High reliability PCB's 14 important characteristics

At first glance, PCBS look pretty much the same on the outside, regardless of their internal quality. It is beneath the surface that we see the differences that are critical to the durability and function of PCBS throughout their life.

Whether in the manufacturing and assembly process or in actual use, PCB to have reliable performance, this is very important. In addition to the associated costs, defects in the assembly process may be carried by the PCB into the final product, which may break down during actual use, leading to claims. Therefore, from this point of view, it is safe to say that the cost of a good quality PCB is negligible.

In all market segments, especially those producing products in critical application areas, the consequences of such failures are dire.

These aspects should be kept in mind when comparing PCB prices. Although reliable, guaranteed and long-life products have higher initial costs, they are worth it in the long run.

The 14 most important characteristics of a highly reliable circuit board

1, 25 micron hole wall copper thickness

Benefits: Enhanced reliability, including improved Z-axis expansion resistance.

The risk of not doing so

Problems with hole blowing or degassing, electrical connectivity during assembly (inner separation, hole wall breakage), or possible failure under load conditions in actual use. IPCClass2 (the standard adopted by most factories) requires 20% less copper plating.

2. No welding repair or line repair

Benefits: Perfect circuit ensures reliability and safety, no maintenance, no risk

The risk of not doing so

If not properly repaired, it will cause circuit board. Even if the repair is' properly ', there is a risk of failure under load conditions (vibration, etc.) which may occur in actual use.

3. Exceed the cleanliness requirements of IPC specifications

Benefits: Increased PCB cleanliness improves reliability.

The risk of not doing so

Residue and solder buildup on the circuit board pose a risk to the solder shield. Ionic residue poses a risk of corrosion and contamination of the weld surface, which can lead to reliability problems (poor solder joints/electrical failures) and ultimately increase the probability of actual failure.

4, strictly control the service life of each kind of surface treatment

Benefits: Solderability, reliability, and reduced risk of moisture intrusion

The risk of not doing so

Solderability problems can occur due to metallography changes in the surface treatment of older boards, while moisture intrusion can lead to delamination, inner layer and hole wall separation (break) during assembly and/or actual use.

5. Use internationally known substrates -- no "local" or unknown brands

Benefits: Improved reliability and known performance

The risk of not doing so

Poor mechanical properties mean that the board will not perform as expected under assembled conditions. For example, high expansion properties can lead to delamination, circuit breaking and warping problems. Weakening of electrical characteristics can result in poor impedance performance.

6. Copper clad plate tolerance meets the requirements of IPC4101ClassB/L

Advantage: Strict control of dielectric layer thickness can reduce the deviation of expected value of electrical performance.

The risk of not doing so

Electrical performance may not meet the specified requirements, the same batch of components in the output/performance will be very different.

7. Define solder resistance materials to ensure compliance with IPC-SM-840ClassT requirements

Benefits: NCAB Group recognizes "excellent" inks for ink safety and ensures that the solder resistance layer inks meet UL standards.

The risk of not doing so

Poor quality ink can lead to adhesion, flux resistance and hardness problems. All of these problems can cause the solder shield to detach from the circuit board and eventually lead to corrosion of the copper circuit. Poor insulation characteristics can cause short circuits due to unexpected electrical connectivity/arcing.

8. Define tolerances for shapes, holes and other mechanical features

Benefits: Strict tolerance control can improve the dimensional quality of the product - improve fit, shape and function

The risk of not doing so

Problems during assembly, such as alignment/fit (pin pressing issues only become apparent when assembly is complete). In addition, loading the base can be problematic due to the increased size deviation.