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.
7 PCB Testing Methods You Need to Know
When you order printed circuit boards (PCB), you know the pricey consequence of failure. The last thing you need financially is for your PCBs to suddenly drop dead -- or to have a shortened life span because of a design or QA issue.
PCB assembly testing methods are an integral part of the manufacturing process. Reputable electronics contract manufacturers (ECMs) offer a variety of PCB testing methods, but the seven main types include:
- In-circuit testing
- Flying probe testing
IPC Class Definitions for Class 1, 2, & 3 Electronics
In electronics manufacturing, printed circuit boards are separated into three categories: 1, 2, and 3. The categories reflect the level of quality of each circuit board type, from lowest (Class 1 standards) to highest (Class 3 standards). This classification system was developed and is monitored by IPC under the IPC-6011 standard.
Advanced Electronics Manufacturing Companies: Exploring Their Roles
The adage “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” holds no ground in the realm of public transportation, mining equipment, and numerous other high-stakes electronics applications. Electronics OEMs are responsible for maintaining seamless operations by repairing or replacing components or entire products, regardless of the cost.Opting for the replacement of faulty or damaged circuit boards is often the most cost-effective method for prolonging the life of industrial and commercial electronics. An advanced electronics manufacturing company can cater to a wide range of your business requirements, including:
Types of Conformal Coating: Exploring Materials for Enhanced PCP Protection
With the rise of IoT and technology in general, electronics are featured in many environments, exposing delicate electronic connections to potential hazards like extreme temperatures, moisture, and dust. These factors can damage components and compromise the assembly’s integrity.
A Guide to Reverse Polarity Protection in PCB Design
When user safety depends on equipment functioning reliably -- as with many medical devices and handheld mining equipment, for example -- electronic components must be trustworthy.
Design 2 Part Greater NY 2023: Matric to Attend Show
The Design-2-Part show for the Greater New York area will be held April 26-27 in Secaucus, NJ.
PCB Manufacturing Capabilities & Fabrication Plants: A Look Ahead
The world of PCB assembly capabilities is changing rapidly, and forecasters expect PCB manufacturing capabilities to expand for the next 10 years. The worldwide PCB market is estimated to see a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%, reaching $90.1 billion by 2025 from the current $63.9 billion in 2019.
What Is AS9100 Certification for Electronics Manufacturing?
When an OEM is sourcing out work -- let alone aerospace electronics manufacturing -- it’s likely to come across companies that boast about all sorts of certifications and capabilities.
RoHS 2 Compliance & Directives Checklist
In 2006, the European Union rolled out a directive restricting the use of certain hazardous chemicals. This directive, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), would have a far-reaching impact on the electronics industry. Its restrictions on using lead would send manufacturers scrambling to revise their practices or adopt entirely new ones. Thanks to a follow-up directive in 2011, manufacturers now hustle to meet RoHS 2 compliance.
Yes, it’s not a punitive law full of fines and penalties. But if you’re a U.S. company, noncompliance is basically an impassable barrier to entry to the EU trade market. So if you want to do business abroad, don’t mess around -- comply.
What Is SMT Assembly?
As today’s electronics designs become smaller and more complex, more engineers are relying on surface mount technology. After the 1980s, this technology became the preferred PCB assembly technology in electronics manufacturing and hasn’t let up since.
RS485 Vs. RS232: What's the Difference?
Among the serial data interfaces -- SPI, Flex I2C, and many more -- available for electronic equipment, two stand out for their longevity. In spite of the dozens of new kids on the block, RS232 and RS485 remain popular.
Electronic Component Shortages Update -- 2022 and Beyond
COMPONENT SHORTAGE: December ‘22 UPDATE:
Nearly a year after our last update, we have returned to find a similar situation regarding shortages in the component market. The component shortage remains constant, and the theme has been adapting and innovating as demand remains high and the supply low for chips for consumer electronics.
What Are RoHS 3 Substances? Ensure Your Provider is Compliant
There are major regulation change coming to electronics in Europe, and it’s important for everyone to take note, including U.S. manufacturers who sell to EU customers.
ICT Test Vs Flying Probe Test
Deciding on the best testing method for your printed circuit board can be a daunting task. There are plenty of factors to take into consideration, including costs, coverage, and development lead time. However, there are two popular test strategies you’ll often find yourself choosing between: ICT testing vs flying probe testing.
How SMT Production Maximizes First Run Yield
Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing is a process that requires precision and reliability.
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.
Electronics Manufacturing Services: Equipment Your Partner Should Have
Today a growing number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) outsource some of their work to electronics contract manufacturers (ECMs). The ECMs are crucial partners when bringing your product to the market. However, while there are plenty of electronic manufacturing companies to choose from, not all are equal.
Selecting the ideal one can ensure a smooth manufacturing journey from design to aftermarket support. But, how will you ensure that you are partnering up with the right ECMs that you can truly put your trust in?
We've come up with a list of equipment your partner should have, plus other factors to guide your outsourcing process.
What Does an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company Do?
Do you work for an original equipment manufacturer or OEM? Chances are you’ve crossed paths with a project requiring an electronic manufacturing services company.
Worth It to Outsource PCB Assembly Services? Definitely
More manufacturers these days are realizing the benefits of using external PCB assembly services versus a DIY approach. Allowing an electronics contractor to lend its expertise has resulted in happier, more efficient OEMs.
What to Know About Electronic Cable & Harness Assembly
When it comes to making a custom electronic cable and harness assembly, the little details matter. A faulty wire or a bad connection could ruin an expensive piece of equipment and slow down manufacturing processes.
What is Obsolescence Management for Electronics?
You just installed your new PCBs in your machines and they’re working great! Dust off your hands and pat yourself on the back; the hard part’s done, right?
LED PCB Design for Safety
At this point, we’re all familiar with light-emitting diode (LED) lights. From the bright, efficient bulbs replacing the old filament lamps, to the flashy, colorful strips mounted behind TVs and monitors.
