Tag Archives: PCB Fabrication

What is High TG In PC Board Fabrication?

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The making of PCB involves different steps, technologies, and terms, and TG is one such term that refers to the Glass Transition Temperature. High TG PCB is the board made at a high temperature. We will discuss this topic in detail, including the TG value, features, applications, materials, parameters, and much more.

What is High TG PCB?

If a PCB’s temperature goes beyond a set TG value, its condition will change. Like, the solid board will turn rubbery, affecting a PCB’s function. Depending on where you use a PCB, the temperature of the application should be at least 10 to 20C less than the PCB temperature.

Understanding TG Value

TG means Glass Transition Temperature like there is a certain limit of this temperature for PCB and that specific temperature is the TG value. TG value helps in understanding the PCB material, and you can find which temperature is required for its service.

Secondly, it helps you to find the condition of the PCB material, like if it’s solid, flexible, or solid-flex.

High TG PCB and Its Features

You have to choose a high TG Printed Circuit Board for your application carefully, because it involves multiple features, including thermal, electrical, mechanical, and chemical features.

Thermal Features: they include the TG or Glass Transition Temperature, thermal conductivity, thermal temperature’s coefficient, and decomposition temperature. TG is the temperature at which the state of the PCB material changes. But, when the board cools down, it gets back to its initial condition.

Electrical Features: they include the surface resistance, electrical power, volume relativity, and the dielectric constant and loss tangent.

Chemical Features: the chemical properties of a high TG PCB include the moisture absorption and the methylene chloride resistance of the PCB material. The TG PCB should be able to resist moisture if it’s near water.
Mechanical Features: the mechanical features are also important to know regarding the TG PCB. They include the flexural and peel strength, and the young’s module.

Suitable Materials for High TG PCB

A PCB has two materials, including laminate and substrate. The substrate includes epoxy resin, glass, or paper weave. The substrate should be compatible with the TG. Some common substrates that we use for a high TG PCB are;

  • CEM-1, 2, 3,4, and CEM-5
  • G-10 and 11, FR-1 to FR-6
  • Aluminum
  • Knapton
  • Pyralux

The last three materials are flexible.

The laminates should also be compatible with your TG PCB in terms of strength and temperature. Some common laminates are:

  • FR-1, and FR-4
  • CEM-1, CCEM-3
  • Teflon

Criteria for High TG PCBs

Printed circuit boards with a high TG value are based on certain criteria as described below:

  • The selection of a PCB, depending on the components like it can be single or double-sided PCB or embedded.
  • The stack-up PCB with a single layer or several layers
  • The design of such boards can be based on a module or it can be custom
  • The strength of the board also matters, like it should be robust either electrically or mechanically
  • PCB’s bendability also helps to classify the TG PCB, like if it’s hard, flexible, or hard-flexible
  • The electrical strength also helps classify the TG PC Board

Generally, manufacturers use bendability and strength to classify a TG PCB‘s physical properties.

Where Can You Use The High TG PCBs?

You can use the high TG circuit boards in intense conditions, as the environments with high-vibration devices. They are also suitable for applications with shocks, chemical components, and high temperatures. Like, missiles and car parts often come up with chemicals. So, the suitable industries for high TG PCBs include aerospace, telecommunications, military and defense force, automobile, and down-hole drilling.

What to Consider While Designing a Rigid PCB?

You must hire a professional PCB manufacturer for the right design, manufacturing, and assembly of these boards. The engineer must know the kind of environment that suits a TG PCB to function precisely. Below are a few examples to help you understand it.

Commercial Use

Many telecommunication companies use the best materials for mobile devices to enable them to bear high shocks. Like, the phone should not get damaged easily when you drop it.

Auto Industry

PCB has to be safe under a car’s hood as it’s mostly vibrating, so a shock or crash might happen. Hence, a rigid PCB is the best solution in this case.

Aerospace Industry

The flying machinery always needs the high TG PCB because there is intense vibration, like in the jet engine, as there are thousands and millions of micro-vibrations in one minute. So, equipment related to aerospace should be able to tolerate extreme temperatures, like from -45°C to 85°C.

Other Applications

These boards are also ideal for solar power equipment, such as power inverters and cogeneration equipment. As these boards resist temperature, they work well in many industries. Like, one of its applications involves Lead technology, like the medical, computer, and telecommunication industries.

The TG PCB is also used in broadcasting, like booster stations. Besides, the fire detectors and burglar alarms also need such boards.

Use of High TG Flex PCB

It is clear from the name that a flex PCB can adapt any design or shape to get compatible with certain products. Like, they can tolerate intense environments better than rigid PCBs. You can use the high TG flex PCB in defense and military, aerospace, medical equipment, consumer electronics, auto, wireless networks, as well as industrial equipment.

What To Consider While Designing a Flex PCB?

You must hire a professional PCB manufacturer for the right design, manufacturing, and assembly of flex PCB. The engineer must know the kind of environment that suits a TG PCB to function precisely. You should see if:

  • You need a flex PCB for an ordinary environment or an extreme environment like an explosion. Whereas the cell phone has a normal environment.
  • The environment should be free from any moisture before installing a high TG circuit board.
The Design Process

The design of a high TG PCB involves different steps, such as

  • Using the right software, like CAD, Eagle, Altium Designer, etc.
  • You must know the power requirements to suit different components on the PCB. You should also consider a specific plan for noise reduction caused by a TG PCB.
  • Preparation of the stack-up plans documents as it is essential for making the best TG PCB.
  • The floor layout for a PCB with proper sections, including components. Like you can place them together or separately.
  • TG PCB should be complete in terms of a power plane and ground details. These details ensure proper routing for signals.
  • The board should be compatible with patterns in terms of sizes. All components should be well-placed to help a PCB function the right way.
  • It is important to design routs for high-frequency signals, as the route should be clear for a flawless signal transfer. This step involves vias, as they help in proper signals. You need the reverse via and signal via in this case.
  • You must follow the 3W-rule to increase the traces’ distance which helps to reduce the coupling effect.
  • Another rule to reduce the coupling effect is the 20 H rule.
  • In the end, check the routing guidelines to see if you are doing everything the right way.
Specs and Design Parameters

The fabrication of a high TG PC Board Fabrication involves certain parameters and specs, depending on the application. Some standard parameters are described below.

How Many Layers Do You Need

Designers prefer the even number of layers while developing the high TG PCBs. But, the odd numbers of layers are also suitable in certain applications.

Dimensions of PCB

The PCB dimensions depend on its application. Like, you need a large circuit board for a broader application. Besides, there should be enough space on the board to place the electrical components.

Well-Finished

The high TG PCB should be well-finished, and the material depends on where you want to use this board. Like, some common materials are;
HASL, or hot air leveling – It is ideal as it is cheap and can be stored for longer.
OSP, or organic protective surface
Immersion silver – It gives a smooth surface, and it is cost-effective. It has many storage limitations
Immersion tin – It suits the SMT

Immersion gold – It can be stored for longer with a few limitations.

ENEPIG, nickel palladium – It can be stored longer, but it involves a complex process.

Solder mask – It protects the PCB from environmental elements.

Weight of copper – You must also consider the weight of copper like it includes both initial and finishing copper. Generally, the weight is 1 oz. to 1.5 oz. or 5 oz. It also depends on the layer and board thickness.

Assembled PCB thickness – The TG PCB thickness depends on its material and type. Like, if it’s flexible, hard, or a hard-flex board.

Distance between layers – The distance or spacing of electrical components and layers should be equal for high-frequency signals. As it reduces the coupling effect.

Via sizes – The drill aspect ratio and the hole size should also be appropriate. Generally, the PG PCB can have either plated-through or non-plated through holes, depending on the placement and layout design.

Board quality – The board should have a high-grade material to ensure an effective function during application. Besides, you must check the quality of the TG PCB to evaluate its performance in terms of specs. Like, you should test its lamination, vias, copper plating, solderability, finishing, components, and cleanliness.

Interested to know more about PCB TG or PCB Assembly? Email us at sales@pnconline.com

Castellated Circuit board fabrication (Uses, and Design Guide)

Castellated Circuit board fabrication (Uses, and Design Guide)

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Electronic goods are increasing with a time that demands smart, high density, and multifunctional PCBs. You will see smarter PCBs than in the past as their geometric index is continuously increasing. Advanced PCBs with reduced sizes need to have updated soldering with a better electrical connection. Large holes result in poor connections, affecting a product, hence, the hole size has reduced to half.

PCB’s need different holes for connections and one of them is plated half hole and designers also call it a castellated hole. It is a drilled hole finished in copper and it exists on the board boundaries.

As holes are semi-plated, so we call them plated half holes. These holes help mount one PCB to another and simplify the assembly of PCBs. The hole looks like a broken circle and enhances the PCB’s soldering. In other words, plated half holes help in board-to-board soldering.

You can enhance various Printed Circuit Board modules through castellation, including Bluetooth or a Wi-Fi module. You can install these modules together during soldering. The castellated holes can directly connect two circuit boards, creating connections between the board and its module.

You can apply these holes in different displays, high frequency, as well as ceramic modules that need soldering to a standard board. Remember that this technology is not compatible with single-layered PCBs.

The boards with semi-plated holes can benefit different industries, including power, computers, consumer electronics, automobiles, and telecommunications.

PCB fabrication of PCB Castellations

PCB has to go through a certain process for plated half holes, and it involves a certain order. So, let’s look at all the manufacturing steps.

• Holes drilling process
• Castellated hole making
• Making of panel plating
• Image transfer
• Pattern plating process
• Stripping is done
• Etching process
• Solder masking process
• Surface finishing
• Implementation of castellated holes

Stacking Of PCBs through Plated Half Holes

The use of plated half holes for stacking of two PCBs involves two criteria, such as

• First, the circuit boards must have an electrical contact, as just a physical connection won’t work. So, both PCBs should have electrical connections.
• The boards should be tightly placed without any space between them. Even a little space between the boards will result in incomplete or wrong soldering.
The semi-plated holes technology is cost-effective and effectively changes a PCB into a surface-mounted assembly. As PCBs are plated and concave, so they offer an excellent soldering base. Mounting of one PCB over another involves a zero distance between them, so plated had holes are best because they lie on the board edges. Besides, dust won’t stay between two PCBs, providing flawless connections.

Uses of Plated Half Holes in PCB

Half holes or castellated holes are located on the circuit board’s edges and resemble several PCB parts. There are different ways to use these holes, such as:
• PCB with plated half holes serves as a breakout board for bigger circuit boards.
• These holes help you to have a custom design of the component like you can alter the pin layout according to your needs.
• Castellated holes help manufacturers to install one PCB to another without any hassle.
• These holes join two circuit boards without leaving any void between them, helping in precise soldering.
• Plated half holes help you to develop a single PCB based on integrated modules. The board is ready for another assembly through its modules.
• The Wi-Fi modules and breakout PCBs also depend on semi-plated holes. Moreover, these holes help you to develop wireless connections between PCBs.
• These holes also help engineers to use complex components with a breadboard which is often a great challenge.

• Castellated holes allow you to reuse the IC without any fear of the damage that happens in direct usage.
• The holes help to work easily with leadless components, such as LGA, QFN, BGA, etc. during SMT assembly
• Small PCB with castellated holes act as subcircuits for large boards containing inverters or filters etc. They are compatible with multiple modules, including GOS, GPRS, GMS, and several other smart modules.

Guidelines for Making Plated Half Holes

You have to consider some design parameters for PCB soldering with castellated holes. There are some guidelines to follow in this case, including diameter, distance, size padding, surface finishing, etc. You can successfully use these holes by following the below parameters.

Holes Diameter
PCB is either advanced or standard and castellated holes are compatible with both. In the case of a standard PCB, the diameter of a hole should be at least 0.6 mm. whereas, you can keep it lower than 0.6 mm in advanced PCBs.

Holes Distance
On the other hand, the distance between two half-plated holes should be at least 0.55 mm. Make sure it is not less than this figure, as it would hinder the soldering.

Surface Size
The surface for making castellated holes for a PCB mount should be large enough. Small size won’t let you keep enough distance between the holes.

Surface Finishing
You must well prepare a surface for PCB mounting like you can do it through an ENIG finish as it is more practical. But, the purpose of PCB also helps to determine the right finishing material.

Suitable Pads
You must use heavy pads as they help join two castellated PCBs without any flaw. There should be a minimum number of holes while using them for soldering, as it can enhance PCB assembly and alignment. Whereas the circuit board’s design also determines the number of holes it should have. But, you can reduce or increase this quantity according to your requirements.

After following the above guidelines, the mounting and assembly of boards would be simple and flawless.

The Design of Plated Half Holes

In terms of design, castellated holes are developed in different styles, such as
• Half holes
• Half holes with small cuts
• Holes with small leads for connectors
The design process involves drilling and copper plating, but via is not like normal PCBs, instead, it is smaller than a standard hole. The micro vias diameter is less than 150 microns, and you can make them using laser technology or a mechanical technique. The laser technology is more convenient in developing a PCB and a small via ensures more output.
You can select any process that suits your PCB, and once the holes are ready, they are cut into half, resembling a semi-circle that’s why we call it a half hole. The holes opening is always on the PCBs edges.

Indicating Plated Half Holes In PCB Design

Different software brings different designs for holes, however, the Gerber files include specific results. You can add a hole directly on the edge of the board, then can cut it across. So, make sure the half portion of the hole is on the PCB, and half is on another side of the outline.
It should include;
• The GTL copper layer and a GBL copper layer, which are copper pads for both upper and lower layers for every half hole.
• Solder mask layers, including the GBS and GTS, and openings for a solder mask on both sides.
• Each plated hole requires drilling that involves a drill layer, including DRL and TXT.
• Likewise, the mechanical layer should cut the drill hole. This layer includes the GKO and GML.
But, you should consider what your design software offers in terms of documentation.

Cost of Plated Half Holes
The manufacturing of plated half holes involves more work and time, and you need to do every step with care. So, a PCB with these holes becomes expensive than standard boards. However, the cost also depends on the design, your requirements, and a circuit board’s size.

Certification
Plated half holes should be certified, depending on the country of manufacturing. Like, it should be RoHS-certified in the United States. A certified board ensures a high-quality product that you can trust in terms of application.

Frequently asked questions

What Is The Difference Between Plated And Non-Plated Holes In PCB?

Plated holes are finished or plated in copper, whereas non-plated holes are without copper finishing.

Why Do PCB Vias Require Plating?

PCB connects different layers on the PCB, providing a path for electrical signals. Your product won’t work without connectors, so vias are essential.

Can You Use Plated Half Holes For A Single-Sided PCB?

No, a single-sided PCB has a single layer, whereas half holes are suitable for more than one layer as they help join two PCBs.

Can The Number Of Drills Affect The PCB Cost?

Fabrication of PCB requires holes through drilling, and more holes mean more drilling. If the number of drills is more, it requires more time to complete, hence, it will increase the manufacturing cost. So, the total cost of PCB will also increase. However, you will have to consider this factor for bigger PCBs as small boards are cost-effective.

Final Thoughts

PCB needs different holes for connections and one of them is plated half hole and designers also call it a castellated hole. It is a drilled hole plated or finished in copper and that exists on the board boundaries.

The boards with semi-plated holes can benefit different industries, including power, computers, consumer electronics, automobiles, and telecommunications.

Interested to know more about Circuit board fabrication of castellated holes. Email us at sales@pnconline.com

PCB fabrication using green Soldermask

PCB fabrication using green Soldermask?

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How to use green Soldermask in pcb fabrication.

As we know that printed circuit boards are the building blocks of electronic devices. It is not wrong if we say that the electronic industry is relying on the quality of printed circuit boards in order to provide better functionality and performance. Now let us move forward with the fact that the printed circuit board is something we need to understand first if we are talking about electronics. Maybe you have seen one in your computer or other commonly used gadgets. What color came to mind? Let me guess! Is it a green board we usually see on our computers? Yes! Printed circuit boards are usually designed in this color. Although there are many other colors available, a vast majority of circuits are designed in green color.

There are a number of reasons for choosing green and we will discuss it further.
But before that let us make one thing clear. The green color of the PC board doesn’t mean that it is green all the way through. It is the outer part that is visible. And that other part is the solder mask of the circuit. So now we have another point. If you want to understand the color philosophy of the circuit, you need to understand what solder masking is. And why it is needed in the circuit.

In the manufacturing process of printed circuit boards, the copper circuitry is etched on the glass fiber interior. This circuitry helps the circuit in avoiding short circuits and soldering errors. The hue of the solder mask is used to protect that copper circuitry and it is the reason that the printed circuit board looks green. But the green color can be modified according to the need and to differentiate multiple printed circuit boards. For example, there is variation in the circuitry of colors provided by design companies. Black, blue, green, and red is provided as standard and commercial color for the solder masking. The electrical traces inside the board are shielded from contamination and moisture with the help of the solder mask.

Moreover, it helps in regulating the process of molten solder flux. There is a plain drab and yellow core of the conventional FR-4 circuits. But there is a variation for the solder masking. We have a number of colors available for solder masking such as white, black, blue, red, and yellow and usually decided during the PCB design portion of the job. Moreover, it is interesting to know that many uncommon colors are also in the hue list such as purple, orange, smooth, red, etc. similarly most combined colors are also available as an extravagant for the boards. So now when we have known that the number of choices is available then the question is even more strongly that why green? Or you can simply say why green is preferred when we have other choices too.

Now we are going to see the reasons why green is the most commonly used color for the solder masking of the printed circuit boards. There are a number of reasons, and we will see the important ones.

Reasons for the green color of PCB

In the early era of technical constraints, humans were controlling the quality of the circuit manually by verifying the board. So, many factors explain the green color of the PCB. As we have discussed before the green color means only the exterior of the printed circuit board. This does not mean that the inner PCB would also be of the same color. The exterior sheet is solder masking.

There are a number of factors that affect the copper traces present inside the circuit board such as oxidation, humidity, contamination, and FOD. The solder mask is the role that reduces the chance of these effects on the circuit board. Now let’s see the reasons for overlying the green sheet over the exterior sheet of the printed circuit board.

Visually relieve color:

Colors may relieve you or exhaust you depending upon their tendency to affect your sight. It may exhaust your min dot work on tiny circuits. But it is proved by psychologists and neurologists that the spectrum of green color has a relieving and smoothie impact on your body and mind. The green color may help in relieving tiredness and fatigue. Squinting at the tiny circuit is difficult but green wavelength has relaxing effects on the body, so it is easy to work on this layer.

Moreover, it is medically proved that the human eyes and cones are most sensitive to the green color. It is easy to distinguish green color as the eyes are robust to green color. Therefore, the traces, empty areas, silkscreens, electrodes, pads, and printings have greater contrast especially during the pcb assembly process. It is easy to detect the flaws in the outer layer if one looks simply at the outer layer. This is easy because of the color contrast used in the outer layer. If you compare the green color solder mask with others such as white, black, red. You will notice that it is easy to distinguish spots in the green color because of high contrasts. Although there are a number of techniques that are being used for spot detection such as flying probe technique and automatic optical inspection. These techniques are highly effective in spotting errors. But the technical reason for using green color remains the same.

Physical superiority of green color:

R&D is preferring green color for making high-quality solder mask oils because of the typical convention of using green hues. The functionality of the resin is impacted in the duration and the actual environment by organic chemical pigmentation. When the demand is reaching the limitation then there is no restriction for choosing a pink board. But the fact is, no other color in the aesthetic palette possesses the qualities same as green color. Moreover, the solder mask dams of 0.1mm can only be produced reliably by commercial green color. On the other hand, 0.12mm can be achieved by red, blue and yellow.

Additionally white and black can produce 0.15mm dams. Solder mask dams play an important role in fine pitch components and integrated circuits. Both ICs and fine pitch components are essential in shielding solder masks from forming.
It is also interesting to know that chlorine is the basis of the green color in the green solder oil. Halogens are made in PCB substrate when chlorine is combined with bromine. Halogens have a severe impact on health and also affect the environment if disposed of inappropriately. But you can also go for halogen-free solder masks as they are also available in the market. But you have to switch to some other color for a halogen-free solder mask.

Cost:

Silkscreen techniques are used when we need to apply solder masking. Across the screen mesh, a large glob of oil is dragged. There is a circuit board underneath which is sent for the curing and another board is pulled under the solder mesh. But there is a pause if you want to apply another color. Because for this purpose you need to wash the silkscreen in order to remove excess oil from the solder mask and then you can apply a new color. Moreover, you need a silkscreen station for each color.

The cost of the circuit board would be affected if you are changing color, increasing the thickness of the board, using multiple pictures, and increasing the number of possible combinations. The wastage of material would also be increased in this way. If the industry is not refusing to take your circuit board, even then you are paying more than your budget in this case which is of course not a good choice. But you can save your cost if you are going for the commercial green colors and their features. Moreover, you should also keep in mind that making a new solder mask that is visually appealing, cures well, applies, and adheres well and a good insulator is not an easy process at all. For your special request such as for matte color, you need to pay an extra amount.

So, there are a number of choices available for you to consider in the case of the colors of the printed circuit board. Every color has its pros and cons. Commonly green is preferred because of its efficiency over other colors but you can choose as per your need.

PNC is the market leader in providing cost-effective pcb assembly services. Just email us at sales@pnconline.com to get your query sorted.

Printed Circuit Board Signal Conditioning Process

Printed Circuit Board Signal Conditioning Process

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The process of data acquisition is known as signal processing. This acquisition is done by an instrument which is known as the signal conditioner. There is a conversion of signals that happened in this process. The signal conditioner converts the signal from one form such as electrical or mechanical to another form. The input signal is converted into the output signal in the signal conditioning process. Now the question may arise why do we need to convert the input signal into an output signal? The simple answer is that the signal needs to be amplified.

This amplification helps the signal to be converted into a compatible and easy-to-read form. This form of signal helps in data acquisition and machine control. Analog signals are converted into digital signals but before that, correct preparation is made. In the signal conditioning process, we manipulate a signal in a way that it can be converted and further proceed for the next step. Mechanical and environmental measurements are made in many electronic acquisitions for the measure. These measurements are done with the angle of specific sensors such as temperature and vibrations. But these sensors cannot work accurately for the measurement of the signals if the signal conditioning is not compelled yet.

Certain signals tend to have a very low voltage level. For these types of signals, amplification is required before they can be digitized properly. The best example of these signals is thermocouple signals. Some of the other sensors such as accelerometer, strain gauges, and resistance temperature detector cannot work until the excitation to operate is not completed. All these technologies are the best example of signal conditioning.

Because of its importance, we can say that signal conditional can be considered as the fundamental block of modern data acquisitions taken in consideration during the PCB design step. Physical measurement is the end goal of the data acquisition system. The following basic components are achieved by the signal conditioning process:

• Analog to digital convertor
• Sensor
• Signal conditioning
• Computer with DAQ

Use Of signal conditioning:

As discussed before, the basic task of signal conditioning is the conversion of the signal. The signals are converted from the input form to the output form. Most commonly, the input signals are of the electric type. Now why the conversion is required. This conversion is needed when the conventional signals cannot process the actual signal easily and it needs to be converted so that interpretation can be done correctly.

Frequency, electric charge, AC voltage, electric current, DC voltage, and current are basic signals that are accepted by the signal conditioning process.

A data acquisition system cannot work until it is connected to several signals and a wide variety of sensors. The arranged process is happened for the signal converting. The analog signal is taken by the signal conditioner for better manipulation. Once the signal is manipulated, it is then sent to the analog to digital converter system. The analog to the digital converted system is the end resource and it helps in digitizing the signal so it can be used in further processing. The basic purpose of the signal conditioning business is the conversion from analog to digital signals.

The digital domain is achieved by this process and this domain is then represented, displayed, stored, and analyzed. Input can be measured from a sensor that is used to measure strain, temperature, resistance, and acceleration. Moreover, the input can also be achieved by relays, switches, encoders, and clocks. A huge number of varieties can be interpreted from signal conditioners, this variety of signals include the output type.

There are some basic functionalities of the signal conditioning process. We will see the functionalities later. First, we need to understand the process of signal conditioning after the Printed Circuit board Fabrication is done.

Process of signal conditioning:

Following are the steps that are included in the signal conditioning process. The detail of every step is given for better understanding.

Step 1: Adjustment of a signal according to noise ratio:
The signal is adjusted to the noise ratio with the help of amplification and attenuation. In the electronic dictionary, you can say that amplification and attenuation are two opposite subjects. The deterioration of analog signals happens because of the background noise in the transmission process.

There comes the term signal-to-noise ratio. This means the signal strength ratio to unwanted background interference. This ratio is then increased with the help of amplification by magnifying the voltage level of the input signal. For example, in amplification, a signal of 0-1mv is converted into 0-10v.

On the other hand, in the attenuation process, the input amplitude is decreased. This process is done so that the signal can be fit in the optimal range of the device digitizer.

Step 2: removal of voltage signal for the prevention of equipment from damage:
The filtration and isolation of the input signal are required by the signal conditioning process. This is done because the unwanted background noise that is unwanted needs to be removed. Moreover, the removal of voltage signals that are far beyond the in-line digitizer is also compulsory.

There is a considerable difference in filtering and isolating processes. The filtering is done when noise needs to be rejected from a predefined frequency range. We can say that the isolation process is somehow similar. But the difference is a protection step of data acquisition and control system form the from voltage spikes is done. These voltage spikes can damage the entire data acquisition system.

Step 3: using controlled current or voltage for excitation technique:
Transducers and their subtypes require the excitation process. The operation of an active sensor is done with the help of the external sensor. A few types of signals that require external power to proceed further are strain gauges, accelerometers, transmitters, resistors, thermistors, and RTDs.

Step 4: signal linearization
Sometimes a signal cannot exhibit a linear relationship to the actual measurement. These types of signals can also be produced by some sensor equipment. To overcome this problem, we need a linearization process. As clear from the name linearization is done to optimize this signal according to the actual measurement.

The voltage of the input signal is mapped with the corresponding value requirement by physical measurement. Linearization is a very common signal connection process. The most important use of linearization is in industrial temperature measurement.

Now you have understood the process of signal conditioning in depth. Above mentioned steps need to be followed step by step for better signal conversion. Now it is necessary to understand the basic function of signal conditioning. How it is done and what are the benefits of signal conditioning.

Let’s understand the functionality and the benefits of this process now.

Functions of signal conditioners:

As we have discussed before, the main functions of signal conditioners are filtering, isolation and amplification. If these steps are not done correctly then inefficiencies and inaccuracy can happen. These can lead to incorrect output, loss of data, and other problems. So, the question arises how you can avoid these problems?

Now how would you know which type of signal conditioning is best for you? Well, the type of input signal you are going to use for processing will decide this. The other factors that make an impact on the type of signal conditioning process are desired type of output, available power for isolation in the quality criteria of the signal.

Now let’s understand the basic PC BOARD functions such as accuracy, flexibility, and the isolation required by signal conditioning.

Accuracy:

Accuracy is the main thing to be noticed in the signal conditioning process. There is a broad variety of accuracy along with signal conditioning. There is a direct relation of accuracy between the conditioner and the accuracy of the other equipment. For example, the sensor that is used to provide the signal. An extremely accurate signal conditioner cannot perform well if the sensor is used in the process is not precise and working correctly. So, in a nutshell, you can say that to get the highly correct and efficient output, every degree of accuracy should be the same in the signal conditioner and other parts of the system. Otherwise, the device and cost would be wasted with a high level of precision.

Flexibility:

As clear from the name flexibility in the signal conditioner means processing with a number of signals. A wider range of signal types can be processed with the flexibility feature. It is often considered as an additional advantage. Many designers and manufacturers add this feature to the product just to increase its functionality and efficiency.

Because if the device is dealing with a wide range of signals, it is likely to be more precise and calibrated for sensors. The replacement and change of other important parts of the system can be done with the help of flexibility. This will not affect the other part of the system.

Isolation:

Isolation is used in the signal conditioning process at more than one point. As a clear from the name, this process isolates the components and encourages that there is no interconnection between electric and other parts of the devices. The isolation process is required because it will enhance the common quality of the system. Moreover, the signal that needs to be isolated would also be decided according to configuration.
Should you have any further questions regarding the Signal Conditioning Process, feel free to contact us at sales@pnconline.com

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PC BOARD Electronics Components Optimization

PC BOARD Electronics Components Optimization

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Can you imagine yourself all dressed up, but you have no place to go? Well, that’s awkward because we all need to do something but for a reason. And that reason should be enough strong that could stop us not to distracted by other various factors. The same happens to the engineer in the circuit board design. Sometimes, an engineer would do a mistake. What’s that mistake? He would probably be all dressed up, but he would not pay attention to the end goal. Instead, he would get distracted by other external factors and end up with nothing. And as a result, he would have a body of the circuit without a soul. That’s sounds bad right? So, what is that one thing that an engineer can apply to avoid this type of situation?

A clear answer, keep an eye on designing and optimizing. Before you launch your electronic component or product, you need to pay attention to the reasonable amount of material used in it.The fact that is overlooked in the virtual designing of the circuit board is that the product would have a physical structure also. The virtual designing process may include the components and design that are not beneficial or may not be available anymore. The database of virtual designing usually includes these components, and an engineer can get some hiccups in their assembly and prototyping process. And if these critical and useful components remain in the PCB design till the end of the designing then many severe problems can also occur.

For example, a delay in production can happen and the client may be unhappy. But the good news is, all these problems can be reduced if you take some steps and make some efforts to optimize your electric component section. But before we discuss the tips and tricks that need to be taken for better optimization of electronic components, one should understand how component procurement takes place.

Component selection and procurement:

You can get ease and freedom to work if the electronic components are placed on the circuit board correctly at a low frequency. The difficulty may arise when final design and heat dissipation occurs. Well, it is easy to deal with low frequency. But in the case of high frequency, the slightest mistake and wrong positioning of electric components that may be valid electrically would end in compromising the overall functionality of the circuit board. So, in a nutshell, it is being said that positioning any electric component in the circuit board is a crucial task to perform. In the case of high frequency, the requirement is also high for good positioning of the components. This will help in optimizing the signal path and improving the circuit operation.

The best placement for the circuit board can only be obtained by following the strict theoretical rules and some powerful software that helps designers in creating a sophisticated circuit. The length of the critical path should be reduced typically. If all the electric components are placed in the right arrangement, then the overall functionality of the circuit board can also be increased. And the physical size would be reduced accordingly.

Component selection is one of the most significant tasks that happen in circuit design and in the lifecycle of product development that may affect printed circuit board assembly. Then, the other tasks are performed to check if the components are integrated, and the device is performing the required functionality or not. Each component is available for a certain period and a graph is made for clear understanding. The product would be available in variation. A new production would be distributed modestly and then it would go to the peak once established and then decline because it is replaced with new technologies.

Following are the few terms that need to be taken care of while optimizing an electronic circuit. Some of them are related to the positioning of the components and some explain the optimization of the signal in any electronic circuit. An engineer should take care of every step so that the outcome of the circuit can work efficiently and effectively.

Placement of components for heat dissipation:

The positioning of components and optimization of a circuit board is not that easy task to do. It is always demanding and delicate to perform. The general recommendation is that the number of elements such as resistor, inductor, capacitor, indicator, and others should be connected with an extremely short track and device connected very close together. This is beneficial when the circuit is operating at a high frequency.

The rule is compulsory to follow for better functionality but sometimes, minimizing the length of the circuit may result in several thermal problems, and uneven accumulation of heat can happen, and some other unexplainable faults can also damage the entire functionality of the circuit board. So, to avoid these types of consequences, it is recommended to use the thermal ducts and go for the parallel positioning of the components.

With the advancement in technology, some techniques rapidly suggest an optimal positioning for components and then a uniform distribution so heat flow can be maintained. This ends up with the excellent thermal performance of the entire Printed Circuit Board circuit.

Placement of high-frequency components:

It is difficult to handle a system if it exceeds the frequency of 1 MHZ. The positioning of capacitive and inductive electrical and electronic components is critical to manage. The components may act differently even if they are arranged and electrically converted. So, the performance of the circuit board would be compromised. The motion of the capacitor and inductance of just a few centimeters can change the game by changing the functionality of the circuit. For example, you must have seen the transistors and receivers on the radio. HF amplifiers and other equipment that work in the high frequency.

Their frequency can be changed accordingly, and they will catch signals from the set frequency. The signal may be spread in the surrounding leaving the circuit in the order of MHz the positioning of the circuit board can be compromised (positively or negatively) with a small variation in the wiring connection. The resistors are difficult to manage and should be done in the most attentive environment.

Genetic algorithms:

As artificial intelligence is covering many other aspects of technology successfully, it had its impact on the world of electronics also. Some techniques help in the implementation of genetic algorithms so that the positioned components can be optimized, and thermal degree can be evaluated in the duration of the operation.

The convection can be cooled by airflow if the genetic algorithms are present on the surface of the board. The thermal model of the circuit acts in two dimensions. So, the optimization of the circuit and position of this differently acting thermal criteria is handled by the algorithm genetic. And this would result in the optimization of electronic components and positioning of components on the circuit board in a three-dimensional way.

All this would be done with the help of genetic algorithms. But arranging and finding the right arrangement is not a piece of cake. There are hundreds and thousands of arrangements that can take place in the circuit. For this purpose, the software has to manage the million permutations and combinations to find the right arrangement. Once the right arrangement is found, it is implemented for the efficient functionality of the circuit board.

Optimizing electrical components selection:

The impact of the component positioning on a circuit board is often undervalued. But the truth is your component choice can affect the assembly of the circuit board in a significant manner. The right choice for component packages can reduce pc board steps in the circuit board either through-hole or surface mount devices. However, some specific steps need to be followed for the overall functionality and optimization of the electric circuit board.

Determine the quantity available in the designing process:

Checking the quantity of the component is important because it helps in manufacturing delays of the circuit in searching for alternatives that perform equally well to the components from alternative markets.

Choose reputable suppliers for components:

Your product quality is depending on the components you are going to use in the circuit. So, selecting reputable suppliers and distributors is equally important to manufacturing. It should be mentioned in the manufacturing procedure which suppliers you are going to deal with for your product components.

Components should have comparable replacements:

Choosing components with replacement can help in minimizing a lot of tasks. Such as requirement gathering and redesigning and redefinition in case of components contingency. The need to update can also be managed.

Maintain access to the current component of the lifecycle:

Having a quick view of the current data rate is important. As the process proceeds further, you will need to check if the particular component is doing great or not. Similarly, this choice is important so you can check if you want to go with the particular component or you should select any other alternative.

Investigate the component:

This step is important to ensure the quality of your component.

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