In response to the need for improved protection of flexible circuits, a new method of double-sided soldermask application is becoming increasingly popular. Liquid photoimageable soldermask is now replacing older methods. To accommodate this change, technological advancements were necessary, leading to the development of the Smart Print System for coating and handling extremely thin flexible circuits.

By:admin on 2023-05-30 15:00:25

: Meet the Demand for Double-Sided SoldermaskFlexible circuits have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their numerous benefits such as being lightweight, flexible, and easy to integrate into various products. They are widely used in industries such as aerospace, medical devices, consumer electronics and more. However, with more complex applications, the need for improved circuit protection has become paramount. This is where the double-sided soldermask comes in. What is Double-Sided Soldermask?Soldermask is a coating applied to the copper traces and pads on a printed circuit board (PCB). It is designed to protect the circuit during the assembly process and prevent unintended solder contacts. Traditionally, soldermask was applied to only one side of a PCB. However, with the growing demand for flexible circuits, the industry now requires double-sided soldermask, which is an insulating, protective coating applied to both sides of the flexible circuit.Why the Need for Double-Sided Soldermask?Double-sided soldermask is necessary for flexible circuits because these circuits are often bent, twisted, and shaped to fit into a variety of devices. As a result, the delicate circuits need protection not only on one side but on both sides to ensure their longevity. Without this added protection, the longevity and quality of the circuit may be compromised - and no one wants that. Advantages and Disadvantages of Double-Sided SoldermaskAdvantages:- Increased protection: Double-sided soldermask offers more comprehensive protection to flexible circuits, making them more durable and less prone to damage.- Enhanced performance: The protective coating can help to improve the electrical properties of the circuit and reduce the possibility of interference.- Flexibility: With the added protection, flexible circuits can be bent and manipulated with less risk of damage.Disadvantages: - More complex manufacturing: Double-sided soldermask adds an extra layer of complexity to the manufacturing process, driving up production costs and increasing the time required to complete the circuit.- More technical challenges: Applying the coating to both sides of the circuit can be tricky, especially when dealing with thin and flexible circuits.- Limited Availability: Not all manufacturers are equipped with the technology and knowledge to produce double-sided soldermask circuits.How Circuit Automation is Meeting the Demand?To meet the demand for double-sided soldermask, Circuit Automation developed and commercialized the DP3500 coater. This technology is specifically designed to handle and coat very thin flexible circuits, overcoming the technical challenges associated with this application. The liquid photoimageable soldermask technology used in the DP3500 coater enables the production of circuits with double-sided soldermask, providing better protection and long-lasting performance.The DP3500 coater is also equipped with the Smart Print System (SPS), which is a proprietary technology that ensures accurate and consistent coating thickness, even on delicate flexible circuits. The SPS allows for precision printing of the soldermask on both sides of the circuit, minimizing errors and improving the overall quality of the finished product. ConclusionIn summary, the demand for double-sided soldermask has been driven by the need for improved protection and durability of flexible circuits. While this technology adds complexity to the manufacturing process, it also offers significant benefits and helps to improve the overall performance of the circuit. Circuit Automation has answered the call by developing the DP3500 coater and the Smart Print System, making double-sided soldermask circuits accessible and affordable for a wide range of industries.

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In-House Circuit Card Assembly Capabilities at Battelle

By:admin on 2023-05-30 14:56:46

Building and Testing Circuit Card Assembly BoardsCircuit Card Assembly Testing is an essential requirement for ensuring the quality and reliability of electronic devices. From consumer electronics to industrial controls, virtually all electronic devices rely on robust and reliable circuit boards to function properly. A Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) Board is a key component in any electronic device, and it is essential that the assembly process and testing procedures are done correctly for optimal performance.A Circuit Card Assembly Board is a complex and intricate system that requires precision manufacturing techniques to build, assemble, and test. A CCA Board is composed of several electronic components, including resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits, among other things. Each component plays a vital role in the overall functionality and reliability of the board.The Build ProcessBuilding a Circuit Card Assembly Board requires a set of standard procedures and significant technical expertise. The assembly process starts with the design of the board and identifying the electronic components that will be required to build the board. The board must be optimized with a design that meets the necessary electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements.Once the design is finalized, the schematic design is converted into a layout that can be used for manufacturing. The layout of the board is used to create a stencil that is used to place the electronic components precisely. The stencil ensures that each component is placed correctly to avoid any shorts or misplacing of electronic components.Once the board's stencil is created, the board is manufactured by carefully placing each electronic component on the board, using automated machines and careful manual labor. The components are then assembled using solder paste that allows the components to adhere to the board and provides electrical contact.Testing the Circuit Card Assembly BoardWith the board successfully assembled, the next and most crucial step is testing the Circuit Card Assembly Board. Testing ensures that the board functions correctly, meets the specifications, and is free from defects.The testing process involves several steps, and it is highly dependent on the type of board and its intended use. The common types of testing include:- Visual Inspection: A Visual Inspection is performed to ensure that there are no visible defects, including bent pins, missing components, or shorts.- Functional testing: Function testing is carried out to verify that the board functions correctly. It involves applying power to the board and checking that each electronic component is working correctly. Functional testing can be automated or done manually, depending on the complexity of the board.- Environmental testing: Environmental testing simulates the operating environment of the board and is done to ensure that the board can operate correctly in harsh conditions. Environmental testing includes temperature cycling, vibration testing, and shock testing.- Burn-in Testing: Burn-in testing is carried out to verify the reliability of the board. The Board is subjected to long term stress testing to identify any defects that may not be noticeable during initial testing.In-house CapabilityManufacturing and testing Circuit Card Assembly Boards require a high level of technical expertise, experience, and sophisticated equipment. Circuit Card Assembly Board builds or circuit card assemblies (CCA) are a crucial in-house capability that any electronic device manufacturer should possess. Battelle (remove the brand name) has invested heavily in Equipment, personnel, and training to ensure that they have the capability to build and test CCA boards.In conclusion, Circuit Card Assembly Testing is a critical aspect of ensuring the quality and reliability of electronic devices. Building and Testing Circuit Card Assembly Boards require the right equipment, expertise, and a highly trained workforce. Circuit Card Assembly Board builds or circuit card assemblies (CCA) are a crucial in-house capability that any electronic device manufacturer should possess. If you're looking for a reliable and experienced company to build and manufacture CCA boards, look no further than Battelle's Electronics and Manufacturing Services Division.

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Latest News and Updates on PCB Contamination

By:admin on 2023-05-30 14:54:28

- A Comprehensive Guide to Creating High-Quality PCBsPrinted Circuit Boards (PCBs) have become an essential component in the modern electronics industry. These boards serve as a foundation for electronic components, making them indispensable for manufacturing up-to-date devices that offer unprecedented functionality.As technology continues to advance, the demand for high-quality PCBs is only expected to increase. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best practices for creating exceptional PCBs. We'll also touch on some of the important aspects to keep in mind when creating professional-grade PCBs.Factors to Consider When Creating PCBs1. The layout of the boardThe first step in creating a PCB is the layout. You'll want to ensure that the placement and routing of your components are optimal for their intended function. You should also consider the board size, shape, and thickness, as these factors can affect the performance and durability of the PCB.2. Material selectionThe materials used in creating the board are also crucial in determining the PCB's quality. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose from various materials, such as FR4, ceramic, and polyimide. The durability and temperature resistance of the board are factors that can be affected by your material selection.3. Traces and spacingClosely related to the board layout, the traces and spacing on the PCB play a significant role in its performance. The traces should be optimally sized and spaced for minimal interference and low resistance.4. DRC (Design Rule Check)A DRC, or Design Rule Check, is a software utility that validates a PCB design and checks it against industry-standard design rules. This essential step ensures that everything complies with specific guidelines and specifications, which can prevent costly errors in the final product.5. Documentation and specificationsCreating proper documentation and specifications is key to ensuring a smooth and efficient manufacturing process for your PCB. Proper documentation provides guidelines for other teams involved in PCB production. It also helps to ensure that the final product meets all necessary standards and requirements.Benefits of Creating High-Quality PCBs1. Enhanced performance and reliabilityHigh-quality PCBs are designed to meet specific requirements and standards, ensuring optimal performance and durability. They function to enhance signal integrity and reduce noise interference, resulting in improved reliability and stability.2. Cost-effectivenessWhile it might seem like investing more in the production of high-quality PCBs is costlier, the opposite can be true. High-quality PCBs are less likely to require repairs or replacements, reducing overall maintenance costs in the long run. Plus, because the PCBs are designed to meet specific requirements, there's less likelihood of production errors that can lead to critical system failure, which can be even more expensive.3. Improved product designCreating high-quality PCBs provides better signals and designs, which can lead to improved product design overall. High-quality PCBs can contribute to the overall functionality and aesthetic appeal of the end product.ConclusionCreating high-quality PCBs requires a keen understanding of specific aspects of PCB design. Taking the necessary steps to optimize your PCB design is critical to product success. From layout and material selection to trace spacing and DRC, ensuring that your PCB meets industry standards and requirements is non-negotiable. Finally, the proper documentation and specifications of your PCB help guide manufacturing, ultimately leading to a more cost-effective and efficient process.By keeping in mind the factors and benefits we've discussed in this blog post, you'll be well on your way to creating high-quality PCBs that meet industry standards and requirements.

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