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What is a high frequency pcb communication circuits?
Thursday, September 19th, 2024

In today’s highly digitalized and interconnected world, high frequency PCB communication circuits play a vital role. Whether in the fields of high-speed data transmission, wireless communications, satellite communications or radar systems, high frequency PCB communication circuits have demonstrated their unique advantages and importance.

What is high frequency PCB?

high frequency PCB communication circuits refer to printed circuit board circuits that operate in a higher frequency range, usually between hundreds of MHz and tens of GHz. Compared with traditional low-frequency PCB circuits, high frequency PCB communication circuits have the following significant characteristics:

What is a high frequency pcb communication circuits?
  • 1. High-speed signal transmission: high frequency PCB communication circuits can support high-speed data transmission and meet the needs of modern communication systems for large data volumes and high bandwidth.
  • 2. Low signal loss: At high frequencies, signal transmission loss will increase significantly. Therefore, high frequency PCB communication circuits require special materials and design techniques to reduce signal loss and improve signal transmission quality.
  • 3. Good electromagnetic compatibility: high frequency signals are prone to electromagnetic interference and affect surrounding electronic equipment. high frequency PCB communication circuits need to have good electromagnetic compatibility to ensure their stable operation in complex electromagnetic environments.
  • 4. Miniaturization and lightweight: As electronic equipment continues to be miniaturized and lightweight, high frequency PCB communication circuits also need to develop in the direction of miniaturization and lightweight. This requires the use of high-density integration technology and advanced manufacturing processes to reduce the size and weight of circuit boards.

How do you make high frequency PCB?

Making a high frequency PCB (printed circuit board) involves several key steps to ensure the stability and reliability of signal transmission, taking into account the characteristics of high frequency signals.

What is a high frequency pcb communication circuits?

1. ‌Material selection and preparation‌:

  • Choose a substrate material with low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss to ensure the stability and reliability of signal transmission.
  • The substrate material requires a conductive layer with good electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
  • Auxiliary materials such as membrane materials, filling materials, etc. also need to be carefully selected and prepared.

2. ‌Design, drawing production, etching, and laminating‌:

  • Carry out circuit design and layout planning based on design requirements and signal transmission characteristics.
  • Make PCB drawings and convert circuit layout and connection lines into circuit diagrams on the drawings.
  • The circuit diagram on the drawing is transferred to the substrate through photolithography technology and etched to form a conductive layer.
  • The film sticking process attaches the protective layer and copper clad layer to the conductive layer to protect the circuit and improve the mechanical strength.

3. ‌Welding and assembly process‌:

  • Surface mount technology is widely used in high frequency PCB welding, and SMT components are accurately welded to PCBs through methods such as hot air or reflow soldering.
  • Manual soldering technology also plays an important role in the assembly of high frequency PCBs. Plug-in components and connecting lines are connected by manual soldering.

4. ‌Special considerations for high frequency PCBs‌:

  • high frequency circuit design requires the adoption of special design principles and strategies, such as transmission line theory and matching, short and straight wiring strategies, impedance control and matching, decoupling and bypass, etc., to ensure signal quality and system reliability.
  • Adopt strategies such as multi-layer board design, straight wiring, shortening signal leads, reducing inter-layer alternation, being wary of crosstalk, increasing decoupling capacitors, isolating digital and analog ground wires, avoiding loops, ensuring impedance matching, and preventing ground bounce to improve Performance and reliability of high frequency circuits.
  • Through the above steps, a high-quality PCB that meets high frequency signal transmission requirements can be produced to ensure stable signal transmission and reliable operation of the system.

What are some important considerations when designing a PCB layout for high frequency circuits?

Designing high frequency PCB communication circuits faces many challenges and requires comprehensive consideration of circuit performance, electromagnetic compatibility, reliability and other aspects. Here are some of the major design challenges:

  • 1. Signal integrity: At high frequencies, signal transmission will be affected by reflection, crosstalk, attenuation and other factors, leading to signal integrity problems.
  • 2. Electromagnetic compatibility: As mentioned before, high frequency signals are prone to electromagnetic interference, so high frequency PCB communication circuits need to have good electromagnetic compatibility.
  • 3. Thermal management: high frequency PCB communication circuits will generate a large amount of heat when working. If the heat cannot be dissipated in a timely and effective manner, the performance of the circuit will be reduced or even damaged.
  • 4. Reliability: high frequency PCB communication circuits usually work in harsh environments, such as high temperature, high humidity, vibration, etc.

What is the highest frequency used for communication?

The highest frequency used for communication is 450GHz. ‌

What is a high frequency pcb communication circuits?

This frequency range was finally approved at the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) and involves the 275 GHz-296 GHz, 306 GHz-313 GHz, 318 GHz-333 GHz and 356 GHz-450 GHz frequency bands, for a total of 137 GHz Bandwidth resources.

These frequency bands are used without restrictions for fixed and land mobile service applications. This is the first time that ITU has clarified the spectrum resources available for terrestrial active radio service applications in the terahertz frequency band above 275 GHz, and raised the upper limit of available spectrum resources for active services to 450 GHz, providing basic resource guarantee for the development and application of the global terahertz communication industry. .

Which frequency is best for communication?

For WiFi communication, choosing which frequency band is best depends on the user’s specific needs and network environment.

  • The 2.4GHz frequency band is suitable for use in home and office environments because of its strong signal penetration and low interference, especially when wide coverage and signal stability are required.
  • Because of its high-speed transmission capabilities, the 5GHz band is suitable for scenarios that require large traffic transmission, such as high-definition videos and online games, because it provides faster network speeds and more stable transmission rates.

In satellite communications, different frequency bands have their own advantages and applicable scenarios.

  • Although the C-band has low frequency and low gain, its rain attenuation is much smaller than that of the Ku-band and even smaller than the Ka-band. It is suitable for businesses that have strict requirements on communication quality, such as television and radio.
  • The Ku band has high frequency, high gain, small antenna size, and is easy to install. It is especially suitable for mobile emergency communication services such as communication in motion and communication in silence, and satellite news collection SNG and DTH services.

When selecting the wireless communication frequency band bandwidth.

  • The 20MHz frequency band bandwidth is suitable for small to medium-sized wireless networks due to its stable signal and wide coverage.
  • Although the data transmission rate of the 40MHz band bandwidth is relatively high, the signal penetration capability is weak and is suitable for dense environments or application scenarios that require higher transmission rates.

What are examples of high frequency equipment?

high frequency PCB communication circuits are widely used in various fields. The following are some of the main application fields:

  • 1. Wireless communication: high frequency PCB communication circuits are the core components of wireless communication systems, such as mobile phones, base stations, satellite communications, etc.
  • 2. Radar system: high frequency PCB communication circuits are also widely used in radar systems, such as radar antennas, signal processing, transmitters and receivers, etc.
  • 3. Satellite communications: Satellite communications require the use of high frequency PCB communication circuits to transmit and receive signals.
  • 4. High-speed data transmission: In the field of high-speed data transmission, high frequency PCB communication circuits can achieve data transmission rates of tens of Gbps per second to meet the needs of large data volume and high bandwidth.

In short, high frequency PCB communication circuits are an important part of modern communication technology and have broad application prospects and development potential. With the continuous advancement of technology.

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PCB Surface Finish Lead-Free HASL
Thursday, September 19th, 2024

There are many different surface finishes used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs), of which HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling) is a widely used technology.

What is HASL in PCB?

HASL is hot air solder leveling, which is a commonly used surface finish in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry.

HASL forms a coating that resists copper oxidation and provides good solderability by coating molten tin-lead solder on the surface of the PCB and using heated compressed air for leveling. This coating not only helps protect the copper from oxidation, but also ensures good soldering performance.

PCB Surface Finish Lead-Free HASL

There are two types of HASL: leaded and lead-free, making it one of the lower-cost PCB surface finishes. The leaded version was more common in the electronics manufacturing industry in the past, but with the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the lead-free version of HASL has also been widely used.

What is the difference between HASL and ENIG finish?

The main differences between HASL and ENIG surface finishes are their process flow, cost, corrosion resistance, applicable scenarios, and environmental protection. ‌

‌Process flow‌:

  • HASL (hot air leveling) is a traditional surface treatment process that provides good soldering performance by coating a layer of lead-tin alloy on the surface of the PCB.
  • ENIG (electro-nickel-gold) improves soldering performance and corrosion resistance by electroplating a thin layer of nickel and gold on the copper surface.

‌Cost‌:

  • HASL has a relatively low cost because it is a mature and widely used process.
  • In contrast, ENIG has a higher cost because it has stricter control requirements for the manufacturing process and uses higher material costs.

‌Corrosion resistance‌:

  • ENIG provides better corrosion resistance due to the presence of nickel and gold layers, especially for applications that require long-term reliability and stability.
  • Although HASL can also provide certain corrosion resistance, it is not as good as ENIG in terms of corrosion resistance.

‌Applicable scenarios‌:

  • HASL is suitable for most general applications due to its low cost and good soldering performance.
  • ENIG is more suitable for application scenarios with higher requirements for soldering performance and corrosion resistance.

‌Environmental protection‌:

  • HASL used to mainly use lead-containing materials, but with the restrictions of environmental regulations, lead-free HASL has gradually become the standard, but there are still potential environmental problems.
  • ENIG has no obvious environmental problems in this regard because it does not contain any hazardous substances.

In short, choosing HASL or ENIG depends on the specific application requirements, cost budget and environmental impact considerations. Each process has its unique advantages and applicable occasions. The right choice can significantly improve the performance and market competitiveness of multi-layer PCBs.

What is the difference between lead-free HASL and HASL?

The main difference between lead-free HASL and traditional HASL is the different materials used. ‌

PCB Surface Finish Lead-Free HASL

Traditional HASL (hot air leveling) uses lead-containing solder, which was once one of the most commonly used surface treatment technologies in electronic assembly.

However, due to restrictions on environmental regulations, lead-containing HASL has been gradually eliminated and replaced by lead-free HASL. Lead-free HASL uses non-lead metals or lead-free solder alloys to replace traditional lead-containing solder to meet environmental protection requirements.

The advantages of lead-free HASL include lower cost and good soldering performance. Compared with traditional HASL, lead-free HASL is more environmentally friendly and can pass environmental assessments such as RoHS certification.

However, the mechanical strength and glossiness of lead-free HASL may not be as good as traditional lead-containing HASL, and there may be some challenges in soldering fine components, especially in the case of poor surface flatness, which is easy to produce tin beads and short circuits for fine-pitch pin components. ‌

In general, lead-free HASL is an improvement on traditional HASL, with the main purpose of improving environmental performance. Although there may be some limitations in some aspects, it is currently a necessary choice to meet environmental regulations.

Is HASL with lead bad?

Lead-containing HASL is not an ideal choice because it has multiple disadvantages and limitations. ‌

First, the main disadvantages of lead-containing HASL include uneven surfaces, which are not suitable for fine-pitch applications.

PCB Surface Finish Lead-Free HASL

In addition, it faces problems of thermal shock and solder bridging, which may cause the plated through hole (PTH) to be blocked or reduced, as well as thickness/topography differences between large and small pads.

These problems make leaded HASL unsuitable for SMD and BGA with a pitch less than 20 mil, and unsuitable for HDI products and wire binding. Therefore, leaded HASL is gradually regarded as a suboptimal choice in modern electronic manufacturing.

Secondly, environmental protection is also an important consideration for leaded HASL. Due to environmental regulations, leaded versions of HASL have been gradually phased out in some areas, and lead-free HASL has become an alternative, but its soldering performance is slightly inferior to that of the leaded version.

Does HASL oxidize?

HASL (hot air leveling) does oxidize. ‌HASL protects the connection wires by coating a layer of tin-lead alloy, including anti-sulfurization treatment.

However, the surface flatness of HASL is relatively low, which may not be suitable for high-density, fine-pitch circuit design. In addition, due to the lead issue, the surface oxidation resistance of lead-free HASL is weak, and the long-term reliability is not as good as other advanced processes.

Therefore, although HASL provides some protection, it is not a complete solution to prevent oxidation, especially in long-term use or under certain environmental conditions, its protection effect may be affected.

Is HASL RoHS?

HASL is not RoHS compliant. ‌

HASL (hot air solder leveling) is a traditional PCB surface treatment process that contains lead (SnPb) solder. However, the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive aims to restrict the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, specifically lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Because the leaded solder used in the HASL process does not meet the RoHS standard for the restriction of hazardous substances, the traditional HASL process is not considered RoHS compliant. ‌

To meet RoHS standards, lead-free HASL (Lead-Free HASL) has become an alternative, which uses lead-free solder alloys such as tin-copper, tin-nickel or tin-copper-nickel alloy to replace traditional lead-containing solder.

Although lead-free HASL meets environmental requirements, it is not suitable for all situations, especially when dealing with fine-pitch components and dense wiring.

For projects that need to comply with RoHS standards, lead-free processing processes such as lead-free tin spraying or other RoHS-compliant surface treatment technologies should be given priority.

What is the best surface finish for PCB?

There are many surface treatment processes for PCBs, each with its specific advantages and applicable scenarios. The following are some common surface treatment processes and their characteristics:

  • ‌Hot Air Leveling (HASL): This is a traditional surface treatment method that is cost-effective and suitable for most general electronic products.
  • ‌Electroless Nickel Gold (ENIG): Especially suitable for PCBs with fine line spacing and high density, a layer of nickel is first deposited on the copper surface, and then a thin layer of gold is plated. The gold layer acts as a protective layer to prevent the nickel layer from oxidizing and provides long-term soldering reliability and good solderability.
  • ‌Organic solderability preservative (OSP)‌: An environmentally friendly and cost-effective surface treatment technology, especially suitable for low to medium complexity PCBs.
  • ‌Electroplating silver (immersion silver)‌: A layer of silver is deposited on the copper surface through a chemical reaction, providing excellent conductivity and solderability, and also has good corrosion resistance.

In summary, choosing the best surface treatment process requires comprehensive consideration of the specific needs, cost, and environmental factors of the product.

HASL, as a traditional PCB surface treatment process, has the advantages of good solderability, low cost, and wide applicability. In practical applications, it is necessary to select a suitable surface treatment process based on factors such as the type of PCB, the use environment, and environmental requirements.

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Ceramic PCB board, Low Volume&Customization
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

In the field of electronics, ceramic circuit boards are quietly opening a new revolution with their unique charm and excellent performance. Ceramic circuit boards are gradually becoming the focus of the electronics industry, leading the industry to a more efficient, stable and advanced technological era.

What is a ceramic pcb board?

ceramic pcb board, also known as ceramic printed circuit board, is a printed circuit board that uses ceramic as a substrate instead of traditional fiberglass or epoxy resin. Compared with traditional substrates, ceramic materials have a variety of advantages, making them ideal for high-performance electronic applications.

Ceramic PCB board, Low Volume&Customization

What are the different types of ceramic PCB?

There are several types of ceramic materials commonly used in PCB boards, including aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), aluminum nitride (AlN), and beryllium oxide (BeO). Each material has its own unique properties and advantages.

1. Alumina ceramic pcb board

Alumina is the most widely used ceramic material in PCB boards. It has excellent electrical insulation, high thermal conductivity and good mechanical strength. Alumina ceramic pcb boards are suitable for a wide range of applications, including power electronics, LED lighting and automotive electronics.

Ceramic PCB board, Low Volume&Customization

2. Aluminum Nitride ceramic pcb board

Aluminum nitride is a high-performance ceramic material with extremely high thermal conductivity. This makes it ideal for applications where heat dissipation is a key factor, such as high-power LEDs, power modules, and RF/microwave equipment.

3. Beryllium Oxide ceramic pcb board

Beryllium oxide is a highly toxic material, but it has excellent thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. Due to its toxicity, beryllium oxide ceramic pcb boards are only used in special applications where other materials cannot meet the performance requirements.

What is the high temperature ceramic PCB?

High temperature ceramic PCB‌ is a special ceramic circuit board designed for high temperature environments, commonly known as high temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) circuits. This circuit board is made by mixing adhesives, lubricants, solvents, plasticizers, and aluminum oxide to make raw ceramics, and then forming circuits.

The main feature of high temperature ceramic PCBs is their high temperature resistance, which allows them to work stably under extreme temperature conditions, making them ideal for applications that require high reliability and long-term stability.

In addition, during the manufacturing process of high-temperature ceramic PCB, the copper foil and the ceramic substrate are bonded together. This bonding method not only has strong bonding strength, but also the copper foil will not fall off, thus ensuring the performance stability in harsh environments such as high temperature and high humidity.

The materials of high-temperature ceramic PCB usually include ceramic materials such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), beryllium oxide (BeO), aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon carbide (SiC) and boron nitride (BN). These materials are not only very effective in conducting heat, but also good electrical insulators, making high-temperature ceramic PCBs perform well in applications that require high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical properties.

In general, high-temperature ceramic PCB is a high-performance, high-reliability circuit board, especially suitable for applications that require high thermal conductivity, excellent electrical properties, and stable operation in harsh environments, such as aerospace, military electronics, etc.

What are the manufacturing processes involved in ceramic pcb boards?

The manufacturing process of ceramic pcb boards is more complicated than that of traditional PCB boards. It generally involves the following steps:

1. Substrate preparation

Ceramic substrates are prepared by sintering ceramic powder at high temperatures. The sintered substrate is then polished and cleaned to ensure a smooth surface for subsequent steps.

2. Circuit pattern formation

Circuit patterns are formed on ceramic substrates using various methods, such as screen printing, photolithography, or laser ablation. In screen printing, a conductive paste is printed onto the substrate to form a circuit pattern. Photolithography involves the use of a photomask and photoresist to create a circuit pattern. Laser ablation uses a laser to remove unwanted ceramic material to form a circuit pattern.

3. Metallization

After the circuit pattern is formed, the substrate is metallized to provide conductivity. This is usually done by sputtering or electroplating a thin layer of metal, such as copper or gold, onto the substrate.

4. Component mounting

Electronic components are then mounted onto the ceramic pcb board using surface mount technology (SMT) or through-hole technology (THT). SMT involves soldering components directly onto the surface of the PCB board, while THT involves inserting components into holes in the PCB board and soldering them to the bottom surface.

What are the advantages of ceramic pcb boards?

ceramic pcb boards have several advantages over traditional PCB boards, making them ideal for high-performance electronic applications. Some of the main advantages include:

  • 1. High thermal conductivity: Ceramic materials have excellent thermal conductivity, which allows for efficient heat dissipation.
  • 2. High electrical insulation: Ceramic materials have high electrical insulation, which reduces the risk of electrical short circuits and improves the reliability of electronic devices.
  • 3. Good mechanical strength: Ceramic materials have good mechanical strength, making them resistant to vibration and shock.
  • 4. Small size and light weight: ceramic pcb boards can be made very thin and lightweight, making them ideal for portable electronic devices.
  • 5. High-frequency performance: Ceramic materials have low dielectric losses and high frequency stability, making them suitable for high-frequency applications such as RF/microwave equipment.

What is a ceramic PCB used for?

Ceramic PCBs have a wide range of applications, including:

  • 1. Power Electronics: Ceramic PCBs are widely used in power electronics applications such as power modules, inverters, and converters. The high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation of ceramic materials make them ideal for handling high power levels.
Ceramic PCB board, Low Volume&Customization
  • 2. LED Lighting: Ceramic PCBs are used in LED lighting applications due to their excellent heat dissipation properties. The high thermal conductivity of ceramic materials helps to extend the life of LEDs by reducing operating temperatures.
  • 3. Automotive Electronics: Ceramic PCBs are used in automotive electronics applications such as engine control units, power steering systems, and airbag controllers. The high mechanical strength and reliability of ceramic materials make them suitable for use in harsh automotive environments.
  • 4. Aerospace and Defense: Ceramic PCBs are used in aerospace and defense applications due to their high performance and reliability. The small size and light weight of ceramic PCBs make them ideal for satellite and missile systems.
  • 5. Medical Devices: Ceramic PCBs are used in medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and hearing aids. The high electrical insulation and biocompatibility of ceramic materials make them suitable for use in medical applications.

How is ceramic pcb board developing?

As the electronics industry continues to develop, there is a growing demand for high-performance PCB boards that can meet the growing requirements of advanced electronic devices. ceramic pcb boards are expected to play an important role in meeting this demand. Some future trends in ceramic pcb board technology include:

1. Increased use of high-performance ceramic materials

As the performance requirements of electronic devices continue to increase, there is a growing demand for high-performance ceramic materials such as aluminum nitride and silicon carbide. These materials have higher thermal conductivity and electrical insulation than traditional ceramic materials, making them ideal for next-generation electronic devices.

2. Passive component integration

In order to reduce the size and weight of electronic devices, there is a growing trend to integrate passive components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors onto PCB boards.

3. 3D printing of ceramic pcb boards

3D printing technology is emerging as a promising method for manufacturing ceramic pcb boards. 3D printing can create complex geometries and structures that are difficult to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods.

4. Development of hybrid PCBs

Hybrid PCBs that combine ceramic and traditional substrates are being developed. Hybrid PCBs can use ceramic substrates for the power section and traditional fiberglass substrates for the signal section.

Ceramic PCBs are a revolutionary technology that offers several advantages over traditional PCBs. As the electronics industry continues to grow, ceramic PCBs are expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting the growing demand for advanced electronic devices.

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Ceramic pcb, High Mixed&Customization
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

In today’s era of rapid technological development, electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our lives. Behind this, a new type of circuit board material, ceramic pcb, is gradually becoming the most favored object in the field of electronics.

What is a ceramic pcb?

Ceramic circuit board, as the name suggests, is a circuit board made of ceramic as the substrate. Compared with traditional organic circuit boards, ceramic pcb have many unique advantages. Ceramic materials have extremely high heat resistance, insulation and mechanical strength, and can work stably under extreme environmental conditions.

Ceramic pcb Manufacturer, High Mixed&Customization

At the same time, ceramic pcb also have good thermal conductivity, which can effectively dissipate the heat generated by electronic components and improve the reliability and stability of electronic equipment.

Briefly describe the manufacturing process of ceramic pcb

The manufacturing process of ceramic pcbs is very complicated and requires multiple processes to complete.

First, it is necessary to select suitable ceramic materials, such as aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, etc. These ceramic materials have different performance characteristics and can be selected according to specific application requirements.

Then, through precise processing technology, the ceramic material is made into the required shape and size. Next, advanced printing technology is used to print circuit graphics on the ceramic substrate.

Finally, through high-temperature sintering and other processes, the circuit pattern is fixed on the ceramic substrate to form a ceramic pcb.

What are the different types of ceramic PCB?

  • Alumina ceramic PCB:

Alumina ceramic PCB is one of the most commonly used types of ceramic PCBs in the current market. It has the advantages of low price, good thermal conductivity, high resistance, high hardness, high electrical insulation, strong corrosion resistance, and high biocompatibility.

Ceramic pcb Manufacturer, High Mixed&Customization

It is mainly used in white light, infrared, VCSEL LED lamps and other fields, usually used for 3W to 5W power LEDs. In the alumina PCB market, there are 75%, 96% and 99% alumina PCBs. The higher the purity, the better the performance, but the higher the cost.

  • Aluminum nitride ceramic PCB:

The thermal conductivity of aluminum nitride ceramic PCB is 7 to 10 times higher than that of alumina PCB. It has the advantages of high thermal conductivity and resistance, high hardness, high mechanical strength, high electrical insulation, strong corrosion resistance, high biocompatibility, and thermal expansion coefficient close to Si.

It is considered to be the most promising ceramic PCB in the future and is widely used in high-power LEDs, power modules, laser fields, etc.

  • Silicon nitride ceramic PCB:

Silicon nitride ceramic PCB has the advantages of high thermal conductivity, high strength, high fracture toughness, etc., and is mainly used in IGBT modules, vehicle modules, military industry, aerospace, aviation modules and other fields.

Unlike brittle traditional ceramic materials, at high temperatures, silicon nitride PCB has good mechanical strength and fracture toughness, and the thermal expansion coefficient matches that of Si. But the manufacture of silicon nitride PCB is not easy, the bonding of the circuit layer to the ceramic substrate is unstable, and the resistance and insulation are low.

  • Silicon carbide ceramic PCB:

Silicon carbide ceramic PCB has the advantages of good strength even at 1400°C, extremely high thermal conductivity and resistance, good semiconductor conductivity, high hardness, etc.

Mainly used in the laser field, it is easy to work at 1000°C. At present, the manufacturing cost of silicon carbide PCB is extremely expensive, but with the advancement of manufacturing technology in the future, it is expected to be more widely used.

What are the advantages of ceramic pcb?

  • 1. High thermal conductivity: Ceramic materials have good thermal conductivity and can effectively dissipate the heat generated by electronic components.
  • 2. High insulation: Ceramic materials have extremely high insulation properties, which can effectively prevent short circuits and leakage between circuits.
  • 3. High mechanical strength: Ceramic materials have high mechanical strength and can withstand large external forces and vibrations.
  • 4. Good dimensional stability: The thermal expansion coefficient of ceramic materials is very small, and they can maintain dimensional stability under different temperature environments.
  • 5. Good chemical stability: Ceramic materials have good chemical stability and can resist the erosion of various chemical substances.

What are the application areas of ceramic pcb?

  • 1. LED lighting: Since LED lamps generate a lot of heat when working, circuit boards with good thermal conductivity are needed to dissipate heat.
  • 2. Power electronics: Power electronic devices usually need to withstand high voltages and high currents, so circuit boards with good insulation and mechanical strength are needed.
  • 3. Aerospace: The aerospace field has very high requirements for the reliability and stability of electronic equipment, so it is necessary to use circuit boards with good heat resistance, insulation and mechanical strength.
  • 4. Medical equipment: Medical equipment has very high requirements for the safety and reliability of electronic equipment, so it is necessary to use circuit boards with good insulation and chemical stability.
  • 5. Communication equipment: Communication equipment has very high requirements for the high-frequency performance and stability of electronic equipment, so it is necessary to use circuit boards with good high-frequency performance and dimensional stability.

How thick is ceramic PCB?

The thickness of ceramic PCB varies depending on different types and application scenarios. Generally speaking, the thickness of common ceramic PCBs ranges from 0.25mm to 1.5mm.

Ceramic pcb Manufacturer, High Mixed&Customization

The thickness of alumina ceramic PCBs is usually 0.5mm – 1.5mm. Alumina ceramics are widely used because of their low cost, and the choice of board thickness usually depends on the specific application requirements.

In some occasions where space requirements are not high but a certain mechanical strength is required, thicker alumina ceramic PCBs may be selected, such as 1.2mm or 1.5mm thickness. In some small electronic devices with limited space, thinner alumina ceramic PCBs, such as 0.5mm or 0.8mm thickness, may be selected.

The thickness of aluminum nitride ceramic PCB is relatively thin, generally between 0.25mm – 1.0mm.

Aluminum nitride has better thermal performance, but it is also more expensive. Due to its high thermal conductivity, in some applications with extremely high heat dissipation requirements, such as heat dissipation substrates for high-power semiconductor chips, thinner aluminum nitride ceramic PCBs may be selected to achieve better heat dissipation and more compact design.

In some high-end electronic devices, aluminum nitride ceramic PCBs with a thickness of 0.5mm or 0.6mm may be used.

In short, the thickness of ceramic PCBs has a certain flexibility and can be selected according to specific application scenarios and performance requirements.

At what temperature does ceramic PCB melt?

Ceramic PCBs usually do not “melt” like metals.

Ceramic materials have very high melting points, such as the melting point of alumina ceramics is about 2050℃, and the melting point of aluminum nitride ceramics is about 2200℃. In the normal use environment of electronic equipment, ceramic PCBs will hardly reach such high temperatures.

It should be noted that although the ceramic PCB itself will not melt, the metal circuits, solder, etc. on it may change or be damaged at too high a temperature.

As an innovative treasure in the field of electronics, ceramic pcbs have many unique advantages and broad application prospects. It is believed that in the near future, ceramic pcbswill become the mainstream circuit board material in the electronics field and make greater contributions to the development of electronic technology.

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What are the ceramic pcb material?
Monday, September 16th, 2024

In this ever-changing era, electronic devices are changing our lives at an unprecedented speed. From smartphones to cars to industrial automation equipment, these products all hide an important component – ceramic printed circuit boards (Ceramic PCBs).

What are the commonly used materials for ceramic PCB substrates?

Imagine that in a tiny space, there are countless electronic components, which are closely arranged and interconnected to form a complex and sophisticated network. This is the working environment of ceramic PCBs. In order to ensure that these components can work normally under harsh conditions such as high temperature and high pressure, it is crucial to choose a suitable substrate.

Commonly used ceramic PCB substrates are mainly the following:

1. Alumina (Al2O3):

  • It is one of the preferred materials for its excellent insulation performance, good thermal conductivity and high mechanical strength.
What are the ceramic pcb material?
  • Alumina substrates are usually used to make single-layer ceramic PCBs, which are suitable for applications under medium temperature and pressure conditions.
  • It has extremely high chemical stability and is not easy to react with other substances, thus ensuring the long-term reliability of the circuit.

2. Aluminum nitride (AlN):

  • Compared with aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride has higher thermal conductivity and can dissipate heat more effectively, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing high-performance electronic products.
What are the ceramic pcb material?
  • Aluminum nitride substrates are often used to make double-layer or multi-layer ceramic PCBs, especially for high-frequency signal transmission and high power density applications.
  • In fields such as semiconductor packaging and LED lighting, the outstanding performance of aluminum nitride makes it one of the indispensable materials.

3. Silicon nitride (Si3N4):

  • It is known for its excellent heat resistance and chemical stability, and it still performs well in extreme environments.
  • Silicon nitride substrates not only have extremely high mechanical strength, but also can withstand a higher temperature range. They are widely used in demanding scenarios such as aerospace, automotive electronics and military equipment.

What are the commonly used conductor materials for ceramic PCBs?

Conductor materials play an extremely important role in ceramic PCBs. They are responsible for transmitting signals and electricity and are the link between various functional modules.

Common conductor materials include precious metals such as copper, gold, and silver, as well as nickel plating. Among them, copper is widely used for its good conductivity and affordable price; gold shines in high-end applications for its excellent corrosion resistance; silver is between the two, combining cost-effectiveness and reliability.

  • As the most commonly used conductor material, copper foil is soft enough to easily combine with ceramic substrates to form a durable circuit path.
  • Gold foil is mainly used in occasions that require high reliability and long life, such as aerospace, medical equipment, etc. The oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance of gold enable it to maintain stable electrical performance in extreme environments, ensuring the normal operation of key components.
  • Silver foil is widely used in mid- and low-end products due to its good conductivity and low cost. Silver’s conductivity is second only to gold, but it is more affordable in terms of cost and is suitable for large-scale production and application. In certain specific fields, such as high-frequency circuits and wireless communication equipment, silver foil can also play an important role.

What are the types of ceramic PCBs?

With the advancement of technology, ceramic PCBs have also developed into various types to adapt to various application scenarios:

1. Single-layer ceramic PCB:

  • Simple structure, low cost, suitable for occasions with low performance requirements.
  • This type of PCB usually has only one layer of ceramic substrate, on which a layer of conductor material is laid to form a basic circuit layout.
  • Single-layer ceramic PCBs are mainly used for entry-level electronic products, such as ordinary household appliances and basic communication equipment.

2. Double-layer or multi-layer ceramic PCB:

  • By stacking multiple layers of ceramic substrates and setting interconnection channels between them, more complex circuit designs can be achieved, which is suitable for high-end products that require high-density integration.
What are the ceramic pcb material?
  • This type of PCB can accommodate more electronic components and more complex circuit structures, and is widely used in high-performance computing, advanced medical equipment and high-end automotive electronic systems.
  • Multilayer ceramic PCBs have high design flexibility and can be customized according to specific needs to achieve optimal performance.

3. Hybrid ceramic PCB:

  • Combining ceramic substrates of different materials, giving full play to their respective advantages, suitable for use in special environments.
  • This type of PCB usually uses two or more ceramic materials, such as a combination of alumina and aluminum nitride, which can ensure good thermal conductivity and provide sufficient mechanical strength.
  • Hybrid ceramic PCBs are suitable for applications with extreme temperature changes and high pressure conditions, such as deep-sea exploration equipment and space exploration instruments.

Advantages and characteristics of ceramic PCB

The reason why ceramic PCBs stand out among many materials is inseparable from their unique advantages:

High temperature resistance:

  • It can remain stable at temperatures up to 1000℃, making it an ideal choice for high-temperature working environments.
  • Ceramic materials themselves have extremely high melting points and are not easy to deform or damage even under extremely high temperature conditions, which enables ceramic PCBs to operate reliably in extreme environments.

High reliability:

  • It will not deform or damage even under long-term exposure to extreme conditions, ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of the system.
  • Ceramic materials have high chemical stability and are not easy to react with other substances, so they can maintain stable electrical performance in harsh environments.

Excellent thermal management capabilities:

  • Efficient heat dissipation helps to extend the life of components and improve overall efficiency.
  • The high thermal conductivity of ceramic materials enables it to quickly conduct heat away, effectively reducing the temperature of the circuit board, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the system.

Environmentally friendly and pollution-free:

  • The production process meets green environmental protection standards and is easy to recycle and reuse after disposal.
  • The production process of ceramic PCBs produces less waste, and the discarded materials can be recycled, which is in line with the concept of sustainable development.

These characteristics make ceramic PCBs an important force in promoting scientific and technological progress, and continue to lead the industry to a higher level.

What are the applications of ceramic PCBs?

From aerospace to medical equipment, from automotive electronics to communication facilities, ceramic PCBs are everywhere.

In satellite navigation systems, ceramic PCBs ensure positioning accuracy with their reliable signal transmission capabilities; in medical devices such as pacemakers, they rely on their ability to accurately control current to protect patient safety. In addition, in the construction of 5G base stations, ceramic PCBs also play an irreplaceable role, supporting the demand for high-speed data transmission.

Specific application cases are as follows:

  • 1. Aerospace: In satellite communication systems, the high reliability of ceramic PCBs ensures the accuracy of data transmission. During long-term flight, ceramic PCBs can resist extreme temperature changes, maintain stable electrical performance, and ensure unimpeded communication between satellites and ground stations.
  • 2. Medical equipment: In implantable medical devices such as pacemakers, the miniaturization and high reliability of ceramic PCBs become key factors. Ceramic materials have good biocompatibility and will not have adverse effects on human tissues. At the same time, they can provide precise current control to ensure therapeutic effects.
  • 3. Automotive electronics: In modern automobiles, ceramic PCBs are widely used in key components such as engine control systems, sensors, and navigation systems. The high temperature resistance of ceramic PCBs enables it to operate reliably in high-temperature environments in the engine compartment, ensuring the safety and comfort of the vehicle.
  • 4. 5G communication: In the construction and maintenance of 5G base stations, the efficient heat dissipation capacity and high-density integration characteristics of ceramic PCBs make them an ideal choice. Ceramic PCBs can handle a large number of data transmission tasks and ensure the high-speed and stable operation of 5G networks.

What is the production process of ceramic PCB?

The production process of ceramic PCBs is very delicate, and every step needs to be strictly controlled to ensure the high quality of the final product.

  • 1. Raw material preparation: First, the required ceramic powder and other raw materials need to be prepared to ensure their purity and uniformity.
  • 2. Molding: The ceramic powder is made into a substrate by pressing or casting. The temperature and pressure need to be strictly controlled during the molding process to ensure the flatness and consistency of the substrate.
  • 3. Sintering: The formed substrate is placed in a high-temperature furnace for sintering. The sintering process requires precise control of the temperature curve to ensure the density and stability of the ceramic substrate.
  • 4. Metallization: A layer of conductor material such as copper, gold or silver is applied to the ceramic substrate by electroplating, spraying or other means. This process requires highly precise operation to ensure the uniform distribution and good adhesion of the conductor layer.
  • 5. Circuit design and etching: According to the circuit design drawings, etching is performed on the conductor layer to form the required circuit pattern. The etching process requires the use of special chemicals, and the time and temperature need to be precisely controlled to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the circuit pattern.
  • 6. Testing and inspection: Finally, the completed ceramic PCB is fully tested and inspected to ensure that its electrical and mechanical properties meet the design requirements. The test items include resistance, voltage, current and other indicators.

Through this series of fine process flows, ceramic PCBs have excellent performance and reliability and have become an indispensable part of the electronics industry.

What are the development trends and prospects of ceramic PCBs?

With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the growing social needs, ceramic PCBs are also constantly developing and improving. In the future, ceramic PCBs will show greater potential in the following aspects:

  • 1. Miniaturization and integration: As electronic products develop towards smaller and higher integration, ceramic PCBs will continue to shrink in size while accommodating more electronic components. This means achieving more complex functions in a limited space and improving the performance of the overall system.
  • 2. High performance and high reliability: In the future, ceramic PCBs will pay more attention to high performance and high reliability, especially in applications under extreme environments. The application of new materials and new technologies will further enhance the temperature resistance, mechanical strength and electrical stability of ceramic PCBs, enabling them to play a role in a wider range of fields.
  • 3. Environmental protection and sustainable development: As the global awareness of environmental protection increases, the production process of ceramic PCBs will pay more attention to environmental protection and sustainable development. The research and development and application of new environmentally friendly materials will become an important direction to reduce the impact on the environment.
  • 4. Intelligence and automation: Ceramic PCBs in the future will be more intelligent and automated. By introducing advanced manufacturing technology and intelligent control systems, production efficiency and product quality can be further improved, costs can be reduced, and market demand can be better met.

In short, as an advanced electronic material, ceramic PCBs have unique advantages and broad application prospects, making them an important force in promoting scientific and technological progress. With the continuous advancement of technology and changes in social needs, ceramic PCBs will continue to show greater potential and development space in various fields.

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Ceramic base pcb-Fast Delivery&Customization
Monday, September 16th, 2024

In this field full of innovation and challenges, ceramic base pcb have quietly emerged and quickly attracted the attention of the industry with their excellent performance and broad application prospects.

What is a ceramic base pcb?

Ceramic base pcb are made of ceramic as the matrix material through complex and sophisticated processes. This type of circuit board has many unique properties, which makes it widely used in many fields.

Ceramic base pcb-Fast Delivery&Customization

Ceramic substrates are easier to break than glass fiber boards, and the process is more difficult than ordinary PCB boards, and the process technology requirements are high. In the production process, there are important process links such as drilling, copper coating, and etching.

The copper coating process plays a key role in the ceramic substrate PCB process. The commonly used copper coating processes are DBC process and DPC process. In the DPC process, the electroplating process is adopted, and the adhesion layer and seed layer are formed on the ceramic surface through the sputtering process to increase the adhesion strength of the metal circuit and play a conductive role.

The etching of ceramic-based circuit boards is divided into inner layer etching and outer layer etching. Different etching methods have different processes and characteristics. At the same time, some problems may occur in the etching process, such as incomplete film removal, board surface oxidation, incomplete copper etching, excessive copper etching, etc., and corresponding improvement methods need to be adopted.

In short, ceramic base pcb occupy an important position in the electronics field due to their unique properties and complex manufacturing processes.

What are the different types of ceramic PCB?

(I) Classification by material

  • Alumina ceramic substrates are the most commonly used substrate materials in the electronics industry. They have high strength and chemical stability, rich raw material sources, and are suitable for various technical manufacturing and different shapes.
  • Beryllium oxide ceramic substrates have a higher thermal conductivity than metal aluminum and are used in situations where high thermal conductivity is required, but the temperature drops rapidly after exceeding 300°C, and their toxicity limits their own development.
  • Aluminum nitride ceramic substrates have high thermal conductivity and expansion coefficients that match Si, and are ideal large-scale integrated circuit heat dissipation substrates and packaging materials.
  • Silicon nitride ceramic substrates have higher mechanical strength than other ceramics and can achieve long life in harsh working environments and HEV/EV and other renewable energy application conditions.

(II) Classification by process

  • Thick film ceramic PCBs use screen printing technology to coat metal slurry on the surface of ceramic substrates, which are dried and sintered at high temperature. Its advantage is that the process is relatively simple and the cost is low.
  • Low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) PCB first mixes inorganic alumina powder with about 30% – 50% glass material and organic binder to make a slurry, scrapes it into sheets to form a green embryo, then drills through holes according to the design of each layer, uses screen printing technology to fill holes and print circuits, and finally sintered at 850 – 900℃.
  • High-temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) PCB first adds ceramic powder to an organic binder to make a paste slurry, scrapes it into sheets to form a green embryo, then drills through holes, uses screen printing technology to fill holes and print circuits, and sintered at 1300 – 1600℃.

What are the characteristics of ceramic base pcb?

(I) Performance advantages

  • First, it has strong mechanical stress, can maintain a stable shape in various complex use environments, and is not easily deformed by external forces.
Ceramic base pcb-Fast Delivery&Customization
  • High thermal conductivity is one of its notable features. For example, the thermal conductivity of alumina ceramic substrates is between 28 and 35 W/(m・K), and the theoretical thermal conductivity of aluminum nitride ceramic substrates at room temperature is 319W/(m・K), which allows the heat generated by electronic components to be quickly dissipated, effectively avoiding circuit failures caused by local overheating.
  • High insulation ensures the safe and stable operation of the circuit and prevents leakage. Good thermal cycle performance is also one of its advantages, with a cycle number of up to 50,000 times and high reliability.
  • In an environment with extreme temperature changes, ceramic base pcb can still maintain stable performance, which is crucial for some electronic devices that need to work in harsh environments.

(II) Comparison with traditional PCBs

Compared with conventional PCBs, ceramic base pcb have obvious advantages.

  • In terms of thermal conductivity, traditional PCBs usually require heat dissipation holes, inner metal planes, heat dissipation platforms, and active cooling devices such as fans to remove heat from hot components. However, ceramic base pcb, with their high thermal conductivity, do not require these additional components and can easily transfer heat to active cooling components, thermal landings, or device packaging.
  • In terms of mechanical strength, ceramic base pcb have higher compressive strength and surface hardness, higher durability, and longer service life.
  • In terms of corrosion resistance, ceramic materials are extremely resistant to most chemicals and are suitable for applications in harsh environments.

However, ceramic base pcb also have some disadvantages.

  • The cost is higher than that of standard PCBs, which is due to the relatively complex materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Reduced availability, because the current production scale of ceramic base pcb is relatively small and the manufacturing difficulty is relatively high.
  • Fragility is one of the main disadvantages of ceramic base pcb, and currently only small-area circuit boards can be manufactured.

Manufacturing process of ceramic base pcb

(I) Drilling process

Ceramic substrates are generally drilled by laser. Laser drilling technology has many advantages over traditional drilling technology, such as high precision, high surface flatness, roughness of 0.1μm~0.3μm, laser drilling aperture of 0.15mm-0.5mm, and even below 0.06mm.

(II) Copper coating process

Commonly used copper coating processes include DBC process and DPC process.

In the DPC process, electroplating process is adopted. Copper coating refers to covering the area without wiring on the circuit board with copper foil, which is connected to the ground wire to increase the ground wire area, reduce the loop area, reduce the voltage drop, and improve the power supply efficiency and anti-interference ability.

In addition to reducing the ground wire impedance, copper coating also has the functions of reducing the loop cross-sectional area and enhancing the signal mirror loop.

Therefore, the copper coating process plays a very critical role in the ceramic substrate PCB process. Incomplete, truncated mirror loop or incorrectly positioned copper layer often leads to new interference, which has a negative impact on the use of the circuit board.

(III) Etching process

The etching of ceramic substrates is divided into inner layer etching and outer layer etching. The inner layer etching adopts acid etching, and wet film or dry film is used as resist; the outer layer etching adopts alkaline etching, and tin-lead is used as resist.

1. The alkaline etching process is as follows:

  • Defilming: Use film stripping liquid to remove the film on the circuit board surface to expose the unprocessed copper surface.
  • Etching: Use etching liquid to etch away the unnecessary bottom copper, leaving a thickened circuit.
  • New washing liquid: Use monohydrated ammonia without copper ions, and use ammonium chloride solution to remove the residual liquid on the board surface.
  • Hole filling: Mainly remove excess palladium ions in non-plated through holes to prevent gold ions from being deposited in the gold immersion process.
  • Tin stripping: Use nitric acid solution to strip the tin-lead layer.

2. Acid copper chloride etching process:

  • Development: Use sodium carbonate to dissolve the part of the dry film that has not been irradiated by ultraviolet light, and retain the part that has been irradiated.
  • Etching: According to a certain proportion of solution, the copper surface exposed to the outside after the dry film or wet film is dissolved is dissolved with acidic copper chloride etching solution.
  • Film stripping: According to a certain proportion of solution, the protective film on the circuit is dissolved under a specific temperature and speed environment.

Common problems and improvement methods of etching process:

  • 1. Incomplete film stripping: It may be that the film stripping solution concentration is not enough or the operation time is insufficient. It is necessary to adjust the film stripping solution concentration or extend the operation time.
  • 2. Board surface oxidation: It may be that the exposure time is too long or the ambient humidity is high during the etching process. The exposure time should be shortened as much as possible and the ambient humidity should be controlled.
  • 3. Incomplete copper etching: It may be that the etching solution concentration is low or the etching time is short. The etching solution concentration needs to be increased or the etching time needs to be extended.
  • 4. Excessive copper etching: It may be that the etching time is too long or the etching solution concentration is too high. The etching time should be reduced or the etching solution concentration should be reduced.

What is a ceramic PCB used for?

(I) High-frequency applications

Ceramic base pcb perform well in high-frequency applications. Due to its high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss tangent value, it can maintain good stability and reliability in high-frequency signal transmission.

In high-frequency electronic equipment such as mobile phones, microwave ovens, radars, communication equipment and other fields, ceramic base pcb can effectively reduce noise interference and improve signal transmission quality. In addition, ceramic base pcb can withstand higher output power to meet the power requirements of high-frequency equipment.

Ceramic base pcb-Fast Delivery&Customization

(II) Aerospace

ceramic base pcb have important application value in the aerospace field. Its thermal expansion coefficient is very close to silicon and much lower than most common metals, which enables it to work well with other electronic components in an environment with extreme temperature changes and will not damage the chip due to thermal expansion and contraction.

In key parts of aircraft electronic equipment, navigation systems, rocket engines, etc., ceramic base pcb can withstand harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure, radiation, and corrosion to ensure the reliability of the equipment.

(III) Other fields

ceramic base pcb are also widely used in power devices, communication substrates, mobile phone application module substrates, automotive electronic substrates and other fields.

In the field of power devices, such as the power electronic system of electric vehicles, DPC ceramic circuit boards, as ideal electronic substrates, play an important role in battery management systems, motor drive systems and fast charging systems.

In terms of communication substrates, ceramic substrates, that is, high-frequency filters used in high-frequency ceramic substrates, are used in 5G network equipment. They have low high-frequency loss and low dielectric constant. The dielectric loss of signals propagating in them can reach the lowest among all current PCBs, which is particularly suitable for high-frequency communications such as 5G.

In the mobile phone application module substrate, ceramic base pcb can meet the requirements of mobile phones for miniaturization and high performance. In the field of automotive electronic substrates, new energy vehicles have high requirements for heat dissipation. Ceramic substrates have good heat dissipation effects and can dissipate high heat in the power system in time to ensure the normal operation of large power loads.

Development prospects of ceramic base pcb

(I) Market size growth

In recent years, the market size of ceramic base pcb has shown a trend of continuous growth.

First, with the development of miniaturization, high performance and multi-functionality of electronic equipment, the requirements for heat dissipation performance, insulation performance and high-frequency characteristics of circuit boards are getting higher and higher.

Secondly, technological progress has driven the cost reduction and production efficiency improvement of ceramic base pcb, which will further promote the expansion of its market size.

Finally, the continuous emergence of emerging application fields has also brought a broad market space for ceramic base pcb.

(II) Industry challenges and opportunities

Technical barriers: The ceramic base pcb industry is a technology-intensive industry. Its research and development and production require knowledge of multiple disciplines such as electronics, computers, materials, and chemicals, and there are many product types, long processes, and complex process technologies.

Fundamental barriers: The ceramic base pcb industry has complex process technologies, many links, and high customization requirements. In the early stage, a large amount of capital investment is required for the purchase of equipment, new plant buildings and supporting facilities, procurement of raw materials, and the employment of R&D and production personnel.

Talent barriers: The ceramic circuit board industry is highly professional. Technical and R&D personnel not only need to have professional knowledge in multiple fields, but also need to have a deep understanding and familiarity with product applications, process flows, equipment improvements, etc.

In summary, although the ceramic base pcb industry faces many challenges, it has also ushered in rare development opportunities. Driven by policy support, market demand growth, and technological innovation, the ceramic base pcb industry is expected to achieve sustained and rapid development.

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What is the body to body clearance for smt parts?
Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) has revolutionized electronics manufacturing, allowing for compact, efficient, and high-speed production of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

But designing an effective PCB requires an understanding of critical clearance rules, especially when dealing with SMT components. Proper body-to-body clearance can influence reliability, manufacturability, and long-term performance.

What Is the Clearance Rule for PCB?

PCB design follows strict clearance rules to ensure that components work as expected. Clearance refers to the minimum space required between elements on the board to prevent interference, short circuits, or damage during soldering and operation.

What is the body to body clearance for smt parts?

The general clearance rules for PCBs depend on factors such as voltage, current, and operational environment. For standard PCBs, a common clearance rule is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm between components, though this can vary based on specific needs. It’s essential to consult design guidelines from the PCB manufacturer, as they may provide specific instructions based on their capabilities.

How Close Can Components Be on a PCB?

Component spacing is one of the most crucial elements in PCB design. The minimum distance between SMT parts, or body-to-body clearance, is influenced by several factors, including component size, heat dissipation, and soldering methods.

For standard designs, a minimum body-to-body clearance of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm is typical for most SMT components. This spacing ensures proper airflow, heat dissipation, and avoids accidental shorts during soldering. Smaller devices may require tighter clearances, but you should always account for potential manufacturing limitations and performance requirements.

Maintaining adequate clearance also helps with inspection and rework. If components are too close together, it becomes challenging to check for soldering defects or make repairs, increasing costs and time for revisions.

What Is the Spacing Between SMD Pads?

Surface Mount Devices (SMD) pads are small metal areas on the PCB where components are soldered. The pad spacing plays a critical role in ensuring good electrical contact while avoiding issues like bridging, where solder connects unintended pads, causing shorts.

What is the body to body clearance for smt parts?

The spacing between SMD pads is often defined by the component’s package type.

For example:

– For a 0603 package, the typical pad spacing might be around 0.8 mm.

– For a larger 1206 package, it could be around 1.5 mm or more.

In addition to pad spacing, the size of the pad must be carefully chosen to ensure that it supports the component correctly without causing issues during soldering. If the pads are too close, there is a higher chance of bridging, especially when using automated processes like reflow soldering. On the other hand, too much spacing could lead to poor contact, reducing the reliability of the connection.

What Is the Difference Between SMT and SMD Components?

SMT (Surface Mount Technology) refers to the process of mounting components directly onto the surface of a PCB. SMD (Surface Mount Device) is the term for the components themselves.

In essence:

SMT: The technology and process of assembling components on a PCB.

SMD: The individual components that are placed using SMT techniques.

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but it’s helpful to remember that SMT refers to the process, while SMD refers to the devices used in that process.

SMT has advantages over older methods like through-hole mounting, including reduced size and weight, faster production, and the ability to place components on both sides of the PCB. SMD components are designed specifically to benefit from these advantages, often smaller and lighter than their through-hole counterparts.

How Close Can PCB Traces Be?

PCB traces are the conductive pathways that connect components on the board. Proper spacing between these traces is critical to avoid electrical interference, arcing, or short circuits.

What is the body to body clearance for smt parts?

The minimum trace clearance depends on the operating voltage and current. For low-voltage circuits, traces can be closer together, but higher-voltage designs require more significant separation to avoid electrical breakdown.

For example:

– For a PCB operating at less than 100V, a typical trace clearance might be around 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

– For high-voltage designs (e.g., 600V), trace spacing might need to increase to 3 mm or more.

It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and industry standards like IPC-2221 when determining trace clearance. Additionally, wider spacing can improve performance, particularly in high-frequency circuits where issues like crosstalk become more prominent.

What Is the Edge Clearance of a PCB?

Edge clearance refers to the distance between components or traces and the outer edges of the PCB. Ensuring adequate clearance near the edges prevents damage during manufacturing and assembly. It also allows room for board routing, where mechanical tooling may cut the board from a larger panel.

The general rule for edge clearance is to keep components at least 1 mm to 2 mm away from the PCB’s edge. This gives enough room for mechanical handling, ensures that traces aren’t damaged during cutting, and reduces the risk of short circuits due to edge contact.

In designs that incorporate connectors or other mechanical features near the board’s edge, additional clearance may be necessary to accommodate mounting holes or alignment features.

Additional Considerations for SMT Clearance and Spacing

In addition to the factors already covered, there are several other considerations when designing SMT PCBs:

  • 1. Thermal Considerations: Proper body-to-body clearance helps ensure that heat can dissipate effectively. Crowding components too closely together can lead to hot spots, reducing the life of the board and its components.
  • 2. Automated Assembly: If you’re using automated pick-and-place machines for assembly, sufficient clearance is needed for accurate placement. Overly tight layouts can lead to assembly errors or slower production times.
  • 3. Manufacturability: PCB fabricators have limitations on how closely they can place components, traces, and vias. These limitations vary from one manufacturer to another, so it’s essential to consult with them early in the design process to avoid issues during production.
  • 4. Inspection and Rework: Allowing enough space between components simplifies inspection and rework. If something goes wrong during assembly, having accessible components makes repairs quicker and more cost-effective.

Practical Tips for Ensuring Proper Clearance Between PCBs

  • Use Design Guidelines: Always reference your PCB manufacturer’s design rules. These will give you specific guidance on spacing, trace widths, and clearances based on their capabilities.
  • Optimize Component Placement: Group similar components together when possible. For instance, resistors and capacitors can often be placed closer together than components that require heat dissipation.
  • Account for Heat Dissipation: Keep heat-generating components like power ICs and transformers farther apart from sensitive components like sensors. This minimizes heat transfer and reduces the chance of thermal stress.
  • Perform Electrical Testing: Simulate your design using PCB software to check for potential clearance violations, especially around high-voltage areas and traces that could experience crosstalk.
  • Test with Prototypes: Before full production, build a prototype to test clearance in real-world conditions. This will allow you to identify any spacing issues and resolve them before scaling production.

Conclusion:

Achieving proper body-to-body clearance for SMT parts is critical for the performance and longevity of your PCB. By following the established guidelines for component spacing, pad placement, trace clearance, and edge spacing, you can ensure that your design meets both functional and manufacturability requirements. This not only improves the reliability of your board but also reduces the likelihood of costly errors during assembly and operation.

Invest time in careful planning during the design phase to avoid unnecessary revisions later on. Working closely with your PCB manufacturer and utilizing design simulation tools can go a long way in ensuring your final product performs as expected.

In the end, understanding and applying the right clearance rules will result in a robust, reliable, and efficient PCB design that meets the demands of modern electronics.

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What are the common compenents on a pcba?
Wednesday, September 11th, 2024

In the field of electronic technology, PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) plays a vital role as a core component of electronic products. The various components on the PCBA are like precise components, which together build an efficient and stable electronic system. Among them, common components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, etc., each of which plays a unique function.

What is PCBA components?

PCBA is the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which is the abbreviation of Printed Circuit Board Assembly. ‌It refers to the process of installing and connecting components on printed circuit boards, including soldering electronic components to circuit boards through surface mounting technology (SMT) or through-hole mounting technology (DIP) to form electronic assemblies with specific functions.

What are the common compenents on a pcba?

Each PCBA is essentially a finished circuit board with all the necessary electronic components installed on it. These components work together to ensure that the device operates as expected. The exact combination of components depends on the requirements of the device. However, there are some common components on most PCBA assemblies.

PCBA is a key component in electronic devices and is widely used in various electronic devices and systems, such as home appliances, 3C digital products, network communication equipment, automotive electronics, military research and other fields.

In general, PCBA is a core component in electronic devices. It realizes the electrical connection and mechanical support of various components in electronic devices by mounting electronic components on printed circuit boards, so that electronic devices can work properly.

What are PCBA made of?

PCBA consists of printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic components and solder. ‌

  • ‌Printed circuit board (PCB): It is the core part of PCBA, made of insulating materials and has conductive traces and pads for connecting electronic components.
  • Electronic components: It includes resistors, capacitors, transistors, integrated circuits and other components to provide circuit functions.
  • ‌Solder: The role of solder is to firmly fix electronic components on PCBs to ensure the correct connection of circuits and the reliability of components.

The production process of PCBA involves steps such as PCB design, manufacturing, component placement, soldering and testing to ensure that electronic devices can work properly.

What is common on a circuit board?

1. Capacitor

Capacitors are the most common components on circuit boards after resistors. Their main function is to store charge. Capacitors consist of two metal plates separated by a dielectric. The two plates store opposite charges. The dielectric is used to separate them.

What are the common compenents on a pcba?

2. Resistors

Resistors are an indispensable component on circuit boards. They are mainly used to limit the flow of current and protect circuits. They actively dissipate or disperse electricity by converting electrical energy into internal energy, thereby reducing the current flowing through the circuit.

What are the common compenents on a pcba?

3. Potentiometers

Potentiometers are essentially more complex versions of simple resistors. The resistance value of a simple resistor is set, while the resistance value of a potentiometer can be changed as needed. It has three leads and consists of a resistor body and a movable brush. When the brush moves along the resistor body, the output end will obtain a resistance value or voltage that is related to the displacement.

4. Inductors

Inductors are one of the three members of passive linear components on circuit boards. The other two are capacitors and resistors. Inductors are also used to store energy, but they do so by creating a magnetic field, whereas capacitors store energy. Static electricity is used to generate energy.

An inductor is a component that converts electrical energy into magnetic energy and stores it. Its structure is similar to that of a transformer, but it has only one winding. Inductors primarily block changes in current, and when no current is flowing, a circuit is closed to block the flow of current; when current is flowing, a circuit is opened to try to maintain the current.

5. Diode

The diode is one of the most important components on a circuit board, and its main function is to limit the flow of current. Since current can flow from the positive terminal to the negative terminal and vice versa, but not both at the same time, the diode can achieve this by providing infinite resistance in one direction and zero resistance in the other direction.

What are the common compenents on a pcba?

6. Transformer

The transformer is a key component in a circuit board to ensure that electrical energy is transferred efficiently. Its main function is to convert voltage, either stepping it up or stepping it down. A transformer consists of a soft iron core with at least two windings on it, the primary and secondary coils.

7. Transistor

Transistors are core components in modern electronics and are widely used in various electronic devices such as amplifiers, switches, and computers. There are two main types of transistors: bipolar and field effect transistors (FET). Bipolar transistors have three pins: collector, base, and emitter.

8. Integrated Circuits

Integrated circuits are an important part of circuit boards. They are made by shrinking certain circuits and electronic components and then embedding them in semiconductor films.

They make it possible to package a large number of electronic components into a single chip, realizing the functions of multiple electronic components on a small chip. Integrated circuits are widely used in electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, and televisions, and are the brains of the entire PCB.

9. Switching elements

Switching elements play the role of controlling the on and off of current in circuit boards. Diodes are a commonly used switching element. When a forward voltage is applied, its resistance is very small, showing an on state, like a switched on switch; under the action of a reverse voltage, its resistance becomes very large, showing an off state, like a switched off switch.

10. Relays

Relays are important components on circuit boards and are divided into two types: normally open and normally closed. Electromagnetic relays work by using the suction force generated by the current in the input circuit between the electromagnet core and the armature.

11. Sensors

Sensors are circuit board components that can detect changes in the environment and provide signals reflecting the changes after identification. Sensors convert physical energy into electrical energy and are often called sensors because they send electrical signals to various components on the circuit board (because they can convert energy into another energy).

How to identify components on a circuit board?

The components on the circuit board can be mainly divided into two categories: passive components and active components. Passive components include resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc., which are mainly used to change the basic parameters of the circuit such as current, voltage and frequency.

Components on the circuit board usually have corresponding identification, which provides important information about the components, such as model, specification, manufacturer, etc. For passive components such as resistors, capacitors and inductors, their identification is usually printed directly on the component body, and their parameter values ​​are indicated by color rings or numbers.

What is the difference between PCB and PCBA?

1. About PCB

PCB is the abbreviation of printed circuit board. It is an important electronic component in the electronics industry, a support for electronic components, and a carrier for electrical connection of electronic components. PCB is widely used in the production and manufacturing of electronic products, and its characteristics are as follows:

  • High wiring density, small size, light weight, conducive to miniaturization of electronic equipment.
  • Reduces wiring and assembly errors, saving equipment maintenance, debugging and inspection time.
  • Facilitates mechanized and automated production, improves productivity and reduces the cost of electronic equipment.
  • The design can be standardized, which is conducive to interchangeability.

2. About PCBA

  • PCBA is the entire process of SMT mounting on PCB blank board and then DIP plug-in.
  • SMT mounting mainly uses mounting machines to mount some micro-small parts on PCB board.
  • DIP means “plug-in”, which means inserting parts on PCB board. This is a plug-in form of integrated parts when some parts are large in size and not suitable for mounting technology.
  • Both SMT and DIP are ways to integrate parts on PCB boards. The main difference is that SMT does not require drilling holes on the PCB, while DIP requires the pins of the parts to be inserted into the already drilled holes.

What does SMT mean in PCBA?

SMT in PCBA is the abbreviation of Surface Mount Technology. ‌

SMT is an electronic processing technology used to mount electronic components on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCBA substrate) to produce electronic products.

SMT technology is the most popular technology and process in the electronic assembly industry, which can achieve high-density, high-reliability, miniaturization, low-cost electronic product assembly and automate production.

As the development trend of electronic products is towards miniaturization and precision, traditional perforated plug-in components can no longer meet the demand. Therefore, SMT technology is widely used in the electronic processing industry and has become one of the most important assembly processes‌.

Conclusion:

In short, the common components on PCBA, with their respective characteristics and functions, jointly build a complex and efficient electronic system. Their synergistic effect ensures the stable operation and excellent performance of electronic products, and plays an irreplaceable and important role in modern technological life.

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How does solder paste inspection work?
Tuesday, September 10th, 2024

In the field of electronic manufacturing, precision is the key. One of the key processes is to ensure that the solder paste applied to the circuit board is in the correct position and in the correct amount. This process is called solder paste inspection (SPI) and plays a key role in the reliability of electronic products.

In the SMT patch process, solder paste inspection is the first and most important step, which determines the subsequent soldering quality and other issues, so the solder paste inspection step is crucial.

How to check solder paste?

1. Visual observation:

Under natural light or good lighting conditions, directly observe the appearance characteristics of the solder paste such as color and state with the naked eye. Normal solder paste has uniform color and no obvious particle agglomeration, precipitation, stratification and other phenomena.

How does solder paste inspection work?

2. Viscosity detection:

Viscosity is an important physical performance indicator of solder paste, which has a great influence on printing performance and welding quality. Professional equipment such as rotary viscometer can be used for detection.

In general, the viscosity of solder paste should be within a certain range and meet the product specification requirements. If the viscosity is too high, it may cause printing difficulties and poor demolding; if the viscosity is too low, the solder paste may flow during printing, affecting printing accuracy.

3. Metal content detection:

Metal content directly affects the welding performance of solder paste and the strength of solder joints. Chemical analysis or spectral analysis is usually used for detection.

4. Particle size detection:

The particle size and distribution of metal particles in solder paste will also affect its performance. Laser particle size analyzer and other equipment can be used for detection.

This method determines the particle size distribution of particles by measuring the scattering or diffraction of metal particles on laser. Generally, the particle size distribution of metal particles is required to be concentrated within a certain range, and the proportion of particles that are too large or too small should not be too high.

What is the most common solder paste?

The most common solder paste is rosin solder paste.

‌Rosin solder paste is widely used because of its excellent flux and protective effect, as well as the protective film formed after welding, which has a protective effect on solder joints. Even if cleaning is not required, there will be no corrosion.

In addition, rosin is easy to mix with other ingredients, which can play a role in adjusting viscosity, so that the metal powder in the solder paste is not easy to precipitate and stratify. These characteristics make rosin solder paste the most common type of solder paste.

What are the advantages of solder paste inspection?

Solder paste inspection has many advantages, as follows:

1. Ensure product quality:

  • Discover problems in advance: By inspecting solder paste before welding, you can find quality problems of the solder paste itself in time, such as uneven composition, inappropriate metal particle size, insufficient flux activity, etc., to ensure the welding quality of electronic products from the source.
  • Optimize welding process: By testing the viscosity, thixotropy and other performance indicators of solder paste, you can determine whether the solder paste is suitable for the current printing process and welding equipment.

2. Improve production efficiency:

  • Reduce rework of defective products: Testing solder paste can quickly screen out solder paste that does not meet quality requirements and avoid using these solder pastes in production, thereby reducing defective products caused by solder paste quality problems.
  • Easy to control the production process: In large-scale production, you can regularly test the solder paste, monitor the quality changes of the solder paste in real time, and detect abnormal conditions in the production process in time.

3. Reduce production costs:

  • Avoid material waste: By testing the solder paste, you can avoid using problematic solder paste, reduce material waste and unnecessary production costs.
  • Extend equipment life: Good quality solder paste can reduce wear and corrosion on printing equipment and welding equipment, and reduce equipment maintenance costs and replacement frequency.

4. Meet industry standards and customer requirements:

  • Meet industry specifications: The electronics industry has strict standards and specifications for welding quality, such as IPC standards. Conducting solder paste inspection can ensure that the quality of solder paste meets the requirements of these standards and specifications and improve the competitiveness of enterprises.
  • Meet customer needs: In the production process of electronic products, customers usually have clear requirements for welding quality. Through solder paste inspection, improve customer trust and satisfaction with the company and enhance the market competitiveness of the company.

What are the defects of solder paste inspection?

Although solder paste inspection is a key step, it is not without challenges. Some common defects found during SPI include:

  • Insufficient solder paste: If too little solder paste is used, it will result in fragile joints or poor electrical connections.
  • Too much solder paste: Too much solder paste can cause bridging between components, causing short circuits.
How does solder paste inspection work?
  • Misalignment: If the solder paste is not applied accurately, it may not align with the pads on the PCB, causing problems when placing components.
  • Collapse: In some cases, solder paste may spread too much after application, resulting in poor joint formation.
  • Solder balls: Small, unwanted solder balls may form around the pad, which may cause electrical shorts.

Do you need flux when using solder paste?

Additional flux is usually not required when using solder paste.

Solder paste itself contains flux ingredients. Solder paste is a paste-like substance made by evenly mixing solder alloy powder and flux. The role of flux in solder paste mainly includes removing oxides on the soldering surface, reducing the surface tension of solder, and promoting solder wetting and diffusion.

During the soldering process, the flux in the solder paste will work at the appropriate temperature to help achieve good soldering results. However, in some special cases, such as soldering some special materials or when there are extremely high requirements for soldering quality, additional flux may be considered, but this is a relatively special application scenario.

What is a solder paste inspection machine?

Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) is a device used to detect solder paste printed on a printed circuit board (PCB).

How does solder paste inspection work?

The main functions include:

1. Solder paste height measurement

  • Use laser scanning, optical imaging and other technologies to accurately measure the height of solder paste on the PCB pad.

2. Solder paste area measurement

  • Determine the coverage area of ​​solder paste on the pad. If the solder paste area is too small, a good solder connection may not be guaranteed; if the area is too large, it may overflow the pad, affecting the subsequent assembly process.

3. Volume measurement

  • Calculate the volume of solder paste based on height and area data. Accurate volume measurement helps ensure consistent solder paste volume for each solder joint, thereby improving the stability of soldering quality.

4. Defect detection

  • Misprint detection: Detect whether there is solder paste misprint on the PCB pad.
  • Offset detection: Detect whether the solder paste printing position is offset from the designed pad position.
  • Shape anomaly detection: Identify whether the shape of the solder paste is abnormal, such as irregular shape, unclear edges, etc. Shape anomalies may be due to problems in the printing process, which will affect the welding quality.

Solder paste inspection machines can detect solder paste quality problems in the printed circuit board production process in a timely manner, improve production efficiency and product quality, and reduce rework and scrap caused by poor soldering.

What is the best temperature for solder paste?

The optimal temperature range for solder paste is 150℃~180℃‌, and the time to maintain this temperature range should be 60~120 seconds to ensure that the solder paste can fully infiltrate the pads and component pins.

This temperature and time range is critical to controlling the quality of reflow soldering, as it involves the effective volatilization of flux and the full infiltration of pads, thereby ensuring the reliability and quality of soldering‌.

Conclusion:

Solder paste inspection is a key step in modern electronic manufacturing to ensure that solder paste is correctly and evenly applied to PCBs. By using advanced SPI machines, defects can be detected early, process control can be improved, and costs can be reduced. Whether using leaded or lead-free solder paste, ensuring the correct amount, alignment, and temperature is critical to forming strong and reliable solder joints.

BEST Technology has a professional solder paste inspection machine. Each PCB board must undergo rigorous testing. Choosing BEST Technology, you will get the highest quality PCB board.

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Will the silver on the PCB oxidize?
Tuesday, September 10th, 2024

Silver is widely used in printed circuit boards (PCBs) for its excellent conductivity and thermal properties. A common concern of manufacturers is whether silver will oxidize over time, which may affect the performance of the PCB. And how should it be treated after oxidation? How should it be stored during use, etc.

How to remove oxidation from PCB?

The methods for removing oxides from PCBs mainly include physical cleaning, chemical cleaning, and mechanical polishing.

Will the silver on the PCB oxidize?

1. ‌Physical cleaning‌:

Use alcohol or diluent to gently wipe the oxidized part until the oxide is removed. This method is suitable for removing the surface oxide layer, but it is not suitable for situations where the metal surface circuit has been damaged.

2. ‌Chemical cleaning‌:

Use specific cleaning agents such as deionized water, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, etc. to effectively remove residues and contamination.

In addition, cleaning and corrosion using acidic solutions or oxidants is also an effective chemical method, but it must be used with caution to avoid damage to the PCB board and other components.

3. ‌Mechanical polishing‌:

Use fine sandpaper or abrasive cloth to carefully polish the oxidized area to restore the conductivity of the metal. This method is suitable for removing thicker oxide layers, but you need to control the strength to avoid damaging the pad surface.

Before any cleaning and repair, be sure to disconnect the PCB power supply to ensure safety. For cases where oxidation has damaged the metal surface circuit, conductive paint needs to be used for repair, but be aware that excessive use of conductive paint may damage the circuit board. In addition, for unused PCBs, they should be stored in sealed bags or protective agents and checked regularly to ensure that they are not oxidized again.

Is silver oxidation permanent?

Silver oxidation is not permanent. ‌

Will the silver on the PCB oxidize?

Silver oxidation is caused by the reaction of silver with chemicals such as oxygen and sulfur in the air, resulting in a black silver sulfide film on the silver surface. This oxidation reaction is one of the main reasons for the blackening of PCBs.

However, silver oxidation is not permanent, because the oxide layer can be removed by cleaning and maintenance to restore the gloss of the PCB surface. For example, regular use of professional PCB cleaners or soaking the PCB in diluted detergent water, then gently scrubbing it with a soft brush, and finally rinsing it with clean water and drying it can effectively remove the oxide layer.

In addition, avoiding contact with chemicals, keeping dry, regularly checking and properly storing PCBs are also effective ways to prevent oxidation.

Therefore, although silver oxidation is inevitable, the rate of oxidation can be slowed down through proper care and maintenance.

What is the best way to Deoxidize silver?

The best way to remove silver oxide from PCBs is to use chemical stripping, which involves using a specific chemical solution to treat the silver plating so that it dissolves in the solution to achieve the purpose of removing the oxide.

The effectiveness of this method depends on the selection of appropriate chemical formulas and operating conditions to ensure that the silver layer can be completely stripped while avoiding corrosion to the base metal.

In chemical stripping, different formulas can be used to achieve the removal of the silver layer. For example, one formula includes a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid, which is used at a temperature of 80°C until the silver layer is completely stripped.

Another formula includes a mixture of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, silver chloride and potassium cyanide, which is also used at a temperature of 80°C. These formulas need to be selected according to actual conditions, and attention should be paid to safety measures during operation to prevent corrosion of the base metal.

In addition, for the oxidation problem of PCB gold fingers, although it is not exactly the same as the method of removing silver oxide, some cleaning methods are provided, such as using erasers, alcohol cleaning, decontamination paste cleaning, scrubbing board grinding and electroplating treatment, which are also suitable for treating silver oxide, especially when the oxide is relatively mild.

In summary, the best way to remove PCB silver oxide is chemical stripping, which is achieved by selecting appropriate chemical solutions and operating conditions. For more serious oxidation situations, it may be necessary to combine physical and chemical methods for cleaning.

How do you save silver from oxidation?

The methods to prevent PCB silver from oxidation mainly include the following points:

  • Reasonable storage and packaging ‌: During storage and transportation, PCBs should be stored in a dry, ventilated, dust-free environment to avoid moisture and corrosion. Use appropriate packaging materials, such as moisture-proof bags, foam boxes, etc., to ensure the integrity and quality of the PCB.
Will the silver on the PCB oxidize?
  • ‌Surface treatment ‌: During the PCB surface treatment process, surface treatment methods such as gold plating and tin plating can be used to prevent oxidation.
  • Use anti-oxidation coating ‌: Anti-oxidation coating is an efficient and reliable method to prevent PCB oxidation. It can form a strong, corrosion-resistant protective layer on the surface of the PCB, effectively preventing the PCB from being damaged by oxidation.
  • Reduce contact with air and moisture‌: Make sure the gold fingers are stored in a dry environment and avoid long-term exposure or immersion in water.
  • ‌Use a protective coating‌: Applying a protective coating on the gold fingers can help prevent oxidation. This can be done using a variety of materials, such as nickel, palladium, or a thin layer of metal‌.
  • Regular cleaning and inspection‌: Regular cleaning of the gold fingers can also help prevent oxidation. This is done using a soft brush and a cleaning solution specifically designed for PCBs‌. Check the status of the gold fingers regularly, and clean and maintain them immediately if any signs of oxidation are found‌.

What is the shelf life of immersion silver PCB?

The shelf life of immersion silver PCB is at least 12 months. ‌This shelf life is determined under proper storage conditions, that is, in a sealed package, with a temperature controlled at 22 degrees plus or minus 4 degrees, and a relative humidity of less than 70%.

Once the circuit board is taken out for use, it must be soldered within 24 hours to ensure that its quality and performance are not affected‌.

The thickness of immersion silver surface treatment is usually between 0.4 and 1 micron, and this treatment is widely used by chip manufacturers for baseline bonding, EMI shielding and metal dome contacts.

Its purpose is to provide a reliable surface treatment, ensuring that the PCB surface will not oxidize and maintain its electrical performance stability for a shelf life of 12 months according to the IPC J-STD-003 standard.

In addition, the shelf life of the circuit board is also affected by its surface treatment process. For example, the vacuum packaging storage period of immersion gold, electro-gold, and tin-spraying boards is 3 months, while the storage period after unpacking for OSP, immersion tin, and immersion silver boards is 48 hours, 72 hours, and 48 hours respectively.

This shows that immersion silver PCBs can maintain a long shelf life if they are not unpacked, but the soldering process needs to be completed as soon as possible before use to ensure their performance.

Conclusion:

Silver oxidation is a natural process, but it does not affect the performance of the PCB. The key to controlling silver oxidation is regular maintenance, proper storage, and quick action when rust occurs. It should be stored properly and coated with a protective coating when necessary.

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