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PCB Design, Selecting the Right PCB Trace Widths?
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 ...
What are IPC standards for PCB Design, PCB Assembly and PCB Fabrication?
IPC standards are electronic design, manufacturing and inspection standards published by IPC, a global trade and standards setting association focused on the electronics industry. IPC’s standards are used worldwide and have been essential to the globalization of the electronics industry. Anyone who designs or manufactures PCB assemblies needs to be familiar with the standards. Most engineers and designers first encounter the IPCstandards in the fabrication notes on PCB drawings or because they have been trained on ubiquitous IPC-A-610 “Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies” which illustrates quality standards for PCB soldering and cleaning. The IPC publishes standards for every aspect of PCB design [1], ...
What’s a HDI Printed Circuit Board?
HDI stands for High Density Interconnect. HDI PCBs have finer traces and trace spacing, laser drilled micro vias and higher connection pad density. Its two chief advantages are that it permits the use of fine pitch BGAs and it reduces the number of PCB layers required because the finer traces and smaller vias allow more circuitry in a smaller area. Narrow trace widths mean higher circuit density At PNC standard PC Board fabrication [1] uses a minimum trace width of 5 mil, with a 5 mil space between traces (5/5mil) PNC’s HDI trace widths can be as narrow as 3 mil with ...
PNC’s step by step guide to PCB Design component placement
A schematic is an abstraction, a representation of an ideal circuit. A PCB Assembly [1], on the other hand, is a complex mechanical assembly. All the components in the circuit design must fit within the physical boundary of the PCB. The designer must locate and place hundreds of components subject both to the mechanical constraints of the product design and the manufacturing process while not introducing electrical noise into the circuit. It can seem overwhelming to someone new to the PCB layout process. Fortunately, there are some simple guidelines used by the designers at PNC that will help break the layout ...
PCB assembly Pre-Reflow FAI
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 ...