A PCB Trace Is Not Just a Wire

When I first started designing PCBs, I thought traces were simply copper paths connecting components. Later, I learned that a trace has resistance, inductance, and capacitance. At higher frequencies, it behaves more like a transmission line than an ideal wire. This changes how we think about routing, impedance control, return paths, and signal integrity.

A good PCB layout is not just about making connections—it is about controlling electrical behavior.

#PCB #SignalIntegrity #Hardware