# Beginner’s corner **URL:** https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/c/design-and-layout/beginners-corner/10.md [Latest](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Beginner’s corner category](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/about-the-beginner-s-corner-category/18)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2023, 10:09pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/about-the-beginner-s-corner-category/18 "2023-09-05T22:09:31Z")
Welcome to the Beginner’s Corner on SierraConnect! This category is designed for those who are new to PCB design, electronics, and assembly. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your foundational kno… --- ## [What to know if you’re getting started in RF](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/what-to-know-if-you-re-getting-started-in-rf/3492)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2026, 2:31pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/what-to-know-if-you-re-getting-started-in-rf/3492 "2026-05-07T14:31:26Z")
When it comes to RF engineering, some building blocks are absolutely essential. In the latest Trace Talks, Neil Jarvis highlighted one of the most important: amplifiers. What makes them cornerstone compone… --- ## [AC Dimmer (FL5150) Controlled by Low-Power MCU – Grounding and Isolation](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/ac-dimmer-fl5150-controlled-by-low-power-mcu-grounding-and-isolation/3949)
**Author:** [@rayansayedpd](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/rayansayedpd)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 2:26pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/ac-dimmer-fl5150-controlled-by-low-power-mcu-grounding-and-isolation/3949 "2026-04-14T14:26:22Z")
I am trying to design an AC dimmer using the FL5150, based on the datasheet reference circuit. I want to control it using a 3.3V MCU: PWM → for dimming control GPIO → for mode selection My main doubts 1. Groun… --- ## [Power Plane Limitations and Routing Alternatives in Multilayer PCBs](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/power-plane-limitations-and-routing-alternatives-in-multilayer-pcbs/3227)
**Author:** [@rayansayedpd](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/rayansayedpd)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2025, 3:21pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/power-plane-limitations-and-routing-alternatives-in-multilayer-pcbs/3227 "2025-05-29T15:21:06Z")
Hi everyone, I’m working on a multilayer PCB design and ran into a few challenges regarding power distribution and plane allocation. I’d appreciate your insights on the following: Power Traces Through Ground Layers: … --- ## [Changed Default Clearance to 0.07 mm for FBGA – Do I Need to Adjust Non-BGA Signals?](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/changed-default-clearance-to-0-07-mm-for-fbga-do-i-need-to-adjust-non-bga-signals/3090)
**Author:** [@rayansayedpd](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/rayansayedpd)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2025, 4:08am UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/changed-default-clearance-to-0-07-mm-for-fbga-do-i-need-to-adjust-non-bga-signals/3090 "2025-04-18T04:08:17Z")
Hi everyone, I’m a beginner in BGA design and currently setting up my layout in KiCad. By default, KiCad had a 0.2 mm clearance but since I’m working with a fine-pitch FBGA\*\*, I changed the default clearance to 0.07 mm … --- ## [How to Become a PCB Designer in 2024](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-become-a-pcb-designer-in-2024/1234)
**Author:** [@Pooja\_Mitra](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/Pooja_Mitra)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2024, 2:26pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/how-to-become-a-pcb-designer-in-2024/1234 "2024-08-27T14:26:43Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-become-a-pcb-designer/ PCB designers are crucial in developing electronic devices, from smartphones to spacecraft. Circuit board design involves creat… --- ## [Differential Pairs in PCB Transmission Lines](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/differential-pairs-in-pcb-transmission-lines/162)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 6:36pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/differential-pairs-in-pcb-transmission-lines/162 "2023-09-28T18:36:23Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/differential-pairs-in-pcb-transmission-lines/ This article, written by Atar Mittal, the General Manager of our Design and PCB Assembly Divisions, will go ove… --- ## [What is a PCB Transmission Line?](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/what-is-a-pcb-transmission-line/161)
**Author:** [@lucy.sierracircuits](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/u/lucy.sierracircuits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 6:35pm UTC](https://sierraconnect.protoexpress.com/t/what-is-a-pcb-transmission-line/161 "2023-09-28T18:35:58Z")
Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/pcb-transmission-line/ A PCB transmission line is a type of interconnection used for moving signals from their transmitters to their receivers on a printed c…