JLCPCB Blog

Components & Sourcing

Quad Flat Package (QFP): The Engineer's Guide to Design, Assembly and Thermal Management

What is QFP Package? The Quad Flat Package (QFP) is one of the most popular surface mount technology (SMT) package formats throughout the history of electronic manufacturing. After it became standard in the 1980s, the QFP has been the industry standard for integrated circuits (ICs) with moderate to high pin counts that typically range from 32 to 304 pins, so it was a good alternative for simple SOIC packages and complex Ball Grid Arrays (BGAs) at the same time. Defined by its "gull-wing" leads extendi......

Dec 29, 2025

Advanced Packaging & Integration

Comprehensive Guide to QFN Packages: Advantages, Types, and Applications in Electronics

Quad flat no-lead (QFN) packages are a type of IC package that are small, lightweight, and have a thin profile. They are also known as chip-scale packages because the lead can be seen and contacted even after assembly. They have electrode pads at the bottom of the package instead of leads, and a thermal pad that provides good thermal performance. QFN packages are used in a variety of industries, including mobile devices and automotive electronics. Among the many important choices, QFN packaging has al......

Sep 12, 2024

PCB Structures & Fundamentals

Basic Electronics Components: 10 Essential Parts Every Beginner Must Know

Basic electronics components are the fundamental building blocks of any electronic circuit. The most common components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors, each playing a specific role in controlling current, storing energy, or processing signals. In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll walk through 10 essential electronic components and explain how they work in real circuits. Whether you're just getting started or need a quick refresher, this guide will help you understan......

Nov 28, 2024

Surface Finishes & Coating

Conformal Coating in PCB Technology: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Developments

If you're searching for conformal coating, you're likely looking for a reliable way to protect your PCB from moisture, dust, chemicals, or harsh environments. Choosing the right coating directly affects product reliability, performance, and lifespan. In this guide, you'll learn what conformal coating is, the main types available, and how to select the best option for your application. We'll also cover key benefits, application methods (manual, automated, and selective), as well as inspection, rework, ......

Jul 25, 2023

Layout Guide

PCB Design Rules and Guidelines: A Complete Best Practices Guide

A great schematic is just an idea. To turn it into a real, working product, you need to follow a robust set of Printed Circuit Board Design Rules. Ignoring these rules leads to costly respins, signal integrity (SI) failures, and boards that are physically impossible to build. This guide is a technical resource for the entire design process. We'll cover the essential rules for schematics, layout, and manufacturing that every engineer and hobbyist needs to know for a successful design. What Are PCB Desi......

Oct 28, 2025

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

How Operational Amplifiers Work: Four Essential Op-Amp Circuits Explained

As we discussed in the first article of the series, Operational amplifiers (op-amps) aren’t just about amplifying signals; they’re called operational amplifiers for a reason. Back in the early days of analog computers, op-amps were literally used to perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation. Fast forward to today, we don’t solve calculus homework with op-amps anymore (thankfully), but these same principles power audio mixers, filters, and signal proce......

Dec 01, 2025