Technological advances have ensured that Printed Circuit Boards cannot only perform complex functions they can also be produced inexpensively. This is the exact reason why PCBs are an integral part of so many devices. However, the quality of the device is directly proportional to the quality of the PCB used. PCB failure can, therefore, have debilitating consequences wherein entire systems can fail. It is therefore extremely important to stick to some quality measures in the PCB design and manufacturing process.

 IPC Standards

The Institute for Printed Circuit Boards (actually, it is a name the association was formerly known as; currently it is called Association Connecting Electronics Industries, even though it has retained the IPC moniker) is a global trade association, which has set certain standards for the manufacture of PCBs as well as other electronic components. Founded in 1957, the institute releases acceptability standards for Printed Circuit Boards. The Industry Association has over 4000 members that make and design PCBs and assemblies, which include but are not limited to the following industries:

  • Military and aerospace
  • Automotive
  • IT
  • Industrial equipment
  • Medical equipment and devices
  • Telecommunications

IPC standards, therefore, are industry-adopted standards for nearly every step of PCB manufacturing, beginning with design, production, and finally for electronic assembly.

There are a number of benefits that accrue from adhering to IPC standards issued by the industry body, primary among them being:

  • Consistency– By maintaining IPC certification, you can ensure that you produce high quality PCBs consistently. This in turn translates into customer satisfaction and therefore improved business.
  • Improved communication– IPC certification ensures that vendors and manufacturers use the same terminology so there isn’t any scope of miscommunication. It becomes a common language between designers, assemblers, and testers. With everyone on the same page, there is no scope of confusion, besides improved speed. With improved cross channel communication, overall production time and efficiencies automatically see an improvement.
  • Reduced costs– What naturally follows from improved communication is a reduction in cost as there are reduced rebuilds and reworks.

As per IPC there are several advantages of being trained and certified to use IPC standards. These include:

  • Having standardized training programs that enhance understanding and application.
  • Developing an understanding of the accept and reject criteria
  • Teaching methods and processes that enhance skills
  • Teaching techniques to apply the various criteria to production.

IPC standards come in a variety of classes. One of the commonly used one being the IPC-A-610. Some of the elements that IPC-A-610 covers includes but is not limited to:

  • Heat sinks
  • Solders
  • Terminal connections
  • Component mounting
  • Chip components
  • Terminations
  • Arrays
  • Laminate conditions

Some of the basic principles of the IPC-A-610 classes are:

Class 1

This is applicable for General Electronic Products where the major requirement is function of the completed assembly. This is therefore considered as one of the most lenient classes when it comes to allowing potential defects and therefore isn’t one that OEMs request.

Class 2

This is the standard that is very often put to use for non-critical assemblies where long term reliability is a pre-requisite, although this class also allows for some degree of imperfection.

Class 3

This is the highest standard, meant for the more critical PCB assemblies. A good CEM provider will therefore manufacture products to class 3 standards. This does call for a higher cost as there is extra inspection involved as well as the need to slow down surface mount machines to ensure the required placement accuracy. Conversely, it may sometimes require an allowance for higher degrees of scrap.

The advantage of using the IPC standards also stems from the fact that they have worldwide acceptance and that they have been tested across myriad industries. However if there is any conflict when it comes to acceptance of the product, as per the IPC, the following order of precedence applies:

-Procurement as agreed and documented between customer and supplier

-Master drawings

– IPC-A-610

IPC has also defined conditions that help refine processes. These conditions include:

Target Condition – This is a near perfect condition, which is the ideal to aim for, even though it may not always be achievable

Acceptable Condition –  While this condition may not be ideal as there could be trade offs between design and performance, however this condition maintains reliability.

Defect Condition- This is where the product is rejected as it needs rework or repair

Process Indicator Conditions – These are conditions that aren’t known to affect either the form or function of the product but emanate from material, design or machine related factors.

Essentially then, IPC Standards help the manufacturer to clearly understand customer requirements and deliver up to expectations. As a customer you can select the IPC standard class and be rest assured that the product will live up to your requirements.