PCB and Heavy Copper: Design Considerations

What could be the first question you’d ask a PCB manufacturer about its capabilities? One would be the minimum line width.

However, only a few would be able to tell you that it all depends on the copper weight. In order to make the design process simple and ward away complications during the manufacturing phase, here is a brief demonstration of how and why the width of the line depends on copper’s mass.

Furthermore, you will find some almost-universal rules for trace width vs. copper weight, alongside other vital contemplations when using heavy copper.

Copper Weight and Trace Width

Throughout the etching process, copper traces are merely secluded from the top by a dry film or a tin plate. This means that as the copper is etched, the trace sides are also etched. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the process of etching is isotropic.

As a result, the thick copper necessitates broader trace and space, and the traces are finished in a trapezoidal shape. Stated below are some guidelines for trace width vs. copper weight:

Preparatory Copper	Minimum Trace	Minimum Space
0.5oz	0.003″	0.003″
1oz	0.005″	0.005″
2oz	0.008″	0.008″
3oz	0.012″	0.012″
4oz	0.016″	0.016″

What would be the case if you need a tighter trace and space? In general, you can replicate the layer that needs heavy copper, and then divide the copper weight in halves. So, for instance, if you require 16 mil lines and 8 ounce copper, reproducing the layer and using 4oz copper would be the ideal choice.

Considerations of Heavy Copper

Basically, there are 2 added contemplations to heavy copper typically on the external layers. Foremost and fundamental is the soldermask.

When making use of liquid soldermask, several coats are needed to sufficiently guard the heavy copper traces. However, this issue is alleviated using 3D printed soldermask. Nonetheless, this technology is rarely being used and it is available in limited colors. 

Secondly, the surface mount pads often get jeopardized with heavy copper. While the Gerber file spells out the trace width from the bottom of the trace, the SMT takes place on the top. With heavy copper, chances are bright that the top of the SMT pad may turn out to be a number of mils thinner than planned, causing difficulties in placement and producing a debilitated solder joint.

Are you planning to buy printed circuit boards to fulfill your business needs? Super PCB is your reliable source of high frequency PCB manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. From flexible to prototype PCBs, visit http://superpcb.com/ for all kinds of PCB needs.

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The Difference Between Flex and Rigid Printed Circuit Boards

Printed CircuitBoards or simply PCBs are one of the more important concepts in electronics; yet people often forget what a PCB is.

It is an electronic circuit, comprising of thin strips of a conducting material (mostly copper), that has been etched from a layer that is, in turn, fixed to a flat insulating sheet. This is the printed circuit board where integrated circuits and other components are also attached. The use of this board’s base is to physically support and provide wiring to surface mounted components that can be found in most electronics. Other than this, PCBs are used in the aerospace, automotives and telecommunications industries among others.

Most people looking to design a printed circuit board often get confused over the types available. PCB manufacturers, such as Super PCB, produce online quotes for both flexible PCBs and rigid PCB fabrication.

Let’s explore the difference between the two;

What Are Flexible Circuits?

Also known as flex circuits or flexible electronics; it’s a technology by which electronic circuits are assembled with the help of mounting electronic devices on flexible plastic substrates (polyimide, PEEK, or transparent conductive polyester). Identical components that are used to produce rigid printed circuit boards are used for the assembly of flexible electronics. This enables the flexibility quality of the board during usage.  

The Applications of Flexible Circuit Boards

Often used as connectors in various applications, flex circuits makes it easier where flexibility, space savings and/or production constraints are limiting use of rigid circuit boards. Computer boards are the most common application is which these boards are used.

In addition, most flex circuits act as passive wiring structures and are used to interconnect electronic components (integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, etc). However, they can also be used to interconnect other electronic assemblies - either directly or with help from connectors.

Types of Flexible Circuit Boards

As far as flex circuits are concerned, following are its different types;

1. Single-sided Flex Circuits
2. Double Access or Back Bared Flex Circuits
3. Sculptured Flex Circuits
4. Multi-layer Flex Circuits
5. Double-sided Flex Circuits
6. Polymer Thick Film Flex Circuits
7. Rigid-Flex Circuits

The Closest To Rigid Printed Circuit Boards Are Rigid Flex

Most people don’t realize this; but rigid circuit boards aren’t manufactured anymore. The rigid flex is a sort of hybrid printed board as both flexible and rigid board technologies are used in its production. Most boards (rigid flex) are made of multiple layers of flexible circuit substrates that are attached to one or more rigid boards either externally and/or internally. This depends on the intended design of the application.

When it comes to designing printed circuit boards, rigid flex are more challenging than designing a typical rigid board environment. The boards are designed in a 3D space which is why spatial efficiency is increased as well as ability to twist, fold and roll the design of flexible board substrates to achieve the desired shape.

There’s a reason why PCB design and production should only be given to an expert PCB fab house. Too often, minor errors during the design process make a project far more costly due to delays. When in doubt, always go for the best. For more information on PCB manufacturing, visit http://www.superpcb.com/.

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What Does It Take To Fabricate and Assemble A PCB?

In the world of electronics, printed circuit boards (PCBs) are comprehensive when it comes to their assembly and fabrication. Today, you won’t find a device that doesn’t employ the use of circuit boards as an integral part of its mechanism. However, people often make use of the electronic devices without really understanding the technology that helps make them work, i.e. the PCB.

This doesn’t matter to everyday users; however, not knowing how a PCB is assembled and fabricated; the components the circuit board is made out of etc., can cause some degree of trouble to manufacturers of electronic devices.

In the following, Super PCB, leading manufacturer of custom printed circuit boards, explains the different components and general operation of printed circuit boards.

What Are PCBs?

A PCB in its simplest form comprises of a plastic board that’s reinforced with glass. Copper lines and pads are attached to the board that are connected together and cut from a layer of copper. Known as traces, these copper lines allow the flow of electrical charge through the PCB, which then provides power to all the components situated in systematic positions on the board.

The Layers of a PCB

Single sided boards, i.e. those with only one copper layer are the simplest PCBs in the market. This doesn’t mean that copper traces can’t be installed on both sides of the board, which creates a double sided PCB. The printed circuit boards available at Super PCB are more complex extra layers are added to the original design. Such PCBs are usually used for advanced electronics.  

The Components of A PCB

If copper traces within a PCB act like its skeleton, then the components in this structure are its important organs. Just like organs in the human body, each component in a PCB has a different function. It’s because of these important components that PCBs can be used for their intended purpose in a better manner.

The following components can be found in every printed circuit board;

Battery: This helps provide voltage to the circuit.

Resistors: They control electric current as it passes through the component. Additionally, resistors are color coded as well.

LEDs: Short form for light emitting diode, these lights up when electric current flows through. In addition, this component allows current to flow in one direction only.

Transistor: This component amplifies charge.

Capacitators: These essential components are able to harbor electrical charge.

Inductor: This component helps to store electrical charge. In addition, inductors stop and change electrical current.

Diode: This essential component allows electrical current to pass through in one direction only, hereby blocking current from another.

Switches: Depending on whether these components are closed or open, switches allows electrical current to be passed through or blocked.

Knowing about how PCBs are assembled and fabricated by manufacturing companies is important. This allows people that use them for their business operations know about the high quality of PCBs. Super PCB is one such company that offers clients high quality PCBs that are assembled and fabricated using quality control standards. Ask for an online PCB quote today.

Consider These Factors Before Hiring The Right PCB Manufacturer!

To put it in the simplest form, it’s nearly impossible to imagine electronic products that we use on every day basis such as mobile phones, TVs, computers, laptops etc., without a printed circuit board. As an owner of an electronic business, it’s imperative for you to hire the right PCB supplier in order for your business operations to run smoothly.

While arranging for PCB manufacturing can be a painstaking process, it’s wise to hire the services that can provide you with the best quality PCBs in time. However, this process is not very simple unless you know exactly how to go about it.

Here are some of the most important factors that you need to take into account when hiring the right PCB manufacturer/supplier for your PCB needs:

Use of Technology

The best part about technology, regardless of the industry, is that it keeps on evolving and getting better. If you glance through the PCB market, you will find infinite options making tall claims and falling short of expectations. One important aspect to assess your options is determining their use of technology. Despite a lot of technological innovations have been made in the PCB industry, not all PCB providers capitalize on them. So, make sure you hire a PCB manufacturer/supplier that makes the best use of the advanced technology.

Industry Experience and Reputation

One of the biggest driving factors when it comes to hiring the right PCB supplier is its experience of working with various industries and the market reputation it has established over the years. Collaborate with a PCB supplier that caters the PCB needs of multiple industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, new energy, aerospace, medicine etc. Moreover, the kind of reputation a PCB supplier has in the market says a lot about the kind relationship you will be sharing with the outsourced partner. It’s quite obvious that you wouldn’t like to work with a company that provides you with faulty products or fails to ship you on time.

Customization

Unfortunately, most of the PCB suppliers that we have in the market offer standard PCBs at a low cost. While the low-price factor may attract you, it’s not wise to buy something that is going to be of no use for your electronics business. While your needs will vary from others, it’s important to hire a PCB supplier that can offer you custom printed circuit boards. These firms possess the capability to provide you with PCB prototypes as per your requirements and specifications.

Quality

This is one aspect that mustn’t be neglected even if you are required to a little more. If you are getting quality for a premium price, know that it’s going to be worth each extra penny. Partner with a PCB provider that possesses multiple quality certifications such as ISO: 9001, ISO/TS16949 and UL. These are some of the most elite and globally recognized certifications that guarantee quality.

Looking for a PCB prototype manufacturer that possesses all of the above stated characteristics? If yes, then Super PCB is where you should be heading. Visit their website http://superpcb.com/ for complete details about their services.

You Should Know about Rigid PCB Fabrication

Super PCB is a leading supplier of customized Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). From Fabrication of a variety of PCB Prototypes and their production to PCB assembly, Super PCB has been serving the electronic market for a decade. Super PCB provides single, double sided and multi layered, rigid, rigid-flex and flexible PCB prototypes and caters to a wide range of industries. Their customers are highly reputable companies as well as entrepreneurial start ups.