How to Tell Tombstone Defects in PCBs ‘Rest in Peace’
Working with small circuit board areas can increase the risk of various PCB defects, tombstoning in particular.
INFOGRAPHIC: Conformal Coatings vs. Potting/Encapsulation
The electronics sector is one of the most dynamic industries, with virtually unlimited applications. This is why its growth is expected to remain steady in the coming years.
All You Need to Know About Rigid-Flex PCB Design Guidelines
Rigid-flex PCBs (printed circuit boards) combine the best traits of both rigid PCBs and flexible PCBs, making it easier for manufacturers to install PCBs in small spaces. The added flexibility enables manufacturers to maneuver boards precisely and with ease during installation.
Common Causes of PCB Failure
Printed circuit boards, or PCBs, are essentially the lifeblood of the devices we use every day. Cellphones, TVs, cars, street lights and so many other devices rely on PCBs, which is why it can be extremely disruptive when one fails.
Getting a PCB Quote Comparison? Ask These ?s First
As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), your success greatly depends on your products' functionality and durability. In this regard, the printed circuit boards (PCBs) you use are arguably the most important aspect. Serving as the heart of electronic components, PCBs have a wide range of applications, such as connecting various components via a series of related circuits.
Nadcap vs. AS9100 Standard for Electronics: What's the Difference?
If there's one thing that takes center stage in the aerospace industry, it's safety. This, of course, comes hand in hand with high-quality components.
Creating Custom Printed Circuit Boards: Is Your Volume Worth It?
So, you’ve made the choice to design a custom PCB for your design. Instead of buying off the shelf electronics.. but what’s next?
Common PCB Defects: What Causes a Circuit Board to Burn?
While there are many common printed circuit board defects, one of the most notorious is burnt components. It's also, unfortunately, one of the most damaging defects, as it can be difficult to repair and challenging to diagnose where the issue stemmed from.
PCB Assembly Services: Through-Hole Vs. Surface Mount
As electronics have become increasingly embedded in our day-to-day, the manufacturing process for printed circuit boards (PCBs) has adapted. Electronics have become smaller and smaller, and the PCBs that go in those products have had to shrink to keep up. The demand for tiny PCBs has led to a drastic increase in the use of surface mount technology (SMT) -- which has taken over the traditional through-hole manufacturing process that dominated electronics into the 1980s.
What Are MIL-STD Electronics?
When outsourcing electronics manufacturing, there’s more to consider than just price. Often, the best electronic contract manufacturers (ECMs) are the ones that have the necessary industry-specific certifications.
Lead vs. Lead-Free Solder in PCB Manufacturing
OEM circuit board applications cover a wide range of consumer and commercial products, from automobiles to microwaves to IoT devices that automate the functioning of smart facilities.
What to Do About PCB Failure
When printed circuit boards fail, you can face costly and potentially disastrous consequences. So how do you pick up the pieces afterward?
Understanding the common causes of PCB failure and the tools available to prevent future failures can minimize the stress and cost of dealing with dead PCBs.
What Nadcap Accreditation Means for Electronic Contract Manufacturing
When searching for a reliable electronics contract manufacturing (ECM), one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “What certifications do they have?”
While many ECMs are RoHS, MSHA, or IPC 6011 compliant, not all have Nadcap accreditation.
Aerospace Electronics PCB Assembly & Design Guide
You’ve heard about the many great feats and discoveries in the aerospace industry. You’ve also heard about the tragedies that have happened when a design has gone wrong.
How Much Does a PCB Prototype Cost?
Prototyping isn’t reserved for high-tech vehicles or revolutionary consumer gadgets. It’s also a great practice for manufacturing printed circuit boards.
Types of Conformal Coating for PCB Protection
With the rise of IoT and technology in general, electronics are featured in myriad environments. This means that sensitive electronic connections are potentially exposed to hazards like extreme temperatures, moisture, and dust that can harm components and disrupt the integrity of the assembly itself.
REACH vs. RoHS Compliance for Electronics Manufacturing
Confused about REACH vs. RoHS compliance? You’re not alone. These two sets of electronics manufacturing guidelines were born from the European Union’s concern for human health and the environment.
Outsourcing Electronics Manufacturing: Onshore or Offshore?
It’s time for your organization to begin production of a new electronic device. For one reason or another, you’re in no position to take care of the work in-house. This means that you need to find a good partner to outsource the effort.
What Is the Cost of a Flying Probe Test?
For many companies, the focus on printed circuit board (PCB) production is on-time-delivery and quality. However, just as important to a product’s success and longevity is PCB testing.
The two most acknowledged forms of effective testing are in-circuit testing (ICT) and flying probe testing. Both are effective at finding lapses in production quality, but the flying probe test is proving to be an especially cost-effective method to improve board standards.
INFOGRAPHIC: Cable Jacket Material Comparison
Cable jackets serve as the first line of defense for wires and cables – which makes choosing the right jacketing material essential. So, you might be asking, what’s the best material for cable jackets?
Electronics Aftermarket Services: The A to Z Guide
You buy your electronic components, your machines are up and running, customers are happy, your workers are happy -- everything is good. Invoice paid, accounts receivable piling up. Paradise.
7 Types of PCB Soldering Defects to Watch Out For
Let’s face it, soldering is difficult. It takes years of training to get good at the right kinds of solders, and even machines don’t always get it 100% right. It’s inevitable that you’ll run into PCB soldering defects at one point or another.
‘Intrinsically Safe’ Design Guidelines for Electrical Devices
The Cost of PCB Repair Services Vs. E-Wasting Your Budget
Plastic waste may snag all of the headlines, but it's not the only type of waste overwhelming landfills and contaminating soil and water.
RoHS-Compliant Countries That Aren’t Actually RoHS-Compliant
It seems simple enough. If you’re a manufacturer who uses electronic components to build your products for American or international markets, you need RoHS 3 compliance. The U.S., China, and other countries have established electronics manufacturing standards on dangerous materials, closely styled after the EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
