Circuit Board Withstand Harsh Environments

A circuit board is a flat piece of material that holds and interconnects electronic components using conductive pathways, enabling the functioning of electronic devices. It is the heart of most electronic equipment, and it’s crucial to keep in mind that circuit boards are sensitive to environmental elements such as water, humidity and corrosion. The health of the circuit board determines how well the device will function, and a poorly designed or built board can quickly deteriorate and break down.

Several design and manufacturing techniques can help a circuit board withstand harsh environments. These include strategic component placement, use of heat sinks, and the utilization of materials with higher resistance to environmental factors. In addition, conformal coatings and encapsulation can shield the board from moisture, dust and other contaminants that could damage it.

Ruggedized communication systems are a common example of specialized PCBs that are required to operate in harsh environments. They are used to provide critical data and communications capabilities for defense personnel, and are often exposed to extreme temperatures, high levels of moisture, shock and vibration. To ensure that the system functions properly and reliably, the board must be designed with these elements in mind.

Can a Circuit Board Withstand Harsh Environments?

Many factors can negatively impact a circuit board, including temperature, humidity, chemical corrosion and physical shock (vibration). The type of resin used in the PCB is an important factor in its ability to withstand these factors. There are three main resin types: epoxy, polyurethane and silicone. Silicone is able to sustain the widest range of temperature, making it a good choice for harsh environment applications. Other important considerations include the loss tangent and dielectric constant of the board material. A high loss tangent can significantly reduce the maximum current that the traces can carry, while a low dielectric constant can increase heat losses.

Another issue to be aware of is the possibility of outgassing in the PCB. This is a defect that occurs during wave soldering when air becomes trapped in the PCB, and can cause the boards to malfunction. This is especially significant in space applications, where the environment is a near-perfect vacuum and can be detrimental to the performance of the device.

Lastly, it’s important to test the circuit board in a variety of environments to make sure that it can withstand harsh conditions. This can be done by running it through a series of stress tests and measuring the results. These tests can also help identify areas that may need further design work. For example, it’s important to make sure that heat-sensitive components are located away from heat sources and that the board is symmetrical, as this will reduce susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. In addition, the use of heat sinks can help to reduce temperature fluctuations.