Consumer expectations for functionality continue to grow. This leaves many printed circuit board (PCB) designers and manufacturers asking what they can do to improve their PCBs. The result is more PCB layers, smaller sizes, more components, buried or blind vias and more. All of these technological advancements enabled a world full of incredible devices that were only a dream until recently.
These advancements are a great stride forward, but how do manufacturers confirm PCB integrity in a constantly evolving market? Two key steps help ensure PCB integrity are a robust design and a thorough testing program.
A ROBUST PCB DESIGN
PCB integrity starts with a good design that is manufacturable. This sounds simple, but the importance of a robust PCB design cannot be overstated.
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is designing an electronic for easy manufacturing and creating a better, more cost-effective product. DFM is a vital product development step that looks to simplify and optimize designs. In doing so, it ensures high quality and efficiency during production, along with PCB integrity once in the field.
DFM aims to reduce manufacturing costs and avoid costly disruptions without sacrificing quality or performance. It saves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) significant time and money.
Companies often rush to get a new PCB to market to meet demand. Because of this, it is tempting to shorten – or even skip – the DFM process. However, there are good reasons to fix such problems on the front end. For one, changes to the design are exponentially more expensive and time-consuming as the product progresses through the life cycle.
A thorough DFM process upfront helps to confirm the integrity of the PCB. It also allows engineers to make resolve integrity issues before they impact the project.
A THOROUGH PCB TESTING PROGRAM
The second step toward confirming PCB integrity is a thorough testing program. Several complex components comprise PCBs, each impacting the board’s overall performance. Production workers should test these components for faults to ensure the board functions properly.
A quality testing program assesses the functionality and integrity of individual parts and overall performance metrics. Some parts include capacitors, resistors, transistors, diodes and fuses, while performance metrics include electrical conductivity and mechanical strength.
Workers or automated processes should also examine the board layout. Doing this ensures the various components are oriented correctly. It also checks soldering was properly applied.
Thorough testing is an integral aspect of PCB manufacturing. There is always the potential for manufacturing defects or human error during fabrication and assembly. Testing is the checkpoint to catch these problems. That’s why it’s critical in identifying and resolving quality issues. Without testing, these issues may prove critical to the final product’s performance, functionality and reliability.
The time and effort required to test the integrity of a PCB or assembly is well worth it. OEMs need to establish testing procedures to reduce the potential of failure or malfunction in the field. It also helps maintain customer satisfaction.
At RiverSide Integrated Solutions (RIS), we specialize in PCB testing and assembly. Our expertise and breadth of testing options are two reasons we stand out from the competition.
Continue reading for more details about our printed circuit board testing program and the specific tests we perform.
RIS PCBA EXPERTISE
At RIS, PCB assembly is one of our core competencies. We provide reliable, seamlessly-assembled printed circuit board systems built with extreme precision.
Our skilled engineers, technicians and assemblers work to expertly put together a complete PCBA. When you choose RIS, you can expect the hands-on customer care of a small operation with the capabilities characteristic of a larger company. We provide our complete electronics manufacturing services for OEMs in any industry.
Our electronics assembly expertise includes:
- Surface Mount Technology (Fine-pitch, BGA (1 mm), µBGA (.4 mm), 01005, X-Ray, automated rework, and automated optical inspection (AOI)
- Magazine to Magazine handling
- Smart Shelving floor stock inventory control
- X-ray reel counting
- Lead-through auto-insertion (Axial, Radial, DIP, and Zierick Terminals)
- Wave Solder and Selective Solder Machines (No-clean & aqueous flux processes) RoHS and Tin/Lead capabilities
- Special Application Equipment (Cobot dispensing systems)
- Conformal coating (Silicone, Urethane)
- Potting (Epoxy, Urethane, and Silicone)
- Low-pressure molding technology
- Comprehensive product testing
- 3D Printing
About RiverSide Integrated Solutions:
RIS is an advanced contract manufacturer providing robust solutions in circuit board assembly and product assembly. We employ more than 350 people and provide services to OEMs worldwide. We operate two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities within the US.
With all of the choices in contract manufacturers out there, we know it can be challenging to find someone who understands your business model and has your best intentions in mind. RIS has always proven to be a win-win-focused relationship.
As your one-stop shop, we have the capabilities, capacity, quality assurance standards and resources to support all of your manufacturing needs. We understand that supply chain management is complex and very time-consuming, so we urge our customers to utilize us in the fullest capacity.
Our total-package solutions include:
- Dedicated Program Team
- Extensive supply-chain network for efficient parts procurement and kitting
- Subassembly and full box-build
- Warehousing and drop-shipping capabilities
- Reverse logistics
- Flexible order fulfillment
- Scalability to meet your needs
Contact us today at (507) 523-3220 to see how we can help with your manufacturing project, or click contact us for a quote.
