PCB Manufacturing – Advanced Circuits | PCB Manufacturing & PCB Assembly https://www.4pcb.com/blog Printed Circuit Boards and PCB Assembly Manufacturer Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Future trends of the circuit board /blog/future-trends-of-the-circuit-board/ Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2430 Continue reading ]]> As consumer demands for faster, smaller and more efficient devices intensify, so do printed circuit board requirements. PCBs are the backbone of all electronic devices. They affect their size, speed and functionality.

In that sense, the continuous need for technological advancements and implementation will inevitably call for the advancement of PCBs. In this post, we’ll cover three of the most likely future trends of the circuit board.

What does the future hold for the circuit board?

3D printed electronics

3D printing technology is one of the most interesting and innovative technological advancements in recent years. From 3D printed tools to complex digital designs, 3D printing technology is traversing almost every industry, and PCB manufacturing is no different.

The technology is already being used in PCB manufacturing and is predicted to revolutionize how future electrical systems are designed. The technology allows PCB manufacturers to print a substrate item layer by layer, then add liquid ink on the parts that contain electrical functionalities. Future advancements in this mode of PCB manufacture will pave the way for the innovation of circuits that can take any shape imaginable.

Flexible PCBs

Between flexible displays, wearable electronics and medical applications, the electronics industry is pushing increasingly toward flexible PCBs. Flexible PCBs can handle more stress than their rigid counterparts. They can even be folded into awkward 3D spaces. This makes them very useful in applications where bending is a common occurrence.

Biodegradable PCBs

Electronic waste is one of the biggest environmental concerns in the modern era. Considering the number of electronics a person goes through in a decade, coupled with the industry’s trend for short-lived electronics, we’ll need a drastic solution to minimize electronic waste.

Some scientists are proposing that we attack the pollution problem by changing the PCBs themselves. This would mean switching from traditional PCB manufacturing materials to more environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. There is also talk about switching up the harmful etching chemicals used in today’s assembly process with more environment-friendly alternatives.

The bottom line

PCBs have come a long way since they were invented. What was once a big rigid blocks is now the slim, compact designs we know today. As the future unfolds, we’ll see further advancements in PCB technology. Are you ready to embrace the future? Call us today for all your PCB needs.

 

]]>
2-Layer vs. 4-Layer Printed Circuit Boards /blog/2-layer-vs-4-layer-printed-circuit-boards/ Fri, 13 Aug 2021 20:05:39 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2427 Continue reading ]]> When it comes to printed circuit boards (PCBs), there are infinite possibilities for how many layers you can have. Some supercomputers have nearly a hundred layers in their construction, but, the most common layered PCBs usually have only two or four layers. Read on to find out what the differences are and how you can make an informed decision for your next project.

2-Layer PCBs

Compared to 4-layer PCBs, 2-layer PCBs are much easier to work with due to their simple design. While not as simple as 1-layer PCBs, they’re as straightforward as you can get without sacrificing the functionality of double-sided inputs. The reduced complexity leads to an equally reduced price tag, but this means there are fewer possibilities than with the 4-layer PCB. As a pro, though, there is no propagation delay with the signal.

4-Layer PCBs

4-layer PCBs have much greater surface area than a 2-layer PCB, increasing the possibilities. As a result, they can be great for more complex devices. Because of their complexity, the production cost will be higher and development will be a bit slower. They are also more likely to have propagation delays, so be sure to factor in extra production time to any project timeline.

What are the Layers Used For?

The most important layer in a PCB is the copper signal layer, which is what the PCBs are named after. While 2-layer PCBs have two signal layers, 4-layer PCBs have – you guessed it – four. These signal layers are used to connect to other electronic components in the device. In between those layers is the insulation layer or core, which is added in between the signal layers to give it structure. In 4-layer PCBs, here’s also the solder mask layer, which is applied on top of the signal layers. This prevents the copper traces from interfering with other metal components on the PCB. They also have a silkscreen layer which is used to add numbers to the different components, making them easier to understand.

If you’re looking for PCB solutions, look no further than Advanced Circuits. We offer PCB assembly, barebones PCBs, free PCB design software, and so much more. Our 24-hour tech support team would love to help you– contact us today.

 

]]>
Understanding the Difference between PCB prototyping and Full Spec Production /blog/understanding-the-difference-between-pcb-prototyping-and-full-spec-production/ Wed, 28 Jul 2021 17:56:25 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2421 Continue reading ]]> Printed Circuit Board manufacturers such as Advanced Circuits offer two main types of services- Printed Circuit Board Prototyping (PCB) and full spec production. But what exactly do these mean, and what does each have to offer?

PCB Prototyping

PCB prototypes are the first samples of products that are built with the primary aim of testing the functionality of the design ideas.  Designers and engineers use different types of PCB prototypes to test various aspects of a selected design.

Advantages of PCB Prototyping

PCB prototypes help speed up the process of developing a PCB design through visual assistance, complete testing, and minimizing the amount of rework required. Prototyping gets rid of guesswork by allowing engineers to quickly and accurately identify problems.

Disadvantages of PCB Prototyping

While there are not many cons regarding PCB prototyping, it is fully dependent on how you choose to prototype the board design. Most challenges arise when using a breadboard. The breadboards often have limitations compared to using software to prototype. They are not a good option for those working on a design that requires a high voltage, or one that is very complicated. It becomes difficult to map what you are doing, which could lead to challenges along the road.

Full Spec Production

Once the engineering and design team are satisfied that the basic prototypes are working to their expectations, they can opt to make enhancements to the design to increase efficiency. Full spec production means that the team is making the actual board that will be used in your applications.

Advantages of Full-Spec Production

If there is already an existing design in place to work from and you have determined that it is okay for use, numerous preliminary tests are not needed. Instead, you can go ahead and use high-end materials to make the boards. This gives you numerous options to select from. You may also incorporate advanced features.

Disadvantages of Full Spec Production

The main demerit is that the process takes a bit longer. This is because the production team is tasked to work with more volume than when doing a small patch assembly job. Secondly, you may end up spending more money to eliminate potential errors.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the key differences between PCB prototyping and full spec production allows you to determine the process that will be the best fit for you at a particular time. At Advanced Circuits, we offer both PCB prototyping and full-spec production. To learn more about our services and products, contact us today.

 

]]>
The PCB Assembly Process and What You Should Know /blog/the-pcb-assembly-process-and-what-you-should-know/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 20:34:51 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2390 Continue reading ]]> Within every single electronic device used today, there’s a printed circuit board (PCB) that makes it operate. The PCB is the heart of electronic devices, whether we’re talking about smart speakers for the home, your new intelligent thermostat, or the digital speedometer in your car. Of course, creating functional electronic devices requires much more than just throwing together a bunch of components and resistors.

The PCB assembly process is critical to get right the first time. A single misstep here could result in malfunctions, lack of functionality, or even the threat of accidents. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most important PCB assembly process steps and what you should know.

It’s Not Board Manufacturing

First and foremost, understand that the PCB assembly process takes place during a specific time in the development of an electronic device. It’s not about manufacturing – that happens first. For instance, at Advanced Circuits, we’ll manufacture the board itself, including all the required layers, creating the traces, and all the other important steps, and then work on PCB assembly.

In short, PCB assembly is the process of bringing everything together into one place and creating something functional out of multiple components. It’s taking that newly manufactured board, adding components and resistors, and then making sure it does what it is intended to do.

Understand the PCB Assembly Technologies

Assembling a printed circuit board requires more than just the raw components and a well-designed board. It also requires the right technology. In this case, there are several options to choose from, and each brings something different to the table. For instance, there’s surface mount technology (SMT), as well as manual soldering, and the use of pick and place machines.

While some PCB assembly processes will require just one technology, others will require a combination of two or more technologies. For example, many boards require the combination of through-hole technology (THT) and surface mount technology. Understanding when, where, and how to integrate those technologies is a critical consideration when choosing a company to handle your project or production.

It’s also important to understand that the PCB assembly steps involved with the various technologies differ, as well. Below, we’ve outlined some basic steps involved, as well as how they differ from technology to technology.

The PCB Assembly Process: An Overview

  • Solder Paste: If you’re following a traditional PCB assembly process, the first step is the application of solder paste. Note that this is not the case with THT, but SMT does require paste application and/or printing.
  • Component Placement: In the traditional PCB assembly process, the next step is to place the components on the board. This can be done manually, or it can be done with the assistance of machinery (pick and place systems). In THT assembly, components are placed by hand, which requires incredible precision. In the SMT process, robotic systems place components on the board. Note that automated placement is far faster than manual placement and is just as precise.
  • Reflow: In the traditional PCB assembly process, the next step is reflow, which is when the solder is first melted and then resolidified. The board and all its components move through an oven, which heats the solder, liquifying it and ensuring that connections are formed before the board moves into a cooler, where the solder is cooled.

Note that the THT process does not require reflowing solder. Instead, the second step here is to inspect the board and rectify component placement. This is due to the manual placement process – a visual inspection in conjunction with a design transport frame helps ensure placement accuracy.

In the SMT process, reflow soldering takes place at this time, as well. The board is sent through a furnace, which melts the solder paste, allowing it to flow as necessary, before the board passes through a series of coolers that gradually bring the temperature down, solidifying the solder on the board and cementing the components in place.

  • Inspection: The next step in the traditional PCB assembly process is a visual inspection of the board, soldering, and components. Note that this step has already occurred in the THT and SMT processes.
  • Through-Hole Part Insertion: The traditional process requires that through-hole insertion be done manually, after the reflow and inspection process. Soldering is also often done manually, but it may be done using wave soldering.

Wave soldering occurs during the THT process at this point, as well. The entire board moves over liquid solder and then moves through coolers to solidify the solder.

Note that there is no correlating step in the SMT process (it is actually already finished, and wrapped up after just three steps, although a visual inspection should still be conducted to ensure accuracy and to reduce the potential for errors).

  • Final Inspection and Cleaning: The final step in the traditional PCB assembly process is a final inspection of the board, the solder points, and the components, and a cleaning to ensure that debris or excess solder is removed.

The Right PCB Assembly Process for You

While the SMT assembly process is faster and often more accurate than either the traditional PCB assembly process or the THT process, it is not always the best option. For instance, if you only need a single prototype board assembled, the THT method might be the better choice. Each situation varies and there is no single solution that will always work for every need.

At Advanced Circuits, we understand that needs, budgets, and goals vary. We pride ourselves on offering exactly the solutions each client needs. Whether you’re producing a single prototype for proof of concept needs or you’re ready to move into full production with thousands of units being produced, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to learn more about our services and capabilities.

 

]]>
Trends in Circuit Board Design /blog/trends-in-circuit-board-design/ Fri, 12 Mar 2021 17:43:49 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2385 Continue reading ]]> The circuit board has been with us for a very long time at this point. It’s tempting to think that because they so closely resemble the generations that came before, today’s circuit boards are not all that different from what they once were.

However, from the materials available to heat resistance, from transfer rates to size, circuit boards have evolved a great deal over time. They also continue to change as our demands do. Not sure what that change might look like as we move forward? Let’s take a few minutes to explore some of the most important current and emerging trends in circuit board design.

Medical Devices

One of the most notable trends today is the spike in demand for medical devices. These run the gamut from hospital and medical clinic equipment like ventilators to devices used by EMTs and paramedics and those designed for consumer use. Circuit board design for medical devices must meet stringent requirements in terms of safety, reliability, heat resistance, and more.

Wearable Devices

From medical devices to fitness trackers, there’s a massive shift toward wearable devices. These must contend with a broad range of stressors that other devices do not face, although mobile devices, such as smartphones, come close in some cases. These factors range from dramatically decreased footprints to how to safely discharge heat and even water resistance in some cases.

Embedded Antennas

Today’s low-profile electronics demand something more than massive mast antennas, and designers have offered up embedded antennas right in the circuit board. Of course, this requires some advanced materials and unique design considerations to ensure full functionality. They play a role in Wi-Fi enabled devices, IoT devices, and much more.

Lead-Free Designs

Another important trend is the shift away from lead-containing laminates. Lead has played a role in circuit board design for decades, but it appears to be slowly falling by the wayside. Why, though? It’s largely to do with the higher heat levels that some of today’s devices must contend with, which would reduce lead to a toxic puddle at the bottom of the device. New lead-free laminate materials are being introduced to cope with those high heat levels and maintain their structural integrity at all times (not to mention eliminating those toxic fumes).

High-Power Boards

Just as circuit board designs must contend with higher heat levels than ever before, they are also being designed for higher and higher power levels (which also affects heat, of course). Most of these boards are above 48 volts, and they can be found in a wide range of applications. Many of them harness solar power, while others are intended for use within electric vehicles. IoT devices, battery-powered devices, and those with additional components – all of these are high-power applications.

The Growing Role of IoT Devices

As touched on above, IoT devices are having a profound impact on circuit board design. One interesting trend here is that the PCB industry is expanding. In the past, it was largely focused on consumer electronics. Today, that is still the case, but there is a growing focus on serving industrial needs because this is where the vast majority of IoT devices can be found. While Alexa, Siri, Ring doorbells and the like are all being integrated into homes, the real demand is within the manufacturing and industrial sector where entire production lines are now integrating internet connectivity and being networked together.

Not only does this mean that there is an increasing demand for circuit board design and manufacturing, but that PCB designers face some unique challenges. One of those is the change in what “protection” and “security” mean. Previously, it was really all about protecting the circuit board against environmental changes. Today, though, it is becoming more about prevention against tampering.

Flex and Rigid Flex

Previously, both flex and rigid-flex boards were relatively rare in the PCB world. Today, that’s increasingly not the case. That’s due to a couple of the trends that we have already discussed. One of those is the rise of medical devices – ideally suited for flexible circuit boards. However, flex boards are also well-suited for consumer electronics, for use in a range of different sensors connected to IoT devices, and even medical implants.

On the other hand, rigid-flex boards combine the benefits of both flexible circuit board design and rigid boards. The result is a board that “plays well with others,” which makes these well-suited for use as sub-boards and for creating additional layers.

Waste Control

Waste is a growing problem. This is particularly true of e-waste. Finding ways to deal with the growing mountain of disposed-of electronics is a challenge, but one option is to use biodegradable circuit boards. Biodegradable PCBs offer some light at the end of the tunnel and a way to start greening up the industry. While workable circuit board designs using biodegradable materials are still some way off, they are coming. It will require the design of new substrates, as well as a shift away from chemical-based etching processes in many cases.

A Full-Service PCB Manufacturer

From IoT devices to wearables to future-looking technology, Advanced Circuits delivers critical capabilities. With over 30 years of experience, our team helps bring circuit board designs to life on any scale. We understand that each client’s needs are different, and we’re happy to produce everything from a single prototype to massive production runs. We work with clients in the defense industry, IoT, automotive technology, and virtually every other sector, as well.

Advanced Circuits: Your Go-to PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Resource

Whether you need end-to-end assistance, or just want to create a test board to explore your designs, we can help. With the best turnaround time in the industry; weekend turns; same day turns and more, it’s no wonder our clients keep choosing Advanced Circuits for everything from prototype PCBs to large PCBs runs. Contact us today for an instant quote or to learn more about our capabilities.

 

]]>
Tips for Choosing the Top Company for Printed Circuit Board Needs /blog/tips-for-choosing-the-top-company-for-printed-circuit-board-needs/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 19:07:12 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2379 Continue reading ]]> Whether someone already has an assortment of circuit designs ready to be added to printed circuit boards (PCB) or they are just starting on a set of designs, they must choose a reliable, experienced company to take their design and make it functional on quality boards. The company they choose should act as a partner in ensuring their boards do everything they need them to do to bring a product to market.

They should get quality work with a quick turnaround time while having someone they can talk to who helps ensure they stay competitive against other companies. However, knowing what they need from the PCBs for their circuit designs doesn’t always mean it’s easy to immediately find the right company to step into their corner. We’ll share a few tips to make that process easier.

Know the Right Questions That Should Be Asked

When a person chooses someone to create their PCBs, it’s essential to ask them questions to be sure they can handle their needs. Sometimes the answers to the questions can be found on company websites and reviews. Other times individuals might need to contact the company on their own and ask the questions that are important to them. Having answers will provide peace of mind that they’re choosing the right company for their needs.

How Much Experience Does the Company Have?

Experience is important for any product or service that someone chooses to pay for, whether that’s a car repair or PCBs to fit their circuit designs. When it comes to printed circuit boards, a manufacturer’s experience is essential to ensure customers get boards that are right for their needs. Knowing how much experience a company has will give insight into how many resources they have and what amount of knowledge is available. It also shows competence if a PCB company has been in business for a long time. That means they have adapted to the times and continuously put out great products.

What Certifications Does the Company Have?

This is another question that can speak to how qualified a company is with PCBs for a person’s circuit design. Certifications typically require a third party to verify that the company complies with certain standards or requirements. For example, IPC creates standards with regards to PCBs and industries related to electronics manufacturing. Any company someone decides to work with should be capable of meeting the standard required by their products and industry. This includes broad regulations as well as those that apply only to their industry. The best choice is a company that has experience working with other people in the same industry.

How Does the Company Stand Out?

This might seem like a broad question that could have any number of answers, but it can help people narrow down the right business to help with their product. This is especially the case when they have a few options for companies that offer all the services and products that they need. This question can be as simple as asking what makes the business different from others or can delve into what value-added services are provided. For example, Advanced Circuits can help with their circuit designs by providing free PCB design and file check software which will save customers money and time.

Important Considerations When Choosing a PCB Company

The reality is that there are tons of companies that provide PCBs and many of them also have services to assemble and create circuit boards that match specific needs. This can make it a challenge to choose between them since some companies may appear to be quite similar. However, there are a few things people can look at early in the search to get a grasp on which company may best fit their needs.

Types of Products Provided

The first thing for people to check is what products are offered by a company to be sure they even provide what is needed. If the company specializes in the needed products, that’s even better. Once they know the products exist, they can find out more about the pricing and quality of the products.

For instance, what kind of PCBs are available? These can range from rigid to flexible and rigid-flex. They might be metal core, aluminum backed, or hybrid board. People can ask about which substrates are used in the board. They can also look into the quality and consider the prices and how they stack up to the competitors. All of these things can help with the decision.

Services Available

In addition to products, people should consider services that they might need. If the company offers everything they need, they won’t have to go between businesses to get their product ready. Some of the services that should be considered are:

  • Prototyping – Ability to create prototype PCBs before moving into production so customers can reduce costs and timeframe through thorough testing.
  • Layout and Design Services – These can speed up their production by offering a complete design or providing software to make someone’s own designs.
  • File Review – File reviews can help by ensuring a design is free of errors and that the company has all of the needed components to start creating its PCBs.
  • SMT Prototype Stencils – Stencils are laser cut and made of stainless steel foil to ensure the solder is placed in the right areas of the PCB. The stencil helps with accurate circuit designs.

Other services that can be helpful include DXF to Gerber conversion, panelization, and PCB design for manufacturing services.

Accessible Capabilities

It’s also important to be sure the company is capable of offering what is needed for a customer’s PCBs. This includes everything from being capable of handling the size of their order to having a certain lead time and offering the right layers on a PCB. Other things to consider are the surface finish options available, the via options, specs and tolerances, and other things that they prioritize with their circuit designs. It might take some time to get answers to all these things, but once someone does, they will know whether a company is right for them.

Advanced Circuits is the third-largest manufacturer of printed circuit boards in the United States and offers excellent customer service and reliability. The company also offers a variety of services to customers like free PCB layout software (PCB Artist) and a free PCB file check. Those who want a streamlined PCB company in their corner can get in touch with us to learn more.

 

]]>
What Surface Mount Technology Is And Why to Embrace It /blog/what-surface-mount-technology-is-and-why-to-embrace-it/ Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:20:23 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2374 Continue reading ]]> When a person takes a look at a commercially-made electronic item in the modern world, the inside is often going to be composed of many tiny devices. Instead of using conventional parts with wire leads as might be seen for home projects, the components are often mounted onto the surface of boards. In many cases, these boards are truly minuscule.

This is a type of technology called surface mount technology or SMT. Almost all of the equipment manufactured commercially today uses this innovative technology. Surface mount technology has huge advantages when manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs). Because the components on SMT boards are so small, it also lets people pack more electronics into a small space.

What Surface Mount Technology is All About

The 1970s and 80s were a time when automation started to take off for printed circuit boards used in all sorts of equipment. Traditional components using leads weren’t easy to use with PCB assembly. For capacitors and resistors, the leads had to be pre-formed to fit through holds and integrated circuits had to have leads set at a specific pitch to go through holes quickly and easily.

This led to difficulty since many of the leads would miss the holes because the holes were quite tight. Because of that, an operator would need to step in and resolve the problems to make the components fit. This meant a loss of time and money since the machines automating the process had to be stopped.

Printed circuit boards remove the need for leads to go through the board. Instead, components could be soldered right to the board. This led to the birth of SMT and the use of components for SMT has risen quickly because of its many advantages. Nowadays, surface mount technology is the primary option for assembling PCBs in electronics manufacturing. The products made can be small and used in many different ways.

Why Surface Mount Technology is Favored in Design

While the primary reason for moving to surface mount technology was related to cost, speed, and reliability, there are other benefits. This technology has had a huge impact on the way that people today design and develop new circuits and equipment. The good thing about this is that the change has largely created advantages rather than disadvantages. Some things to be aware of for developers using surface mount technology are listed below.

  • Circuits Are Smaller and Denser Than Ever – The electronics industry has always had the drive to offer more function in smaller packages, but that was never an easy task before surface mount technology became widespread. SMT is designed to make this simple since everything is in a miniature format. Components can be extremely small and mounted closer together on the circuit board than would ever be possible with typical components with leads. This, combined with the better functionality available through integrated circuits, makes life easier for a development engineer.
  • Lower Power Rating Requirements – One of the most important things to look for when designing and producing electronics is the power rating of the components. With surface mount technology, devices can have lower power ratings than ever before. As an example, a standard resistor with a lead can dissipate 0.25 watts or even more. However, surface mount resistors are smaller so the dissipation is also lower. People should be aware of this during a build but always make sure to check the manufacturer’s data for the exact numbers.
  • Less Inductance and Spurious Capacitance – Since surface mount technology components are smaller, that also means that spurious inductance and capacitance are also going to be smaller. An SMT resistor, to keep with the previous example, will be closer to an ideal resistor than a resistor with leads. In the same way, a surface mount technology capacitor is going to create less parasitic inductance. When taking this all together, standard SMT components will have higher frequencies and faster speeds than leaded components are capable of.

Using Surface Mount Technology with Printed Circuit Board Assembly

Nowadays, SMT is used in almost all facets of PCB manufacturing and assembly. More electronics can be placed in a smaller space using the technology. All of the components are smaller and many of them offer better performance than traditional components. They also can be easily used with automated machines to eliminate the need for worker intervention during the assembly process.

With wired components, it was always a challenge to rely on automatic placement. All wires had to be pre-made to fit the correct hole spacing and, in some cases, there were still issues with placement. PCB assembly typically has all components placed automatically. Manual assistance might be occasionally needed but it is rare. High-quality circuit boards reduce the need for this to the point of even changing a design so components fit perfectly.

One issue that used to be common with surface board technology components was their lack of resistance to heat. Since the components are soldered in, this raises the temperature of the part and could cause issues in some situations. However, new components have been developed that have no problem tolerating the temperatures associated with the soldering process.

SMT Components and Devices

Surface mount components differ from leaded components since they are set into a board and soldered to it rather than wiring between two points. The leads don’t go through holes as might be expected of traditional components. There are three package styles used for SMT components: transistors and diodes, integrated circuits, and passive components. Many passive components consist of resistors and capacitors in standard sizes with typical package sizes. Transistors and diodes often come in a small plastic package, while there are many package options for integrated circuits.

Any business creating a project using printed circuit boards should consider the ease and convenience of surface mount technology. At Advanced Circuits, we offer printed circuit boards that are high-quality and ready for this kind of technology. We also provide assembly and manufacturing services to save people time and money. Regardless of the size of a business or how large their circuit board order is, we’d love to help. Get in touch and find out more about what options we offer.

 

]]>
What You Should Know About SMT Technology /blog/what-you-should-know-about-smt-technology/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 22:37:50 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2359 Continue reading ]]> SMT technology has helped to change the way that electronic equipment is made today. Instead of using the standard components that were used in the past that required wire leads, many boards have the tech mounted right to the surface. Naturally, this provides some nice advantages. It means that the PCB and the overall equipment can be smaller. It’s possible for PCBs to have more tech on them, making them more capable, as well.

Why Was SMT Technology Created?

Automation for printed circuit boards started to grow in the 1970s and 80s. This was meant to make it faster and easier to create the PCBs for the demanding market. However, it was quickly discovered that using the traditional leads and wires was difficult for PCB assembly. It was difficult to create the boards quickly, and sometimes the leads would miss holes. If everything was not set perfectly onto the board, it wouldn’t work properly — or at all.

This means that the automation process was slowed down and that the cost increased. Essentially, it eliminated the main reasons that automation was introduced in the first place. To eliminate these problems, SMT technology was created.

Today, surface mount technology has become the most common option for PCB assembly. Instead of needing leads or wires, which could break and become a problem, the components are simply soldered to the PCB. The leads don’t have to go through holes as would be the case with the older-style leads.

Over the years, the size of the components has shrunk, which means that the boards have shrunk, too. This is why we’ve seen so many different types of devices get smaller year after year. The PCBs are better designed and can do far more than their past counterparts.

SMT Technology Components

SMT has three main categories of component types. These include:

  • Passive Components
  • Transistors and Diodes
  • Integrated Circuits

Passive Components

Passive surface mounted devices can come in many different styles. The most common tend to be capacitors or resistors. However, they could also include coils or crystals depending on what’s needed for the board. You’ll also find a range of different sizes, which can make it possible to find solutions for nearly any type of board being created. The larger options, including the 1206 and the 1812, are not used as frequently today as they were in the past. These tend to be for devices and applications that may require a substantial amount of power.

Transistors and Diodes

These are small and will typically be contained in plastic. The leads emerge from the plastic casing and are bent so that they’ll touch the board. This makes them easy to solder into place. These will have three leads. This is helpful, as it makes it easy to determine how they should be applied.

Integrated Circuits

There are also options for integrated circuits. These chips will have a varying number of pins on them. Some, for example, might only have 14 pins. Others, such as processors, could have 200 or more pins. Naturally, there are many different types of chips that could be used depending on the nature of the device you’re designing. Some of the common types include Small Outline Integrated Circuits, Dual In-Line, Thin Small Package Outline, and Shrink Small Outline Package.

There are many other packages available, as well. The options that you choose when designing the PCB will vary based on your needs, naturally. Regardless of what’s being used, though, it becomes easy to see why SMT technology has become so popular. It helps to reduce the size of the PCBs while still giving them all the features and power that are needed.

Test Your Design

Using PCB Artist — free software from Advanced Circuits — you can create your initial design for the printed circuit board. You can check out more than half a million different components that can be used for the design. This will give you the chance to experiment and find the options that will work best for your needs. The design software helps to make it easier to create a quality PCB. Then, the design check and engineering review will ensure that it works before you go into production.

However, it tends to be a good idea to order a few prototypes first. Having some prototypes to test in real-world scenarios will help to ensure that the SMT design will work for your needs. Even though you might feel as though you’ve created a high-quality PCB, you won’t know until you’ve tested it in the field to determine how it behaves.

If the design doesn’t quite hold up under real-world testing, it’s time to go back to the design and consider ways that you might improve it. This could involve using different components, for example. Perhaps you found that you need to have more power than you realized and may need to have a larger integrated circuit on the board. Find the problem, fix it, and get another prototype.

Manufacturing the PCBs with SMT Technology

Once you’re sure that you have a PCB that will meet your needs, you can then go into full production. Advanced Circuits can manufacture your boards whether you need just a few or you need to have tens of thousands. We’re the third-largest PCB manufacturing company in the United States, and we manufacture everything within our facility.

Additionally, we have a fast turnaround time. Often, you’ll have your boards delivered to your door within days of placing your order. We have staff available around the clock if you have any questions about your boards.

SMT Technology is a Great Solution

SMT has helped electronics to advance quickly in the past several decades. The smaller size and the capabilities they offer can help electronics makers of all types, regardless of the size of your business. It’s important to ensure that boards are designed correctly and that the boards are manufactured to your specifications. You can get in touch with Advanced Circuits today to get a quote.

 

]]>
Benefits of Surface Mount Technology /blog/benefits-of-surface-mount-technology/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 21:23:41 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2355 Continue reading ]]> For decades, through-hole circuits were the industry standard. They were relatively simple and required holes in the board. The components were mounted on one side of the board, and the leads were threaded through matching holes. Anyone who has ever worked with a breadboard to design a simple circuit will have a good understanding of how these types of boards were created.

However, as the demand for electronic devices increased, there became a need to automate the process of manufacturing the boards. Unfortunately, it was soon found that using automation would be difficult. It was not easy to get the right components and leads matched up with the right holes. It ended up taking a long time and costing a lot of money. Therefore, surface mounted technology was created to make things easier from the design to the assembly.

Surface mount technology offers a host of advantages and benefits, and over the past several decades, it has become the standard for manufacturing PCBs. Let’s look at some of the biggest benefits that it can offer.

Smaller Size and Greater Design Flexibility

One of the most commonly cited benefits is that surface mount technology means it’s possible to create smaller PCB designs. This is because you can increase the component density on the board. More of the components can be placed in a smaller space but will still provide the capabilities and performance of a larger board.

This means that the devices that will eventually contain the printed circuit boards can be smaller, as well. Smaller electronic devices and smaller boards are always important. It often means that a device that is complex can fit in a person’s pocket, such as their smartphone. People tend to like going smaller with most types of technology.

This also means that the weight of the boards will be lower. The lower weight provides even more possibilities for designers. For example, having smaller and lighter boards placed in drones means they will weigh less and use less power to fly. Cutting the weight out of items could also reduce shipping costs in some cases. Lightweight tends to be better, and this is another area where SMT can excel.

Easier Assembly

Because there are not any through-holes to worry about with these boards, it tends to make them easier to assemble. Easier assembly for the manufacturer will generally mean faster assembly, as well. This means you get your boards more quickly. Typically, it also reduces the potential for mistakes during the assembly process.

Lower Cost

Because the assembly is easier and because the boards are smaller, it often means that the cost will be lower, too. Of course, the company you choose to do the manufacturing will also be a factor in how much it costs for the boards.

Does Surface Mount Technology Have Any Disadvantages?

With all of the benefits that SMT can offer, you might be wondering if there are any disadvantages. While most will agree that the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks, it’s important to note that there may be some disadvantages. For example, because there is only a small amount of lead space, it could make repairs more difficult. Additionally, if a component has a high electrical load or if it generates a lot of heat, it can’t be mounted using SMT. This is because the solder could melt under intense heat, which would end up rendering the PCB useless.

What’s Right for Your Needs?

What option will you be using to create your boards? Surface mount technology can work well for many different types of PCBs. However, there could be times when through-hole solutions, or some hybrid of the two, will be a better option.

Using software like PCB Artist is a good way to design a PCB and see whether it will work virtually. The software is easy to use and offers more than half a million components for design work. After designing your PCB using the software, the design can be reviewed to determine whether it will work or not. This way, you have a second set of eyes looking at the work to ensure it’s ready to go.

Get a Prototype

However, even with an engineering file review, it’s important to get hands-on time with the PCB using surface mount technology before going into full production. After you’re happy with your initial design, you will want to order a prototype. Getting just a few boards is easy when you go through Advanced Circuits, as we don’t have a minimum order.

When you get the prototype, you need to put it through its paces in real-world scenarios. What types of conditions will the board face when it’s used in your device? Monitor how it works and take note of any areas that may be having problems. Putting it through a rigorous testing process will help to make it easier to find any potential problems.

It’s always better to know about problems sooner rather than later. Just assuming that the design is good and ordering 5,000 PCBs that end up overheating would be a huge problem for your company. There is also the potential that it could reduce the trust your customers have in your products. Finding and correcting the design before it is mass-produced, even if it takes a couple of prototype and revision rounds, is a better solution. It will save money and keep your customers happier in the end.

Manufacturing

Once you are pleased with your design and you’ve seen how it will work in real-world situations, you can then move to the manufacturing stage. Advanced Circuits can do more than just provide software and guidance. We’re a full manufacturing facility that makes all of the PCBs ourselves. We also have a fantastic turnaround time, getting PCBs to our customers within a matter of days.

We have a substantial amount of experience with the assembly of surface mount technology boards and can provide you with exactly what you need. Get in touch for a quote and to learn more about the services and options that are available.

 

]]>
Starting with a Prototyping Board for Better Design /blog/starting-with-a-prototyping-board-for-better-design/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 22:54:43 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2350 Continue reading ]]> Whether you’re just learning to design circuits, or you’ve been designing for years as a part of your job, you are likely familiar with the idea of a prototyping board. These boards are used to create a fast version of a PCB that can be tested to determine whether it is viable or not. Many designers will begin designing a circuit using one of these boards.

The boards have holes in them that let you add components to create your circuit. Depending on the type of board, you can attach them with or without solder. There are many different types of boards available including perfboards and breadboards. It’s important to have a basic understanding of what each of these is and when they might suit your needs.

Perfboards

These are thin sheets that have holes in them at the same interval that you would expect from a circuit board. Square pads cover the holes. Some of the lower-cost boards will only have pads on one side. Others, although they might be somewhat more expensive, will have the pads on both sides. Choosing from the better quality options for your prototyping board is always a good idea.

Once you have a plan for your circuit, you will then make a schematic that you will then use as a blueprint to build onto the perfboards. When creating the layout, be mindful of the spacing on the board and keep notes about what you’ll be placing and where they will go.

Once you have a good design drawn out, you can place the components onto the board and solder them. It’s a good idea to avoid using too many wires; otherwise, the design can look messy and be difficult to understand. If you’ll be presenting the perfboards to someone to examine, you’ll want them to be as clear as possible.

While perfboards can be helpful, these prototyping boards require solder, and they can only be used once. This can mean that mistakes could become more expensive than with a breadboard.

Breadboards

Breadboards are more popular than perfboards, and they are usually considered the go-to prototyping board option. These boards have holes similar to those on perfboards, and you’ll be using those holds to place your components. The modern breadboards are solderless, which is nice. The spacing on the board between holes is 0.1 inches, and the components can simply be placed onto them.

Since you aren’t using any solder, it means that they are reusable. It’s a good option for temporary prototypes to see if your design has merit. These tend to be quite popular with students and those who are just learning about designing circuits. However, they can be used by those who have a lot of experience with circuit design, as well. They are a helpful tool.

Although these prototyping boards can be helpful when determining the veracity of a design, many people want to use other means of determining how effective their design will be. They want to know that the design works in the real world in the devices that will ultimately hold the circuit.

Moving Beyond the Prototyping Boards

Although prototyping boards and breadboards may be a good way to start your design, you’ll soon want to move into the digital world and use software like PCB Artist to complete the printed circuit board design. Some people begin with software and no longer use the old-school prototyping boards. Ultimately, it’s up to you.

Using software like PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits is a good way to ensure that you have a design that will be easier to read and that will be viable. The software allows you to “see” and test the circuit to see how it works. You can quickly and easily make changes and adjustments to the digital version of the circuit as needed.

Many designers like the freedom that software can provide. Since it’s virtual, it doesn’t require any solder or any actual components. PCB Artist has more than half a million components that can be added to the design. It’s easy to see how they work together, and you can even receive a file review from an engineer before going into production.

Order a Completed Prototype

However, even if the digital prototype passes muster and looks like it’s good to go, you might still want to order a prototyping board. Remember that the real-world use of a PCB may be different from what it would face in a simulation or even with a breadboard. Ordering a couple of prototyping boards that are essentially the actual PCBs that you’ll be using is important. You will want to do this before you move on with production.

When you have a design that you like and think will work, order a few prototypes from Advanced Circuits. Then, use these prototypes in the devices in the manner that you or the customers would use them. Put the PCBs through the paces to see whether they can stand up to the rigors of actual use. Take note of how they perform. You may find that you hit it out of the park with the design. However, you might also find some problems that you’ll want to address. Perhaps the board gets too hot, for example. Maybe a heatsink or rearranging the components could help.

Make the changes that you need, get another prototyping board, and test again. This may seem to take a bit longer, but it’s better to know if there are problems now rather than when your customers start to complain about failing devices.

Going into Production

When you are certain the design is as good as it can be, it’s time to move into production. Always entrust the manufacturing and assembly of the PCBs to a company with a good reputation like Advanced Circuits. We have been in business for a long time and have built a solid reputation. We have our own manufacturing facility, we have the best, quick turnaround time you’ll find, and we strive to ensure our customers are happy with the results.

 

]]>