lcd module test circuit manufacturer

Established in 1998, Winstar Display Co., Ltd. is a reliable LCD Display Module Manufacturer and LCD Panel Supplier. Winstar has development of high-quality display module products. We operate worldwide, configure, service products, and also provide logistics support to deliver products and services competitively. We provide LCM Modules including monochrome TN/STN/FSTN LCM, COG LCD, TFT LCM / TFT panels, FSC-LCD, graphic LCM, character LCD displays, OLED display modules (PMOLED), custom LCD displays, OLED and LCD panel.

Gerber files, BOM, Coordinates, Assembly Drawings, Program, Software and testing procedures of this display PCB board are provided by customer, and MADPCB complete all electronics manufacturing jobs, including PCB manufacturing, BOM sourcing, assembly, IC programming, program uploading, debug, electrical and software testing.

The testing procedures are detailed for the electrical and functional testing of the display board. The board drives a 4.3 inches screen panel, it has an RTC on board, some Flash memory and some EEPROM memory. Testing procedure requires a touchscreen display (ATOPS AT043B35-15-10-TP) and a test board. The daughter test board will be used to power up the display PCB board at DC 5V.

ICT test device mainly tests the performance of all components. The aim is to check if there are problems or defects for boards in production. The test object is a semi-finished product, but the FCT fixture test object is a PCBAfunctional test. FCT fixture mainly to simulate the product working environment to verify the function of boards during working conditions. ICT test device and FCT fixture both are online tests.

FCT refers to the functional test in which PCBA connects the power. It includes voltage, current, power, power factors, frequency, duty ratio, position determination, LED lighting, LED color, sound recognition, temperature measurement and control, pressure measurement and control, precision micro motion control, FLASH, and EEPROM online programming. It refers to the operating environment (excitation and load) that provides simulation against the UUT.

The earliest function tests are mainly automatic and semi-automatic. In order to simplify the design and reduce production costs, manual and semi-automatic are still used. With the technology development, to save production costs and improve production efficiency, most of the functional tests are fully automated.

You can request full PCB manufacturing Price that Rayming provide PCB,assembly, electronic components and testing, Also you can ask partial PCBA quote that you will provide some components by yourself, Our pcb assembly services is flexbile

System control center:The main parts of the full test system composed of PC, MCU, ARM, central processing. The primary functions are to control all test processes, record the contents and results of each step test, and create a final test result.

Control executive:Control executive is composed mainly of I/O. It is the execution of logical actions during the testing process. The system builds various testing environments based on the testing function.Measurement part: The measurement part is mainly composed of a special measurement board and instrument. It mainly completes the collection of various analog or digital during the test process. It is also called data collection.Data processing and output: The purpose of the final test result is to figureout how to store and output the results data. It will be advantageous for us to control thePCBA quality effectively. This is the responsibility of data processing and output.

In the PCBA batch process, it is impossible to achieve 100% running status on the equipment and human operators. PCBA are good,so it requests all kinds of test equipment and test tools at the end of production. This leads to the other types of testing, such as ICT, AOI,X-Ray, Boundary Scan, to make sure all the circuit boards according to the design of various specifications and parameters.

FCT means providing a simulated running environment (excitation and load) to a UUT, making it functional in different design situations. Then, getting a range of different design situations to improve the UUT function. In short, it is suitable to load to the UUT, and the UUT output shows whether or not the board fits the design; it is called the PCBA functional test. FCT fixture is a fixture that simulates the finished PCBA.

ICT only tests if the PCBA is connected,short-circuited, LCP value, wrong orientation diode, and other semiconductor connections. The principle is to isolate other components then test a single or series-parallel group of components individually.

FCT is different; it is a functional test. It tests PCBA key componentsor output waveform through the relevant voltage or signal and determines if the values are within the acceptable range. Do not test against components. If the component fails, the functionality will be affected.

fiberboard. They are then applied to the computer main board, LED lamp main board, LCD TV main board, communication equipment main board, and other electronic products.

According to the test board and test requirements, select relay control, embedded microcontroller control mode, PC control mode, and PLC control mode. Then select the corresponding components after the mode is determined.

11.Function, lifetime, maneuverability, esthetic should be considered when design work. To achieve stable test and long service life, Beautiful appearance and humanized operation

This part contains PC, MCU, PLC, and other central processor components. Its main role is to control the whole test process and each step of the test content for evaluation and test results. It is the brain of the whole test system.

The control execution part comprises I/O components, induction, and execution mechanism of logical actions in the test process. The system builds a variety of testing environments to achieve the testing functions.

The measurement part is mainly composed of board instruments. It mainly completes the collection of various analog or digital data in the testing process.

5.3.3. Each assembly step should be followed carefully and correctly to ensure the parallelism of the press board to the load board vertical board. This is to ensure the accuracy of the test fixture.

5.3.4. Select the correct test probe, test point normally is Pin ,Component pin using claw needle, if customers have special requirements can use other types of probe (round class). Probe contact 3.5mm-4.0mm, more test points can reduce the contact travel accordingly.

5.3.6. Press bar to choose anti-static black steel bar, choose the flat press bar in the case of not hamper testing and collision, small position can be processed into a cone type

Check the network is correctand check for open short circuits before connecting the device. If any special TP point should be connected during the test, the software should detect the short circuit.

Test for few goods or bad onesunder the test debugging system model. Verify the test results are consistent with the actual product and revise the test standard if necessary.

4.5. Check fixture stability and protection, especially special parts, such as external optical fiber, MIC, automatic card insertion device, adapter plate fixing module, pressing plate needle module, and other special switching devices.

4.13. The tightness of the casing is moderate, without any loosening phenomenon, and  the casing height is correct or not (down test compression is 2/3, up-test compression is 1/3~1/2)

4.16. Whether spare parts meet requirements and prepare the document according to the product list：Customized functional test system (including tester and fixture).

Check whether the air pressure in the appropriate range (4-6kg/cm2), the test program and fixture are correct, and the fixture arrangement is connected in order.

5. When inserting any test periphery, be sure to turn off the test fixture power to avoid damage to the test periphery. Use both hands to hold the two sides of the CPU. Align the CPU slot and insert the CPU’s golden finger from top to bottom. On the contrary, in selecting the application of both hands from the bottom up the CPU out.

8. Please pay attention to the display during the VFA test and make sure it is the correct paint and color. Also, please pay attention to whether the sound emitted by the buzzer on the board is normal.

Test process: Carry out contact and air discharge on the periphery of the iron frame and the display area of the serial port screen in turn, and observe whether the screen has abnormal working phenomena such as reset restart, black screen, white screen, communication interruption, and other abnormalities.

Note: All tests are conducted when the products are exposed. In the actual use process, when the serial port screen is assembled on the user equipment, the screen and the equipment are kept well-grounded, the ESD performance of the whole machine will be better.

Test process: The power supply line supplies power to the screen through the power supply after the pulse Group generator is coupled with the pulse Group; the serial port signal line carries out serial port communication with the screen through the signal after the pulse Group generator is coupled with the pulse Group; and the screen is observed whether abnormal working phenomena such as reset restart, black screen, white screen, abnormal communication, and communication interruption.

Masuda T, Ajichi Y, Kubo T, Yamamoto T, Shinomiya T, Nakamura M, Shimizu T, Kasai N, Mouri H, Feng XF, Teragawa M (2009) Ultra thin LED backlight system using tandem light guides for large-size LCD-TV. In: IDW09 Proceedings, pp 1857–1860

Wakabayashi K, Mitobe K, Torigoe T (2004) Laser CVD repair technology for final yield improvement method in mass and large size TFT-LCD production process. In: IDW04 Proceedings, pp 623–624

Our Display Printed Circuit Board is made initially by our in-house professional team. We have reliable and professional Display PCB technicians who merit your trust. We also have several hundred excellent support teams with a lot of experience in manufacturing PCB products.

PCBMay has a group of certified engineers for making Display Printed Circuit Boards. We supply different kinds of Display PCB according to customers and clients’ applications. At PCBMay, you can be assured that all of our PCB products are perfect.

Furthermore, PCBMay’s support services cooperate with you to produce the best quality PCB. We will provide a wide range of Display circuit boards upon your request. We can make any color, shape and sizes according to your wishes.

Are you are looking for the best Display PCB? PCBMay is your best choice. Besides Display circuit boards, We also offer all other types of PCBs. We are always here to provide for your Display PCB demands.

A Display PCB improves the overall performance of electronic device displays. This product is a leading solution used in the digital era. Its tremendous functionality makes it a dependable circuit for numerous display technologies.

A Display PCB is a highly functional circuit board used in electronic displays. It controls different features of display modules like brightness, pixel rate, response time, etc. A Display PCB should have effective thermal performance and signal transmission to ensure great display quality.

Display circuit boards are compatible with LED, LCD, and OLED displays. These LED items are composed of useful materials that promote the reliability of display circuits. Their designs are effective in facilitating low noise in signal transmission.

There are a lot of varieties of Display PCBs. We can categorize them according to size, colors, shapes, etc. But the most significant types of these circuit boards are:Graphic card display PCB

Also, there are numerous Display circuit board types based on applications. Examples of these are Metal Detector Display PCBs, Audio Power Amplifier Display circuit board, Refrigerator Display PCB, and etc. All of these types are widely bought and sold for use in electronic projects.

LED display PCBs operate by applying LED (Light-Emitting Diode) technology. In this case, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is used when placing a LED display on the PCB surface. Then, components are mounted on the other side of the circuit board.

LED display circuit boards control the functionality of three types of backlight configurations of LED TV. These functionalities are: direct-lit, full array, and edge-lit. Different LED mechanisms are applicable in numerous display circuit boards. For example:QLED (Quantum Dot LED)

Ease of processing and maintenance are significantly better compared to other types of circuit boards. The Display PCB is highly durable and that’s why you don’t need to replace or repair it frequently. If needed, replacement is not so complicated.

Display PCBs show impressive performance in noise reduction. The design inhibits EMI effects. So, this type of circuit board can provide outstanding signal quality while displaying video content on monitors.

Display circuit boards are supremely reliable due to their long-lasting consistent performance. Its operating life is long enough to fulfill the consumer’s demand. Besides, it remains functional in high temperatures. So, its practical usage is beyond question.

This circuit board costs a lot at the initial stage. The cost comes with the benefit of proper manufacturing. However, this product’s superlative performance makes it a cost-effective PCB in the long run.

The Display PCB provides considerable functionality in high-speed signal transmission systems. This product optimizes the pixel rate, aspect ratio, and brightness of the device display. That’s why the Display PCB has become the widest circuit board in the present time.

These aforementioned dielectric materials ensure proper insulation in the circuit board. That’s why the Display PCB can handle heavier current loads without overheating.

PCBMay supplies Display circuit boards of superior quality. We also take care of testing and design aspects. Contact us now to enjoy cost-effective PCB display modules.

A trustworthy manufacturer can render high-quality service in the shortest possible time. You need to consider the following factors when choosing a dependable Display PCB manufacturer in China.

Display circuit board manufacturing is a little bit expensive. That is why China-made PCBs are a good option. You have to find a manufacturer that provides PCB products at a competitive rate compared to the market price. If quality assurance can be assured at a lower price, you should consider this manufacturer as a viable option.

The above factors are the major considerations before choosing your PCB supplier. PCBMay manufactures and supplies high-quality PCB-mounted display modules at affordable rates. Inquire from us immediately!

Refrigerator Display PCB connection wires have notable effects on the freezer activity. Wrong wire connections cause flickering in refrigerator displays. Misaligned connections make the circuit board and refrigerator defective while operating at high temperatures.

That’s why you should use reliable connecting wires and to establish secure connections. If these wires get damaged, replace them as soon as possible. Proper wire connection improves the activities and longevity of the refrigerator display circuit.

Seven Segment Display PCB is an electronic circuit board that acts to display decimal numbers and characters. It operates through LED technology in mostly, and LCD technology in some applications.

This type of circuit board is highly applicable in calculators, washing machines, and digital clocks, as well as other similar electronic appliances. The 7 segment display PCB design is compatible with advanced display modules. It is easy to make this circuit board.

Surface Mount Technology is common for placing LEDs on the circuit board. Since the display needs to be seen from a remote place, the LED opening angle should be wide. White color LEDs are the most effective kind compared to other colors.

If doing this by yourself, the next steps involve soldering and testing the circuit board. If you’ve sent the Gerber file to a professional PCB manufacturer like PCBMay, they will take care of the rest.

Dot Matrix LCD Display PCB is a satisfactory option to use with graphic and text displays. This type of PCB operates through LCD or OLED technology. The PCB transfers signals, arranging the pixels in specific rows and columns.

With this PCB, the graphic displays are compatible with both built-in or non-built-in character sets. But the text displays contain integrated character sets. This circuit board supports SMT (Surface Mount Technology) during assembly.

You only need to connect a few connecting wires for the Dot Matrix LCD Circuit. Its design and processing are very effective for display modules. Watch this video about the working principle of dot matrix display:

LED display circuits have Rigid-flex features. So LED displays are compatible with different device shapes and sizes. But, QLED technology is not supportive of both rigid and flexible applications simultaneously.

For instance, the ideal aspect ratio of an LED TV is 16:9. LED display circuit boards to regulate the operation of drivers to ensure a fixed aspect ratio. That’s why the Display PCB provides outstanding display in several applications.

Yes, Display PCBs have Rigid-flex features. Rigid-flex PCBs are inside components of smartphones, laptops, and home appliances. Rigid-flex PCBs renders a firm, inelastic quality to display modules.

Materials like FR4 and composite epoxy are used in constructing display circuits. FR4 and similar materials can handle high thermal pressures and external forces the devices need to stand up to.

However, you can also use the Rigid-flex PCBs in bendable displays which don’t contain flat surfaces. That’s why these PCBs are compatible with both robust and flexible display designs. Moreover, display boards having rigid-flex features require minimum fuss. You can easily handle such reliable circuit boards in your electronic projects.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) are two reliable display technologies. These are mostly used in mobile displays. There are some distinguishable properties between the circuit boards used in these two display mechanisms.

AMOLED PCB enables the display to deliver realistic colours. These circuit boards also superbly control the aspect ratio and contrast. The AMOLED PCB allows displays to be dark.

In contrast, LCD circuit boards are capable of displaying true life colours. They can’t achieve a completely black display. LCD makes it easier to enjoy viewing in bright conditions.

AMOLED displays are more energy-efficient than LCD boards in a way. AMOLED displays can separate light pixels. That’s why AMOLED can achieve standard energy efficiency in most mobile displays.

LCD circuits provide a higher viewing angle in electronic display appliances. Its highest angle of view is around 180⁰. But, AMOLED can’t deliver such a wide-angle of view.

AMOLED displays are more expensive compared to LCD circuit boards. The manufacturing process is easier in the case of LCD PCBs since LCD technology was established first.

AMOLED displays contain flexible, stretchable, and adaptable features. In contrast to this, LCD technology does not support Flex Display PCB, for example, LCD is not used in foldable smartphones.

USB LCD display PCBs have some useful features. These features make the use of LCD-based devices attractive. Notable among these:Compatibility with lead-free technology.

Quality control is a vital factor for optimum display PCB manufacturing. You can maintain the top quality of this circuit board by following some measures. Here we show you the factors related to the quality maintenance of display modules. Let’s have a look.

You need to use durable and excellent components to construct display circuits. Otherwise, it is difficult to maintain higher standards of display in electronic appliances. You must check different features like current ratings, power dissipation,  and thermal conduction capabilities before choosing PCB components.

This is another crucial factor in controlling standard display quality. Effective dielectric materials promote the functionality and operating time of display circuits.

This is another major part of PCB quality control. You can conduct manual and automated tests to detect faults. The following tests are reliable for display PCB performance checking.Flying probe test

That’s why you need to consider changes in temperature during the design phase. Frequent and unplanned change of thermal states creates  serious complications in signal transmission systems of display circuits. Such as:Improper temperature rise increases current conduction through the circuit board. It causes overheating that significantly reduces the operating life of display modules.

To repair a LED display circuit board, you have to first determine its problem. A short circuit is a common issue. You need to detect resistance, voltage, and circuit connections through a multimeter.

After that, restore the through-holes of the Display circuit board. The remaining task is to place a new component in place, then and solder properly. If you face any difficulty, contact a skilled technician to deal with this issue.

PCB assembly testing methods are an integral part of the manufacturing process. Reputable electronics contract manufacturers (ECMs) offer a variety of PCB testing methods, but the seven main types include:

In-circuit testing (ICT) is the most robust type of PCB testing in existence. The high price reflects that -- tens of thousands of dollars, though the cost will depend on board and fixture size, among other factors.

An ICT, also known as a bed-of-nails test, powers up and actuates the individual circuitry on the board. In most cases, the test is designed for 100% coverage, but you’ll get closer to 85-90% coverage. The nice thing about ICT is that the 85-90% you get is totally free of human error.

This test involves using fixed probes laid out in a way that matches the design of the PCB. The probes checks the integrity of the solder connection. The bed of nails tester simply pushes the board down on the bed of probes to start the test. There areaccess points predesigned in the board that allows the ICT testing probes to make connections with the circuit. They put a certain amount of pressure on the connection to make sure it stays intact.

This test is for a “mature” product with very few revisions expected. If you don’t have design-for-manufacturing as part of your goal, with the proper pads on the board, you may not be able to use an in-circuit test. Unfortunately, you can’t change your mind and move to an ICT strategy halfway through production.

The test works through the use of needles attached to a probe on an x-y grid obtained from basic CAD. Your ECM programs coordinates to match the circuit board and then runs the program.

In some cases, ICT makes it unnecessary to use flying probe testing, but the PCB has to be designed to fit with the test fixture -- which means a higher initial cost. ICT can be faster and less error-prone than flying probe testing, so you might find the extra cost is worth it. While flying probe testing can be cheaper initially, it may actually be less cost-effective for large orders.

As the name suggests, burn-in testing is a more intense type of testing for PCBs. It’s designed to detect early failures and establish load capacity. Because of its intensity, burn-in testing can be destructive to the parts being tested.

Burn-in testing pushes power through your electronics, usually at its maximum-specified capacity. The power is run through the board continuously for 48 to 168 hours. If a board fails, it is known as an infant mortality. For military or medical applications, boards with high infant mortality are clearly not ideal.

Burn-in testing isn’t for every project, but there are some cases where it makes a lot of sense. It can prevent embarrassing or dangerous product launches before they reach customers.

Just remember that burn-in testing can shorten the product’s lifespan, especially if the test puts your board under more stress than it’s rated for. If few or no defects are found, it"s possible to reduce the testing limit after a shorter period to avoid over-stressing your PCBs.

X-ray testing can check elements that are usually hidden from view, such as connections and ball grid array packages with solder joints underneath the chip package. While this check can be very useful, it does require trained, experienced operators.

It does take time. If you want to get your product out the door quickly, this may not be your best choice. But from a quality and longevity standpoint, functional testing can save face and save money.

A PCB functional test verifies a PCB’s behavior in the product’s end-use environment. The requirements of a functional test, its development, and procedures can vary greatly by PCB and end product.

Figuring out what PCB testing is right for you can be a challenge; there are certainly a lot of methods! Your ECM will know which tests are right for your specific needs, so consult with them often.

And don’t forget about PCB prototyping. This essential element of product launches acts as a test in its own right, allowing you to see the real thing before your market does.

The red clip is to be connected with the positive (+) polarity, and the black clip connected with the negative (-) polarity. The LED will display “00.0” when nothing is connected with the testing probe

When the test probe is connected to a positive voltage, the LED display will show a reading only if the voltage is greater than 0.3VDC. If the voltage is greater than 62VDC, the LED display will read “Err”

The red clip is to be connected with the positive (+) polarity, and the black clip is connected with the negative (-) polarity. The LED will display “00.0” when nothing is connected with the testing probe

Connect the opposite clip of the extension cable with the opposing end of the testing target. If the current flows, a green LED indicator will display with an audible tone

Looking to take your project to the next level in terms of functionality and appearance? A custom LCD display might be the thing that gets you there, at least compared to the dot-matrix or seven-segment displays that anyone and their uncle can buy from the usual sources for pennies. But how does one create such a thing, and what are the costs involved? As is so often the case these days, it’s simpler and cheaper than you think, and [Dave Jones] has a great primer on designing and specifying custom LCDs.

The video below is part of an ongoing series; a previous video covered the design process, turning the design into a spec, and choosing a manufacturer; another discussed the manufacturer’s design document approval and developing a test plan for the module. This one shows the testing plan in action on the insanely cheap modules – [Dave] was able to have a small run of five modules made up for only $138, which included $33 shipping. The display is for a custom power supply and has over 200 segments, including four numeric sections, a clock display, a bar graph, and custom icons for volts, amps, millijoules, and watt-hours. It’s a big piece of glass and the quality is remarkable for the price. It’s not perfect – [Dave] noted a group of segments on the same common lines that were a bit dimmer than the rest, but was able to work around it by tweaking the supply voltage a bit.

We’re amazed at how low the barrier to entry into custom electronics has become, and even if you don’t need a custom LCD, at these prices it’s tempting to order one just because you can. Of course, you can also build your own LCD display completely from scratch too.

The printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing process requires a complex procedure to ensure the performance of the finished product. Though circuit boards can be single, double or multilayered, the fabrication processes used only differ after the first layer’s production. Due to differences in the structure of the PCBs, some may require 20 or more steps during manufacturing.

The number of steps required for producing printed circuit boards correlates to their complexity. Skipping any step or cutting back on the procedure could negatively impact the performance of the circuit board. However, when successfully completed, the PCBs should perform their tasks properly as key electronic components.

Solder Mask:The third piece of the PCB is thesolder mask, which is a layer of polymer that helps protect the copper so that it doesn’t short-circuit from coming into contact with the environment. In this way, the solder mask acts as the PCB’s “skin”.

Silkscreen: The final part of the circuit board is the silkscreen. The silkscreen is usually on the component side of the board used to show part numbers, logos, symbols switch settings, component reference and test points. The silkscreen can also be known as legend or nomenclature.

The steps of the PCB design process start with design and verification and continue through the fabrication of the circuit boards. Many steps require computer guidance and machine-driven tools to ensure accuracy and prevent short circuits or incomplete circuits. The completed boards must undergo strict testing before they are packaged and delivered to customers.

Another key step of the printed circuit board fabrication process involves checking the design for potential errors or flaws. An engineer performs a design review and goes over every part of the PCB design to ensure there are no missing components or incorrect structures. After getting clearance from an engineer, the design moves to the printing phase.

The core or inner layers of the printed circuit board need to have extra copper removed before the PCB fabrication process can continue. Etching involves covering the necessary copper on the board and exposing the rest of the board to a chemical. The chemical etching process removes all unprotected copper from the PCB, leaving only the board’s necessary amount.

Multilayer printed circuit boards have additional steps to account for the extra layers of the design during their fabrication. These steps mirror many of those used during single layer PCBs. However, the phases repeat for each layer of the board. Also, in multilayer PCBs, copper foil typically replaces copper coating between the layers.

Technicians first wash off the board with alkaline to remove any remaining resist from the board that didn’t harden. This cleaning exposes areas that covered non-conductive portions of the printed circuit board. Next, workers will etch off the excess copper from these non-conductive areas by submerging the board into a copper solvent to dissolve the exposed copper.

The layup step in the multilayer PCB fabrication process happens when a machine helps to line up, heat and bond the layers together with a copper foil layer and insulating material between the inner and outer layers. Typically, computers guide these machines because the alignment of the layers and bonding must be exact for the printed circuit board’s proper structure.

When drilling multilayer boards after lamination, an X-ray ensures alignment of the drill bit. These holes allow for connections to occur between layers of the multilayer PCB. Therefore, the accuracy of their placement and size in relation to the rest of the layer and the other layers is crucial. Following the layers’ X-ray alignment, the printed circuit board undergoes drilling, picking up with step nine of single or double-sided PCB board fabrication.

The AOI step is crucial for the operation of the printed circuit board. Without it, boards that could have short circuits, not meet the design specifications or have extra copper that was not removed during etching could pass through the rest of the process. AOI prevents defective boards from going on by serving as a quality checkpoint midway through the production process. Later, this process repeats for the outer layers after engineers finish imaging and etching them.

As with the inner layer, the outer layer must also undergo automated optical inspection. This optical inspection ensures the layer meets the exact requirements of the design. It also verifies that the previous step removed all extra copper from the layer to create a properly functioning printed circuit board that won’t create improper electrical connections.

Once technicians take off the solder mask, the circuit board goes into an oven to cure the mask. This mask provides the board’s copper with extra protection from damage caused by corrosion and oxidation.

After printing the above information onto the printed circuit boards, often with an inkjet printer, the PCBs have their surface finish applied. Then, they continue to the testing, cutting and inspection phases.

After the PCB has been coated and cured (if necessary), a technician performs a battery of electrical tests on the different areas of the PCB to ensure functionality. Electrical testing must adhere to the standards of IPC-9252, Guidelines and Requirements for Electrical Testing of Unpopulated Printed Boards. The main tests that are performed are circuit continuity and isolation tests. The circuit continuity test checks for any disconnections in the PCB, known as “opens.” On the other hand, the circuit isolation test checks the isolation values of the PCB’s various parts to check if there are any shorts. While the electrical tests mainly exist to ensure functionality, they also work as a test of how well the initial PCB design stood up to the manufacturing process.

In addition to basic electrical reliability testing, there are other tests that can be used to determine if a PCB is functional. One of the main tests used to do this is known as the “bed of nails” test. During this text, several spring fixtures are attached to the test points on the circuit board. The spring fixtures then subject the test points on the circuit board with up to 200g of pressure to see how well the PCB stands up to high-pressure contact at its test points.

If the PCB has passed its electrical reliability testing — and any other testing the manufacturer chooses to implement — it can be moved on to the next step: route out and inspection.

Profiling requires fabrication engineers to identify the shape and size of the individually printed circuit boards cut from the construction board. This information typically is in the design’s Gerber files. This profiling step guides the routing out process by programming where the machine should create the scores on the construction board.

The last stage of PCB manufacturing is packaging and delivery. Packaging typically involves material that seals around the printed circuit boards to keep out dust and other foreign materials, similar to vacuum packaging. The sealed boards then go into containers that protect them from damage during shipping. Lastly, they go out for delivery to the customers.

Often the design and fabrication processes of PCB manufacturing have different entities behind them. In many cases, the contract manufacturer (CM) may fabricate a printed circuit board based on the design created by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Collaboration on components, design considerations, file formats and board materials between these groups will ensure an effective process and seamless transition between phases.

OEMs may design printed circuit boards with pricier materials than the CM anticipates. Both parties must agree to the materials on hand and what will work best for the PCB design while remaining cost-effective for the final purchaser.

High-quality engineering and manufacturing of PCBs are critical components of the operations of the circuit boards in electronics. Understanding the complexities of the process and why each step must occur gives you a better appreciation for the cost and effort put into each printed circuit board.

When your company needs PCBs for any job, contact us at Millennium Circuits Limited. We work to supply small and large batches of competitively priced printed circuit boards to our customers.