Bay Area Circuits operates in Fremont, California. Many prestigious electronics companies in the US rank Bay Area Circuits right at the top of the world's best printed circuit board manufacturers. With over 40 years of specialist experience delivering quick-turn PCB fabrication through to complete turnkey manufacturing, it would be impossible to find a PCB prototype manufacturer with a more strategic location than the very center of Silicon Valley.
It goes without saying that the list of industry terms used by printed circuit board manufacturers is extensive. There are a large number of very technical processes, and having a clear understanding of what these all mean will really help new customers searching for a PCB manufacturing company to partner with:
Glossary of KEY PCB Terms and processes (listed alphabetically)
Annular Ring
The copper area surrounding a drilled hole on a PCB ensures reliable electrical connectivity between the hole plating and the surrounding copper pad.
Array
An array combines multiple PCBs arranged on a single panel for efficient fabrication and assembly. Arrays are used in quick-turn PCB fabrication to reduce handling time, manufacturing costs, and assembly errors.
Artwork
Artwork describes the original design file(s). Submitted to a PCB prototype manufacturer. That can be in a variety of file formats and will define copper layers, solder masks, and silkscreens found on PCBs. Well-designed artwork ensures accuracy and alignment.
Bare Board
An entirely fabricated PCB before you install any components onto it. A bare board typically features copper traces, solder masks, silkscreens, surface finishes, and several essential mechanical features. The quality of the bare board is necessary for durability and performance.
Barrel
A barrel is a plated cylindrical wall of a via or through-hole. Barrels bridge connectivity between printed circuit board layers and help to ensure mechanical stability. Consistent plating thickness is essential for PCB reliability.
Bed of Nails
A test fixture with spring-loaded pins that contact designated test pads on a PCB. Printed circuit boards manufacturers can conduct rapid electrical testing of multiple boards simultaneously when fixed to a bed-of-nails. This testing method is suited to high-volume production runs.
Component Hole
A hole to receive component leads, careful selection, and measurement ensure effective placement and soldering.
Copper Weight
The thickness of copper on a PCB, measured in ounces per square foot. Standard copper weights are between 1 oz and 2 oz. Heavier copper weight allows higher current-carrying capacity, reducing voltage drops, and improving overall thermal performance.
Delamination
The separation of PCB layers or copper from their substrate. Delamination can be a result of excess moisture, heat, or mechanical stress.
Design Rule Check (DRC)
DRC is a verification process for ensuring PCBs conform to manufacturing and electrical standards. DRCs are automated.
Fiducial Mark
A fiducial mark is a small copper (or painted) point on a PCB used as a reference during automated assembly. Pick-and-place and solder paste printing are two processes used by printed circuit board manufacturers that rely on fiducial marks to guide machines.
Plasma Etching
Plasma etching is a process used to remove copper from a PCB panel. The process is designed for specific materials that can’t be processed using industry-standard etching methods.
Schematic diagram
Schematic diagrams are required by all PCB manufacturing companies and are assessed before the prototype is produced.
Soft Gold
Soft gold (or wire-bondable gold) is a smooth gold finish that bonds easily for a strong, highly conductive connection. It is 99.99% pure 24-carat gold, with a typical thickness of 30 to 50 microinches.
TDR Testing
Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) testing is used to verify impedance requirements.
Universal Frame Stencil
A universal frame provides a solid base for connecting to a frameless stencil.
Contact Bay Area Circuits:
Phone: 510-933-9000
Email support@bacircuits.com
Website: bayareacircuits.com
Request a detailed quote: https://instantdfm.bayareacircuits.com/