Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold on PCBs
Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold, often abbreviated as ENIG, is a type of surface finish used in the electronics industry, particularly for printed circuit boards (PCBs). It is a popular method for providing a protective and conductive layer on the copper traces and pads of PCBs….
10 Common PCB Solder Types
PCB solder types used in electronics manufacturing and repair range. Various types of solder are used in PCB soldering, each with its own characteristics and applications. The most common PCB solder types include: The choice of solder depends on the specific requirements of the PCB…
Cold Solder Joints: Causes and Effects
Cold solder joints are a common issue in electronics manufacturing and repair. They occur when the solder joint doesn’t properly bond with the components or the printed circuit board (PCB), resulting in a weak and unreliable connection. Here are the causes and effects of cold…
Q: What are PCB Solder Bridges
A: PCB Solder bridges, also known as solder shorts or solder blobs, are unintended electrical connections created by excess solder material that connects two or more adjacent conductive elements on a printed circuit board (PCB) or electronic component. These connections can cause electrical problems and…
Q: What Causes a Lifted PCB Pad
A lifted PCB pad in a printed circuit board can occur for various reasons, and it’s a situation where the copper pad that connects to a component or trace becomes detached from the PCB substrate. This can result in poor electrical connections and functionality issues….
Stop Solder Dewetting: Causes and Prevention
Solder dewetting is a common issue in soldering processes, particularly in electronics manufacturing, where solder joints lose their integrity and wetting ability, leading to a reduction in solder adhesion to the surfaces being soldered. This can result in poor electrical connections, reduced mechanical strength, and…
Electronic PCB Selective Soldering
Electronic PCB selective soldering is a specialized process used in electronics manufacturing to precisely solder specific components onto a printed circuit board (PCB). This process benefits through-hole components with leads that must be soldered to the PCB. Here’s how electronic PCB selective soldering works: Electronic…
Q: What is Mid-Chip Solder Balling
A: Mid-chip solder balling is a phenomenon that can occur during the soldering process in electronic assembly, particularly in surface mount technology (SMT) soldering. It refers to forming small, spherical solder balls or droplets that appear near the center of a solder joint on a…
Clean versus No-Clean Solder Paste
Clean versus No-Clean Solder Paste…both are used in the electronics manufacturing process, specifically for soldering components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). Let’s delve into what each type entails and why they might be chosen: Due to these potential issues, clean solder paste requires thorough cleaning…
Purpose of PCB Vibration Testing
PCB vibration testing, also known as Printed Circuit Board vibration testing, is a process used to assess the durability, reliability, and performance of electronic components mounted on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) when subjected to various mechanical vibration levels. This type of testing is especially…
PCB Plated Through-Hole Description
A PCB plated through-hole, often abbreviated as PTH, is a type of hole that passes through a printed circuit board and is plated with a conductive material to create an electrical connection between different layers or sides of the board. Plated through holes are a…
Center of Quality: Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC)
IPC certifications are industry-recognized credentials for electronics manufacturing and repair professionals. They are awarded by the Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC) and signify expertise in various aspects of electronics assembly, repair, and quality control. Some standard IPC certifications include: 1. IPC-A-610: Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies…
About IPC J-STD-001: Electronics Industry Soldering Standards
IPC J-STD-001 is a widely recognized standard in the electronics industry that provides requirements for the manufacturing and assembly electronic assemblies. It is officially titled “Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies.” The IPC (Institute of Printed Circuits), now known as IPC-Association Connecting Electronics Industries,…
Q: PCB Soldering Problems: What Are They
A: PCB soldering problems can sometimes present challenges, leading to unexpected results. Here are some of the most common issues: To avoid these common soldering problems, it’s important to use appropriate tools, techniques, and safety precautions. Regular practice and continuous learning can help improve your…
Q: What are Flying Leads
A: Flying leads refers to an electrical cable or wire not permanently attached to a device or equipment. Instead, it has one or both ends left unconnected, allowing it to be easily connected or disconnected as needed. These leads are typically used in prototyping, testing,…
Q: What is Electrical Conductivity
A: Electrical conductivity measures a material’s ability to conduct an electric current. It is the reciprocal of electrical resistivity. Materials with high electrical conductivity, such as metals, allow electric charges to flow easily. In contrast, materials with low electrical conductivity, such as insulators (rubber or…
Accurate Temperature Profiling a Reflow Oven
Accurate temperature profiling of a reflow oven involves monitoring and recording the temperature variations during the soldering process in electronics manufacturing. This process helps ensure that the components on a circuit board are soldered adequately without causing damage or defects. By placing temperature sensors (thermocouples)…