How Component Shortages Have Changed the Way You Should Choose an Electronics Manufacturing Partner
The global component shortage that began in 2020 has permanently reshaped the electronics manufacturing landscape. Lead times have stretched, prices have become volatile, and many previously dependable parts are now either obsolete or extremely difficult to source....
Why Reliability Matters: The Hidden Costs of Cheap Electronics in Any Industry
In every industry—from automotive and RV manufacturing to medical devices and industrial automation—electronics are the heartbeat of modern products. They power, monitor, and connect nearly everything we use. Yet, when cost pressures come into play, decision-makers...
How to Read a Datasheet Like a Pro: A Guide for Hardware Developers
CLICK HERE TO SEE A SAMPLE ELECTRONICS DATASHEET Whether you're designing a new PCB, choosing components for a prototype, or debugging a circuit, one skill that separates beginners from seasoned hardware developers is the ability to read a datasheet effectively....
NTC Thermistor Fundamentals: How They Work and When to Use Them for Inrush Current Limiting.
What Exactly Is an NTC Thermistor? If you’ve read our recent post on PTC thermistors and their role in resettable overcurrent protection, you already know how temperature-sensitive resistors can be a designer’s best friend. But there’s another important type of...
What Are PTCs, and When Should You Use Them in Your Circuit Designs?
In the world of circuit protection, components that respond to heat are often the unsung heroes preventing damage from short circuits, overcurrent, or power surges. One of the most tried-and-true components in this category is the PTC thermistor—a technology that's...
How to Select the Right MCU or MPU Family for Your Application
Part 2 in Poly Electronics’ Series on Embedded Processing Choices At Poly Electronics, we work with OEMs, engineers, and design teams across industries to bring innovative embedded products to market. InPart 1 of our series, we unpacked the fundamental differences...
MCU vs MPU: What’s the Difference and When Should You Use Each?
Choosing the right processing unit is foundational to the success of any embedded system design. In our last post, we discussed how to choose the right microprocessor. Now, we’re taking a step back to tackle a question we often hear from engineers at all stages:...
The Top 5 Most Overlooked Factors in PCBA Layout That Increase Production Cost
Designing a PCB that functions as intended is only part of the challenge. If you’re not designing with manufacturing in mind, your layout could be quietly driving up production costs—sometimes by double-digit percentages. At Poly Electronics, we’ve helped countless...
The State of the Electronics Manufacturing Industry: PCBA Outlook for Late 2025
As we move into the second half of 2025, the electronics industry—particularly in the Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) sector—continues to evolve in response to a complex blend of global policy shifts, component supply dynamics, and geopolitical tensions. Whether...
Stars, Stripes, and Circuits: A Look at America’s Role in the Global PCBA Market
As we celebrate Independence Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect not only on the freedoms we enjoy, but also on the American spirit of innovation, resilience, and craftsmanship. At Poly Electronics, we believe that these values are deeply embedded in the history—and...