Tag Archives: printed circuit board

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How to Choose the Right PCB Material for Your Application

When it comes to electronic products, the materials you choose for your printed circuit board (PCB) can make all the difference in performance, reliability, and even cost. Selecting the right PCB material isn’t just about picking what’s readily available; it’s about matching the material’s properties to your specific application. At Board Assembly, we understand the importance of PCB material selection and are here to help you navigate the options.

Why PCB Material Matters

Your PCB is the backbone of your electronic device. It carries electrical signals, manages heat, and supports all your components. The wrong material choice can lead to issues like signal loss, overheating, or even mechanical failure. That’s why understanding your project’s requirements is key to making the right choice.

Factors to Consider

  1. Thermal Performance:
    If your application generates a lot of heat—like in power electronics or LED lighting—you’ll need a PCB material with good thermal conductivity. Materials like aluminum-based PCBs or high-Tg FR-4 are excellent choices.

  2. Electrical Performance:
    For high-frequency or RF applications, you’ll need a material with low dielectric loss. PTFE-based materials are often recommended for their superior electrical properties.

  3. Mechanical Strength:
    Will your PCB be exposed to vibrations, shock, or mechanical stress? If so, choose materials with higher mechanical strength to avoid cracks and failures.

  4. Cost:
    Budget matters too. While advanced materials like Rogers or ceramic substrates offer excellent performance, they can be pricey. For many applications, standard FR-4 remains a reliable and cost-effective option.

  5. Environmental Conditions:
    Consider the environment your PCB will operate in. Will it face moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures? Some materials offer better resistance to harsh conditions.

Trust Board Assembly with Your PCB Needs

At Board Assembly, we guide our customers through every step of the PCB material selection process. Our team helps you find the perfect balance between performance and budget, ensuring your project is a success.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you choose the best PCB material for your application.

Printed Circuit Board Fabrication

Commonly Used Terms in PCB Assembly

What the Heck Is Your PCB Vendor Talking About? – Common Terms for PCB Assembly

Printed Circuit Board FabricationEvery industry has its established lingo, which helps its members communicate more efficiently. If you are on the outside looking in, however, it can seem like they are speaking a foreign tongue. This becomes a problem when you need to work with vendors on ordering printed circuit boards for your device or your prototype. If you’ve gotten lost while trying to speak to your vendor (SMP, SME, SMD?), then you’ve come to the right place. Here is our no-nonsense guide on the most common terms in the printed circuit board industry:

  • PCB – Stands for Printed Circuit Board. Printed circuit boards are found in every single device that uses computing and data. PCBs act as the “highway” in transferring data between components within a device.
  • THM – Stands for Through-Hole Mounting (also known as Thru-Hole Mounting). THM is an older assembly technology that mounts components on a PCB by drilling holes through the printed circuit board and placing component leads into the drilled holes. THM has largely been replaced by SMT assembly, though there are still some situations in which THM is preferred.
  • SMT – Stands for Surface Mount Technology. SMT was first introduced in the 1960s and rose to prominence in the 1980s. Today, it is the dominant form of PCB assembly. SMT does not require drilling holes through a printed circuit board. Its components are smaller than THM and can be placed on both sides of the PCB. This allows for a denser allotment of components and a more powerful PCB.
  • Substrate – The substrate is the actual board upon which wires and components are placed. It gives the PCB its structure and also insulates conductive parts. PCBs can be made from a variety of different substrates. All PCB substrates are non-conductive. Common substrate materials are: FR-4 (a fiberglass-epoxy laminate), Teflon, ceramics, specialized polymers
  • Traces – Traces are the things that electrically connect the connectors to the components. The most common material for the traces is copper. The copper layer of a PCB goes on top of the substrate. In double-sided PCBs, copper traces are placed on both sides of the PCB.
  • Soldermask – Have you ever wondered why almost all PCBs are green? This is the soldermask. This layer goes on top of the copper layer and functions to insulate the copper traces. It prevents the highly conductive copper traces from making contact with other metal components of the PCB.

While this is far from an exhaustive list of common terms used in the PCB industry, hopefully this guide will help you better understand and communicate with your printed circuit board manufacturer.

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