Q: Why Do Electronic Functional Testing
A: Electronic functional testing, also known as EFT, is a process in which electronic devices or systems are tested to ensure they function as intended. This type of testing typically involves checking various functional aspects of the device or system, such as its input and…
Q: Why are PCB Assembly Workers Grounded
A: PCB assembly workers must often be grounded using ground straps or other grounding methods. This is to prevent the accumulation of static electricity on their bodies, which could potentially discharge and damage sensitive electronic components during the assembly process. Grounding helps ensure that static…
Q: What is a Pick and Place Machine
A: A pick and place machine, also known as a pick and place robot or pick & place system, is an industrial automation equipment used in manufacturing and assembly processes. It is designed to automatically pick up components, parts, or objects from one location and…
Q: What is a Communication Bus System
A: A communication bus system is a network architecture that allows devices and components within a computer system to communicate. It consists of wires or pathways (buses) that enable transferring data, commands, and control signals between different subsystems or modules within a computer system. The…
Q: Why are Semiconductors Vacuum-Sealed
A: Semiconductors are sometimes placed in vacuum-sealed packages to prevent contamination and oxidation, which can degrade their performance over time. The vacuum environment helps preserve the purity of the semiconductor material and prevents the buildup of moisture, dust, or other particles that could affect its…
Q: What is an Electronic Subassembly
A: An electronic subassembly is a built-to-order component or module part of a more extensive electronic system or device. It is designed to perform a specific function within the overall system and can be customized to meet the application’s specific requirements. Electronic subassemblies typically consist…
Q: What are Common Wiring Harness Wire Gauges
A: Wire gauges used in a wiring harness typically range from around 24 AWG (American Wire Gauge) to 8 AWG, with 24 AWG finer and 8 AWG thicker. The choice of wire gauge depends on factors like the current-carrying capacity, voltage drop, and the specific…
Institute for Printed Circuits (IPC) Standards
IPC stands for Institute for Printed Circuits, although it’s now known as the “Association Connecting Electronics Industries.” IPC standards are guidelines and specifications that help define processes, materials, and best practices in the electronics manufacturing and assembly industry. These standards cover various aspects of printed…
Q: Are Single-Sided PCBs Still Manufactured
A: Yes, single-sided PCBs are still produced and widely used, especially for simpler electronic devices and applications where cost, size, or complexity is a concern. However, more complex circuits often require double-sided or multi-layered PCBs to accommodate the necessary components and connections.
Q: What are the Steps to Manufacture a Bare PCB
The number of steps required to manufacture a bare PCB (Printed Circuit Board) can vary depending on complexity, technology, and specific requirements. However, a general outline of the manufacturing process includes designing the circuit layout, creating the Gerber files, fabricating the board, applying solder mask…
Q: What is Through-Hole Assembly
A: Through-hole assembly is a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly method where electronic components are inserted into holes drilled in the PCB. The components are then soldered onto the board using through-hole soldering techniques. This method is commonly used for more significant components requiring higher…
Q: What is Electronics Conformal Coating
A: Electronics conformal coating is a protective material applied to electronic circuit boards and components to protect them from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations. It is a thin layer of specialized coating material that conforms to the contours of the…
Q: How Many Layers are in a .062” Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
A: A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with a thickness of .062” (1.57mm) can typically have multiple layers, commonly ranging from 2 to 16 layers or even more, depending on the complexity of the design and the specific manufacturing capabilities. The number of layers affects the…
Q: What is No-Clean Solder Paste
A: No-clean solder paste is a type of solder paste that contains a flux formulation designed to leave minimal residue after the soldering process. Solder paste is a mixture of tiny solder particles and flux used in surface mount technology (SMT) to attach components to…
Q: Are there many SMT Semiconductor Packages
A: There are numerous semiconductor Surface Mount Technology (SMT) packages available, ranging from traditional through-hole designs to various types of surface-mount packages like QFN (quad-flat no-leads), BGA (Ball Grid Array), SON (small outline no-lead) packages, QFP (Quad flat package) AND more. The exact number of…
Q: What is a Surface Mount Production Line
A: A surface mount production line is a highly automated manufacturing system that assembles surface mount technology (SMT) components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). It involves using advanced machinery and equipment to achieve high efficiency, accuracy, and throughput in the assembly process. Some key components…
Q: What is ISO 9001 Certification
A: ISO 9001 certification is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to establish processes and procedures to ensure consistent product or service quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Achieving ISO 9001 certification signifies that a company meets…
Q: What is PCB Material Called FR-4
A: PCB material called FR-4, or Flame Retardant 4, is a commonly used epoxy resin fiberglass laminate. It is made of a thin layer of epoxy resin and a woven fiberglass reinforcement material. The epoxy resin provides good electrical insulation properties, while the fiberglass reinforcement…
Q: Printed Circuit Board Assembly: Parts on Both Sides
A: Components can be placed on both sides of a printed circuit board assembly. This is a “double-sided” or “two-layer” PCB design. It allows for more compact layouts and better utilization of space. However, it requires careful consideration of component placement, routing, and soldering processes…
Q: What is an Electronic Box Build
A: An electronic box build refers to assembling and integrating various components into an enclosure or chassis to create a functional electronic system or device. It involves assembling, integrating, and testing printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic components, wiring, and other hardware inside the enclosure. The…