PCBs in the automotive industry come in all shapes, sizes, and forms.
A single automobile can contain as many as 45 circuit boards. With ever-advancing automotive technologies, that number is sure to be shattered on an annual basis for the foreseeable future.
The circuit boards themselves are becoming more complex and advanced; small form-factor HDI circuits and flex circuits formed to fit into narrow spaces and account for vibrations.
What hasn't changed are the key requirements of PCBs used in automobiles:
These requirements demand that modern auto-builders require a reliable PCB manufacturing and assembly partner to ensure their prototyping and production PCB runs are executed flawlessly.
Circuit boards commonly found in automobiles are ones utilized for safety features. These are the boards that also require the utmost in reliability.
In particular, the circuit used for airbag deployment rate / crash sensors are invaluable in dissipating static electricity and triggering the airbag's deployment at the exact moment when it’s needed.
Other critical safety features often requiring high-reliability PCBs include anti-lock brake systems and sensors that would trigger such features.
More vehicle functions powered by boards include power converters, fluid monitors, engine timing, LED lighting, power distribution systems, on-board and remote diagnostics, security systems, and other sensors for non-critical situations (gas, tire pressure, and so on).
Audio/video equipment, touchscreens, and GPS systems are found in most modern automobiles and make use of boards to connect all the electrical components.
We have collaborated on the builds of many different types of automobile applications. Some parts and areas of interest we have provided PCBs for include:
Our automotive customers select us for our expertise in advanced technologies. Technologies we have the capability to provide include the list below, as single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layer boards.
Our experts have the ability to provide a quick turn PCB prototype, bare-board or assembled, or scale up for production quantities.
| Specifications | Standard Technology | Advanced Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Layers |
1 - 12 |
14 - 40 |
| Quick Turn Times |
up to 24 hours for bare board fabrication or assembly (1-6 layers) |
|
| Minimum Board Thickness |
2 layer - 0.010" 4 layer - 0.020" 6 layer - 0.020" 8 layer - 0.062" 10 layer - 0.062" 12 layer - 0.062" |
2 layer - 0.005" 4 layer - 0.010" 6 layer - 0.031" 8 layer - 0.040" |
| Maximum Board Thickness |
2 layer - 0.125" 3-12 layer - 0.200" |
0.250" - 0.500" |
| Maximum Board Size |
16" x 22" 12" x 21"
|
10" x 16" 16" x 22" 12" x 21"
|
| Copper Thickness |
0.5 oz - 3 oz |
4 oz - 10 oz |
| Hole Aspect Ratio |
7 : 1 |
15 : 1 |
| Minimum Hole Size |
0.008" |
0.004" |
| Minimum Trace/Space |
0.006"/0.006" |
0.002"/0.002" |
|
Minimum Drill-to-Copper |
0.010" |
0.005" |
| Minimum Pitch |
1 mm |
0.3 mm |
| Final Finish |
HASL (Solder) Lead Free Solder Copper Gold Gold Fingers White Tin ENEPIG ENIG |
HASL Gold (ENIG/Hard/Soft) Selective Gold Immersion Silver OSP White Tin ENEPIG |
| Additional Features |
Plated Slots Non-plated Slots Controlled Dielectric Covered Vias Counter Sinks Counter Bores Dual Access Flex Suspended Leads |
Plated Edges Plated Milling Plated Counter Bores & Counter Sinks Edge Castellation Controlled Impedance Silver Filled Vias Non-Conductive Filled Vias
|
| Quality Standards |
IPC 6012 Class 2 Electrical Testing 100% Netlist Testing TDR Testing |
Milspec 31032 Milspec 55110 Milspec 50884 IPC 6012 Class 3 100% Netlist Testing TDR Testing |
| Special Technology |
|
Blind & Buried Vias Laser Drilled Vias Mechanically Drilled Micro Vias |
PCBs for automotive applications must meet higher standards than those designed for commercial applications — for a couple of reasons. It’s no secret that roadway maintenance has not kept up with automotive technology (cue the last pothole you accidentally hit). Additionally, automobile electronics are subject to high temperatures from their own operation and natural elements.
Examine standard IPC-6012DA: Automotive Applications Addendum to IPC-6012D Qualification and Performance Specification for Rigid Printed Boards.
This standard ensures the quality and reliability of PCB design and fabrication; that PCBs for automotive applications meet certain requirements to operate effectively under high vibration and electronic thermal cycling.
