Use of Ferrites in PCB Reference Planes

Should the reference (i.e., ground) plane be split into two separate sections and a ferrite bead installed between them to prevent unwanted radio frequency emissions? Let’s examine why this practice is not a good idea and should be avoided at all costs.

Failure Analysis: A Road Map

Although the foundation of a failure analysis is rooted in science, there is also an art to completing one, successfully. The path from “problem discovery” to “problem solution” has many bumps and twists along the way and this article will hopefully help guide you on your journey.