Archive for the ‘PCB Technology’ Category

What is a Bluetooth PCB board? How does it work?

Wednesday, September 4th, 2024

Bluetooth technology has become a major component of modern electronics, enabling wireless communication between devices. At the heart of this technology is the Bluetooth PCB board (printed circuit board), which is a key component that promotes the functionality and efficiency of Bluetooth devices.

The magic of Bluetooth is everywhere in electronic products such as mobile phones and computers, and it is all made possible by the functionality of Bluetooth PCB boards.

What is Bluetooth PCB board?

A Bluetooth PCB board (printed circuit board) is a specially designed circuit board that integrates the components required for Bluetooth communication into electronic devices. It is the backbone for wireless transmission and reception of data between devices, allowing devices such as smartphones, headphones, and smart home devices to connect without cables.

What is a Bluetooth PCB board? How does it work?

PCBs are filled with various components, including Bluetooth chips, antennas, resistors, capacitors, and other components necessary for the Bluetooth functionality of devices. The layout of these components is carefully planned to optimize signal strength, reduce interference, and ensure efficient power consumption.

What does a Bluetooth PCB board do?

The Bluetooth PCB board plays a vital role in Bluetooth devices. Its main roles include providing reliable electrical connections, enabling compact layout of components, reducing production costs and improving production efficiency, and facilitating repairs and upgrades.

Essentially, a Bluetooth PCB board enables devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances. The PCB provides a platform where all the necessary electronic components are interconnected, allowing them to work seamlessly together.

The main role of a Bluetooth PCB is to manage the transmission and reception of data, ensuring that information is accurately sent and received between devices. It needs to filter and process signals to maintain a clear, stable connection, and also protect the data being transmitted to prevent unauthorized access.

How does a Bluetooth PCB board work?

The working principle of a Bluetooth PCB board mainly relies on its integrated main control chip, audio power amplifier chip, RF antenna and other components, as well as the layout and wiring principles in PCB design to ensure stable wireless communication and high-quality audio output.

When two Bluetooth-enabled devices are within range, they establish a connection through a process called “pairing”. This involves exchanging unique identifiers and agreeing on a communication protocol. After pairing, the devices can send and receive data over the Bluetooth connection, which is assisted by the components of the PCB.

The Bluetooth PCB board plays a key role in this process, managing RF signals, filtering out noise, and ensuring that data is accurately transmitted and received. The design of the board is critical to minimizing interference and maximizing the range and reliability of Bluetooth connections.

What is the technical principle of Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a form of communication that uses radio frequencies to connect different devices. It can operate at 2.4 GHz, similar to other forms of wireless communication such as Wi-Fi.

A master Bluetooth device can remotely connect to 7 other Bluetooth devices, paired devices exchange information with the master Bluetooth device in a serial manner, and the interaction between paired devices can be carried out through the master Bluetooth device, which acts as a facilitator.

The Bluetooth frequency range is 1 cm to 100 meters, and each connection requires device approval using a unique code. When there is no active information exchange, Bluetooth devices can remain idle, thereby reducing energy consumption.

The Bluetooth protocol is designed to be energy-efficient and is ideal for battery-powered devices. It achieves energy conservation through low-power modes and adaptive power management techniques that adjust power output based on the distance between connected devices.

Bluetooth circuit boards are the main force driving wireless headphones, remote controls, wireless speakers to the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. They are double-layer PCBs, but only one board.

What is the principle of Bluetooth PCB board?

The working principle of Bluetooth PCB board is simple. There is an antenna on the Bluetooth PCB that receives the signal from the Bluetooth device. The information is processed inside the board and sent to the output.

One of the key principles behind Bluetooth PCB design is impedance matching. Impedance matching ensures that the electrical signal transmitted through the PCB is transmitted with minimal reflection or loss. This is especially important for antennas, which must be carefully matched to the rest of the circuit to maximize signal strength and range.

Another important principle is electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The PCB must be designed to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can interfere with Bluetooth signals. This involves careful placement of components, shielding, and the use of specific materials that reduce EMI.

Depending on the application of the Bluetooth device, different Bluetooth profiles can be used to facilitate communication between devices. For example, the Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) is used to communicate with audio video equipment and can be used for remote controls for hi-fi equipment and TVs.

What are the types of applications for Bluetooth PCB board?

The wide range of applications for Bluetooth PCB board reflects the versatility and convenience of Bluetooth technology.

1. Consumer electronics: Bluetooth PCBs are found in smartphones, tablets, laptops, headphones, and speakers, enabling wireless audio streaming and data transfer.

2. Smart home devices: Bluetooth PCBs power smart home devices such as thermostats, lights, door locks, and security cameras, allowing them to be wirelessly controlled from a central hub or smartphone.

3. Wearable devices: Fitness trackers, smart watches, and health monitors rely on Bluetooth PCBs to sync data with smartphones and other devices.

4. Automotive systems: Bluetooth PCBs are used in automotive infotainment systems, enabling hands-free calling, music streaming, and integration with smartphones.

5. Medical devices: Bluetooth PCBs are increasingly used for remote monitoring and data collection in medical devices, such as blood glucose monitors and heart rate sensors.

6. Industrial automation: Bluetooth PCBs are used in a variety of industrial applications, including wireless sensors, control systems, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.

Conclusion:

Bluetooth PCB boards are the backbone behind wireless connectivity, which has become a cornerstone of modern life. These boards are designed with complexity to ensure that devices can communicate seamlessly and efficiently. From consumer electronics to industrial applications, Bluetooth PCB plays a key role in achieving wireless communications for the Internet. BEST Technology has extensive experience in manufacturing PCB boards of various functions, and its professional team can also provide you with high-quality design and services.

What is the schematic file for PCB?

The schematic file is the foundation of any PCB design. It represents the logical connections and relationships between different components in the circuit. Think of it as a map showing how each component, such as resistors, capacitors, and microcontrollers, is connected to form a functional circuit.

What file type is used for PCB schematic drawings?

When creating a PCB, the schematic file is the first step. It is used to document the design and is essential to ensure that the final product functions as expected. Engineers use specialized software to create these schematic files, which can then be converted into the layout of the physical PCB.

What is PCB CAD file?

‌PCB CAD files‌ are files directly output or saved by EDA software for PCB design. These files contain information about each layer of the PCB, network connection information, component information, etc. They are very comprehensive and contain almost all the information of the circuit board.

This format is mainly used for the storage and exchange of circuit board design, and contains information such as the layout, connection, pad, and drilling of each component on the circuit board.

In circuit board design, designers use circuit board design software to draw circuit schematics, layout, connection, component placement, etc., and finally generate a PCB file, and then load the file onto the circuit board to realize the production of the circuit board.

In addition, PCB CAD files play an important role in the offline programming of SMT placement machines. Offline programming refers to the work of compiling SMT placement programs on a computer using offline programming software and PCB CAD design files.

This programming method can save online programming time, thereby reducing the downtime of the entire PCBA processing and improving the utilization of equipment. Offline programming software is often used in automated production processes to ensure efficient and accurate completion of the placement of electronic components.

What files are needed to make a PCB?

Creating a PCB is a multi-step process involving multiple different files, each with its own unique purpose.

1. Schematic file (.sch, .dsn): represents the logical connection of the circuit and is the blueprint of the entire PCB design process.

2. Netlist file (.net, .xml): generated based on the schematic, lists all components and their connections.

3. Gerber file (.gbr, .pho): Gerber file is the most important file for manufacturing PCB. Define each layer of the PCB, including copper wire, solder mask and silk screen printing layer, each layer of the PCB requires its own Gerber file.

4. Drill file (.drill, .drl): specifies the location of the holes drilled on the PCB. It includes information on the size and location of each hole.

5. Bill of Materials (BOM, .bom, .csv): BOM lists all the components required to assemble the PCB. Including part number, quantity and other details required for procurement.

6. Pick and place file (.txt, .csv): used in the assembly process to specify the precise location of each component on the circuit board.

What is the file type for circuit schematic?

The file type for a circuit schematic can vary depending on the software used to create it.

1. .SCH: This is the most common file extension for schematic files.

2. .DSN: This is another standard for schematic files.

3. .PDF: Although PDF is not a design file, it is often used to share schematics for review. It provides a non-editable version of the schematic that can be easily viewed.

4. .XML: Some tools export schematics as XML files for compatibility with other software. This format is useful for exchanging data between different design tools.

5. .PNG/.JPG: Image formats such as PNG or JPG are sometimes used to share simple schematics. These are not editable, but can provide a quick way to visualize the circuit.

What does a Gerber file contain?

Gerber is actually a description file that focuses more on PCB manufacturing and production. It should be said that it was originally designed for plotters. Therefore, the content of Gerber basically includes the information required for PCB manufacturing, such as copper foil circuit layer, solder mask layer, silk screen layer, legend layer, drill layer, etc. Even solder paste printing layer, image recognition layer, annotations and production notes can be included in it in layers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gerber Files

Gerber files are not suitable for being used as a storage file format for current PCB design. Because the Gerber file format does not contain the connection information between the various circuit layers of the PCB.

If you look closely at the Gerber file structure, you will find that each layer is a small file, which means that the layers of Gerber are independent and unrelated to each other. They are like independent drawings. This feature had little impact on wiring engineers when PCBs were only single-sided or double-sided in the early days, but it is very disadvantageous in design, operation, debugging and verification for the increasingly complex multi-layer PCBs. Therefore, almost no one uses Gerber files as the file format for PCB design.

Because the amount of information in Gerber files is small, its file size is much smaller than other design files drawn by EDA or CAD software. In addition, its format is more irreversible in design and protects the original design. In addition, its vector image layered format is still very suitable for use in PCB manufacturing. Today, PCB production generally follows this layer to divide the process into different stages for production, so Gerber files are still widely used in PCB production.

Therefore, some design companies with high confidentiality requirements will convert the design files into Gerber before sending them to the PCB factory for production, trying to keep confidentiality.

Conclusion:

For anyone working in the electronics industry, it is essential to understand the various file types used in PCB design. From the initial schematic file to the final Gerber file, every step in the design process relies on accurate and compatible files. BEST Technology has a professional PCB design team with rich experience in different PCB designs. We can solve all your PCB design problems.

What is led light circuit board?

LED light circuit board is the abbreviation of printed circuit board, which is mainly used to carry and connect electronic components of LED lamps. ‌LED light circuit board is usually made of aluminum substrate and FR-4 fiberglass circuit board, where the LED aluminum substrate is printed on the aluminum plane with good thermal conductivity, and then the electronic components are soldered on it. ‌This design helps to improve the heat dissipation performance and stability of LED lamps, and ensure that the LED lamps can work stably for a long time.

What is an LED circuit board? How to make it?

The main function of LED light circuit board is to provide power to LED lamp beads and control the brightness and color of its LED lamp beads. In order to light up the LED lamp beads, an LED driving circuit is required, which includes constant voltage driving, constant current driving, PWM driving and other methods, which are usually integrated on the small circuit board of the LED lamp.

In addition, the design and manufacture of the LED lamp circuit board take into account the characteristics of LED, such as long life, high light efficiency, no radiation and low power consumption. Compared with traditional light sources, such as incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps, LED lamps have significant advantages in efficiency, life and environmental protection.

How to make led light circuit board?

The process of making LED lamp circuit boards involves multiple steps, including welding, self-inspection, mutual inspection, cleaning, friction, wiring, etc.

Determine the direction of the lamp: the front side is facing up, and the side with the black rectangle is the negative end.

Determine the direction of the circuit board: the front side is facing up, and the end with two internal and external wiring ports is the upper left corner.

Welding: Carefully weld each solder joint to ensure fullness, cleanness, and no false soldering or leaking. ‌

Self-inspection: After completing the welding, first check whether there is a cold solder joint, leaking solder joint, etc. Use a multimeter to touch the positive and negative terminals of the circuit board to check whether the LED lights are on at the same time. ‌

Mutual inspection: After the self-inspection, it will be handed over to the person in charge for inspection. Only with the consent of the person in charge can it flow into the next process. ‌

Cleaning: Use 95% alcohol to scrub the circuit board to remove residues and keep the circuit board clean.

Friction: Use fine sandpaper (coarse sandpaper if necessary) to grind off the burrs on the edge of the circuit board so that the circuit board can be placed flatly in the fixing seat. ‌

Wiring: Use blue and black thin wires to connect the circuit board. The wiring point close to the inner circle is negative and connected to the black wire; the wiring point close to the outer circle is positive and connected to the red wire. ‌ Make sure the wires are connected from the back to the front. ‌

Self-check and mutual check: Check the wiring to ensure that each wire passes through the pad, the length of the wires on both sides of the pad that remain on the surface should be as short as possible, and the thin wires will not break or loosen when gently pulled. ‌‌

Through the above operations, the production of the LED lamp circuit board can be completed. ‌Each step is crucial, especially the welding and wiring parts. It is necessary to ensure the quality of the welding points and the correct connection of the wires to ensure the normal operation of the circuit board and the normal lighting of the LED lamp.

Why do you need a resistor with an LED?

When using LED, a resistor needs to be connected in series to control the current, prevent excessive current from damaging the LED, and ensure that the LED can emit light normally. ‌

LED is a semiconductor device that can directly convert electrical energy into light energy. Due to its special material properties, LED is very sensitive to current, and excessive or insufficient current may cause the LED to malfunction or be damaged.

Therefore, when the LED is connected to the power supply, a resistor is needed to limit the current to ensure that the LED can work stably and safely.

The main function of this resistor is voltage division and current limiting. It is used to adjust the current passing through the LED to prevent the LED from burning out due to excessive current, while also ensuring that the LED can emit light of appropriate brightness.

Specifically, when current passes through the LED, the resistor will produce a certain voltage drop, thereby reducing the voltage applied to both ends of the LED, thereby controlling the current passing through the LED.

What resistor to use with LED?

Use an LED resistor calculator to help determine the required resistor value. ‌

When using LEDs, in order to protect the LED and ensure its normal operation, it is usually necessary to limit the current by connecting an appropriate resistor in series. This is because each LED has a maximum current value, exceeding which may cause the LED to be damaged.

Using an LED resistor calculator can help you determine the required resistor value to ensure that the current does not exceed the maximum tolerance of the LED.

By entering the relevant parameters of the LED (such as the rated current and voltage), the calculator will automatically calculate the required resistor value to protect the LED from overcurrent damage.

This method is a common practice and is applicable to any situation where a number of LEDs are used in series. In this way, the safe operation of the LED can be ensured while avoiding damage caused by excessive current.‌

How to improve the heat dissipation performance of LED light circuit boards?

The key to improving the heat dissipation performance of LED light circuit boards is to optimize the heat dissipation path, use efficient heat dissipation materials, and adopt advanced heat dissipation technology.

Optimize the heat dissipation path:

Understanding the heat transfer path of the heat generated by LED components is the first step to improve heat dissipation performance. Heat moves from the LED components through the package wires to the circuit board, and then dissipates through the heat sink.

The heat dissipation efficiency can be effectively improved by using materials with good thermal conductivity, expanding the cross-sectional area of the path (such as using thick copper wire), and applying thermal lubricants to reduce the gaps in the connection parts.

Use efficient heat dissipation materials:

Metals such as copper and aluminum are often used to make heat sinks because of their good thermal conductivity. In addition, new materials such as graphene are also used to make heat sinks because of their excellent thermal conductivity. These materials can significantly improve heat dissipation efficiency. ‌

Adopting advanced heat dissipation technology:

Micro-groove group composite phase change integrated cooling technology is an advanced heat dissipation technology. It effectively removes the heat of high-power electronic devices by changing the closed-circulation cooling medium into a nano-scale water film and utilizing its strong evaporation ability and latent heat exchange ability.

As an excellent thermal conductive medium, thermal conductive silicone grease has excellent electrical insulation and thermal conductivity. It can penetrate into the tiny depressions on the metal surface, increase the contact area, and improve the efficiency of heat conduction from the LED chip to the aluminum substrate.

Are LED PCBs only used in lighting systems?

The application range of LED PCB (printed circuit board) is far more than lighting systems. In addition to lighting systems, LED PCB is also widely used in other fields. For example, LED lamps are one of the most common products using LED PCBs. Whether it is home lighting, commercial lighting or outdoor lighting, LED lamps occupy a large market share.

Compared with traditional incandescent lamps and energy-saving lamps, LED lamps have higher luminous efficiency, longer service life and lower energy consumption. They also have features such as dimming and color change, which can meet the needs of different scenarios. ‌

In addition, LED PCB is also used in LED display screens, LED backlight sources and automotive lighting. LED display screens provide high-definition and high-brightness display effects in large-scale events such as sports events, concerts, and exhibitions, bringing a shocking visual experience to the audience.

LED backlight sources have become the mainstream choice in electronic products such as LCD monitors, mobile phones, and tablet computers. Compared with traditional cold cathode fluorescent lamps, LED backlight sources have higher brightness, longer service life and lower energy consumption. At the same time, they can achieve local dimming, improve display effects and reduce energy consumption.‌

In the field of automotive lighting, with the advancement of automotive lighting technology, more and more cars are beginning to use LED lamps. Compared with traditional halogen and xenon lamps, LED car lights have higher brightness, longer service life, lower energy consumption, faster response speed and better heat dissipation performance, which improves driving safety. ‌

From this we can know that the application of LED PCB is not limited to lighting systems, but is widely used in many fields, including but not limited to lighting, display technology, backlight sources of electronic products, and automotive lighting. ‌

Conclusion:

Designing PCB for LED lights is a complex but critical task that requires careful consideration of various influencing factors, from the selection of manufacturing materials to the testing of thermal conductivity and the quality testing of finished products. Choosing Best Technology has expert design assistance and reliable manufacturing processes, which will allow you to obtain the best results for LED light PCB design. ‌

What files do I need to make a PCB?

Making PCBs (printed circuit boards) requires a series of files to ensure the smooth progress of the manufacturing process and the quality of the product.

‌Gerber file‌: This is the most common and crucial file in PCB manufacturing. It contains the geometric information of each layer of the PCB, such as copper lines, pads, solder mask layers and silk screen layers, and also includes separate files for each PCB layer, such as top copper, bottom copper, solder mask, silk screen layer, etc. ‌

What file types are used for PCB design?

‌Drill file‌: Provides drilling coordinates and size information for PCBs, and specifies the aperture size of components, vias and mounting holes. Drill files are usually generated in Excellon format or as separate ASCII files‌.

‌Bill of Materials (BOM): A BOM is a detailed list of all components used in a PCB design, including information such as part number, component value, description, and quantity, which helps ensure that all required components are correctly sourced and placed on the PCB.

‌Center Coordinate File: Also known as a pick and place file, it provides coordinate and orientation information for each component on the PCB and is essential for the automated assembly process. Center coordinate files are usually provided in CSV format.

‌Fabrication Drawing: This is an engineering drawing that includes key information about the PCB, such as board dimensions, drill hole dimensions, layer stackup, tolerances, surface finish, and other manufacturing-related details, which serves as a reference for PCB manufacturers during the production process.

‌Assembly Drawing: Provides additional information for the PCB assembly process, including component placement details, reference numbers, orientation, and any special instructions for assembly technicians.

In addition, depending on the specific design and production needs, other documents may also be required, such as circuit diagrams, special layer files, installation instructions and precautions, etc. ‌ The preparation and provision of these documents is a key step in ensuring a smooth PCB production process.

What are Gerber files? What information do they contain?

Gerber files are a series of ASCII vector format files that define PCB design specifications. They are generated using electronic design automation (EDA) or computer-aided design (CAD) tools and provide information such as board configuration parameters, aperture descriptions, XY coordinate locations, and drawing instructions.

Configuration details include the size and shape of the PCB to be manufactured. Each layer of the board information is recorded in a different file to define components such as copper traces, pads, vias, solder mask, silk screen, and logos. The Gerber file indicates the XY coordinate location of each geometric shape and uses instructions to draw these shapes on the physical board.

The basic components of the Gerber file include: board size, shape, top assembly, top silk screen, top solder mask, top paste, top copper, internal signals, inner layers, bottom copper, bottom paste, bottom solder mask, bottom silk screen, bottom assembly, and manufacturing information (providing stackup, drilling details, cutting, etc.).

Gerber files generated by computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools have user-selected extensions, usually using project naming such as “.TOP” for top layer, “.BOT” for bottom layer, and “.drl” for drill data.

How is a PCB designed?

PCB design is a complex process that involves multiple steps and considerations to ensure the functionality and reliability of the final product.

‌Schematic Design‌: First, you need to prepare a schematic and component library. The schematic is the blueprint of the circuit design, while the component library contains information about the various components used in the circuit.

‌Component Symbols and Packages‌: The symbol of the component is used to represent the component in the schematic, while the package defines the physical form of the component on the PCB. The component symbol is used in the schematic design stage, while the package is used in the PCB layout and routing stages.

How is a PCB designed?

‌PCB Layout‌: The layout stage involves placing electronic components on the PCB, and factors that need to be considered include the orientation, size, and relative position of the components.

‌Routing‌: After the layout is completed, the next step is the routing stage, which is to connect the various components according to the needs of the circuit.

‌DRC Check‌: Design rule checking (DRC) is performed during the design process to ensure that the design complies with predetermined electrical and physical rules. This includes checking for shorts, open circuits, and other possible design errors.

‌Solder mask and solder paste layer‌: The solder mask is used to prevent unnecessary soldering, while the solder paste layer is used to specify solder joints. The correct design of these layers is critical to ensuring the reliability and manufacturability of the circuit board.

‌Network and DRC Check‌: In the final stage of design, network checks are performed to ensure that all components are properly connected, while DRC checks are performed to verify that the design complies with all electrical and physical rules.

‌Through the above steps, designers are able to transform the circuit design in the schematic into an actual, manufacturable PCB. This process requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as the functionality, reliability, and manufacturing cost of the circuit.

‌What is the schematic file for PCB?

‌PCB schematic files are the main files used for circuit design, analysis, and debugging. They mainly show the electrical connection relationship between electronic components, but do not reflect the actual physical location of these components on the PCB board. ‌

Schematic Diagram is the basis of circuit design. It uses symbols and lines to express the connection and working principle of the circuit in a concise and clear manner, and pays more attention to the functional expression of the circuit.

Schematic diagram does not involve the specific layout and wiring of electronic components on the PCB board, so it focuses on the logical representation of the circuit rather than the physical implementation. ‌

In contrast, PCB design files plan the precise location and wiring of electronic components on the PCB board in detail, taking into account the connectivity of the circuit, and also comprehensively considering factors such as signal integrity, power distribution, thermal design, and mechanical strength. ‌

These design files are the main files used to manufacture actual electronic devices, including PCB layout and PCB wiring. The layout determines the location of electronic components on the circuit board, while the wiring involves the electrical connection between components. ‌

In general, schematic files and PCB design files play different roles in the design and manufacturing process of electronic products. The former focuses on the expression of circuit logic and function, while the latter focuses on converting this logic into actual physical implementation, including the specific location and connection method of components. ‌

What is the difference between PCB design and schematic design?

The main difference between PCB design and schematic design lies in their purpose, content and application scenarios. ‌

‌Purpose and content‌:

Schematic design focuses on describing the logical relationship and electrical performance of the circuit, using graphic symbols to display power, components and connections, and can clearly show the logical relationship of the internal circuit of the electronic device. It is mainly used for circuit analysis and design, helping to understand the working principle of the equipment and perform fault diagnosis‌.

PCB design focuses on describing the actual physical size, position and wiring of components, and is the actual circuit board layout and wiring design based on the schematic diagram. It is mainly used to guide the manufacture and assembly of PCBs, reflecting the actual layout and wiring of electronic equipment‌.

‌Application scenarios‌:

Schematic design plays an important role in the process of R&D, debugging and maintenance, and is a key tool for understanding the working principle of the equipment and performing fault diagnosis‌.

PCB design files are an important basis for the actual PCB board manufacturing and subsequent assembly, debugging and other processes‌.

In short, schematic design is the basis of electronic product development. It provides information such as the logical relationship and electrical performance of the circuit, while PCB design is the key link to convert the schematic into an actual circuit board. It is necessary to design components layout and wiring according to the requirements of the schematic.

What is a PCB stencil file?

A PCB stencil file is a pre-designed file template used to quickly generate PCB design files containing specific information.

These template files usually contain basic information such as board size, board layer settings, grid settings, and title bar settings. Users can quickly generate new PCB design files based on these templates, thereby speeding up the design process.

By using these templates, designers can avoid designing these basic settings from scratch, saving time and energy, and focusing on more complex circuit design details.

Conclusion:

There are many types of PCB design files, among which Gerber files are the most important. The information they contain is the most and the most important. The final quality of the PCB circuit board depends on the first step of design. BEST Technology has very professional PCB designers who have many years of industry experience and can meet all your needs.

What are the advantages of PCB?

‌Miniaturization and lightweight‌: As consumer electronics products increasingly pursue portability and compact design, thin PCBs have become a key factor in achieving device miniaturization, which can significantly reduce the thickness and weight of the device, making the product more in line with modern aesthetics and use. Habit.

‌Improved heat dissipation performance‌: Thin PCB has a smaller heat capacity, which helps to quickly dissipate the heat generated by electronic components, thus improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the device‌.

‌Reduced production costs‌: Thin PCBs require relatively less raw materials during the manufacturing process, and coupled with the possible reduction in the number of assembly layers, the material cost per unit area is reduced.

‌Adapt to high-speed signal transmission‌: Due to its low dielectric loss, thin PCB can effectively reduce signal transmission delay, improve signal integrity, and meet the needs of high-speed data transmission‌.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of PCB board?

‌High-density integration capability‌: PCB multi-layer boards allow for higher-density circuit layouts in a limited space. By arranging conductive paths and components between multiple layers, the size of the circuit board can be greatly reduced and electronic equipment can be improved. overall performance‌.

What are the disadvantages of PCB?

‌Mechanical strength problem‌: The mechanical properties of thin PCB are relatively weak, and it is easy to deform or break due to improper stress during assembly, transportation and even daily use‌.

‌Increased processing difficulty‌: Thin PCBs place higher requirements on the production process. Processes such as drilling, etching, and lamination need to be precisely controlled to prevent problems such as warping and breakage of thin plates‌.

‌Electromagnetic compatibility challenges‌: Thin PCB may increase parasitic capacitance and inductance, affecting the electromagnetic compatibility of the circuit‌.

‌Higher manufacturing costs‌: The manufacturing process of multi-layer boards involves complex processes such as multiple laminations, drilling, and electroplating, resulting in relatively high production costs.

Long production cycle: Due to the complex production process of multi-layer boards, the production cycle is usually longer than that of single-layer or double-layer boards, which may affect the product’s time to market and market competitiveness.

As an indispensable basic material in electronic manufacturing, PCB has the advantages of high reliability, high precision, and small size, but it also has disadvantages such as design and cost restrictions. When choosing to use PCB, you need to comprehensively consider its advantages and disadvantages as well as specific application scenarios.

What are the limitations of PCB?

The limitations of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mainly include the difficulty of design and manufacturing, complex testing and troubleshooting, and environmental impact. ‌

‌Design and manufacturing are difficult‌: Designing multi-layer PCBs requires highly specialized knowledge and software tools to ensure signal integrity and optimization of power distribution.

‌Complex testing and troubleshooting‌: Due to the complexity of the multi-layer structure, once a failure occurs, it becomes more difficult and time-consuming to locate and repair the problem.

‌Environmental impact‌: Special chemicals and precious metals may be used in the production process of high-end multi-layer PCBs. If not handled properly, they may have a certain impact on the environment.

These limitations have put forward higher requirements for the design, manufacturing, testing and use environment of PCB, which require comprehensive consideration and optimization in terms of technology, cost, environmental protection and other aspects.

Why do PCB boards fail?

1. ‌Improper design‌

Including unreasonable PCB board design, improper part orientation design, automatic plug-in bent legs, etc. These problems may lead to short circuit faults, and the part orientation or design needs to be modified to avoid short circuits.

2. ‌Poor manufacturing‌

Problems during the manufacturing process, such as solder joint problems, damaged pads, improper installation of components, etc. These problems will affect the reliability of the welding and cause the circuit board to deform or crack.

3. Poor usage environment

PCB boards are affected by the environment, such as extreme temperature changes, excessive humidity, high-intensity vibration, etc., which may cause damage to the PCB board and affect its performance and reliability.

4. ‌Other reasons

It also includes circuit board aging, design defects, manufacturing process problems, etc., such as metal components on the circuit board reacting with oxygen, causing oxidation, or assembly deviations during the manufacturing process causing component position deviation, etc.

What can damage a PCB?

Factors that damage PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mainly include physical damage, chemical corrosion, electrochemical corrosion, electrostatic discharge, humidity and moisture, temperature changes, etc. ‌

1. ‌Physical damage‌: including vibration, falling, hitting, and stacking, which may cause PCB deformation and cracks, leading to circuit breakage or short circuit‌.

2. Chemical corrosion: The PCB surface may be exposed to chemicals, such as acids, alkalis or other corrosive solutions, causing corrosion.

3. ‌Electrochemical corrosion‌: When there is a potential difference between different metal components, a battery is formed in a humid environment, which accelerates the corrosion of one of the metals. This is called electrochemical corrosion‌.

4. ‌Electrostatic discharge‌: Electrostatic discharge is the invisible killer of PCB. It can generate thousands of volts in an instant, which is enough to damage the components on the PCB‌.

5. Humidity and moisture: Extreme temperatures or temperature changes, as well as moisture in the air, can cause PCB board damage, such as deformation, short circuit, corrosion and other problems.

6. ‌Temperature changes‌: Temperature changes can also cause solder joints, substrate materials and even casings to crack. If the circuit is going to be exposed to high temperatures, you may need to choose components that can withstand higher temperatures‌.

What is the lifespan of a PCB?

There is no fixed international standard for the service life of PCB, and its specific life span depends on many factors. ‌

‌Materials and manufacturing processes‌: The materials and manufacturing processes of the PCB board have a decisive impact on its service life. PCB boards made of different materials and processes have different service lives.

‌Normal use and maintenance‌: Under normal use and no damage, the life of the circuit board itself is quite long. Manufacturers usually give a lifespan indicator of about 5 years, but this does not mean that the circuit board cannot be used after 5 years. In fact, as long as a circuit board is properly maintained and maintained, it can last for decades‌.

‌Lifetime under specific conditions‌: For PCBs containing OSP parts, the vacuum seal is valid for up to 3 months. For non-OSP PCBs, if the storage period exceeds 6 months but is less than one year, the chip factory will bake them before producing them; if the storage period exceeds one year, they will be scrapped. Boards opened during production should be used within 24 hours.

The service life of PCB is not a fixed value, but depends on the specific situation. With proper design, manufacturing, use and maintenance, the life of a PCB can be significantly extended‌.

What are the dangers of PCB?

The wastewater generated during the PCB manufacturing process contains heavy metals (such as copper, nickel, lead, etc.) and organic matter. If these pollutants are discharged without proper treatment, they will cause serious pollution to the environment.

In electronic products, common defects in PCB boards include open circuits, short circuits, false soldering, solder beads, and substrate warping. These defects can cause electronic products to fail to work properly or even fail completely.

PCB circuit boards play a vital role in the manufacture of modern electronic devices. They are widely adopted for their high reliability, compactness, and high scalability. When choosing to use PCB circuit boards, you need to consider their advantages and disadvantages and make a wise decision based on the needs of the specific project.

BEST Technology has been deeply involved in the circuit board industry for many years and has many solutions for various PCB problems. You can find us for all your PCB problems.

What is a PCB test?

PCB test is a technique that uses electronic testing instruments to detect the performance and quality of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) circuit boards. It is widely used in the electronics manufacturing industry to help manufacturers improve product quality and production efficiency.

The main purpose of PCB test is to ensure that all parts on the circuit board are properly connected and can still work properly under high voltage environments, while verifying whether the function of the circuit board is normal. Test methods include connectivity testing, withstand voltage testing, and functional testing, while inspection standards involve appearance inspection, size inspection, and performance inspection. In addition, PCB test also involves a series of professional techniques and methods, such as flying probe test, ICT test, FCT test, AOI test, etc., to ensure the electrical performance and structural integrity of the circuit board.

How to Test PCB?

PCB contains different components that affect the overall performance of electronic circuits. Tests are performed to check and optimize the status of these components using computerized machine software, simple electronic test equipment and tools, and even basic manual inspections.

1. Electrical test

2. Hole wall quality

3. Mechanical resistance test

4. Soldering quality

5. Cleanliness inspection, considering weather resistance, humidity and corrosion

6. Lamination, testing the ability of laminates to resist or heat peeling

Environmental testing is particularly necessary for PCBs used in humid environments.

What are the benefits of PCB test?

Error identification: The main benefit of PCB test is that it helps identify problems in PCBs. Whether the problem lies in functionality, manufacturability or other aspects, PCB test can identify problems in PCB design and layout.

Save time: Performing PCB test early helps save time in the long run by allowing designers to identify major issues during the prototyping phase. Comprehensive testing allows designers to quickly and easily identify the root cause of each issue and make adjustments so that they can move to production at a faster pace and reduce product lead times.

Reduce costs: PCB test avoids the waste of producing defective products by testing products using prototypes and small-scale components. By completing comprehensive testing early in the design process, designers can avoid the waste of producing defective PCBs, ensuring that the design is as perfect as possible before going into production.

Reduced returns: When PCB test is performed, the likelihood of selling defective products or products that do not meet performance standards is reduced, reducing the costs associated with refunding customers and handling defective goods.

Improved safety: Defective PCBs can cause fires, which can endanger people nearby. Pre-manufacturing testing also ensures that machines and workers are not damaged or injured due to poor design during the production process.

What are the types of PCB test?

1. In-circuit testing

In-circuit testing (ICT) is the most reliable type of PCB test available today. The high price reflects this – tens of thousands of dollars, although the cost depends on factors such as board and fixture size.

Also known as bed of nails testing, ICT fires and activates individual circuits on a board. In most cases, the test is designed to achieve 100% coverage, but actual coverage will be closer to 85-90%.

The test involves the use of fixed probes, whose layout matches the PCB design. The probes check the integrity of the soldered connections. A bed of nails tester simply pushes the board onto the probe bed to begin testing. Access points are pre-designed on the board to allow the ICT test probes to establish a connection with the circuit.

2. Flying probe testing

Flying probe testing is a tried and tested method that is cheaper than in-circuit testing. It is a non-powered test that checks for shorts, capacitance, inductance, diodes, and other problems.

The flying probe tester works by using needles connected to probes on an xy grid obtained from basic CAD. The ECM program coordinates to match the board and then runs the program connected to these test points.

In some cases, ICT makes flying probe testing unnecessary, but the PCB must be designed to fit the test fixture – which means a higher initial cost. ICT is faster and less error-prone than flying probe testing, and while flying probe testing may be cheaper initially, it may not actually be cost-effective for large orders. Finally, it is important to note that PCB flying probe testing does not power the board.

3. Automated Optical Inspection (AOl)

AOI is a contact-free visual inspection of printed circuit boards. AOI uses a camera and microscope to take photos of the PCB. The software then looks for inconsistencies between these photos and the board schematic. Technicians can thoroughly check each board and find any problems through this procedure.

The board is not powered during AOI, and it may not cover all part types. Due to these deficiencies, it should be used in conjunction with another test technology such as functional testing, flying probe testing, or ICT.

4. X-ray Inspection

As the name suggests, this type of test is essentially an inspection tool. It is also known as AXI. During this testing, X-ray technicians can detect defects early in the production process by carefully inspecting solder connections, internal traces, and barrels. Using X-ray inspection, invisible components can be inspected.

Due to the high density of SMT technology and the difficulty in locating connections in BGA and CSP (chip scale packages), more precise inspection techniques, such as those based on X-ray technology, are needed. Solder joints can be clearly seen in radiographs because they are made of materials with a higher atomic weight than other components on the board.

The main benefit of AXI technology is that it can identify every connection and solder joint, including those hidden by the package. In addition, solder joints can be inspected, highlighting any potential bubbles.

What are the difficulties in PCB test?

Increasing complexity: PCB designs are becoming more complex, with higher component density and smaller size, which makes it more difficult to access test points and increases the risk of undetected defects.

Cost: High-end test equipment such as X-ray inspection systems can be expensive to purchase and maintain. Testing also increases production costs, especially when test failures require rework.

Accuracy: Although the test equipment is designed precisely, errors may still occur due to calibration problems, software errors or human errors.

Conclusion:

PCB test is very important to the quality of the product. It ensures that the PCB, which forms the backbone of all electronic devices, operates normally and meets the required quality standards, effectively avoiding the impact of poor products, improving the quality of the finished product, and preventing problems when the product is used.

BEST Technology has a complete set of PCB test equipment and has very complete testing standards to ensure that each PCB finished product has extremely high quality. Choosing us, you will not need to worry about any PCB quality issues.

Is PCB design hard to learn?

PCB design is not difficult to learn. The key lies in mastering the relevant basic knowledge and practical experience.

PCB design mainly involves electronic circuit knowledge and software operation skills. For people with electronic circuit foundation, it is relatively easy to learn the use of PCB design software. It is important that learners should use their spare time to learn and practice at the same time. They can assist in learning by watching video tutorials. These resources can help understand the basic concepts and skills of circuit design and software operation.

In addition, the difficulty of PCB design lies mainly in the design of wiring rules, which is the most complex and critical part of PCB design. Beginners should pay attention to the design of conventional constraint rules, such as the size of vias, line width and line spacing, etc., which need to be mastered through practical operation and practice. Just reading materials is not enough. Practical operation and practice are the key to improving PCB design capabilities.

In general, although PCB design involves certain technical difficulties, it can be gradually mastered through systematic learning and practice.

What should I learn before PCB design?

Before PCB design, you need to learn the following key knowledge and skills:

1. Basic knowledge reserve: First of all, you need to understand various electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, triodes, integrated circuits, etc. You also need to be familiar with common circuit topologies, such as amplifier circuits, filter circuits, oscillation circuits, and their functions and representation methods in circuits.

2. PCB design software: Be proficient in at least one PCB design software for schematic design, component layout, wiring, and generation of PCB production files, such as Altium Designer, EAGLE, PADS, OrCAD, etc.

3. Circuit board manufacturing process: Understand the manufacturing process of PCB circuit boards, including substrate material selection, circuit pattern transfer, etching, drilling, welding, assembly, etc.

4. Component packaging: Familiar with the packaging types and sizes of various components, such as DIP, SOP, QFP, BGA, etc., as well as their characteristics and usage scenarios.

5. Basic terms and concepts: Master some basic PCB terms, such as microstrip, stripline, differential line, via, solder mask, silk screen, structural diagram, etc.

6. Circuit function and signal flow: Understand the function and signal flow of the circuit, and be able to distinguish between digital circuits and analog circuits, as well as places with large and small currents.

By mastering the above knowledge and skills, you can better design and layout circuits, improve the performance and reliability of circuit boards,

Which software is used for PCB design?

1. Altium Designer is a powerful PCB design software that provides a wealth of tools and libraries to quickly create complex circuit board designs. This software has an intuitive interface and powerful simulation functions to help designers quickly verify the correctness of the design. It also supports multiple design file formats, which is convenient for collaboration with other design tools.

2. Cadence Allegro is a comprehensive circuit board design software with powerful layout and routing tools, as well as multiple simulation and verification tools to ensure the correctness of the design. It also supports multiple design file formats for team collaboration.

3. Mentor Graphics DesignX is also a powerful PCB design software that provides a variety of tools and libraries to help designers quickly create complex circuit board designs. It also has an intuitive interface and powerful simulation functions, and supports multiple design file formats.

4. PADS is a professional circuit board design software with powerful layout, routing, simulation and verification functions, which can quickly complete complex PCB design work. It also supports multiple design file formats, which is convenient for collaboration with other design tools.

These software are all commonly used PCB design tools with powerful layout, routing, simulation and verification functions, which can help designers quickly complete complex PCB design work.

What is the basic rule of PCB design?

The basic rules of PCB design involve many aspects, including layout, routing, power and ground design, signal integrity, etc.

1. Layout design:

Follow the design principle of placing in a straight line along the signal flow direction to avoid the signal from circling back and forth to reduce the impact of direct signal coupling.

The filtering, protection and isolation devices of the interface circuit should be placed close to the interface to achieve effective protection, filtering and isolation effects.

For high-speed signals or high-current signals, multi-layer board design should be considered to control the signal loop area.

2. Wiring rules:

Control the length of the trace, especially for important signal lines, such as clock signals, the trace length should be shortened as much as possible to reduce unnecessary interference.

Avoid forming self-loop traces to reduce radiation interference.

Follow the principle of minimum ground loop, design the signal line and its loop to form the smallest possible loop area to reduce external radiation and external interference.

3. Power and ground design:

The power plane should be retracted a certain distance relative to its return ground plane to effectively suppress edge radiation problems.

Avoid overlapping of different power layers in space to reduce interference between different power supplies.

4. Drawing:

When drawing the board frame, a specific line width should be used to ensure that the error between the board frame size and the assembly size is within the allowable range.

Set a reasonable origin to ensure that the coordinates of the SMT original are within the first quadrant.

Set a prohibited area, especially prohibiting routing and placing components within a certain range around the mounting hole.

Following these basic rules can ensure the effectiveness and reliability of PCB design, while improving product performance and user experience.

How long does it take to design a PCB board?

It takes about 1-2 days to design a PCB board, and the specific time depends on multiple factors, including the number of layers of the PCB, design complexity, etc.

‌Number of layers and complexity‌: The more layers the PCB has, the more complicated the design process is, and more time and delicate work are required to ensure the correctness and performance of the circuit.

‌Design stage‌: PCB design includes multiple steps such as design layout, schematic drawing, and PCB design conversion.

The time to design a PCB board is a comprehensive estimate involving multiple stages and factors.

What is the proper PCB layout?

Proper PCB layout involves many aspects, including structural requirements, heat dissipation considerations, component spacing, routing rules, etc. ‌

‌Structural requirements‌: First, the PCB layout must meet the structural requirements, including the location arrangement of structural components such as power sockets and DVI interfaces.

‌Heat dissipation considerations‌: The distribution of heat sinks should be even to ensure good ventilation of the air path. Avoid heat sinks blocking the air path to avoid affecting the heat dissipation effect‌.

‌Component spacing‌: Capacitors, ICs, etc. should be kept away from thermal components to avoid being affected by heat.

‌Routing rules‌: The design of the current loop should consider the convenience of threading, and the lead hole spacing should not be too far or too close. The layout of input/output and AC/socket should meet the consistency of the length of the two lines, leaving a certain space margin, and pay attention to the position of the plug wire buckle and the convenience of plugging and unplugging‌.

‌Special component layout‌: For high-frequency components and components with high potential difference, the distance between them should be increased to avoid electrical interference and damage.

Wiring design parameters‌: including the line width of the copper trace, the minimum gap between the copper foil traces, the minimum distance between the copper foil traces and the edge of the PCB board, etc. ‌ .

In summary, the correct PCB layout is a process that comprehensively considers the structure, heat dissipation, component spacing, routing rules and wiring design parameters, aiming to optimize the performance and reliability of the circuit board.

Conclusion:

Designing a PCB board is a complex and meticulous process involving multiple steps and considerations. Systematically complete the design process of a PCB board. Each step requires careful operation and multiple checks to ensure the quality and reliability of the final product. ‌ BEST Technology’s PCB designers have many years of design experience and are far ahead in the industry design. We can meet any PCB design you need.

What is a heavy copper PCB?

Heavy copper PCB is a special printed circuit board (PCB) characterized by a very high concentration of copper, usually up to 200 ounces per square foot, and the copper content of the inner and outer layers of the circuit board is above 3 ounces (oz), which enables heavy copper PCBs to conduct extremely high currents, achieve good heat distribution, and realize complex circuit layouts in a limited space.

In the design and manufacturing process of heavy copper PCBs, thermal stress handling is an important consideration. Engineers need to eliminate thermal stress as much as possible to maintain the circuit while minimizing the power budget, while taking into account environmentally friendly design.

With the development of PCB manufacturing process, modern manufacturing technology such as the use of aluminum PCB can better handle thermal stress problems.

The heat dissipation capacity of Heavy copper PCB is better than the traditional solution of using external heat sink, because it prints the heat sink directly on the circuit board during the manufacturing process, and achieves rapid heat transfer through conductive through-holes, thereby improving heat dissipation performance.

In general, Heavy copper PCB is a high-performance electronic component carrier, which provides an ideal solution for applications requiring high power and high reliability through its high copper content and optimized thermal management characteristics.

What is the difference between PCB and Heavy copper PCB?

Copper board and Heavy copper board look similar in name, and people tend to think that they are the same PCB, but in fact they refer to different things.

1. PCB:

PCB refers to a copper-based PCB. The use of copper as a substrate is to better dissipate heat and extend the life of components on the PCB. The copper substrate is to allow heat to be quickly transferred from the PCB to the outside, such as a heat sink or a metal casing. Because the thermal conductivity of copper is several times that of aluminum or other metals, up to 401W/MK.

2. Heavy copper PCB:

Heavy copper PCB refers to PCB with copper thickness exceeding 3OZ. The substrate can be aluminum or FR4. Heavy copper is to enable PCB to carry large current. Please note that Heavy copper here does not refer to the thickness of PCB, but the thickness of copper foil on PCB. Both aluminum PCB and FR4 PCB can thicken the copper foil.

What is the maximum copper thickness on Heavy copper PCB?

‌The maximum thickness of copper on Heavy copper PCB can reach 20oz. ‌

In circuit board design and manufacturing, copper thickness is an important parameter, which directly affects the electrical performance, heat dissipation capacity and mechanical strength of the circuit board. For applications that need to carry large currents, it is necessary to choose a thicker copper layer.

The copper layer thickness of Heavy copper ultra-thick PCB is generally between 2oz and 20oz. This range of copper layer thickness can ensure the stability and reliability of the circuit board while providing good heat dissipation performance.

In practical applications, according to international standards, the copper thickness of PCB boards can be divided into standard copper thickness and non-standard copper thickness. Standard copper thickness includes 1oz (35um) and 2oz (70um), while non-standard copper thickness covers 0.5oz (17um), 3oz (105um) and 4oz (140um). For some special applications, such as high-power LED lights, electronic high-frequency circuits, etc., a higher copper thickness may be required. At this time, non-standard copper thickness will be selected, up to 20oz.

During the manufacturing process, a Heavy copper foil is first adhered to the substrate, and then the circuit pattern is transferred to the copper foil through a photolithography process. Then chemical etching is performed to remove excess copper, and finally the thickness of the copper layer is further increased through an electroplating process to ensure that the Heavy copper PCB can meet the requirements of high current and high power applications.

Finally, surface treatment is performed to protect the copper circuit from oxidation and corrosion. Common surface treatment methods include hot air leveling (HASL), lead-free tin spraying, nickel gold (ENIG), etc. During the entire manufacturing process, process parameters must also be strictly monitored to ensure the uniformity and thickness consistency of the copper layer.

What are the advantages of Heavy copper PCBs?

1. Heavy copper PCBs have better current conductivity and can withstand excessive current loads. Because thicker copper wires have higher current carrying capacity, their current carrying capacity can be increased by increasing the copper wire width.

2. Heavy copper inner layers are ideal power distribution layers in multi-layer PCBs, which minimize ground bounce and power supply noise

3. Improve thermal performance and increase heat dissipation. Can withstand repeated thermal cycles during manufacturing and assembly.

4. Provide high mechanical strength in connector locations and plated through holes.

5. Due to the presence of copper layers, the size of the circuit board is reduced.

What are the disadvantages of Heavy copper PCBs?

1. Heavy copper PCBs are more expensive to manufacture than standard PCBs because more specialized equipment and richer expertise are required.

2. Heavy copper PCBs are more difficult to process because the PCBs may be heavier and bulkier than other PCBs.

What are the properties of Heavy copper PCBs?

High mechanical strength: After Heavy copper is applied to the circuits and vias of the board, the printed circuit board has super high mechanical strength, and the weather resistance of the circuit board and electrical system is more stable and has a high melting point. Hot melt welding methods such as oxygen blowing can be used, and it is not easy to become brittle at low temperatures. Even in an extremely corrosive atmospheric environment, Heavy copper PCBs can form a strong, non-toxic passivation protective layer.

Excellent weather resistance: Because Heavy copper PCB boards support the selection of a variety of dielectric materials. It improves the overall weather resistance of the board and can ensure the stability of circuit transmission signals under certain high temperature or extreme special environments.

Thermal management: With the advancement of modern technology, PCBs are becoming more and more complex, and high-density currents increase the difficulty of thermal management. Excessive temperature will affect the normal operation of electronic equipment and even cause damage. Heavy copper PCB boards can provide stronger heat dissipation capabilities. With heat sinks and copper plating on through holes, the heat generation of the board can be greatly reduced.

Excellent current conductivity: In the operation of electronic equipment, Heavy copper printed circuit boards are excellent current conductors that can connect and transmit power between various boards.

Diversity: Plating of Heavy copper circuits allows Heavy copper PCB manufacturers to increase the copper weight of via sidewalls and plated holes, thereby reducing the number of layers and occupied space.

Ductility: Heavy copper PCBs have the best ductility and are not limited by processing temperature.

High performance: Heavy copper plating integrates high current and control circuits, allowing high density with a simple board structure.

Where are Heavy copper PCBs used?

1. Automotive electronics

2. Grid switching systems

3. Power line monitors

4. Security and signal systems

5. Radar monitoring systems

6. Industrial control

7. Aerospace

8. Telecommunications

9. Medical devices

Conclusion:

In PCB production, Heavy copper PCBs require special processes, are difficult to operate, and have certain technical barriers, so the production cost of Heavy copper PCBs is higher than other ordinary circuit boards. Although the price is not cheap, the quality and service are the best.

BEST Technology has more than 18 years of PCB manufacturing experience. Focusing not only on fast PCB prototyping and PCB assembly, but also on small and medium batch PCB manufacturing, customer satisfaction is our goal, we will do our best to manufacture your circuit boards in the highest quality to meet your needs, and are committed to complying with the most stringent standards in PCB manufacturing and assembly. ‌

Why fill PCB with copper?

The main purpose of using copper to fill PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is to improve the electrical conductivity of the circuit board, enhance mechanical strength and stability, protect the circuit board from oxidation or corrosion, and improve heat dissipation capabilities. ‌

The influence of copper thickness on PCB

As an excellent conductive material, copper plays a vital role in PCB design. By covering the surface of the PCB with copper foil, the conductive performance of the circuit board can be significantly improved and the connection between various components can be ensured to be more stable and reliable.

Copper foil itself has high mechanical strength and stability, which can effectively prevent PCB from being damaged or deformed due to the influence of the external environment. The corrosion resistance of copper foil can also protect the circuit board from oxidation or corrosion, thereby extending the service life of the circuit board and ensuring its stability and reliability during work.

Since metal has good electrical and thermal conductivity, copper coating can increase the heat dissipation surface area of the PCB, help distribute heat evenly, and prevent the generation of local high-temperature areas. This can not only reduce local heat concentration, but also reduce the temperature gradient of the heat source and improve heat dissipation efficiency.

To sum up, the role of copper-filled PCB is multi-faceted. It can not only improve the conductivity and mechanical stability of the circuit board, but also protect the circuit board from environmental influences, while enhancing the heat dissipation capacity and ensuring the stable operation of electronic equipment. and long-term use‌.

Is a thicker PCB copper better?

The copper thickness of PCB is not as thick as possible, but the appropriate copper thickness needs to be selected according to the design requirements and actual application of the circuit board. ‌

The importance of copper thickness in PCB manufacturing cannot be ignored because it directly affects the conductive performance, heat dissipation performance, mechanical strength and signal integrity of the circuit board. Proper copper thickness can provide good electrical and thermal conductivity while ensuring the reliability and stability of the circuit board.

Although an excessively thick copper layer can improve current carrying capacity and heat dissipation performance, it will also increase cost and weight, which may lead to serious glue flow and increased processing difficulty. Therefore, when selecting copper thickness, factors such as circuit board design requirements, application environment, and cost need to be comprehensively considered.

During the PCB design and manufacturing process, the optimal copper thickness should be selected based on specific application requirements and cost considerations to achieve optimal circuit performance, heat dissipation, and mechanical strength‌.

How thick is the copper on a 1 ounce copper PCB?

The thickness of 1 ounce of copper on a PCB is 35 microns. ‌

In the PCB industry, ounces (oz) are the unit used to express copper foil thickness, not weight. Specifically, the thickness of 1oz of copper refers to the thickness achieved by spreading 1oz of copper evenly over an area of 1 square foot.

According to different information, the thickness of 1oz copper can be obtained by different calculation methods, but the generally accepted value is that 1oz copper is equal to 1.4mil (milliinch), which is equivalent to 35 microns. Therefore, whether in international standards or practical applications, the thickness of 1oz copper on PCB is usually considered to be 35 microns.

In addition, the copper thickness of the PCB has a direct impact on the circuit board’s current carrying capacity, heat dissipation, reliability and other performance indicators. Commonly used PCB copper thickness specifications include 1oz, 2oz, 3oz, 4oz, 5oz, 6oz, etc., which correspond to different copper layer thicknesses. The copper layer thickness of 1oz is 35 microns, 2oz is 70 microns, and so on, 6oz is 210 microns. . These specifications provide the basis for selecting different copper thicknesses based on specific application needs to meet different electrical performance and physical requirements.

What is the conventional PCB copper thickness?Thick copper plate, FPC

‌Regular PCB copper thickness is 1oz (35μm). When the thickness of the copper foil reaches or exceeds 2oz, such a PCB board is defined as a thick copper board; for flexible circuit boards (FPC), the copper thickness also has different specifications, for example, 0.5oz copper thickness is used for flexible circuit boards is being manufactured. ‌

In PCB manufacturing, the choice of copper thickness is determined based on specific application requirements. Common copper thickness classifications include:

1. ‌1oz copper thickness: ‌

This is the most common and standard copper foil thickness and is widely used in everyday electronic devices and general applications. 1oz (ounce) means 1 ounce of copper foil weighs 1 square foot. In the PCB manufacturing process, 1 ounce corresponds to a copper foil thickness of approximately 35 microns, which has good electrical and thermal conductivity.

2. ‌2oz copper thickness: ‌

Copper foil of this thickness is usually used in circuits that require higher current carrying capabilities, such as power amplifiers, high-power LEDs, etc. 2oz copper thickness corresponds to a copper foil thickness of approximately 70 microns, which has better performance in electrical conductivity and heat dissipation than 1oz copper thickness.

3. ‌0.5oz copper thickness: ‌

This thinner copper foil thickness is suitable for some light and small electronic products, such as electronic watches, mobile phones, etc. 0.5oz (18μm) copper foil is suitable for equipment that has strict requirements on circuit board size and weight.

How to choose PCB copper thickness?

Choosing PCB copper thickness depends primarily on the board’s purpose, current requirements, signal integrity requirements, cost budget, and manufacturing process capabilities.

1. ‌Circuit board usage and current requirements‌: For circuit boards that need to handle large currents, such as power boards, it is recommended to use thicker copper foil, such as 2oz (about 70μm) or 3oz (about 105μm). For signal transmission, a copper thickness of 1oz (~35μm) is usually sufficient. Ordinary double-sided boards generally use 1oz copper thickness, while multi-layer boards generally use 1/2oz, 1/3oz copper thickness for the inner layer, and 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/3oz copper thickness for the outer layer.

2. Signal integrity requirements: For high-density interconnect (HDI) boards or high-frequency circuits, thinner copper foil may be required to reduce parasitic effects and ensure signal integrity.

3. ‌Cost considerations‌: The thicker the copper foil, the higher the cost is usually.

4. Environmental factors: For PCBs in extreme working environments (such as high temperature, high humidity or high vibration environments), the thickness of the copper foil may need to be adjusted to enhance the stability and durability of the circuit.

In summary, selecting PCB copper thickness is a process that comprehensively considers multiple factors and needs to be determined based on specific application scenarios and design requirements.

What is the difference between different copper thicknesses on PCB?

‌The main differences between different copper thicknesses on PCBs are their conductive properties, load-bearing capacity, anti-interference performance, cost and manufacturing difficulty. ‌

‌Outer copper thickness‌ is commonly used for circuit board routing and connections, and its selection depends on the application requirements and design needs of the circuit board. The outer copper thickness range is generally between 1-5oz, and the more common ones are 1oz, 2oz, 3oz and 4oz. The thicker the outer copper layer, the stronger the circuit board’s load-bearing capacity, and the better its anti-interference performance and electrical conductivity. But at the same time, the increase in the thickness of the outer copper layer will also lead to an increase in cost and manufacturing difficulty.

‌Inner layer copper thickness‌ is used for internal connections and signal transmission of the circuit board, and its selection also depends on the application requirements and design needs of the circuit board. The thickness of the inner copper layer generally ranges from 0.5-2oz, with the more common ones being 0.5oz, 1oz, and 2oz. If the circuit board needs to transmit high-speed signals, a larger inner copper thickness should be selected. The increase in the thickness of the inner copper layer will also lead to an increase in cost and manufacturing difficulty.

‌Copper Thickness Standard‌According to international standards, the copper thickness of PCB boards can be divided into standard copper thickness (such as 1oz and 2oz) and non-standard copper thickness (such as 0.5oz, 3oz and 4oz). In practical applications, some special PCB boards may require higher copper thickness, such as high-power LED lights, electronic high-frequency circuits, etc.

To sum up, the choice of different copper thicknesses is to meet specific circuit board design needs, including conductive performance, anti-interference performance and other requirements. At the same time, the choice of copper thickness also needs to consider aspects such as cost and manufacturing difficulty.

Conclusion:

By controlling the thickness of copper on the PCB to meet different usage requirements, applications that require large currents will naturally require PCBs with thicker copper foils. However, PCBs that require thicker copper foils are a great test of the capabilities of PCB manufacturers. BEST Technology has accumulated rich production experience in the PCB manufacturing industry and has many years of manufacturing experience for PCBs with different copper thicknesses. We can meet any PCB copper thickness requirements.

What Does HASL Stand For?

HASL stands for Hot Air Solder Leveling. It is a surface finish process used in PCB manufacturing. The term describes the method where solder is applied to the copper pads on a PCB and then leveled using hot air to ensure even coating. HASL is widely used because of its simplicity and effectiveness in providing a reliable solderable surface.

What Is HASL in PCB?

In PCB manufacturing, HASL is a surface finish applied to the exposed copper pads to protect them from oxidation and to provide a good surface for soldering components. The HASL process involves dipping the PCB into molten solder, typically composed of a lead-free alloy, and then using hot air to remove excess solder, ensuring a smooth and even layer. This finish is particularly valued for its excellent solderability and cost-effectiveness.

HASL Lead Free vs ENIG: Understanding Their Differences

Characteristics of Hot Air Solder Leveling

Hot Air Solder Leveling is a widely used surface finish in PCB manufacturing due to its unique set of characteristics that make it suitable for various applications. Below are the key attributes that define HASL:

1. HASL provides one of the most solderable surfaces available for PCB assembly. The molten solder applied during the HASL process creates a coating that is highly receptive to soldering, making it easy to attach components.

2. Compared to other surface finishes like ENIG or OSP, HASL is generally more affordable.

3. The solder coating provided by HASL serves as a protective layer for the copper pads on the PCB. This layer helps prevent oxidation and corrosion.

4. Variability in coating thickness. The hot air leveling process can result in uneven distribution of solder, leading to variations in thickness across the PCB. While this might be a drawback for designs requiring fine-pitch components or precise tolerances, it is often acceptable in less demanding applications where slight variations are not critical.

5. Thermal resistance. The solder layer provided by HASL can withstand multiple thermal cycles during the PCB assembly process, such as during solder reflow.

6. The HASL process creates a strong bond between the solder and the underlying copper pads.

What Is the HASL Method?

The HASL coating process is a critical step in PCB manufacturing, designed to protect the exposed copper pads and good solderability during the assembly of electronic components. The process is under several steps, each carefully controlled to achieve a uniform and reliable coating. Here’s a detailed look at how HASL is applied to a PCB:

1. Pre-Cleaning the PCB

The HASL process begins with thoroughly cleaning the PCB to remove any contaminants such as oxidation, oils, or residues from previous manufacturing steps. This is typically done using a combination of chemical cleaning agents and mechanical scrubbing.

2. Flux Application

After cleaning, a layer of flux is applied to the PCB. Flux is a chemical agent that serves multiple purposes: it removes any remaining oxidation from the copper pads, improves the wetting of the solder, and helps the solder adhere more effectively to the copper. The type of flux used can vary, but it must be compatible with the solder alloy to ensure a reliable coating.

3. Solder Bath Dipping

The PCB is then dipped into a bath of molten solder. For lead-free HASL, the solder typically consists of a tin-silver-copper (SAC) alloy, which is heated to a temperature between 240°C and 260°C (464°F to 500°F). The molten solder covers the entire surface of the PCB, including the copper pads and through-holes, forming a protective layer.

4. Hot Air Leveling

Once the PCB is removed from the solder bath, it immediately undergoes the leveling process. The board is passed through a pair of hot air knives positioned on either side. These knives blow high-pressure, heated air across the surface of the PCB, removing any excess solder and ensuring a uniform layer remains on the pads.

5. Cooling

After leveling, the PCB is cooled to solidify the solder coating. This cooling is typically done using an air or water-based cooling system, depending on the specific requirements of the manufacturing process. Rapid cooling can sometimes introduce stresses into the solder layer, so the cooling rate must be carefully controlled to avoid defects like cracking or warping.

6. Post-Process Cleaning

In some cases, the PCB may undergo a final cleaning step to remove any flux residues or other contaminants that might remain after the HASL process. And then testing and inspection.

What Is the Difference Between HASL and ENIG Finish?

While both HASL and ENIG are popular PCB surface finishes, they differ significantly in their composition, application, and performance:

Characteristic	HASL	ENIG
Cost	Lower cost, suitable for budget-sensitive projects	Higher cost, but justifiable for high-reliability needs
Solderability	Excellent, but may vary with coating thickness	Consistent, even for fine-pitch components
Durability	Reasonable, but less effective in harsh environments	Superior, with excellent corrosion resistance
Thermal Performance	Good, but uneven surface might cause issues	Excellent, with consistent performance in high-heat scenarios
Best Suited For	General-purpose electronics, consumer products	High-reliability applications, aerospace, medical, and high-density PCBs
Surface Flatness	May have uneven surface, less ideal for fine-pitch components	Extremely flat surface, ideal for precise component placement
Environmental Impact	Lead-free HASL is environmentally safer, but traditional HASL uses lead which is harmful	Environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t use lead or other harmful materials
Shelf Life	Shorter shelf life due to potential oxidation over time	Longer shelf life due to gold’s resistance to oxidation
Reworkability	Easier to rework due to the nature of solder	More challenging to rework due to hard nickel layer

HAL vs. HASL

HAL (Hot Air Leveling) and HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling) are terms often used interchangeably, but they can refer to slightly different processes. HAL is a broader term that encompasses any method of leveling solder using hot air. In contrast, HASL specifically refers to using solder to coat the PCB’s surface. Essentially, all HASL processes are HAL, but not all HAL processes are HASL.

What Is the Composition of HASL?

At present, the solder of lead-free solder alloy hot air leveling is mainly Sn-Cu-Ni+Ge (germanium) or Sn-Cu-Ni+Co (cobalt). The components of Sn-Cu-Ni+Ge (Germanium) in the OPA2544T are Sn, 0.7% Cu, 0.05% Ni and Ge with a nominal content of 65×10-6. Germanium can not only prevent the growth of oxides, but also prevent the solder joints on the PCB pad coating surface from yellowing and tarnishing during the HASL process and subsequent reflow welding and wave soldering processes. In addition, germanium can also inhibit the formation of slag in lead-free wave soldering.

The biggest problem in the lead-free HASL process is the problem of sinking copper in the tin tank during the use of the equipment.

The typical operating temperature range of the HASL process is 265 to 275 ° C, and this temperature range can be used for almost all actual manufactured laminates. At this temperature, even CEM1, there is no problem of delamination and degradation. However, the actual process temperature increases with the increase of copper composition in the tin tank. When the copper composition is 0.3% higher than the optimal value of 1.2%, then the welding temperature must be increased to 285 ° C, which is not the laminate can withstand. Although a copper-free solder alloy can be added to reduce the copper content in the tin tank, it is difficult to control the proportion.

The so-called “freeze-drying” method can also be used. When the tin lead eutectic solder (63Sn-37Pb) temperature drops to about 190℃, the melting tin copper intermetallic compound (Cri6Sn5) will be “freeze-dried”. In high-density lead solders, Cu6Sn5 floats on the surface of the molten solder and can be skimmed out using a slotted spoon. However, in lead-free solder, Ct16SIl5 is denser than lead-free solder, and CLJ6Sn5 will settle to the bottom of the tin tank. There is a mechanism to reduce the temperature to about 235 ° C (about 8 ° C higher than the melting point temperature), the tin tank shut down for at least two hours, preferably all night, at this time, most of the alloy is still in a molten state, you can design special tools, from the bottom of the tin tank out of the precipitation of Cr16Sn5, but it is still very difficult.

What Is the Minimum Pitch for HASL?

The minimum pitch for HASL refers to the smallest distance between two adjacent pads that can be reliably soldered using the HASL process. Due to the nature of the hot air leveling process, which can create uneven surfaces, HASL is generally not recommended for very fine-pitch components. The minimum pitch is typically around 0.65mm, but it can vary depending on the specific requirements and the quality of the HASL process used.

Does HASL Oxidize?

One of the main concerns with any PCB finish is oxidation, which can affect solderability and reliability. While HASL provides a protective solder layer that helps prevent oxidation, it is not entirely immune. Over time, especially in harsh environments, the solder can oxidize, leading to potential issues during assembly. However, proper storage and handling can minimize this risk, making HASL a reliable choice for many applications.

How Thick Is the HASL Coating?

The thickness of the HASL coating can vary depending on the process parameters and the type of solder used. Typically, the thickness ranges from 1 to 25 microns. This variability can be a drawback for applications requiring precise and consistent thickness, especially for fine-pitch components. However, for many general-purpose applications, the thickness provided by HASL is more than sufficient.

What Is the Black Pad Syndrome?

Black pad syndrome is a phenomenon associated with the ENIG finish, not HASL. It occurs when there is an issue with the nickel layer during the ENIG process, leading to poor solder joints and potential failures. The term “black pad” refers to the appearance of the affected nickel layer, which turns black due to oxidation and contamination. While this issue is unrelated to HASL, it’s important to note that HASL does not suffer from black pad syndrome, making it a more straightforward and reliable finish in this regard.

When choosing between lead-free HASL and ENIG surface finishes for your PCB, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your project. For reliable and high-quality PCB manufacturer, consider working with Best Technology, a leader in the field. With our expertise and advanced technology, we ensure that your PCBs meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Whether you choose HASL or ENIG, we have the experience and capability to deliver the best results for your project.

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HAL vs. HASL

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