Technical Library | 2019-05-21 17:31:39.0
In the field of electronics manufacturing, the end use of the product will always dictate the processes, procedures, and methods, not only for building the product, but also for testing, cleaning, and protecting the assembly in order to assure the level of quality required for proper operation. The need to protect an electronic assembly from its end use environment may stem from anyone of a number of hazardous (or potentially hazardous) conditions. Choosing the type of protective material is dependent upon matching that material’s characteristics with the conditions to be overcome. Naturally, the use of a protective (conformal) coating will require some method of verification to ensure the desired level and type of protection is achieved.
Technical Library | 2020-02-26 23:24:02.0
Shielding electronic systems against electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become a hot topic. Technological advancements toward 5G standards, wireless charging of mobile electronics, in-package antenna integration, and system-inpackage (SiP) adoption are driving the need to apply more effective EMI shielding and isolation to component packages and larger modules. For conformal shielding, EMI shielding materials for exterior package surfaces have mostly been applied with a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process of sputtering, leveraging front-end packaging technologies to back-end packaging applications. However, sputtering technology challenges in scalability and cost along with advancements in dispensable materials are driving considerations for alternative dispensing techniques for EMI shielding.
Technical Library | 2021-06-15 15:17:33.0
Shielding electronic systems against electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become a hot topic. Technological advancements toward 5G standards, wireless charging of mobile electronics, in-package antenna integration, and system-in-package (SiP) adoption are driving the need to apply more effective EMI shielding and isolation to component packages and larger modules. For conformal shielding, EMI shielding materials for exterior package surfaces have mostly been applied with a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process of sputtering, leveraging front-end packaging technologies to back-end packaging applications. However, sputtering technology challenges in scalability and cost along with advancements in dispensable materials are driving considerations for alternative dispensing techniques for EMI shielding.
Technical Library | 2020-02-03 17:37:36.0
Accurate impact testing is a key component to establishing that a product is not only reliable, but durable in an end-use environment. ACI Technologies tested a high-g circuit board to demonstrate component durability and ruggedization for guided munitions. The Lansmont Model 23 Shock Test System customized with a Dual Mass Shock Amplifier was used for this testing (Figure 1).
Technical Library | 2013-09-25 20:57:24.0
Conformal coating is an enabling process that allows for the ruggedizing of electronic devices and modules. As the process increases the durability of electronics that are subjected to various end-use environmental conditions, it adds value to the product. While it does add value, consumers and manufacturers expect the electronics to work when subjected to dirt, humidity, moisture, corrosive materials, and various other contaminants. This expectation results in a drive to minimize the cost of the process. The lowest cost of ownership for a conformal coating process occurs by utilizing automated selective conformal coating equipment.
Technical Library | 2019-08-01 10:58:32.0
Optical fibers transmit information in the form of pulses of light. The advantages of optical fibers over traditional copper wires include: higher throughput, greater signal distance and speed, smaller cable mass and diameter, greater pull tension limit, and resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference(RFI). The disadvantages of fiber optics when compared to copper wires include: end-face defects, cleanliness, and the ease of attaching connectors to electronics assemblies (Figure 1).
Technical Library | 2019-11-13 13:53:50.0
Fiber optic harnesses appear simple, but they have been designed to maintain all of the critical areas of aligning two fibers and minimize the losses associated with a break in the transmission path. In order to understand how the connectors overcome alignment issues, we must first understand the issues. Fiber optic communications networks use specific wavelengths of light (or colors) to transmit information through a clear fiber at high speed. They use the property of internal reflection along the fiber’s axis to contain the light and keep the optical power high enough to be detected at the receiving end.
Technical Library | 2020-04-01 14:24:56.0
It happens much too often; manufacturing engineers are brought into a NEW product design phase at the very end of a design and are asked to provide input that should have been provided much earlier. One needs to understand how the circuit board design and quality of the manufacturing process not only effects assembly yield and product reliability, but how it could also affect the results of any testing that is done to circuit packs during prototyping. It is important that any circuit pack (including prototypes) that will be used in reliability, performance and functional testing be designed with the proper features and assembled with a manufacturing process that has been developed to produce a high-quality assembly. If not, the results of any testing might not represent the actual characteristics of the design and provide miss-guidance to future changes.
Technical Library | 2020-05-08 18:22:31.0
A customer contacted the Helpline to perform analysis on a lead-free assembly which exhibited intermittent functionality. The lead-free assembly exhibiting intermittent functionality when pressure was applied to the ball grid array (BGA) packages. Industrial adaptation of a Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant solder standard has created a new host of failure modes observed in lead-free assemblies. Pad cratering occurs when fractures propagate along the epoxy resin layer on the underside of the BGA connecting pads. While originating from process, design, and end use conditions, it is the combination of a rigid lead-free solder with inflexible printed circuit board (PCB) laminates that has advanced the prevalence of this condition. Pad cratering is simply the result of mechanical stress exceeding material limitations.
Technical Library | 2023-11-22 09:17:49.0
In the dynamic realm of Industry 4.0, I.C.T introduces the I.C.T-T550 SMT PCB coating machine, a pioneering addition designed to meet the evolving needs of modern manufacturing. This advanced equipment is equipped with features that not only boost productivity but also prioritize precise and consistent coating quality. Let's delve into the crucial attributes that establish the I.C.T-T550 as a vital component in your production process. 1. Automated Precision for Coating Consistency The I.C.T-T550 PCB Coating Machine integrates an automated pressure regulation system for both dispensing valve and pressure tank, equipped with precision regulators and digital gauges. This ensures a consistent coating process, optimizing precision. 2. Front-End Accessibility for Operational Efficiency Located at the front end, power supply and air pressure adjustments are easily accessible, streamlining control. This user-friendly design enhances operator workflow efficiency. 3. Durable Material Transport The open-material transport rail undergoes hardening treatment and utilizes a specialized stainless steel chain drive, ensuring both longevity and reliable material transport. 4. Track Width Adjustment for Trouble-Free Operation Track width adjustment is achieved through a synchronous belt drive mechanism, ensuring prolonged and trouble-free operation. 5. CNC Machined Frame for Unparalleled Precision The machine's frame, subjected to CNC machining, features an independent, all-steel gantry frame, ensuring the parallel alignment of tracks and axes. 6. Workshop Environment Enhancement To ensure a cleaner and safer workspace, the equipment features air curtains at the track entrance and exit, preventing fumes from escaping. It also includes a dedicated exhaust outlet, improving overall workshop air quality. 7. Intuitive Programming and Visualization The I.C.T-T550 PCB Coating Machine allows flexible coating path editing through intuitive programming. The equipment employs a teach mode for programming, offering a visual interface for coating path design. 8. User-Friendly Interface with Practical Design Featuring a user-friendly interface with fault alerts and menu displays, the I.C.T-T550 delivers a sleek and practical design. 9. Streamlined Repetition and Data Management Efficiency is paramount, and the I.C.T-T550 offers the ability to mirror, array, and replicate coating paths, simplifying the process, especially with multiple boards. 10. Real-Time Data Monitoring The equipment automatically collects and displays data, including production volume and individual product work times, enabling effective production performance tracking. 11. Smart Adhesive Management The I.C.T-T550 intelligently monitors adhesive levels, providing automatic alerts for replenishment, ensuring uninterrupted coating. In summary, the I.C.T SMT PCB coating machine seamlessly combines precision, automation, and smart features to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. With integration into MES systems, it provides a reliable and efficient solution for elevating PCB coating processes. The I.C.T-T550's adherence to European safety standards and CE certification underscores our commitment to safety and compliance. For further inquiries or information about additional safety standards, please contact us. Whether optimizing coating quality or enhancing factory productivity, the I.C.T-T550 marks a step into the future of intelligent manufacturing. Explore a variety of coating valves or seek guidance by reaching out to us.
