PCB Designers spend hours of time and effort designing a robust PCB.
But still…
PCB prototypes do not work reliably
What’s wrong with it?
Why do most PCBs cannot work efficiently even after a perfect design with precise design guidelines, simulations, and testing?
Did you know the manufacturers encounter tons of issues while fabricating a PCB? Yet, a few of the issues go unnoticed.
“Now, let’s analyze some issues that most PCB manufacturers don’t even realize.”
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in.
Improve These 3 Key Factors To Design A Robust PCB (And It’s Not About Bad Soldering!)
- Obstacle #1: Burnt PCB
PCBs are subjected to high temperatures while manufacturing and assembling components. So, there might be chances of minor to major burns because of improper maintenance.
How To Prevent PCB Burnt?
Simple!
Solution: Request your manufacturer to follow the re-flow cycle.
Also, provide them with the re-flow cycle as per components datasheet with no ERRORS while assembling PCB.
- Obstacle #2. External Environment
Yep! You heard it right.
Exposure to an external environment decreases PCB’s performance level because of temperature, humidity changes.
For instance,
The teeny-tiny components on PCB undergo contraction and expansion processes due to “Change In Temperature.” And the last result you get is a damaged soldering joint.
Similarly, “Extreme Moisture” causes oxidation, rust, or corrosion.
“High Exposure To Dust” clogs the PCB holes and leads to overheating.
So, How To Prevent It?
Solution: Conformal coating
A conformal coating is a thin polymeric layer that prevents the PCB components from being exposed to the external environment.
- Obstacle #3. ESD(Electrostatic Discharge)
Here comes the most common and significant factor that damages electronic components while assembling PCBs.
But How, To Prevent It?
Solution: Ensure an ESD-Safe production environment to manufacture a PCB.
For instance, a few ways to prevent ESD include the usage of ground planes, isolated pads, surge protection diodes, and line lengths to minimize parasitic inductance.
Let’s Sum It Up
Who wouldn’t love high-performing PCBs?
However, the obstacles mentioned above, like PCB burnt, external environment, and ESD, reduce the efficiency of PCBs. So, look into the above article to fix these issues without shedding your energy.
