PCB Quality: Everything You Need To Know About PCB Quality

Have you wondered what makes a PCB good? Well, answers to all your PCB quality questions are here.

Printed circuit boards are the most important electrical component in devices. PCBs are also responsible for all the functionalities and performance of gadgets.

In this article, we'll discuss all the factors in place to ensure the production of good PCB quality.

Quality Control in PCB

There are four factors to consider when determining a good quality PCB. These are;

•  Design for manufacturing

First, before developing any PCB, always review PCB design files. Then, ensure the PCB design files meet your approved PCB design requirements.

• PCB manufacturability

Interestingly, a PCB manufacturing process influences the performance of the PCB. So, you have to adhere to all technological requirements for proper PCB manufacturability.

• Testability and normalization

A PCB has to meet national and industrial standards. Therefore, the PCB has to pass all the standard tests. That is, including the surface finish and electrical tests.

 (High-tech electronic PCB)

PCB quality control for component procurement

Your component choice is where component procurement quality control starts. Besides price, below are other steps to consider when making component procurement decisions.

•  BOM validation

A BOM will ensure you get only the components in the PCB design.

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN) verification

Always verify that the MPN on the BOM is the same as on the PCB design review. That’s not all. Remember, any variation in the digits results in buying the incorrect electrical component.

• Component Reference Designator verification

This verification serves as the BOM's distinctive identifier. So, a wrong identifier will acquire the wrong number of components.

• Component Manufacturer status checking

This step guarantees the production of the acquired components in the future.

 (a prototyping PCB)

• MPN footprint match

Any error with the footprint match will result in the wrong component placement. That said, if the component and footprint are not compatible, the assembly process will stall.

• Kit accuracy

Usually, inaccurate kit components will cause a significant delay and extra costs.

• Documentation Review

This process involves checking the shipping paperwork for mistakes in the electrical components.

• Visual Inspection

Normally, the inspection process helps to confirm that the acquired components are correct.

• Solderability Testing

It is an expedited "aging" procedure to test samples for solderability.

• Component Tolerance Check

Interestingly, this test verifies that all components adhere to all technical specifications.

(PCB technology design)

Quality control in the production of PCB

The main consideration in producing a PCB is the quality of the final product. That said, here are six elements of quality control that a PCB CM should have:

• IPC certification

IPC certifications assure that every manufacturer is working under similar standards and criteria. Thus, this guarantees a uniform and consistent approach to various assembly operations.

• Inspection and validation before production

The final design drawing review shows that the PCBs match customer requirements.

• Component expertise

Through this, contract manufacturers should use high-quality standard components.

(assembling a PCB)

• Process controls

Undeniably, having well-documented process controls helps to regulate the quality of the manufacturing operation.

•  Assembly Check

Usually, you can conduct assembly checks using manual and automated inspection equipment. In addition, assembly checks help discover solder joint issues and poor arrangement of components.

• PCB inspection and test

You need to check the board once more after its completion. Thus, the PCB manufacturer should have a thorough inspection process in place.

• Functional workspace

Last, building intricate PCB assemblies requires a well-organized and well-maintained assembly line. Additionally, this guarantees good quality finished products.

(High-frequency PCB)

PCB Assembly Quality Control Test

Assembly marks the last step in finding any PCB manufacturing flaws or problems. Plus, conducting a preliminary inspection to ensure product quality throughout the assembly is important.

Besides, this step often involves more testing than the production stage. Quality Control procedures to use during PCB assembly include:

• Visual Inspection

Automated optical inspection during the assembly process is necessary. For instance, when looking for extra solder loose components and other problems.

Often, you can use a microscope to enhance visual inspections. Also, you can take photographs with cameras for further analysis and distributed viewing.

• X-ray inspection

Simple to say, X-ray inspection offer high-resolution, non-invasive imaging of the PCB's Interior.

•  AOI

During the assembly process, you need quality imaging than during the production process. With this imaging, connections and the quality of the solder checks occur.

(PCB for CPU)

• Sawing

This sawing test inspects vias during assembly. In addition, the process is suitable only for large productions.

• The resistivity of solvent extract (ROSE) testing

It is a rapid and accurate test to determine a PCB's cleanliness. Plus, it offers a numerical assessment of the amount of dirt on the board.

• Electrical testing

Despite using electrical tests in production, manufacturers test for distinct requirements during assembling. You can only test conductivity during production because of lacking components. But, because components are present, look for parameter levels during the assembly process.

• Metalised Inspection.

It is important to use metalized inspection for double-sided PCBs and multi-layer PCBs. Also, remember that metalized inspection often includes both mechanical and visual inspection.

(electronic PCB)

Summary

Undeniably, PCB technology is the future of reliable electrical devices—and it's coming up quickly. In addition, understanding PCB quality control features help you get the best boards. We hope we have answered all your questions.

If you want to learn more about PCB quality, kindly contact us. Our team is always happy to answer any questions from you.