Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are an integral part of most electronic devices today. Nowadays, PCBs have shrunk in size and have several components mounted on them. However, care must be taken during the manufacturing process due to the increasing complexity. For example, there are several factors you should consider during your PCB manufacturing. Discover these factors below. 

1. Prototyping

A prototype in PCB solutions provides the basic idea and functions of a PCB. Your prototype defines the components you will use, parameters for conduction paths, and overall PCB dimensions. Surface Mount Component (SMCs) packages have different installation outline requirements.

The prototype allows you to address trace routings. The trace of the conduction path can compromise the structural integrity of your circuit. You have to decide whether to adjust for angular or curved traces to reduce the stress on your board.

2. Flexibility

Your PCB must meet the flexibility and bendability requirements to withstand regular operations. You need to determine the number of times your PCB can be flexed or bent before compromising its performance. Rigid PCBs may result in breakage, which jeopardizes the circuit's performance.

Depending on your application, you can determine whether you want static or dynamic PCBs. Static PCBs can withstand bending up to 100 times during their entire lifetime. Dynamic PCB solutions can withstand flexing and bend an unlimited number of times.

3. PCB Material

PCB processes apply electrical and electronic principles, making them highly susceptible to environmental changes. For example, PCBs react to humidity and temperature, affecting their operations. The electrical properties of the material you choose also play an integral role in the performance of your PCBs.

Therefore, your PCB material should have low moisture absorption properties and have the correct thermal expansion coefficient. For example, the prepreg, copper foil, and copper clad laminates (core) layers must have suitable material properties for the smooth operation of your PCBs.

4. Shielding

Depending on the components you use in your PCB design, the PCB can result in Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). EMI influences other components in your circuit by generating erroneous signals and unnecessary heat.

Your manufacturer must consider this and add additional external copper layers connected to the ground reference. Sometimes, your manufacturer has to install PCB electromagnetic (EM) shielding to minimize EMI.

Conclusion

Different factors contribute to the manufacturing process of your PCB design. Therefore, knowing what to look out for in your PCB design will help you select an experienced manufacturer to handle your PCB design. In addition, these experts will guide you on the essential factors irrespective of your experience in PCB solutions design. 

For more information, contact a PCB company, such as Advanced Circuits.