Insights
Technical learnings and practical tips from the DeltaProto PCBA proto lab.
Pin-compatible according to ChatGPT
2026-09-01When we flagged a supply problem on a Nexperia transistor, the engineer said: "Oh, I will just ask ChatGPT for an alternative." The answer looked convincing.
Update: sometimes pin 1 is right… and still wrong
2026-04-03A follow-up to the pin-1 story: the same datasheet marking, but a different mechanical reference. How a silent change from the manufacturer still caused a fault.
Not every dot on an IC means pin 1
2026-03-17How a mold mark almost caused a wrongly placed IC, and why ProtoPhotos are essential.
Glue-mount components: watch out in your BOM
2026-03-11When components are designed for conductive adhesive instead of standard soldering.
LED rotation: where is the cathode actually?
2026-01-19A recurring phenomenon: the standard LED orientation in the tape vs. the marking on the component.
0402 or 0603: metric vs. imperial
2025-09-08One mistake in the measurement system and your component doesn't fit the footprint. A very common pitfall.