MEP EP#268: Avoid The Extremes

• Fan controller for Jeep
  • Brushless fan temperature controller
  • Nothing fancy but the “override” signal is ground triggered!
  • Will have to invert the A/C compressor signal with a relay
• Controlling PCB cost
  • What are the knobs that can be turned to adjust the cost of the PCB itself?
  • The easy ones
    • Size (not necessarily rectangle)
    • Panelization
    • Base material
    • TG ratings - The glass transition temperature
    • FR4
    • Trace/Space
    • Minimum hole size
    • Mask Color
    • Surface finish
    • Copper weight
  • Not as easy ones
    • Vias
      • Tented
      • Plugged
      • Blind
      • Buried
• Digikey’s Latest Innovation
  • Information printed on the backside of cut tape
  • 8mm tape