.

 

Component placement is time-consuming and requires a good understanding of the various disciplines that are associated with the flow of placing components. It is good to start with a simple design if doing the placement for the first time or without any experience.   

The fact that the software tools are becoming capable of viewing the board in 3D has made it much easier to visualize the board as if one is holding an assembled board.         

 

 

January 12, 2023

One Big Roller Coaster

 

The Evolution of Technology: From Stone Tools to Quantum Computing

Driverless vehicles, robots, cryptocurrency, and a lot more; technology has been delivering mind-blowing findings throughout the years. Since the 18th century, around the time when the industrial revolution started, tech never failed to wow us with countless discoveries and ways to make our lives easier. It brought about smart solutions even for our day-to-day challenges that we never pondered as solvable issues. Today, life without technology would not be functional or enjoyable for most of us. While some may suppose that tech causes more problems than it solves, one can not deny the fact that technology has become perpetually crucial in our lives.

There is evidence for the negative effects of its overuse, especially in our generation where just about everything is digital. The advancements and amusing internet contents keep us glued to our devices, be it scrolling through TikTok on our cell phone or watching Netflix on the TV, which we can do for hours without even realizing it. This can quickly become an addiction because excessive internet use has been shown to release dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ chemical, in the brain.

Despite all of this, from the simplest gadgets like a calculator or a rice cooker to highly advanced areas of study like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, almost everything around us is kept running by the strong arms of this compelling concept. Automobiles/cars, telephones, aircraft, robotics, the internet, the printing press, and our pivotal tool- a computer- are just a few of the appliances that are in favor of our productivity, and also, at times, failure. As much as how transformative it is, if misused, technology has the potential to be combative to our generation.
Made nearly two million years ago, stone tools are the first known technological invention. From there on, the light bulbs invented by Thomas Edison ignited the spark of modern innovations. We now have insane fields like Blockchain, Humanoid Robots, and Quantum computers in the digital sector.

Technology has overall become essential in our lives. It has transformed and elevated our lifestyle and general functioning. Here in Ethiopia, starting from the time when Emperor Menelik(||) first introduced telephones to the community, technology has played an important part in the lives of many. We now have emerging sectors like Information Technology, Advanced Robotics, and Biotechnology, which I believe shall construct strong railroads towards development.

What do you think a day without any sort of technology would look like?

 

November 24, 2022

One Big Roller Coaster

A Whole New World; Virtual Reality

VR is an abbreviation for Virtual Reality. As the name implies, it completely replaces reality with a computer-generated environment by taking over our vision. VR is a self-contained system in which users can create and experience a simulated (fictional) environment using advanced devices such as VR headsets and, in most cases, a pair of controllers. The VR goggles you put on play animations all around you in 360 degrees, as if you were standing in the scenario, allowing you to explore without limits! It is especially useful because users can customize it to simulate a specific environment for a specific purpose. VR does not necessitate a great deal of specialized knowledge; basic programming knowledge and a forward-thinking mindset are sufficient to capitalize on this field of technology.

My first experience with virtual reality was about three months ago when I went to the Guzo Technologies studio in Addis Ababa with my younger brother and his friend. It was a hilarious experience. I was terrified when I first put on the headset and found myself in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by purple and white walls! Then came the train ride game in the dark caves beneath massive mountains. I fought to stay balanced and avoid falling down as I traveled through the ups and downs of the destroyed railroads. I jumped around a lot, hunched over, and screamed a lot. How miserable I must have looked to those watching me from outside!

It wasn’t until I was introduced to the other applications of VR that I realized it wasn’t just for video games. I was completely wrong. I quickly discovered the wonders that this emerging technology is capable of delivering when I found myself in the middle of an unforgettable historical event, the Adwa battle, which is the reason I am able to exercise my own culture and speak my language today. I lived through history. I lived in liberty. All through the VR goggles’ screen.
VR, as a fully immersive and interactive technology, enables almost everything to be done virtually, from entertainment and shopping to healthcare, education, and even business. With all of these smart and connective features, Virtual Reality is ahead in the future.
Fun fact: There are an estimated 171 million VR users worldwide. As of 2022, the VR gaming industry has a market size of $12.13 billion.
I believe that in a few decades, VR will be an essential part of our lives, and everyone will become accustomed to using it out of necessity, if not desire.
What do you think virtual reality will bring to our future?

November 3, 2022

One Big Roller Coaster

Our World’s Future – Artificial Intelligence

We can all agree that the digital world is mysterious. It twists and turns unpredictably.
Imagine a world where all kinds of work are automated by artificial intelligence. Machines mimic human deeds to complete any task and robots become digital collaborators to the human race. It indeed sounds captivating, but at the same time, very dangerous. Not because AI will develop their own consciousness, start demanding freedom or scheme world domination like in the terminator movies, AIs today are not that advanced. They have the approximate computing power of an earthworm or even less! Yes, that’s right. The system doesn’t reflect the slightest human intelligence.

It sure can observe, identify, and make decisions though. The issue is, an AI does EXACTLY what we ask it to do. Hence, it is usually unable to function flexibly in different situations. Suppose you command a robot to move from your kitchen to the living room. The command you issued is now the goal, which is to get to the living room. It has no data on how to move or what to use to get there. It could crawl, use its arms to walk, or even build a tower and fall over to arrive at its destination! Technically, it is doing what it was ordered to do. Just not the right way. The same applies to other fields in which AI is used. This makes it easy to accidentally give it the wrong problem to solve. So, it is up to us to avoid complications and things going wrong. We have to set up the system to solve problems so that the AI performs what we requested.

Despite this, Artificial Intelligence is quite a vast field with fascinating applications. It is designed to imitate human intelligence in machines and robots. As the main driver of emerging technologies, AI is now used in healthcare, construction, factory work, and even police investigations. Its efficiency in several significant fields could benefit the global community to a great extent. We shall reduce human errors, welcome new inventions, ease workloads, create job opportunities, and reap all the other countless advantages of this technology. Only if we precisely understand its capabilities and the right way to communicate with it, of course.

Let me shoot a quick question for you to answer in the comments:
What kind of practical progress can we produce in OUR country with the power of advanced AI?

 

October 29, 2022

STEM Visit Recap

These past two weeks our CEO, Gobena Merga, went to visit the STEM Power Fab Lab and the Foka
Stem Center down in Debre Zeit. This visit made us proud to be partners with such a momentous change
making organization.

“I have so much respect for both Mark and STEM power seeing how invested you are to the growth of
STEM education in Ethiopia.” -Gobena Merga
During our visit to the Fab Lab, we saw all the wonderful teaching materials that the STEM staff
prepared based on the Ethiopian syllabus. From puzzles for kindergarten students to a kit sampling
electromagnetic fields for high school students. The STEM staff have done a wonderful job in creating
kits that will help students have hands-on learning instead of just theories.
Even more astonishing were the amazing prototypes that the students at the Foka center have worked
on. In the interest of keeping their ideas safe we will not share them we will however say they are
beyond COOL!


STEM Power don’t just stop at their centers all over the country they have a moving lab, that they
themselves have built to help them move and teach in even the remotest of places.
Overall, we are proud to be partners with STEM Power and excited for all the wonderful things we can
accomplish with this wonderful organization.
Thank you STEM Power!

October 20, 2022

One Big Roller Coaster

What My Brief Journey in the STEM World Has Taught Me So Far

A computer is a crucial daily tool for the majority of the youth. however, this technology is yet alien to a good part of our community. Growing up in a country with one of the least digitally literate people in the world, pursuing technology has always been a daunting dream for most students in Ethiopia. This dream of ours, however, is a necessity. An ambition that we could never give up on, knowing what transformative impact it can put forward.

So much potential and ability, yet so little technology to bring it all out.  So many enthusiastic learners to change this bitter truth of our country, yet so few resources and opportunities to help them make it happen. So much fresh energy and motive, yet so little access. The need to invest in the forthcoming generation’s potential, especially in the STEM sector, is prominent. Being fortunate enough to find myself in this fascinating world of endless innovations has drastically improved my outlook on the sector and my community. I now believe that STEM has the power to change and empower communities like mine. Technology has the potential to illuminate the darkness of illiteracy residing in our country. Ethiopia has 60% of people under the age of 25 that could benefit from the ample education opportunities of STEM whilst contributing to the development of our nation, and beyond, continent. Observing how eager the youth community is to transform the country’s unfortunate reality into prosperity, I understand that I should also be responsible for the overhaul of Ethiopia’s technological sector and not just the government I continually blame. Besides, to have my contribution in this area of advancement brings pleasure like no other. My country’s promising future that I caught a glimpse through the vast window of STEM is worth struggling for.

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