What is a Board Support Package? A board support package (BSP) is a collection of essential low level software applications configured for a specific microprocessor and its associated hardware. It supplies the drivers for all the hardware in the system andcontainsa bootloader to initialize the microprocessor and hardware prior to loading the operating system. The package may contain additional low level software to assist the developer in initializing the operating system. The BSP can also include a root file system, and a utility to configure the microprocessor and other hardware.By using PNC to develop the BSP, it will allow them to ...
Every PCB designer has a series of decisions to make PCB Design [1] as they translate an abstract schematic into a functional, reliable, and manufacturable PCB assembly [2]. Placing the components on the PCB is usually the first step, connecting those components with copper conductors to create the circuit is the next. To connect the components, the layout designer must interpret the circuit netlist and turn that netlist into actual copper traces, subject to constraints of both manufacturing technology and the laws of physics. One of the most important considerations for the designer is the appropriate trace width for each ...
First article inspection (FAI) prior to SMT assembly [1] is a design verification methodology that provides a reported verification and validation of details of a product on the shopfloor per its manufacturing procedure and requirements. There are various ways to perform FAI, from both supplier’s and customer’s side, making it a very dynamic process. This means that each organization can tailor its FAI method to benefit itself and consequently, its customer, yet maintain rigid performance standards at the same time. FAI involves qualitative and quantitative measurement. FAI is also highly effective since it can potentially fulfill process validation requirements of ...
What is Conformal Coating? Conformal coating is protective chemical material coating applied after the final SMT PCB assembly [1] or through-hole assembly process. Coatings are comprised of 5 different types, Acrylic, Epoxy, Urethane, Silicone and Parylene resins. Applying the coatings to a PCB board assembly [2]can be done by hand spray, robotic spray, brush or dipping. The coating acts as an additional dielectric layer that provides protection due to environmental and mechanical stresses, such as thermal extremes, chemicals, dust, salt fog, abrasions, and moisture. In a PCB assembly [3] that has close spacing of conductive pathways or close ...
New product designs continue to get more compact, while the performance and the number of features that customers expect continue to increase. To the engineer, this means higher PCB circuit densities and less room on the PCB for just-in-case design, such as unallocated I/O, or 0 ohm resistor networks to allow for reconfiguration of the PCBs at PCB assembly [1]. Meanwhile, new product prototype cycles are also getting faster. 3D printed mechanical parts are available within hours, putting pressure on electrical engineers to work faster and get their PCB designs [2] right the first time. Even the fastest PCB fabrication, such ...