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Series 13IntermediatePCB

PCB Myths

PCB folklore, tested. Trace width, return current, split ground planes, ferrite beads: each myth is checked against a computed model rather than an opinion.

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Episodes

What this series covers

17 episodes made so far, 14 of them published. A tick marks the ones already on YouTube.

  1. 01Your 90° corner is fine✓ published
  2. 021000× the capacitance, same noise✓ published
  3. 03Stop using three capacitor values✓ published
  4. 04How much current can a 6 mil PCB trace carry?✓ published
  5. 05Why every copper square has the same resistance✓ published
  6. 06Where does return current actually flow?✓ published
  7. 07Why your oscilloscope shows the wrong rise time✓ published
  8. 08Why your function generator shows double the voltage✓ published
  9. 09Silver traces won't make your signals faster✓ published
  10. 10Return current comes back instantly — even from an open cable✓ published
  11. 11Don't split your ground plane✓ published
  12. 12Copper pour makes crosstalk worse✓ published
  13. 13This jumper wire is a 160 nH inductor✓ published
  14. 14Your Arduino board doesn't need 50 Ω traces✓ published
  15. 15Your 4-layer board doesn't need a power plane
  16. 16Never share a ground via
  17. 17A ferrite bead on every power pin? It can cost you half a volt

Watch them on the Electronics 101 YouTube channel. Episodes without a tick are finished and queued for release.

Resources

Material for this series

Notes, formula sheets and guides that stay useful after the episodes.

Design GuideFree Placeholder

PCB Stack-up Decision Guide

Choosing two, four or six layers; where the planes go and why; and what to send your fabricator so the impedance comes back right.

IntermediateComing soon
Cheat SheetMembers Placeholder

EMI Debug Checklist

What to check, in order, when a board fails a radiated emissions scan — starting with the cheapest fixes.

AdvancedComing soon

Related Courses

Take it further

Structured programmes covering the same ground in more depth, with a deliverable at the end.

IntermediateLive + RecordedComing Soon Placeholder

PCB Design & Signal Integrity

Stack-ups, return paths and controlled impedance, with the measurements that settle the arguments.

Duration
6 weeks
Modules
6
Certificate
Yes
Price
Pricing on registration

Tools used: KiCad · Altium · Field solver