With the fast development of digital era, printed circuit board (PCB) has won a huge market in the electronic industry. Nowadays, electronics can be found everywhere, I can say for each electronic products, you will find a PCB or several pcbs are inside. But not every PCB are the same, each printed circuit board plays its unique roles. When it comes to copper pcb, may someone will think about heavy copper pcb, or even think they are the same. But actually, they are totally different, totally from constructure and functions.
What is Copper PCB?
Copper PCB, also known as Copper Core PCB, Copper-based PCB or Copper Clad PCB, which is a type of metal core PCB (MCPCB) that uses copper core as the base substrate. Among all of the PCB types, copper clad pcb is well-known for its extreme high thermal conductivity, which enables to achieve to 401W/m.K, that’s why some people think it is the king of the metal core PCB.
(Copper_core_PCB)
Copper-based PCB consists of three layers: copper foil layer, dielectric layer and base copper layer. Copper foil layer is the electric layer, which is mainly used for components electric connection. Dielectric layer is made by insulation material, so it also called insulation layer. Though it is function as insulation, it has good heat transfer capacity. The base copper layer is the support stone for the whole PCB. Copper core PCB is commonly used in LED lighting and other applications where need good heat dissipation.
What is Heavy Copper PCB?
Heavy copper PCB doesn’t have a clear definition in IPC standard, it is a kind of special PCB just like HDI PCB and extra thin PCB. Generally, for copper thickness equal or exceed 3ounces will be default as heavy copper pcb. For those copper thickness ranges from 20~200ounces is classified as extreme heavy copper PCB.
(Heavy_copper_PCB)
The base substrate of heavy copper PCB can be FR4 material or aluminum, instead of copper base. This is a significant difference between copper pcb and heavy copper pcb. Heavy copper normally used for a various product but not limited to: high power distribution, bas bur, planar transformers, power convertors, and so on. Due to it enables to carry high current and provide high power, people also called it power supply PCB and high-power PCB.
Differences Between Copper PCB and Heavy Copper PCB?
Except the structural composition, there are still some other differences between the copper core circuit board and heavy copper board. Let’s dive into together.
Copper Thickness
Copper core PCBs typically have thinner copper traces, whereas Heavy Copper PCBs have significantly thicker copper layers. If the trace width is certain, increasing the copper thickness is equivalent to increasing the section area of the circuit, so that it can carry more current.
Current-Carrying Capacity
Copper-based circuit boards are suitable for low to medium current applications. In contrast, Heavy Copper PCBs have thicker copper layers, which enables to handle higher currents without overheating. That’s why it is recommended heavy copper circuit board for high power electronics and high-power applications such as electric car.
Heat Dissipation
Actually, both of them are good in heat dissipation capabilities. But due to the copper clad circuit board is made by copper base, while heavy copper printed circuit board uses epoxy resin or aluminum as the base material, copper core PCB is superior to heavy copper PCB in heat dissipation. So, if your application requires better heat transfer but no need to carry higher power, copper core board is the go-to-choice.
Cost Effective
Among the various metal core PCBs, copper core PCB is the most expensive since the copper core itself is expensive, around 6-7 times than the aluminum core PCB.
Heavy copper PCB also is expensive since it has complex manufacturing processes and thick copper layers. But its price mainly depends on how thick copper thickness it needs. So comprehensive consideration, heavy copper pcb is the most cost-effective.
Applications
Copper PCBs are well-suited for smaller consumer electronics, where cost is a significant factor, and heat generation is minimal.
Heavy Copper PCBs are used in power electronics, automotive applications, and industrial equipment, where high current handling and heat management are essential.
Choosing the Right PCB for Your Project
When choosing between Copper Core PCBs and Power Supply PCBs, consider the following factors:
Your project’s power requirements
Thermal management needs
Budget constraints
Durability and expected lifespan
By evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision on which type of PCB is the best fit for your project.
In summary, the choice between Copper PCBs and Heavy Copper PCBs depends on the specific requirements of your electronic project. Copper PCBs are suitable for low to medium current applications with minimal heat generation. On the other hand, Heavy Copper PCBs offer higher current-carrying capacity and superior heat dissipation, making them ideal for high-power applications. Assess your project’s needs carefully to determine which type of PCB will serve you best.
In the world of design and manufacturing, precision is paramount. Every detail, down to the placement of a single component, can impact the performance and appearance of a product. This is where the concept of counterbores comes into play, a technique employed in various industries to create recessed areas for components or fasteners.
But firstly, what is counterbore? Today we will show you the definition and applications of the countersink in a PCB design.Â
Definition and Applications:
A counterbore is a cylindrical, flat-bottomed hole that is strategically cut into a material to accommodate specific components or fasteners. It is commonly used in various industries, including woodworking, metalworking, and mechanical engineering. The purpose of a counterbore is to create a recessed area where a component, such as a bolt head, nut, or other hardware, can sit flush with or below the surface of the material. This technique ensures a smooth appearance, prevents interference with other components, and provides mechanical stability.
Counterbores in PCB Design and Manufacturing
In the realm of printed circuit boards (PCBs), counterbores play a crucial role in achieving efficient and functional designs. PCBs are essential components in electronic devices, and their design requires careful consideration of component placement, connectivity, and mechanical stability. Counterbores in PCBs serve several important functions:
Component Alignment and Clearance: Certain components on a PCB, such as connectors, switches, or specialized modules, require precise alignment and clearance for optimal functionality. A counterbore can be introduced to create a recessed area that accommodates these components, ensuring proper alignment with neighboring components and minimizing the risk of interference.
Flush Mounting: To maintain a sleek and compact design, some components need to be mounted flush with the surface of the PCB. A counterbore creates a flat-bottomed recess that allows the component to sit at the same level as the PCB surface, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing and functional layout.
(Counterbore_hole_in_heavy_copper_PCB)
Mechanical Support: Components that are susceptible to mechanical stress or impact may benefit from additional support. By incorporating a counterbore, the PCB design can provide a more secure location for these components, reducing the risk of damage.
Heat Dissipation Enhancement: In applications where certain components generate significant heat, such as power amplifiers or processors, heat sinks are often employed to dissipate the heat. A counterbore can facilitate proper alignment and contact between the heat sink and the component, optimizing heat transfer and overall thermal performance.
(Detail_counterbore_hole)
The production of counterbores in PCBs involves specialized manufacturing techniques. BEST Technology as a professional PCB manufacturer, we will use precision drilling and routing equipment to create accurately sized and positioned counterbores.
If you want to know more about the counterbores, welcome to follow our post or contact us.
HDI boards are a type of printed circuit board (PCB) technology that enables higher circuit density and smaller form factors compared to traditional PCBs. HDI boards are commonly used in applications where space is limited, such as mobile devices, wearables, and aerospace systems.
In Best Technology, our HDI board usually has the blind holes or buried holes, and the minimum hole size usually is 0.1mm. This board has the blind and buried holes, and the minimum hole size is 0.1mm. 100 ohm differential impedance control with 50 single ended impedance control. It’s surface finish is ENIG, 1oz copper for outer layers, 1/2oz copper for inner layers, green solder mask with white silkscreen. total thickness is 1.4mm.
Here are some key features and aspects of HDI boards:
High Density: HDI boards are designed to accommodate a large number of densely packed components and interconnections. They typically have multiple layers with high routing density, allowing for more complex circuitry in a smaller footprint.
Microvias: HDI boards extensively use microvias, which are very small holes drilled into the board to create electrical connections between different layers. Microvias are smaller in size compared to traditional vias, allowing for increased routing density.
Staggered and Stacked Microvias: HDI boards employ different types of microvias, including staggered and stacked microvias. Staggered microvias connect adjacent layers, while stacked microvias connect non-adjacent layers, providing even higher routing density.
Blind and Buried Vias: HDI boards often utilize blind and buried vias, which are vias that do not extend through the entire board. Blind vias connect an outer layer with one or more inner layers, while buried vias connect inner layers only. These vias help optimize space and increase routing capabilities.
Fine Pitch Components: HDI boards support the use of fine pitch components, such as microcontrollers, ball grid array (BGA) packages, and small surface-mount devices (SMDs). The high routing density and smaller features of HDI boards make them suitable for accommodating these tiny components.
Increased Signal Integrity: HDI boards can provide improved signal integrity due to shorter trace lengths and reduced noise interference. The compact design minimizes signal loss and impedance mismatches, allowing for better performance in high-frequency applications.
Design Considerations: Designing HDI boards requires expertise in factors such as layer stacking, via types, trace widths, and clearances. Advanced design software and manufacturing techniques are often employed to ensure precise alignment and reliability of the intricate interconnections.
Manufacturing Challenges: HDI boards can be more challenging to manufacture compared to standard PCBs. The use of smaller features and complex layer structures requires specialized fabrication techniques, such as laser drilling, sequential lamination, and precise registration control.
HDI technology has become increasingly prevalent in the electronics industry, enabling the development of smaller, lighter, and more sophisticated devices. It offers enhanced electrical performance, improved reliability, and greater design flexibility. If you have any comments about the HDI board, please feel free to contact Best Technology Team e-mail: sales@bestfpc.com.
In the vast realm of engineering and manufacturing, there exists a hidden world of holes, each with its own distinct purpose and position. These holes play a crucial role in facilitating various functions within mechanical and electronic systems. In this blog, we will embark on a journey to explore different types of holes in printed circuit board. So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s delve into the fascinating world of these essential engineering features.
Common Types of Holes in PCB
Upon examining a circuit board, one will discover an array of holes serving specific purposes. These include Via holes, PTH, NPTH, Blind holes, Buried holes, Counterbore holes, Countersunk holes, Location holes, and Fiducial holes. Each hole type fulfills a distinct role and function within the PCB, making it crucial to familiarize oneself with their characteristics to facilitate optimal PCB design.
1. Via holes
Via holes are small openings that connect different layers of a printed circuit board (PCB). They facilitate the seamless flow of signals and power between the layers, enabling efficient circuit design and transmission. Vias can be classified into two types: Plated Through-Holes (PTH) and Non-Plated Through-Holes (NPTH), each serving different functions.
2. PTH (Plated Through-Hole)
Plated Through-Holes (PTH) are vias with conductive material coating the inner walls. PTHs establish electrical connections between different layers of a PCB, allowing the passage of signals and power. They play a crucial role in interconnecting components, facilitating the flow of electrical current, and ensuring the functionality of the circuit.
3. NPTH (Non-Plated Through-Hole)
Non-Plated Through-Holes (NPTH) lack the conductive coating on their inner walls, making them suitable for mechanical purposes only. These holes are used for mechanical support, alignment, or as positioning guides, without establishing any electrical connections. NPTHs provide stability and precision, ensuring proper alignment of components within the circuit board. The mainly different between PTH and NPTH is the copper foil will be plated in the hole wall while NPTH no need to do plate.
4. Blind Holes
Blind holes are partially drilled holes that penetrate only one side of a circuit board. They are primarily employed to connect the outer layer of the board with the inner layer, enabling component mounting on one side while remaining hidden from the other. Blind holes offer versatility and help maximize space in complex circuit board designs.
5. Buried Holes
Buried holes are entirely enclosed within a circuit board, connecting inner layers without extending to the outer layers. These holes are hidden from both sides of the board and serve to establish connections and routes between inner layers. Buried holes allow for denser circuit board designs, reducing the complexity of routing traces and enhancing the overall functionality of the board. They provide a seamless and compact solution without any surface exposure.
6. Counterbore Holes
Counterbore holes are cylindrical recesses created to accommodate the heads of bolts, nuts, or screws. They provide a flat-bottomed cavity that allows the fasteners to sit flush or slightly below the surface of the material. The primary function of counterbore holes is to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of a design by providing a smooth and even appearance. These holes are commonly found in woodworking, metalworking, and engineering applications where a concealed or larger bearing surface is desired.
7. Countersunk Holes
Countersunk holes are conical recesses designed to house the angled heads of screws or fasteners. They are employed to ensure that the screw heads lie flush or slightly below the material surface. Countersunk holes serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, providing a sleek and flawless finish while reducing the risk of snags or protrusions. Their versatility makes them suitable for various applications, from furniture manufacturing to aerospace engineering.
8. Location Holes
Location Holes, also known as Reference Holes or Tooling Holes, serve as key reference points for aligning and positioning components, parts, or fixtures during manufacturing or assembly processes. These holes are strategically placed in a design to ensure precise and consistent alignment, enabling efficient assembly and reducing errors.
9. Fiducial Holes
Fiducial Holes, also referred to as Fiducial Marks or Alignment Marks, are small precision holes or markings placed on a surface or PCB (Printed Circuit Board). These holes serve as visual reference points for vision systems, automated processes, or machine vision cameras.
As we conclude our journey through the fascinating world of holes in engineering, we have gained a deeper understanding of the functions and positions of counterbore holes, countersunk holes, via holes, PTH, NPTH, blind holes, and buried holes. These holes are essential elements in various industries, contributing to the aesthetics, functionality, and efficiency of designs.
After introducing each of them, you should have gained a deeper understanding of their functions, hope this is helpful for you the design holes on your PCB project!!
In the ever-evolving realm of printed circuit boards (PCBs), High-Density Interconnect (HDI) technology stands out as a game-changer. HDI PCBs have revolutionized the electronics industry by enabling the creation of smaller, lighter, and more advanced electronic devices. In this blog, let us delve into the captivating world of HDI PCBs, exploring their unique processes and craftsmanship. We also attached some photos for your ref.
What is HDI PCB?
HDI PCBs, short for High-Density Interconnect PCBs, are a specialized type of circuit board designed to accommodate a higher number of components within a smaller footprint. Unlike traditional FR4 PCBs, HDI boards incorporate intricate designs and advanced manufacturing techniques to achieve denser routing and interconnections.
Miniaturization and Component Density
One of the standout features of HDI PCBs is their ability to achieve significant miniaturization. There are fine-pitch traces, microvias, blind and buried vias. You can see the below photo, there are many kinds of the vias.
HDI boards allow for more compact layouts and increased component density. This makes them ideal for applications where space is a premium, such as smartphones, tablets, wearables, and medical devices.
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
Creating HDI PCBs involves a sophisticated blend of state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. These techniques include laser drilling, sequential lamination, and advanced imaging technologies. Laser drilling enables the creation of microvias, which are tiny holes used for interconnection between different layers of the board. Sequential lamination involves bonding multiple layers together, creating a compact stack-up with enhanced electrical performance. Advanced imaging technologies ensure precise alignment and accuracy during the fabrication process.
Benefits of HDI PCBs
HDI PCBs offer a multitude of advantages that make them highly sought after in today’s electronics industry:
1. Improved Signal Integrity: With their reduced parasitic effects and shorter signal paths, HDI boards provide superior signal integrity and enhanced electrical performance.
2. Increased Reliability: HDI PCBs minimize the risk of failures due to reduced interconnection lengths, better thermal management, and enhanced impedance control.
3. Enhanced Thermal Efficiency: The compact design of HDI boards allows for better heat dissipation and thermal management, ensuring optimal performance of heat-sensitive components.
4. Design Flexibility: HDI technology opens up new design possibilities, enabling engineers to create innovative and compact product designs without compromising on functionality.
Applications of HDI PCBs
The versatility of HDI PCBs makes them indispensable in various industries, including:
Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices.
Automotive Electronics: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and autonomous driving technology.
Medical Devices: Miniature medical implants, diagnostic equipment, and patient monitoring systems.
Aerospace and Defense: Avionics, satellites, and military-grade electronics.
Industrial Automation: Robotics, control systems, and IoT devices.
We have many customers from various industries, the PCBs of the below photos are what we produced for our customers.
Conclusion
As technology advances, HDI PCBs will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of electronics.
We hope this exploration into the captivating world of HDI PCBs can make you know more about HDI PCB. If you’re interested in any HDI PCB, please feel free to contact us any time. Let us supply you an excellent solution and awesome boards for you.
Working temperature changes can have a significant influence on the operation, reliability, lifetime and quality of products. Temperature rises results in materials expanding, however, the substrate materials that PCB are made of have different thermal expansion coefficients, this causes mechanical stress that can create micro-cracks that may be undetected during electrical tests carried out at the end of production.
Due to the policy of RoHS issued in 2002 required lead-free alloys for soldering. However, removing lead directly results in the rise of melting temperature, printed circuit boards are therefore subject to higher temperatures during soldering (including reflow and wave). Depending on the chosen reflow process (single, double…), it is necessary to use a PCB with appropriate mechanical characteristics, especially one with suitable Tg.Â
What is Tg?
Tg (glass transition temperature) is the temperature value that guarantees the mechanical stability of the PCB during operational life time of the PCB, it refers to the critical temperature at which the substrate melts from solid to rubberized liquid, we called the Tg point, or melting point for easy to understanding. The higher the Tg point is, the higher the temperature requirement of the board will be when laminated, and high Tg board after laminated will also be hard and brittle, which benefits for next process such as mechanical drilling (if any) and keep better electrical properties during use.
The glass transition temperature is hard to be measured accurately in considerate many of factors, as well as each material have its own molecular structure, therefore, different materials have a different glass transition temperature, and two different materials may have the same Tg value even they have different characteristics, this enable us to have an alternative choice when the needed material is out of stock.
Features of High Tg materials
Better thermal stability
Good resistance to moisture
Lower thermal expansion coefficient
Good chemical resistance than low Tg material
High value of thermal stress resistance
Excellent reliability
Advantages of High Tg PCB
In general, a normal PCB FR4-Tg is 130-140 degrees, the medium Tg is greater than 150-160 degrees, and high Tg is greater than 170 degrees, High FR4-Tg will have better mechanical and chemical resistance to heat and moisture than standard FR4, here are some advantages of high Tg PCB for your reviewing:
Higher stability: It will automatically improve the heat resistance, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, as well as stability of the device if increasing the Tg of a PCB substrate.
Withstand high power density design: If the device has a high power density and a fairly high calorific value, then high Tg PCB will be a good solution for heat management.
Larger printed circuit boards can be used to change the design and power requirements of the equipment while reducing the heat generation of ordinary boards, and high Tg PCBS can also be used.
Ideal choice of multi-layer and HDI PCB: Because multi-layer and HDI PCB are more compact and circuit dense, it will result in a high level of heat dissipation. Therefore, high TG PCBs are commonly used in multi-layer and HDI PCBs to ensure the reliability of PCB manufacturing.
When do you need a High Tg PCB?
Normally to ensure the best performance of a PCB, the maximum operating temperature of the circuit board should be about 20 degrees less than the glass transition temperature. For example, if the Tg value of material is 150 degrees, then the actual operating temperature of this circuit board shouldn’t more than 130 degrees. So, when do you need a high Tg PCB?
If your end application requires to bear a thermal load greater than 25 degrees centigrade below the Tg, then a high Tg PCB is the best choice for your needs.
To make sure the safety when your products require an operating temperature equal or greater than 130 degrees, a high Tg PCB is great for your application.
If your application requires a multi-layer PCB to meet your needs, then a high Tg material is good for the PCB.
Applications that require a high Tg PCB
Gateway
Inverter
Antenna
Wifi Booster
Embedded Systems Development
Embedded Computer Systems
Ac Power Supplies
RF device
LED industry
Best Tech has rich experience in manufacturing High Tg PCB, we can make PCBs from Tg170 to maximum Tg260, meanwhile, if your application need to use under extremely high temperature like 800C, you’d better use Ceramic board which can go through -55~880C.
When the bare Printed Circuit Board qty become volume fabrication, the PCB manufacture will not use the Probe flying tester to test the PCB circuit board. Best Tech will make new PCB test fixture to test the bare PCB, The electrical Test (E-test), which is the final electrical test to verify net continuity and the absence of shorts on the bare printed circuit boards (PCBs). In Best Tech PCB factory, we perform 100% electrical testing on all bare PCBs its facilities as per IPC-6012 class 2 standard. And from the following photo in computer, you can see it will show PASS for PCB.
in test
in test
To test the PCB boards, we require the NETLIST file. Normally we create a reference netlist file from the customer’s original Gerber files during PCB fabrication.
We always prefer to receive the CAD file based on the netlist for comparison. Since a CAD based netlist is generated before PCB routing, it provides another layer of checking (against the Gerber files). This allows us to catch any PCB faults introducing in the event of an error in the Gerber files. For full turnkey PCB assembly (PCBA service) projects, this helps to ensure that the PCB boards are 100% correct before any components are populated.
tester 2
tester2
Here are Best Tech E-tester Capabilities
Minimum Continuity Resistance
0.1 Ohms
Maximum Test Voltage
1000 Volts
Max Isolated Resistance
25 M Ohm – 2 G Ohm
Electrical Test Pitch (Fixture)
20mil(0.5mm)
Electrical Test Pitch (Flying Probe)
4mil
Debug /check for missing pins: (Test fixture)
10 minutes
Test time per board:
40 seconds
Setup time:
30 minutes
All points are tested simultaneously. However, this process involves set-up to create the fixture itself and additional costs associated with the cost of materials.
The electrical test fixture has a limited shelf life and repeat using times. For every PCB it will need a fixture and its custom-made for a customer only. Many other factories only store 2 years shelf life for electrical test fixtures, but Best Tech will store at least 3 years for customer.
In order to ensure the quality of fixtures and spare enough space to store fixtures, Best Tech leaves one floor to keep the fixture. See attached fixture photo.
tester 1
tester1
During the 3 years’ time, customer no need to pay the fixture charge again if the update is no update. The flexible test fixture shelf-life policy, it will help customer save the cost.
At the end of the PCB production process, we use electrical test to check the interconnectivity of the PCB is correct against the original board data.
Best Tech did the E-Tester to test the PCB 100% before delivery to customer, this makes Best Tech get highly comments from our customer on the world with good printed circuit board quality and best service. See the customer highly comments of Best Tech.
Do you know what is IPC standard for PCB?IPC, it is a trade association whose goal is to standardize the assembly and production requirements of electronic devices and components.  It was established in 1957 as the Institute of Printed Circuits.  IPC has developed thousands of standards and specifications to regulate the electronics manufacturing industry.
IPC standards are related to PCB design, production technology, electronic assembly, etc., in order to achieve high reliability, high quality, high performance, and meet user specifications.
What are the IPC Standards for?
Before we can understand IPC standards, we first need to know who made them. It comes from the IPC Association, a trade association whose goal is to standardize assembly and production requirements for electronic devices and components. It was founded in 1957 as the Printed Circuit Research Institute. Its name was later changed to the Institute for Electronic Circuit Interconnection and Packaging to highlight the expansion from bare boards to packages and electronic components. In 1999, the organization officially changed its name to IPC with the slogan “Association Connecting Electronics Industries”.
IPC standards are the most widely recognized code of acceptability in the electronics industry. The organization publishes standards for nearly every stage of the electronic product development cycle, including design, procurement, assembly, packaging, and more. In other words, IPC standards refer to everything in the electronics industry and are the basic knowledge of designers and manufacturers.
Just like the IPC standards tree, there are many different aspects of standards that all serve the end product. IPC-A-610, for example, focuses on the acceptability of electronic components and is used worldwide by original equipment manufacturers and EMS companies.
What is the PCB IPC Standard?
IPC plays a vital role in the PCB industry by establishing standards that cover every stage of PCB production from design to manufacturing. These standards ensure consistency and compatibility throughout the PCB process. During the design phase, IPC standards guide file formats, PCB design software, design guidelines, and electronic product documentation. They also affect the material selection of PCB components, surface mount equipment and surface treatments. In addition, these standards are essential for testing and evaluating the acceptability of printed boards.
When it comes to welding, IPC standards cover a variety of techniques, including reflow soldering, wave soldering and welding. These guidelines help companies determine whether their electrical and electronic components meet quality expectations during manufacturing. IPC standards also address cable and harness assemblies to ensure they meet standards.
The most widely recognized IPC standard for PCBs is IPC-6011, which Outlines the performance requirements for PCBS. However, IPC-6012 is more specific and governs the qualification and performance of rigid PCBs. IPC-6012 covers everything from how the PCB should be made to its thickness and the integrity of the copper layer. Compliance with this standard ensures that PCBs meet electrical and mechanical performance expectations. Whether you’re creating boards for high-end computers or small consumer devices, compliance with PCB IPC standards is critical to meeting industry and customer expectations. Here is the IPC tree for your reference:
What is the IPC Level of PCB?
One of the most widely used industry standards in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards is IPC-A-610C Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies and IPC-A-600 Acceptability of Printed Boards. This standard is used primarily for the incoming inspection of bare boards from a PCB fabricator.
In the IPC-A-610C document, electronic products are divided into level 1, level 2, and level 3. The higher the level, the stricter the quality inspection conditions. Here are how 3 levels divided:
Level 1 products: called general-purpose electronic products. Including consumer electronic products, certain computers and their peripherals, and products whose main purpose is to use functions.
Level 2 products: called dedicated service electronic products. Including communication equipment, complex industrial and commercial equipment and high-performance, long-life measuring instruments. Under normal use environment, this kind of product should not malfunction.
Level 3 products: called high-performance electronic products. Including high-reliability, long-life military and civilian equipment that can continue to operate. This kind of product must not allow any interruption failure during use, and at the same time, it is necessary to ensure the reliable startup and operation of the equipment in a harsh environment. Such as medical life-saving equipment and all military equipment systems.
For PCB manufacturing, do you know which IPC standards are commonly used?
multilayer pcb
IPC Standard for PCBs
The IPC has created several standards for printed circuit board (PCB) design, manufacturing, and assembly. Here I would like to share you some standards which we mainly use:
IPC-2221
A general standard that covers almost every aspect of PCB design, including electrical considerations, thermal design, and manufacturing-ready design.
IPC-2222
A guide for rigid PCB cross-sectional design, including recommendations for board thickness, hole aspect ratio, and dielectric clearance.
IPC-2223
A standard for reliable Flex-PCB design, including guidelines for material selection, impedance control, and pad placement.
IPC-2224
A standard for PC card form PCBs, including design requirements for organic and inorganic materials, and single, double, or multilayered interconnections.
IPC-A-610
A standard for PCB assembly that classifies PCBs into three quality levels, with Class 1 being the lowest and Class 3 being the highest.
IPC-6011
General Performance Specification for Printed Boards
IPC-6012
Appraisal performance and specifications for Rigid printed boards
IPC-6013
Appraisal performance and specifications for Flexible printed boards
Appraisal and performance of permanent performance
IPC-HM-860
Multilayer Hybrid Circuit Specification
J-STD-003
Solderable test for printed boards
IPC-A-600F
Acceptance conditions for printed boards
IPC-4761
Design Guide for Protection of Printed Board Via Structure
resin filled production bpm20599
What is IPC-A-610 Standard?
IPC-A-610 Standard is one of the most widely recognized standards in the electronics industry, specifically focusing on the acceptability of electronic assemblies. It provides detailed guidelines and criteria for the inspection of PCB assemblies, so that these assemblies meet the necessary quality levels for their intended use. Its main content includes:
1. Soldering Criteria
IPC-A-610 provides in-depth guidelines on acceptable soldering techniques, covering solder joints, surface mount devices (SMDs), through-hole components, and wire terminations. It explains what constitutes an acceptable versus defective solder joint, ensuring that the electrical connections are reliable.
2. Component Placement
The standard includes criteria for the correct placement and alignment of electronic components on PCBs. It specifies the acceptable tolerances for misalignment and ensures components are correctly placed for proper electrical performance and physical integrity.
3. PCB Assembly Defects
IPC-A-610 details different types of assembly defects, such as insufficient solder, tombstoning, lifted pads, and more. Each defect is categorized based on its severity and impact on the function and reliability of the product, providing guidance on whether a defect can be accepted or if it requires rework.
4. Classes of Electronic Assemblies
The standard divides electronic assemblies into three classes based on the end-use of the product:
Class 1 – General electronic products
Class 2 – Dedicated service electronic products
Class 3 – High-performance products
5. Mechanical Assembly
IPC-A-610 provides criteria for the mechanical aspects of PCB assemblies, such as mounting hardware, screws, connectors, and wire routing.
6. Coating and Potting
The standard covers the application of protective coatings (conformal coatings) and potting materials that protect the PCB from environmental damage such as moisture, dust, or chemicals. It specifies acceptable thicknesses, coverage areas, and inspection methods.
7. Cleaning Requirements
The cleanliness of PCB assemblies is critical for preventing performance degradation over time. IPC-A-610 outlines acceptable levels of residues from fluxes and other contaminants and specifies methods for inspecting and verifying cleanliness.
8. Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies
The standard includes requirements for assembling and inspecting cable and wire harnesses.
9. Solderless Wire Wraps
The standard also touches on solderless wire-wrapped connections, which are used in some applications where soldering is not practical or preferred. IPC-A-610 defines the acceptable criteria for such connections.
10. Inspection and Testing
The IPC-A-610 standard provides guidelines for visual inspection and testing methods used to evaluate whether an assembly meets the required acceptability criteria. This can include both automated and manual inspection processes, depending on the class of product.
Why IPC Standard is Important?
IPC standards are of great importance to the circuit board industry.
1. IPC standard specifies the requirements for all aspects of the design, manufacturing and assembly of the circuit board, including material selection, size specifications, welding quality, reliability testing, etc., providing a unified reference and guide for circuit board manufacturers to improve product quality and reliability.
2. IPC standards can help communicate and cooperate between PCB manufacturers and customers. By referring to IPC standards, the two parties can reach a consensus on PCB specifications, quality requirements and other aspects, reduce misunderstandings and disputes, and improve production efficiency.
3. For customers, IPC standards provide confidence. When a company adheres to these standards, they can trust that the final product will be reliable and durable, even in demanding environments.
4. In addition, IPC standards also contribute to the technological innovation and development of the circuit board manufacturing industry. By being in line with international standards and understanding the latest technological trends and standard requirements, manufacturers can continuously improve production processes and equipment, improve production efficiency and product quality, and enhance competitiveness.
At the same time, IPC regularly updates and revises standards to meet changing technology and market needs.
What is the IPC Standard for PCB Clearance?
PCB clearance, or the distance between conductive components, is essential to avoid electrical shorts or interference. Without proper clearance, electrical shorts could occur, potentially leading to device failure or safety hazards. The IPC-2221 standard covers PCB design and provides guidelines for this clearance, ensuring safety and functionality. This standard specifies how much space is needed between traces, pads, and other conductive materials depending on the operating voltage. However, the minimum clearance between any two conductors on a PCB depends on the device’s intended use and voltage:
General-purpose devices:Â 0.1 mm (4 mils)Â
Power conversion devices:Â 0.13 mm (5.1 mils)Â
Class 2 and 3 PCBs:Â 0.25 mm (10 mils) for low voltage and 0.5 mm (20 mils) for high voltageÂ
What are the IPC Standards for PCB Repair?
PCB repair can be tricky, but IPC-7711/7721 offers guidance on how to properly rework and repair PCBs. These standards provide detailed procedures for everything from removing defective components to repairing damaged traces and soldering issues.
By following IPC-7711/7721, technicians can restore a PCB to its original condition without compromising its performance. This is critical in industries where PCBs are expensive or difficult to replace, such as aerospace and medical devices. Repair standards also reduce the environmental impact by extending the life of the PCB, making repairs more sustainable.
It is no problem for us to manufacture the PCB following the standard in IPC 6012 /6013 Class 2 and Class 3, as well as following to the standard listed above. These acceptance conditions are the basis for the inspection of our company’s products, as well as the working standards of the employees at the production site, and also become an important part of the training of the employees for PCB production and assembly in our company.
Send us your PCB drawing, let’s help to make your PCB design into a real board.
Every printed circuit board need to do full test before ship to our customer. but you may have doubt, the PCB was made according to the original Gerber file, why finish the PCB production process, why the short Circuit will occur on a FR4 circuit board?
A short circuit may also occur during reflow soldering. the solder paste may accidentally connect two pins that are very close to each other. In some cases, errors can occur during the PCB design process because the wiring between different networks accidentally connects.
We believe every PCB manufacture have their own test method to do short circuit, but today I would like share how Best Technology to Check for Short Circuits in a Printed circuit board.
Here are some important steps:
Step 1 Visual inspection
The first step for locating short circuits on PCB is to carefully look at the entire surface of the PCB. Best Technology QC guys use a magnifying glass or low magnification microscope during the circuit board examination. We check the whole board surface to see if there are some traces break off. Any cracks or blobs of solder should get careful attention. Check all your vias. If you specified unplated vias, make sure that’s the case on the board. Poorly plated vias can create a short circuit between layers and leave you with everything tied to ground, VCC, or both.
visual inspection
All the testing work will carry out according to IPC 6012 class 2.
Step 2 Use a Digital Multimeter to find out where is the problem
To test a circuit board for a short circuit, you need to check the resistance between different points in the circuit. If visual inspection doesn’t reveal any clues as to the location or cause of the short circuit, grab a multimeter and try to track down the physical location on the printed circuit board. The multimeter approach gets mixed reviews in most electronics forums, but tracing your test points can help you figure out what isn’t the problem.
Step 3 use Probe flying Tester &E-tester
As long as you are in Printed Circuit board field, you are definitely known Probe flying test and E-Teter.
Flying probe test systems require no test fixture, it can serve both prototype and small production, providing maximum flexibility for PCB manufacturers and this job can complete in a short time.
probe flying test
probe flying test-1
But when your circuit board become to volume, you will need to open a test tooling/test fixture to test the Printed Circuit board to test the open short circuit.
E-tester
In my next blog in June, I will introduce Probe flying test to you in more detail.
If you have any question about printed circuit board, you are welcome to contact Best Technology.
It is our great pleasure to communicate with you for any issue for printed circuit boards.
In the Printed Circuit Board industry, believe that you are familiar with blind via and buried via. What is blind via and buried via for PCB? And do you know is the Blind via or Buried Via have special application in your Printed Circuit Board?
In order to know more, we would like to share more information with you today.
Best Technology is an experienced FR4 PCB manufacturer in China since year 2006, with more than 15 years design and fabricate experience for PCB, Best Technology accumulated more than 1000 customers from all over the world.
Before start, we need to know what kinds of hole for FR4 Circuit Board, Via, Blind Via and Buried Via.
What is a Via?
Vias are the copper-plated holes in the PCB that allows the layers to layer connection. The standard via is called a through-hole via, but there are several disadvantages to using through-hole vias in Surface Mount Technology (SMT). For this reason, we often use a blind via or buried via instead. A blind or buried via can be processed in a wide range of different measures, including plugged copper mask via, a plugged solder mask via, plated via or staggered via.
Via
staggered via
What is Blind Via?
The via connects the external layer to one or more inner layers of the PCB and is responsible for the interconnection between that top layer and the inner layers.
Blind Via
What is Buried Via?
For a buried via, is the inner HOLE, between both sides in the board up and down inside the layer after pressing is cannot see. So, it doesn’t have to take up the outer area.
Buried Via
Blind and buried vias are particularly advantageous in HDI board because they optimize the density of the boards without increasing board size or the number of board layers you require. They are most commonly used in high-density PCB designs like, or in FPGA and custom chip packaging.Here is the photo which Best Technology took from our production line to make HDI Printed Circuit Board for our USA customer.
HDI board under production
HDI process
Best Technology is a very professional manufacturer in printed circuit board and HDI Board. If you are interesting to know more information of us, come to contact us and we are looking forward to discuss with you more for Printed Circuit Board.
