PCB Essentials for Understanding Advanced Circuits

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential components in modern electronics. They provide a platform for mounting and interconnecting electronic components to create functional circuits. Advanced Circuits is a leading PCB manufacturer known for its high-quality products and services. In this article, we will explore 10 essential things you should know about Advanced Circuits PCB.

1. What is Advanced Circuits PCB?

Advanced Circuits is a US-based PCB manufacturer that specializes in prototype and production quantities of PCBs. They offer a wide range of PCB services, including standard and advanced technologies, such as rigid, flex, and rigid-flex PCBs. Advanced Circuits is known for its quick-turn PCB manufacturing, which allows customers to receive their boards in as little as 24 hours.

2. PCB Materials Used by Advanced Circuits

Advanced Circuits uses a variety of PCB materials to meet the specific requirements of their customers. The most common materials include:

Material	Description	Applications
FR-4	A glass-reinforced epoxy laminate, widely used due to its excellent mechanical and electrical properties	General-purpose PCBs, high-speed digital circuits
Polyimide	A high-temperature, flexible polymer with excellent chemical resistance and dimensional stability	Flex and rigid-flex PCBs, aerospace, and military applications
Rogers	A family of high-frequency laminates with low dielectric loss and stable electrical properties	RF and microwave circuits, antenna applications

3. PCB Layers and Their Significance

Advanced Circuits offers PCBs with various layer counts, ranging from single-layer to multi-layer boards. The number of layers in a PCB determines its complexity and functionality. Here’s a brief overview of the most common PCB layers:

Layers	Description
Single-layer	A PCB with conductive copper on one side of the substrate
Double-layer	A PCB with conductive copper on both sides of the substrate
Multi-layer	A PCB with three or more conductive layers, separated by insulating layers

As the number of layers increases, so does the design flexibility and the ability to route complex circuits. Advanced Circuits can manufacture PCBs with up to 30 layers or more, depending on the customer’s requirements.

4. PCB Design Guidelines for Advanced Circuits

To ensure the manufacturability and reliability of your PCB, it’s essential to follow Advanced Circuits’ design guidelines. Some key considerations include:

• Minimum trace width and spacing
• Minimum drill size and annular ring
• Solder mask and silkscreen requirements
• Panelization and board outline
• Controlled impedance and high-speed design rules

Advanced Circuits provides comprehensive design guides and resources to help customers create PCBs that meet their manufacturing capabilities and quality standards.

5. PCB Fabrication Process at Advanced Circuits

The PCB fabrication process at Advanced Circuits involves several steps, each critical to ensuring the quality and reliability of the final product. The main stages include:

1. PCB Design and Data Preparation
2. Material Selection and Cutting
3. Drilling and Plating
4. Etching and Soldermask Application
5. Silkscreen and Surface Finish
6. Electrical Testing and Quality Control
7. Packaging and Shipping

Advanced Circuits has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and processes to streamline their PCB fabrication and maintain the highest quality standards.

6. PCB Assembly Options at Advanced Circuits

In addition to PCB fabrication, Advanced Circuits offers PCB assembly services to help customers build complete, functional electronic assemblies. They provide two main assembly options:

1. Turnkey PCB Assembly
2. Advanced Circuits handles the entire assembly process, from component sourcing to final testing

3. Ideal for customers who want a complete, ready-to-use assembly

4. PCB Assembly Kit

5. Advanced Circuits provides a kit containing the PCB and all necessary components
6. Customers perform the assembly themselves or through a third-party provider
7. Suitable for customers who prefer more control over the assembly process or have specific requirements

7. PCB Testing and Quality Control

To ensure the reliability and functionality of their PCBs, Advanced Circuits employs rigorous testing and quality control measures throughout the fabrication and assembly processes. Some of the key testing methods include:

• Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
• Electrical Testing (Flying Probe, Bed of Nails)
• X-Ray Inspection
• Thermal Cycling and Environmental Testing

Advanced Circuits is ISO 9001:2015 certified, demonstrating their commitment to quality management and continuous improvement.

8. PCB Prototyping Services

Advanced Circuits is well-known for its quick-turn PCB prototyping services, which allow customers to rapidly iterate on their designs and bring products to market faster. Some of their prototyping services include:

• PCBExpress: A free PCB design software that enables customers to design and order prototype PCBs quickly
• PCB Artist: A full-featured PCB design software for more complex designs and layouts
• Bare Bones: A low-cost, quick-turn prototyping service for simple PCBs
• PCB123: An online PCB design and ordering platform for prototype and low-volume production

9. PCB Manufacturing Capabilities

Advanced Circuits has a wide range of PCB manufacturing capabilities to meet the diverse needs of their customers. Some of their key capabilities include:

• Rigid PCBs: Standard, high-density interconnect (HDI), and thick copper boards
• Flex and Rigid-Flex PCBs: Single and multi-layer flexible circuits, with or without stiffeners
• Specialty Materials: High-frequency, high-temperature, and thermally conductive substrates
• Controlled Impedance: Precise control of trace impedance for high-speed and RF applications
• Via Technologies: Through-hole, blind, and buried vias, as well as microvias and via-in-pad

10. Advanced Circuits’ Customer Support and Resources

Advanced Circuits is committed to providing exceptional customer support and resources to help their customers succeed. Some of the ways they support their customers include:

• Dedicated sales representatives and technical support teams
• Online resources, such as design guides, tutorials, and FAQs
• Free PCB design software and libraries
• Educational webinars and workshops
• Rapid quoting and ordering through their online platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the minimum order quantity for PCBs at Advanced Circuits?

2. Advanced Circuits has no minimum order quantity for prototype PCBs. For production orders, the minimum quantity depends on the specific product and service.

3. How long does it take to receive a prototype PCB from Advanced Circuits?

4. Advanced Circuits offers quick-turn prototyping services, with standard lead times ranging from 24 hours to 5 days, depending on the complexity of the PCB and the selected service.

5. Does Advanced Circuits offer PCB design services?

6. While Advanced Circuits does not offer PCB design services directly, they provide free PCB design software (PCB Artist and PCBExpress) and resources to help customers design their own boards.

7. What types of surface finishes does Advanced Circuits offer?

8. Advanced Circuits offers a variety of surface finishes, including HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling), ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold), and lead-free options like ENEPIG and Immersion Silver.

9. How do I get a quote for my PCB project from Advanced Circuits?

10. You can get a quote for your PCB project by uploading your design files or specifications on Advanced Circuits’ website. They also provide an online quote calculator for quick estimates based on your PCB parameters.

In conclusion, Advanced Circuits is a leading PCB manufacturer that offers a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of customers in various industries. By understanding the essential aspects of Advanced Circuits PCB, from materials and layers to design guidelines and manufacturing capabilities, you can make informed decisions when choosing a PCB supplier for your next project. With their commitment to quality, quick-turn manufacturing, and customer support, Advanced Circuits is well-positioned to help bring your electronic designs to life.