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00:55
Capacitor Code Video: 104 Meaning Explained
The marking “104” on a ceramic or film capacitor represents a capacitance value, not 104 pF. This video explains how the three-digit system works: the first two digits give the significant figures, while the third indicates the number of zeros. Using this method, 104 corresponds to 100 nF (0.1 µF), while 101 and 102 represent 100 pF and 1 nF. It also covers common tolerance letters such as J and K and explains why electrolytic capacitors usually display their capacitance and voltage directly instead of using the same code. Knowing these markings helps engineers catch component-value errors during incoming inspection, BOM verification, and first-article assembly, particularly in PCB prototype and turnkey PCBA projects where an incorrect capacitor value can affect decoupling and power integrity. Verify the marking against the BOM before requesting a PCB assembly quote.
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00:48
How to Read SMD Resistor Codes: 3-Digit, 4-Digit, and R Marks
This short explains how to decode the compact markings printed on SMD chip resistors during incoming inspection, AOI review, and PCB rework. It covers the three common systems used in PCB assembly: three-digit codes, four-digit codes for higher-precision values, and R-codes that use “R” as the decimal point. Practical examples include 103 = 10 kΩ, 472 = 4.7 kΩ, 1002 = 10 kΩ, 4R7 = 4.7 Ω, and R10 = 0.10 Ω. Correctly reading these markings helps engineers verify current-limit, pull-up, gain, and current-sense networks on consumer electronics, industrial control, and automotive PCBs. Always compare the resistor marking with the BOM and SMT assembly quote to ensure the component on the reel matches the value required by the circuit.
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00:50
Resistor Color Codes: Read Them in Seconds
This short explains the IEC 60062 color-band system used to identify axial through-hole resistors in PCB prototyping, incoming inspection, and mixed-technology assembly. It shows how four-band resistors use two significant digits, a multiplier, and tolerance, while five-band resistors add a third significant digit. The video compares two factory-typical examples—brown-black-orange-gold and brown-black-black-red-gold—which both indicate 10 kΩ ±5%, but use different band configurations. Correctly reading the band sequence helps prevent value and polarity-related assembly mistakes on FR4 PCB prototypes, industrial control boards, and consumer electronics, especially for pull-ups, voltage dividers, and current-limiting circuits. Always verify the resistor value against the BOM before moving from PCB prototyping to PCBA production or requesting a PCB assembly quote.
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00:54
PCB Fiducial Mark: SMT Alignment & DFM Rules
This video explains the small exposed copper circles found on PCB panel rails and boards: fiducial marks. These marks serve as optical reference points for stencil printers, pick-and-place machines, SPI, and AOI systems, helping equipment determine board position, rotation, and alignment. The video distinguishes global, panel, and local fiducials and covers practical placement considerations such as spacing, solder-mask clearance, mark size, and edge clearance. These details become especially important for HDI PCB, 4-layer PCB, and double-sided SMT designs moving from PCB prototype to turnkey PCB assembly, where accurate fiducial placement supports reliable automated assembly and inspection.
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00:37
Decode PCB Markings Part 2: Power Rails, Serial Buses, and Control Labels
This 36-second AIVON short explains the functional and net labels printed next to connectors, headers, and test pads on production PCBs. Unlike component reference designators, labels such as GND, VCC, VBUS, VBATT, 3V3, TXD/RXD, SDA/SCL, ON/OFF, BOOT, RESET, and TP identify electrical nets, power rails, communication signals, and key control points. The video shows how engineers use these markings during PCB prototype bring-up, first-article inspection, and turnkey PCB assembly to quickly identify where to probe, which rail to verify, and which pads control startup or reset. These labels are especially useful when reviewing Gerbers, preparing test fixtures, or troubleshooting USB-powered consumer electronics, battery-powered devices, and industrial control PCBs before production.
