pcbpowerusa

[pcbpowerusa]

The Outlook of PCB Market in 2023

The technology of today has gone beyond imagination by leaps and bounds. Across industries and domains, there is an advancement that humankind thought was impossible. 

Today, as manufacturers of PCBs for technology, we too, are improving and modifying our ways to meet the demands of this ever-demanding industry. From the materials used in the PCBs to assembling them, PCB Manufacturers in the USA are paying a humongous amount of attention to detail. The past few years have seen an absolute revolution and technology has become the torchbearer of every industry. 

Devices and electronics are becoming compact with each new attempt towards innovation and the demand for flexible, adaptable and high-quality PCB seems like the 'new normal'. 

In the year 2021, despite COVID-19 being quite prominent across geographies, the PCB Market share crossed a towering $75 Billion. With an unwavering 5% CAGR, it reached $82.41 Billion in 2022 and is projected to grow more and reach $128 Billion by the year 2030.

Various industries are now shifting to a tech-driven approach to offer superior end products. Automobile industries are inclining towards offering state-of-the-art comfort and safety systems, along with self-driving automobile systems that are set to redefine the standards of traveling. All these systems that are witnessing a surge in usage are cumulating for the growth of the industry. PCBs play quite a vital role as core elements of these systems and devices. 

Healthcare & Medicine is an industry that is reaching new heights with each passing day. Medical equipment which is growing compact and flexible has seen a great demand for PCBs. Multilayered PCBs offer functional attributes and are also lightweight which makes them the perfect companion for compact medical devices. To avoid crosstalk in crucial healthcare devices like Temperature Monitoring Devices, MRI Scan Machines, X-Ray devices etc. innovators have taken to multi-layered PCBs. 

With the development of consumer electronics on the rise, we are looking at a redefined landscape of the PCB Market in the USA. Significantly improving lifestyles and standard of living has given the global economy a positive outlook. Today, devices like smart wearables and devices are not too rare to spot as 7 in 10 people own them; and with increasing sales of smart tech, the sales of PCB too will propel to towering heights by the year 2030. 

The Current Trends In The PCB Market:

High-Density Interconnect (HDI)- 

HDIs have revolutionized the way developers and manufacturers are producing compact wireless technology with higher routing capabilities and swifter transmission of signals. 

High Power Boards-

Today's computer devices need high-powered PCBs for efficient functioning as they are more capable of resisting interference. 

Internet of Things (IoT)-

Smart homes, offices and automobiles which can be controlled wirelessly are now trending. The rise of integration of IoT in everyday lives has shown PCB sales a new high.

Flex PCBs-

Flexible PCBs that can bend and curl into numerous shapes are used in wireless devices. With Flex PCBs, innovators have greater potential to produce flexible smart technology.

What Does The Future of PCBs Look Like?

The inevitable rise in High-Density PCBs

Usage of PCBs in Cameras for better quality and enhanced zoom features

3D Printers are made with complex components that will require high-power PCBs

Smart industries and factories will be on the rise in the latter part of the 2020s, thanks to PCB-powered IoT

Biodegradable PCBs made with natural fibres produced from fruit matter and grain gluten will be the great trend of the future

The future of PCB manufacturing gets brighter with each coming day and the technology of tomorrow will be completely dependent on the power, density and innovations in PCBs. The years 2023-2030 are surely going to introduce humankind to wonders and PCB Manufacturers in USA are striving to help developers and innovators, bring tomorrow closer to us all.

At PCB Power Market, we are working to transform the landscape of technology. Join hands with us and let's bring the future, now.  Source:  https://usa.pcbpower.com/blog/the-outlook-of-pcb-market-in-2023

[pcbpowerusa]

Thermal Reliability of PCB Solder Mask Materials

A polymer material hardened at the time of bare-board fabrication is used in solder mask formulation the PCBs of today. Solder masks ensure the protection of surface layers of the conductor. Solder masks too have peculiar thermal properties that need to be looked into during assembly. 

The base material of a solder mask is polymer and it succumbs to the problems that other polymers face. Polymers and their properties are not a concern for the designers but to analyze the reflow cycles and reliability of the solder mask is nevertheless important while you're building PCBs which are to be used in high-grade tech which have to run for prolonged periods in extreme conditions and unpredictable environments. 

Hence the fact of the hour is that the material integrity of the solder mask has to be kept intact in order to get a desirable end result. 

Factors That Determine Reliability of Solder Mask:

Being a complex mixture of chemically active ingredients like pigments, fillers, solvents, resins, both photoreactive & crosslinking and surfactants, their properties are the deciding factors of the intensity of the bond between solder mask materials and PCB. The solder mask hardens into a fine film while it is curing. Environmental ageing factors and degradation of chemical components can also affect the mixture. 

Long term reliability of a cured solder mask can be affected by multiple factors. They can be broadly stated in 3 categories-

Process of curing and the parameters decided while curing

Process of assembly, temperature while soldering and reflow cycles

Ageing occuring by moisture, chemicals and heat

The Process of Curing:

The process of curing generally affects thermal as well as thermomechanical properties of materials used in solder mask via hardening during crosslinking. Hence, a vendor will always recommend a curing temperature and time line. If there is even a slight deviation then it can deviate from the initial value given by the vendor. Prolonged ageing can take the TG from 150°C to higher levels like 170°-180°C. 

The Effect of Reflow

Reflow soldering includes putting the board for thermal cycling in an oven. A double sided PCB will have to be reflowed twice. There isn't a limit to the number of thermal cycles a board can experience.

Reflow and thermal cycling during reflow is a form of extreme aging. Evidently, controlling the multiple reflow cycles and temperature is necessary otherwise there is a substantial decrease in the life cycle of the equipment of technology it's a part of.

The Embrittlement Issue

Hardening of the solder mask occurs when a polymer ages in a particular environment wherein there is crosslinking and loss of volatiles. This phenomenon leads to embrittlement and causes the mask to break and flake away. Larger excursion are capable of fracturing and delaminating from the PCB. 

Nearby conductors are not an issue during flaking as solder mask materials are insulators. Nevertheless, it exposes internal materials along with copper which can experience corrosion while being exposed to moisture and/or chemicals. 

Embrittlement is inevitable but it can be delayed by proper storage of solder mask liquid and bare board prior assembly. The end environment has to be considered as an important parameter while choosing the solder mask material. The vendor might be the most trusted source for guidance in these cases. 

Majorly, there are no specifications as to which solder masking material has to be used. Designers usually choose a standard performance material while they design the documentation. Multiple materials meet with standardized requirements. Sometimes when higher temperature resistance is required, some specific decisions have to be made. 

A proper knowledge of processing parameters and influence on materials has to be attained by the designer in case they want to take control over thermomechanical properties. Consistent testing can ensure a precise curing procedure to produce a fine film which can assure prediction of the reliable lifetime. These values can be a benchmark to conduct investigations for reliability.

Source: https://usa.pcbpower.com/blog/thermal-reliability-of-pcb-solder-mask-materials

[pcbpowerusa]

PCB Routing Essentials for the Modern Designer

The approach towards PCB designing and manufacturing  has changed drastically over the years. With the upgrade in PCB technology and changing ways of PCB manufacturers in USA, the designers have wider scope in accomplishing multiple challenges and have desired PCB routing. Earlier the PCB routing was simpler and had fixed spacing in comparison to the width. In today’s time, designers need to be thorough with modern tools to achieve various constraints. 

In this article, we will have a look at a few techniques that are essential for the modern designer. These techniques are changing the era of PCBs and it's the right time to adapt to the change in order to stay relevant. But before that, let’s have a look at the basic understanding of the PCB design workflow. 

Workflow of PCB Design:

Here’s a stepwise sequence for the PCB design:

Ensure to verify the core component as per its long term availability and choose the one that has a pin-compatible alternative. 

Create schematics based on the engineering requirements. 

Form a blank PCB and start building the stackup (If needed). 

Import the footprint of the actual component data into the PCB layout from schematics. 

Make sure to review the placement in order to achieve accurate data. 

Route the traces between the components as per the connections

Now clean up the layout.

Now perform a final review and prepare design outputs. 

Now that you are aware of the basic workflow of PCB design, it’s time for us to view the different tools/techniques that PCB designers must utilise.

Differential Pair Routing 

Single-ended routing is when a plane ground provides a return path for the signal to flow. There are a few problems with single-ended routing which are- electromagnetic interference, crosstalk and low signal-to-noise-ratio. 

While differential routing requires two signals with opposite polarity yet same magnitude that transfer a single data signal from another, the most exciting part about differential pair routing is that the interference will exist equally in both signals in a way that the receiver can cancel out the signal. To ensure optimal performance from differential pair routing, you need to take care of trace width, spacing and other performance parameters. 

Routing Complex ICs

To understand the setup and rules of routing complex ICs you need to understand the base configuration. The complex ICs require smaller trace widths, done by squeezing compact routing in multiple layers to achieve the desired miniaturization. The routing of complex ICs is a high-speed constraint and requires a specified schematic. Here, you need to ensure that the entire ground path is kept really close to the receiver that offers you the lowest data bit. 

Utilization of Autorouter

To ensure optimum utilization of resources with precise time management, automated PCB routing comes into the picture. While working on a larger board, it becomes really complicated to trace routing manually. With the help of autorouter,  you can have the work done in less time. There are multiple PCB design tools with autorouter feature and CAD systems which are relatively easy to use and deliver superior results. 

If you are now convinced to have an autorouter, you need to understand and learn the important rules and constraints that derive net classes as per the trace widths and spacing in each board. With a proper understanding of the rules, one can achieve the desired design. You will have to avoid running traces over the component placement and routing. Also, you can run a routing cleanup before reviewing the setup. 

Design Rules and Constraints

There are multiple design rules and constraints that have to be followed in order to have the desired analogue. The constraint manager helps you in taking control over the technicality of the design. 

Added tips and techniques for PCB routing 

There are a variety of PCB routing tips that will differ from analogue parts, terminal components, connectors and more. Have a look at some tips:

You need to consult your PCB manufacturer to have specified width and spacing requirements. 

You will need to have power and wider ground connections to ensure the smooth flow of current. 

To avoid noise in the circuit and reduce any kind of inductance, you need to keep the power and ground close to each other. 

The power supplies will have multiple trace widths depending on the circuit. 

If you are working with high-speed traces you must have large spacing to prevent any kind of crosstalk. 

Now that you have discovered the routing essentials, we can conclude that having advanced routing tools and techniques can improve your designs in a humongous way. Even the most difficult designs can be accomplished when you use the right rules and tools. Both manual and automatic approaches are great in their aspects but you can walk with the latest technology to stay updated and create well derived PCB designs as per your requirements. 

When it comes to empowered technology PCB Power Market offers custom fabricated PCBs. Visit us at usa.pcbpower.com and keep yourself updated with the latest market trends and tips.

This content was originally posted here: https://usa.pcbpower.com/blog/pcb-routing-essentials-for-modern-designer

[pcbpowerusa]

PCB Routing Essentials for the Modern Designer

[pcbpowerusa]

How To Use PCB Power Market’s PCB Price Calculator And Its Salient Features?

Transparency in today's world is kind of a lost concept, isn't it? 

Costs, both mentioned and hidden, delivery periods, quality and quantity are all the factors that need to be considered while manufacturing electronics. But when it comes to a core component of your 'redefining' tech, these factors don't just need to be taken into consideration but emphasized upon. PCB Manufacturers have to be at the forefront and address all these factors in order to ensure efficiency of operations. 

In today's fast paced world, what customers need from vendors is clarity and swiftness. Be it any industry, an all-hands-on dynamic approach is what drives an organization to success. As PCB manufacturers in USA, we believe that our service play a rather significant role in development of your tech. Hence, precision is what we always pursue, quality is what we ensure and no-minimum order quantity is what we guarantee. 

Having said that; what is it that we, at PCB Power Market, do to make PCB buying a worthwhile experience for you? 

Specialized Circuit Designs

Quicker turn-around time

Cost-effective solutions

Exotic Materials

Built in the US

When you click on Instant Quote Button, you're redirected to our price calculator. This is where you input all the details for your PCB Order­­­. The said calculator is so precise and detailed that it captures your requirements accurately.

Take a closer look. 

From quantity to delivery time, and from PCB size to number of layers, the calculator asks for each and every detail which helps us precisely manufacture PCBs that come out just the way you want them to be. 

Being precise reduces the margin of errors and ultimately reduces the turn-around-time of the final product. 

Why Do We Have The Calculator Functionality On Our Website?

Not only does it make the entire process transparent,but it also makes your lives easier by providing a quote anytime and anywhere so that you can place your order at your convenience. 

But if we were to talk about some salient features that stand out from the rest, then they would be:

You can customize your PCB and get a quote without logging in.

You can decide your turnaround time.

You can upload your gerber file and place your order.

There is no minimum order. Want to prototype? We got you covered.

Some more details we ask for include:

Choice of Material & Solder Mask

Board Thickness

Surface Finish

Material TG

Finish Cu Thickness

Inner Cu Thickness

Besides these factors, our skilled-team fulfills the rest and ensures that it’s all ship shape.

We believe that when dealing with your vendor becomes easier, the flow of your operations is smoother. Our online calculator serves its purpose to such an extent that our customers can sit back while we deliver their order of PCBs customized to their needs. 

When it all becomes easier, there’s a certain satisfaction. If you were to ask us what drives us, it’s a better outcome of your process of innovation.

There are factors like these that clearly help us stand apart in the industry. So, what are you waiting for? Visit our website and place your order now.

This content was originally published here: How To Use PPM’s PCB Price Calculator And Its Salient Features? 

[pcbpowerusa]

A polymer material hardened at the time of PCB Board Fabrication is used in solder mask formulation of the PCBs of today. Learn more about the factors that affect the thermal reliability of Solder Mask Materials. For more information, Visit the website now!

[pcbpowerusa]

How To Use PPM’s PCB Price Calculator And Its Salient Features?

PPM’s PCB price calculator gives a precise and accurate measure for all your needs. We offer different services to make your PCB purchase easy and worthwhile. for more information Call us:+1 (818) 886-8900 orvisit: https://usa.pcbpower.com/.

[pcbpowerusa]

Key Questions To Ask A PCB Manufacturer

When it comes to selecting your go-to option for PCBs, you must be certain in every way. When you examine the makers and manufacturers, you will notice that not all of them perform at the same level.

So, how do you go about selecting a PCB Manufacturer? The solution is to ask questions. These will not only reinforce your decision-making process, but it can also change your perspective and teach you something new.

While there are numerous questions to ask, there are a few that will allow your design and engineering team to move past some tedious issues. The most common questions that should be asked of those in charge is about their experience and the types of boards they create. These questions serve as the foundation for a slew of others, allowing you to get a sense of their versatility.

The Questions You Should Ask A PCB Manufacturer

How Long Have You Been In The Business?

When the industry is so dynamic and at the heart of almost everything, a deeper understanding is required. This understanding comes from experience and competence

What Kind Of PCB Boards Do You Manufacture And Which Industries Have You Catered To?

It is necessary to understand what types of boards the manufacturer has produced to date and where their expertise lies.The information about the industries they serve will tell you more about how they work and will reinforce your trust in them.

Some things PCB manufacturers should be upfront about:

Precision in Manufacturing 

On-time Delivery 

Adaptive Manufacturing Process

Turnaround time to complete a project

Their Experience working with Various Industries

Does Your Quality Meet With The Global Standards?

Certifications and accreditations are the foundation of better processes and essential to ensure consistent quality.

PCB Power Market currently has-

UL Certified process

ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems

International Traffic in Arms Regulation Compliant

IPC-6012 Certified Process

Which Test Do You Conduct To Measure Performance & Efficiency Of Your PCBs?

Every board that is delivered to the customer needs to be inspected thoroughly in the domain of electrical parameters. Parameters such as short circuit & open circuit are inspected through Flying Probe Test to ensure all the boards are Electrically okay. 

What Makes Your Manufacturing Practice Unique?

When it comes to manufacturing, PCB Power Market offers

Exotic materials 

High Frequency Circuits

Microwave/ RF Circuits

Heavy Copper PCBs

Flush Circuits

Selective Gold 

Our PCB are built in our United States facility and some of the most unique factors are:

NO Minimum Order Quantity, 

Quicker Turnaround Time

Specialized Circuit Designs

What Are Your Technical Capabilities?

This is where the true strength emerges. To meet today's industry standards, you must have technical capabilities that stand out.

If you wish to understand our technical capabilities, send over your design files and we can do a free DFM check for you.

The above-mentioned questions will help you make an informed decision as to which PCB Manufacturer in USA you must choose.

We, at PCB Power Market, have an experience of over 35 years and have served small, medium and large-scale enterprises with excellence at the centre of it all. 

In our extensive experience we have worked with multiple organizations across multiple industries and domains.

We have catered to:

Aerospace & Defence

Industrial Electronics

Educational Institutes

Research & Development

Telecommunication

Medicine & Healthcare

Automotive

Consumer Elecronics

IoT Applications

Public Transport

Renewable Energy etc.

At PCB Power Market we have made certain that our offerings remain versatile. We provide PCB Fabrication to our customers with up to 24 layers.

For a flawless approach to our operations, we have systematically structured our manufacturing platform, which is agile and driven by precision, to support exotic base materials, allowing for customizations.

Finally, we urge you to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting quality. 

We're standing by to assist you. Visit us at usa.pcbpower.com and enquire NOW! 

This content was originally posted here: https://usa.pcbpower.com/blog/key-questions-to-ask-pcb-manufacturer 

[pcbpowerusa]

PCB Power Manufacturers is the largest printed circuit board manufacturer in USA. We offer a wide range of services like Flush Circuit Board, Prototype PCB, microwave PCB , RF PCB & RF circuit board, PCB Layout, PCB Fabrication, PCB Stencil, microwave PCB board, PCB Assembly , and component sourcing. Call us:+1 (818) 886-8900 or visit: https://usa.pcbpower.com/.

[pcbpowerusa]

Printed Circuit Board Manufacturers USA 

Looking for a reliable printed circuit board manufacturer in the USA? We've got you covered. We are PCB Power Market and we are delivering agile, robust, and high-fidelity PCB manufacturing solutions to electronics innovators in the United States. Call us 1(818) 886 8900 Or Visit US: https://usa.pcbpower.com/