Blog

Explore insights, ideas, and innovations from the minds behind MicroType Engineering. From product design breakthroughs to engineering tips and project stories — our blog shares the thinking, process, and progress that power our prototypes.

MOSFET Selection Guide: Rds(on), Vgs, and What Actually Matters
9
jul
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Learn a practical approach to selecting the right MOSFET for various applications. Discover how to filter options effectively for low and high-power needs.
Legacy System Modernization: When to Replace vs. Retrofit Industrial Controllers
25
January
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
A practical framework for legacy system modernization decisions. Learn when to replace vs. retrofit industrial controllers, real project costs, and ROI timelines.
KiCad 9 Jobsets: Automating Your Design Outputs
11
January
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Standardize your KiCad workflow with jobsets. Configure automated exports for Gerbers, BOMs, renders, and more with a single click
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Legacy System Modernization: When to Replace vs. Retrofit Industrial Controllers
Created at:  
January 11, 2026
Updated at:  
February 17, 2026
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
A practical framework for legacy system modernization decisions. Learn when to replace vs. retrofit industrial controllers, real project costs, and ROI timelines.
KiCad 9 Jobsets: Automating Your Design Outputs
Created at:  
January 4, 2026
Updated at:  
January 22, 2026
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Standardize your KiCad workflow with jobsets. Configure automated exports for Gerbers, BOMs, renders, and more with a single click
PCB Power Input Protection: Reverse Polarity, Overvoltage & Overcurrent Explained
Created at:  
January 4, 2026
Updated at:  
January 22, 2026
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Learn how to design reverse polarity, overvoltage, and overcurrent protection for PCB power inputs to improve reliability and prevent damage.
Surge Protection Circuits: TVS, GDT, RC & Inductor (IEC 61000-4-5)
Created at:  
September 13, 2025
Updated at:  
January 22, 2026
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
See IEC 61000-4-5 surge simulations and learn layered PCB input protection with TVS, GDT, RC/inductor, and bulk caps, plus design trade-offs.
H-Bridge Circuit Design
Created at:  
June 26, 2025
Updated at:  
September 9, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore the basics of H-Bridge circuits for DC motor control. Learn about discrete components vs. IC design, and proper flyback diode protection methods.
High Power PCB Design Tips & Tricks
Created at:  
June 26, 2025
Updated at:  
September 10, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore expert techniques for designing high-powered PCBs, from trace width calculations to safety considerations, ensuring efficient, safe circuit layouts.
Patent Before Prototype: Which Comes First?
Created at:  
June 26, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Learn when to prototype or patent your invention first and protect your idea. Explore NDA usage, provisional patents, and Lean Startup methodology insights.
Advanced LED Driver Circuit Design
Created at:  
June 26, 2025
Updated at:  
September 9, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore diverse LED driver circuit strategies from basic to advanced techniques. Learn how to minimize power loss and improve efficiency in your designs.
Troubleshooting a High Power LED Circuit Board
Created at:  
June 26, 2025
Updated at:  
September 9, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Master circuit troubleshooting for high-power LED boards! Explore design strategies, overcome challenges, and discover solutions like PWM frequency adjustments.
Power MOSFET Circuit Design: Gate Drivers & Examples
Created at:  
June 26, 2025
Updated at:  
January 4, 2026
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Design reliable MOSFET circuits with practical schematics. Covers gate charge, Rds(on), logic-level vs standard MOSFETs, and dedicated driver ICs.
How to Prototype Electronics – Arduino vs PCB
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Learn when to prototype electronics with Arduino and when to opt for a custom design. Discover pros, cons, and strategic decisions for developing hardware products.
We have expanded!! Circuit board assembly line update
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Discover how MicroType Engineering expanded its assembly line, upgraded equipment, and improved PCB soldering consistency for enhanced client service.
Quick Circuit Tips #1 – ESD Protection – KiCad
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore effective ESD protection techniques for circuit boards, balancing cost and performance, to prevent catastrophic damage from static electricity.
How to Panelize PCBs within KiCad
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Learn to panelize PCBs entirely in KiCad with key footprints and techniques for optimal fabrication and minimal warpage in assembly.
Li-Ion Battery Circuit Safety Design – Circuit Tips and Tricks
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore UL listing's role in enhancing lithium-ion battery safety and discover essential protection techniques to prevent circuit failures.
Open Source USB Hub Design with KiCad
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore the complexities of an innovative Open Source USB hub project with insights into USB Type-C technology and design challenges.
5 Pitfalls When Manufacturing a Product Overseas
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Discover 5 crucial pitfalls to avoid when manufacturing products overseas, including design, prototyping, quality control, IP laws, and factory selection.
MOSFET Selection Guide: Rds(on), Vgs, and What Actually Matters
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Learn a practical approach to selecting the right MOSFET for various applications. Discover how to filter options effectively for low and high-power needs.
Should You Buy a Pick and Place Machine?
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore the pros and cons of buying a pick and place machine for PCB assembly. Get expert insights from MicroType Engineering to guide your decision.
How to Read a Datasheet: Engineer's Step-by-Step Guide
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
January 4, 2026
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Master datasheet reading with this practical guide. Covers typical application circuits, absolute max ratings, pinouts, and layout sections using real IC examples.
Lithium Ion Battery Charger Circuit: Load Sharing
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore best practices in lithium-ion battery charger circuit design for safe load sharing. Discover methods to optimize power supply while charging.
Rise Time and Series Resistors: EMC For Everyone 2
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 9, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore the impact of signal rise time on electromagnetic emissions and learn how using a series resistor can reduce EMI in your electronic designs.
Buck Regulator Design For Conducted Emissions
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Discover the importance of conducted emissions testing for DC lines and how buck converters impact compliance. Learn effective filtering strategies here.
Microcontroller vs Microprocessor – Practical Differences
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
February 7, 2026
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Compare microcontrollers vs microprocessors with real project examples. Learn which to choose for your embedded design based on cost, real-time needs, and complexity.
Designing ESD Protection Circuits
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Learn how to design effective ESD protection circuits with hands-on LTSpice simulations. Optimize voltage, current, and circuit integrity in your electronic designs.
DC Bias Effect in Ceramic Capacitors
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 9, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Understand how the DC bias effect in ceramic capacitors affects your electronic circuit designs and learn strategies to manage it effectively.
The Usage and Function of TVS Diodes in Circuit Protection
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Discover how TVS diodes protect your electronic circuits from voltage transients like ESD and lightning. Learn to choose the right one for your needs.
Enhancing Precision and Quality: MicroType Engineering’s Latest Technological Advancements
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
September 11, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Transform your circuit board cleaning and inspection process with the Baron Blakeslee vapor degreaser, ensuring precision, reliability, and eco-friendly solutions.
Elevating Standards: Our Journey to AS9100 Certification
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore how MicroType Engineering aims for AS9100 certification, enhancing quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction in aerospace electronics and firmware.
Securing the Future: Our Commitment to ITAR and CMMC Compliance
Created at:  
June 25, 2025
Updated at:  
August 2, 2025
Kyle Hunter
Open cardboard box with flaps folded outward, icon style.
Uncatogrized
Chat bubble icon representing comments or messaging.
Comments
White heart icon on transparent background.
0
Explore ITAR, NIST 800-171, and CMMC compliance to secure defense and aerospace projects. Trust MicroType Engineering for advanced data security solutions.

MicroType Engineering strives to help businesses turn an idea into a physical product. Whether you are already established and seeking to branch out into a new product or working on an exciting new startup project, MTE can guide you along the way.

MTE provides rapid prototyping, enabling you to quickly have a physical product in your hands to showcase and test. MTE offers a personalized approach, helping navigate the often confusing, and expensive path to manufacturing and selling a product. Contact us to learn more.