PCBA Tech - Aerospace PCB assembly

Firstly, aerospace PCB assembly is the process of constructing and testing circuits on printed circuit boards. This can ensure that the electronic system works as expected. It can also help identify any defects or issues in these systems.

Precautions for aerospace circuit boards

1) Accurate material specifications

The material specifications for aerospace PCB assembly and aerospace products are generally very strict, and everything used in manufacturing and assembly will be inspected, inspected, and double-checked according to higher standards. For example, components with a certain proportion of two metal mixtures must meet very specific tolerances.

2) Enduring harsh environments

Many PCB aerospace and defense products require special radiation and thermal considerations. We all associate extreme temperatures with external design challenges, such as the flames ejected from the bottom of the space shuttle during launch. But heat may also be an issue with internal equipment. For example, the temperature near the engine can be several thousand degrees. Due to electronic devices monitoring these engines, they must contain components with high heat resistance.

Radio frequency radiation is a significant hazard at the atmospheric level within the ionosphere. Ionic radiation is a concern for all vehicles and systems in space, but more importantly, it may disrupt wireless communication.

3) Testing and Inspection

Thermal and vibration testing are the two most relevant tests for aerospace products, although various tests can be conducted based on the product.

Reliability of aerospace circuit boards

Reliability is one of the most important factors for PCBs in aerospace applications, as they must operate in extreme environments. For example, satellites must transmit signals for a long time without failure due to high maintenance costs.

The use of radio waves for communication in aerospace means that the reliability of such equipment is crucial. They require additional shielding at strategic locations on the PCB and antenna. Shortening the transmission line can also improve the reliability of communication.

Corrosion is another issue that manufacturers should consider when manufacturing PCBs for aerospace applications. The relatively low cost and high conductivity of copper make this metal a commonly used material in PCSs. However, pure copper also has chemical activity and requires a coating to be applied to the exposed copper to prevent corrosion. These coatings typically include aerosol coatings and solder mask films, although manufacturers may also use epoxy coatings as oxidation barriers. In addition to protecting wires from corrosion, these coatings must also have high heat resistance.

Aerospace PCB assembly requires better control and error free. Each stage of the assembly process is carefully designed to provide a perfectly functional circuit board.