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Understanding PCB Vias: Blind Vias vs. Through-Hole Vias

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Deciphering PCB Vias Delve into the realm of PCB vias! This blog post dissects blind vias and through-hole vias, unravelling their differences, applications, advantages, and disadvantages. Vias are important conduits in printed circuit boards (PCBs) that establish connections between different layers. Blind vias and through-hole vias are essential elements with unique characteristics. Blind Vias: Unlocking the Essentials Blind vias are used to connect the outer layers of a PCB to one or more inner layers. These vias are especially useful for high-density designs and compact electronic devices. Applications of Blind Vias: High-density interconnects in smartphones, tablets, and miniaturized electronics. Complex designs demanding intricate routing solutions. Advantages of Blind Vias: Increased routing density, allowing for more compact designs. Improved signal integrity due to shorter connections. Reduced layer count, hence lower manufacturing costs. Disadvantages of Blind Vias: Limited to specific layer connections. Demands precise drilling during fabrication, potentially increasing manufacturing complexity. Through-Hole Vias: The Traditional Workhorse Through-hole vias traverse the entire PCB, connecting all layers from top to bottom. While more conventional, they may not suit highly compact designs. Applications of Through-Hole Vias: General PCB designs where reliability is crucial. Industries requiring robust and well-connected layers, such as automotive and aerospace. Advantages of Through-Hole Vias: Enhanced reliability due to complete board penetration. Suitable for multilayer PCBs, ensuring stronger connections. Disadvantages of Through-Hole Vias: Consumes significant space in dense designs. Complex manufacturing processes, potentially raise overall costs. Blind Vias vs. Through-Hole Vias Differences Blind Vias Through-Hole Vias Penetration Penetrates only a portion of PCB layers Traverses the entire PCB, top to bottom Layer Connectivity Connects outer layers to inner layers Connects all layers, offering full access Space Utilization Offers increased routing density Consumes more space, less ideal for density Complexity Requires precise drilling for fabrication Less complex manufacturing process Cost Can reduce layer count, lowering costs May increase manufacturing costs Application Suitability Ideal for high-density designs Suitable for general PCBs and robust connections Navigating the Viaduct The decision to use either blind or through-hole vias depends on specific design requirements. Understanding their applications, trade-offs, and unique functionalities is crucial during PCB design and fabrication processes. Get in Touch with Us Our services cater to clients interested in manufacturing products in India, with a focus on reducing costs while enhancing both the quality and efficiency of their production process.  Looking to design or fabricate a PCB?  Talk to us to know more.  Mail us on arkcircuits@gmail.com  Call us at +91 9176418660. Ark Circuitry is an integrated electronics design assembly and mass manufacturing service provider renowned for crafting end-to-end services that accurately align with your unique requirements. With our team of seasoned engineers committed to excellence, we provide reliable and high quality services!

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Is ENIG the Game-Changer for PCB Boards? 

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In the rapidly evolving realm of electronics manufacturing, a critical factor that demands utmost attention is the surface finish meticulously applied to printed circuit boards (PCBs). Explore an intriguing article with Ark Circuitry to find out about the surface finish that is widely utilized and safeguards against corrosion and oxidation. Ark Circuitry Ventures is an Electronic Manufacturing Service provider and PCB manufacturer specialize in providing End-to-End services that can be tailor-made to meet your requirements. We offer a comprehensive range of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes to accommodate various production scales. This includes a fully automated SMT process tailored for large volume production and a semi-automated SMT process designed for small run production.    Introduction to ENIG: Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold(ENIG) also known as immersion gold, is an unique and precise surface finish process offering an extension of shelf life and high resistance to corrosion. At Ark Circuitry, we aim to ensure customer satisfaction by providing top-notch ENIG surface finish on PCBs according to their specific requirements. The PCB board features a well-finished surface with nickel and gold plating. How do we do ENIG at Ark Circuitry: Firstly, with Ark circuitry, we prioritize ensuring a clean surface for the PCB board, accomplished by meticulously cleaning away dirt using a suitable abrasive material.  Furthermore, we engage in precise etching procedure by using an acid solution to remove unwanted copper, thus, ensuring optimal surface smoothness and uniformity on the board. At Ark Circuitry, our skilled team of engineers expertly submerge the printed circuit board (PCB) into an electroless nickel solution, wherein a reducing agent and a source of nickel ions are present, forming a delicate nickel coating on the exposed copper surfaces of the PCB. And the board is rinsed to eliminate excess nickel from the surface. The nickel acts as a protective barrier on the copper pads of the PCB board.  Our engineers immerse the nickel-plated board into a solution containing gold salts. Thus, the ENIG plating consists of a layer of gold which protects the nickel thus offering low resistance.  Again, the gold-plated PCB undergoes a thorough cleaning process followed by drying, effectively eliminating the residual chemicals . Finally, the PCB board is ready for testing and assembly. Applying the ENIG process, successfully prevents corrosion and oxidation, resulting in better electron conductivity and durable finish.   Assessing The Thickness Of Nickel And Gold in ENIG: The thickness of nickel can range from 4 to 7 µm, while gold thickness can range from 0.05 to 0.23 µm. Regarding gold thickness specifically: Besides, for standard PCB and flex PCB applications, we recommend a range of 1-3 micro inches However, for advanced PCBs, we prioritize a slightly higher range of 2-3 micro inches. Presenting the fully finished ENIG-treated circuit board Pragmatic benefits of ENIG coating: ENIG coating is utilized in wire bonding applications to establish dependable interconnections between integrated circuits and other components. Moreover, the gold layer present in ENIG aids in gold wire bonding, which is commonly employed in specialized electronic applications, such as high-frequency devices. Our clients: Our specialization lies in the diverse application of ENIG across various sectors, encompassing defense, medical-grade boards, automotive, and aerospace industries. Our services cater to clients interested in manufacturing products in India, with a focus on reducing costs while enhancing both the quality and efficiency of their production process.  Looking to design or fabricate a PCB?  Talk to us to know more.  Mail us on arkcircuits@gmail.com  Call us at +91 9176418660. Ark Circuitry is an integrated electronics design assembly and mass manufacturing service provider renowned for crafting end-to-end services that accurately align with your unique requirements. With our team of seasoned engineers committed to excellence, we provide reliable and high quality services! Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs Is BOM Identification for Electronics Designers important? Regan May 31, 2023 What is Bill Of Materials in electronics? The BOM is a crucial inventory of components needed for … Read More How to Reverse Engineer a Concept Board:A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners Regan May 15, 2023 How can you upgrade an existing product based on technological advancements or specific needs? Do … Read More

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Is BOM Identification for Electronics Designers important?

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What is Bill Of Materials in electronics? The BOM is a crucial inventory of components needed for top-quality products. It guides procurement, production, and quality control, ensuring accuracy and consistency. It’s essential for successful board development, outlining all required components for assembly. Let’s explore the actual implications of BOM (Bill of Materials) at Ark Circuitry through this article At Ark Circuitry, we leverage the potential of Bill Of Materials(BOM). When clients turn to us for Printed Circuit Board assembly and fabrication, we embark on a comprehensive process that involves obtaining the BOM file specifying component placement, as well as the Gerber files that facilitate board design using the design software.                                           Here is the picture of BOM file Once we receive the files: We cross-verify the BOM file against the provided Gerber files to check if any anomalies exist or components are missing.  If anomalies are identified, we promptly consult with our customers and they rectify the issue or we assist in correcting the issues. Subsequently, we analyze the cost and estimated timeline for the fabrication process.  Next, we ensure accurate assembling of electronic boards by breaking down components, quantities and reference designators using Bill Of Materials (BOM). Why choose us? Our forte lies with our customers trusting us to build products of uncompromising quality while effectively managing costs. Together, we navigate the realm of cost management, ensuring optimal outcomes and customer satisfaction.  At Ark Circuitry, our in-house component procurement team ensures that we source the right parts on time, simplify procurement, procure sufficient quantities , and drive seamless production. In addition, we also cater to customers’ specific requirements, utilizing preferred manufacturers and parts to enhance features or address repair issues. How Do We Choose Our Suppliers? After a rigorous vetting process of suppliers we identify those offering high-quality components, establishing potential partnerships along the way. We ensure to review and grade the products to maintain quality.  For small product volumes, we procure raw materials or components from trusted sources like Mouser and DigiKey. Conversely, for larger volumes, we leverage our network of distributors to ensure efficient procurement. CE and ROHS certified or not? We advise customers to choose CE and ROHS certified components, for high-grade and durable components. Conversely, for customers seeking a cost-effective solution, we provide the option of purchasing components from suppliers who might not possess ROHS or CE certification. We prioritize the use of perfect aligning with their specific requests, thus offering flexibility in component sourcing.  In addition, we serve customers operating in various sectors, including medical-grade systems, space and defense industries, and automotive applications, who insist on CE, ROHS, IP65 or MIL Grade certified components.  Our customer engagement services: If customers approach us upon completing their design of a product, we suggest solutions to rectify mistakes if they have any or deliver outcomes based on their specifications.  We collaborate with customers who approach us at the initial stage by preparing the BOM to design the board, testing the board to ensure timely shipment.  At Ark Circuitry, we conscientiously assess and validate every aspect of component functionality and standards, from start to finish, ensuring a seamless process and delivering an efficient final product within the specified timeframe and witness your project come to life with precision and ease. Our services cater to clients interested in manufacturing products in India, with a focus on reducing costs while enhancing both the quality and efficiency of their production process.  Looking to design or fabricate a PCB?  Talk to us to know more.  Mail us on arkcircuits@gmail.com  Call us at +91 9176418660. Ark Circuitry is an integrated electronics design assembly and mass manufacturing service provider renowned for crafting end-to-end services that accurately align with your unique requirements. With our team of seasoned engineers committed to excellence, we provide reliable and high quality services! Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs How to Reverse Engineer a Concept Board:A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners Regan May 15, 2023 How can you upgrade an existing product based on technological advancements or specific needs? Do … Read More How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB? Suneyna February 17, 2023 A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. … Read More

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How to Reverse Engineer a Concept Board:A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

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How can you upgrade an existing product based on technological advancements or specific needs? Do you want to develop a customized product with high standards while remaining cost-effective?  We’re here to help! Ark Circuitry is an Electronic Manufacturing Service Provider, highly adept in design, assembly and manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCB). Apart from several services we provide, our forte also lies in Reverse Engineering of Existing designs or boards of products. This  is possible by our team of well trained engineers with exceptional expertise over two decades. Reverse Engineering: Reverse engineering in electronics is the art of meticulously analyzing the design, components, and functionality of an existing product to create a replica, with the aim of enhancing features, reducing cost, and improving durability. By examining each layer and component, engineers gain valuable insights that enable them to enhance the functionality and performance of the final product. To elucidate, let’s take you through a project we delivered at Ark Circuitry: UNDERGROUND METRO DAMPER CONTROL SYSTEM: Any underground metro station across the world is installed with a ventilation exit system. The trains running underground require flushing out large amounts of air which is built due to the trains operating at high speeds inside the tunnels. Therefore, to regulate air pressure and effectively expel excess air, an underground air escape system is essential. This system is managed through the use of large tunnels built at the train stations. These tunnels have open /close dampers, which are operated by high-capacity motors and brakes. We were required to reverse engineer the existing board due to constant failure on the power supply section, high cost implications and import restrictions. REASONS FOR REVERSE ENGINEERING THE BOARD: At Ark Circuitry, our customers mostly opt for reverse engineering due to the factors: frequent failure of the actual product, components of the product that are not locally available, to manufacture boards of high quality and for customized products and extended service. The imported boards might require remodeling or redesigned to include better features. STEPS OF REVERSE ENGINEERING A BOARD:    1. EXAMINING THE ACTUAL PRODUCT: This is the first step to understand the existing product. At Ark Circuitry, we would require clients to permit us to visit the site for larger product(s)/ installations or provide us with a working model of the existing product itself. We assure our clients that confidentiality will be maintained at all times which times require us to sign a NDA. 2. ANALYSIS OF THE BOARD OR PRODUCT: Depending on the requirement: This stage may involve identifying the existing problem in the board and determining to take further action in order to improve the functionality.  Analyze the circuits, components and ideate changes that needs to be made to include features or upgrade(s) to the product 3. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM AND AVAILABILITY OF COMPONENTS Identifying the key components of the existing control board is the crucial step in reverse engineering and involves sourcing these components locally. In this project, to improve the life of the board we suggested replacing the entire power section of the board. 4. CHOOSING THE TYPE (Analog or Digital):​ Firstly, the engineers determine whether the control board is of type analog or digital. Boards utilizing analog circuits tend to be larger in size, prompting the use of digital circuits which replace bulky components with integrated circuits (ICs) to reduce overall size. Sometimes, digital ICs are employed as a means of increasing complexity and deterring reverse engineering attempts by other companies. In the damper control system, we swiftly analyzed that the circuit uses a microcontroller for operations and we replaced the existing one with a high temperature IC for durability. 5. REDUCING COST AND INCREASING EFFECTIVENESS: As these control boards are installed in an enclosed space with no air circulation, it is important to consider the ways to enhance their longevity.We also recommend customers regarding the size constraints; transforming larger boards into smaller ones, performance requirements and cost estimations.  We were able to enhance the performance of the damper control board,increase product lifetime, resolve the power supply issue to avoid overheating, and also reduce the cost of manufacturing these boards. We reconstructed the entire circuit to precisely match the 1:1 ratio. As a result, we were able to reduce the cost by 1/5th of what was previously being paid to the original manufacturer they were importing from.  Ark Circuitry provides an unlimited warranty period of 2 years for reverse engineered boards whereas the original manufacturer was providing only 3 months. Our services cater to clients interested in manufacturing products in India, with a focus on reducing costs while enhancing both the quality and efficiency of their production process.  Looking to upgrade or fix issues in your product?  Talk to us to know more.  Mail us on arkcircuits@gmail.com  Call us at +91 9176418660. Ark Circuitry is an integrated electronics design assembly and mass manufacturing service provider renowned for crafting end-to-end services that accurately align with your unique requirements. With our team of seasoned engineers committed to excellence, we provide reliable and high quality services! Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB? Suneyna February 17, 2023 A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. … Read More How prototypes help identify and formulate design and save time Regan February 9, 2023 Prototypes can help manufacturers save manpower, time and money. It simulates the actual product … Read More

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How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB?

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A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. This simulates the intended field of application and also analyses the electrical behaviour of the assembled board. Read more to find out our top 7 checks and how we fixed defects during a recent project. Firstly, the assembly process is chosen depending on the customer’s requirements and the electronic components. A mixed process of through-hole and SMT assemblies was used to build these boards. Next, once the PCBA is ready, it undergoes functional testing or FCT before being shipped. These tests aim to eliminate any defects or faults that might hinder reliability, replace incorrect or faulty components, check solder points and generate a detailed report to share with our customers. This module will be used in an EV charging station. Certain specific components were provided by the customer and others were sourced from our suppliers.  The 7 Checkpoints We Ran To Ensure The Proper Functioning Of A PCBA: At Ark Circuitry, we go the extra mile to ensure reliable boards are manufactured. For this specific project, after uploading the code, the engineer tests the boards to ensure the board will carry out the intended functions in the actual application. The checkpoints that they look at ticking off are: 1. Relay check: According to the functions and design, we have used 5 relays on the board.  When the engineer inputs the command, a soft clicking noise is the expected output.  Relay and buzzer test in progress 2. Buzzer test: The next is the buzzer test. The buzzer must go off when the command is run to confirm its functioning.  3. GSM module and Wifi test: A Sim card is inserted and the code is run. This test records the HSN code of the network and IP addresses generated.  GSM and WIFI test 4. CAN test: CAN test  The Controller Area Network or the CAN test. When the command is given, the output returns as a pass and that signifies its functioning.  5. RFID test “Access denied” is the prompt that returns (that was set by the customer ) when the tag is tapped. This ensures the component’s proper functioning. Testing the RFID function 6. LED check The customer provided us with the LED strip. The power supply to the LED is tested. The lights go off at first. It then turns on switching from red to blue and we know its a check.  Power supply to the LED is tested using this test 7. Voltage check: An input power of 12V is fed and an output of 5V is recorded to ensure its functioning. If a defect is detected, they check for open/shorts in nets or faults in solder connections. Lastly, once the tests are complete, the data is processed and the results generated. The stored data would aid in maintaining the PCBA quality effectively.  A detailed report on the status of functioning is shared with the customer for analysis or to refer to the test log.  Some points to look for when a fault persists: Check and recheck that all IC pins are soldered properly  Ensure that there is no solder paste residue  Reflow oven: When the outer layer of the solder paste would have dried and the inner layer might be still wet it leads to no contact. Check if it has been soldered well. Do not use solder paste that might be old or not stored at the right temperature. Temperature and environment are crucial, this results in no solder Manual solder any joints where there is no contact Use reliable and good-quality components Ensure your engineers are well-trained from time to time and quick to pick up issues/faults There are other inspection processes that a customer can request. Furthermore, read our previous blog to know more about inspection Get in touch with us to know more about the services we can provide. We are an EMS provider and specialise In providing tailor-made end-to-end services to meet your requirements. We have the capabilities and the experience to deliver low or high-volume orders.   Let’s talk for more information. Call us on +91 91764 18660 Mails us at: arkcircuitry@gmail.com Visit us at: https://arkcircuits.com/ Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB? Suneyna February 17, 2023 A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. … Read More How prototypes help identify and formulate design and save time Regan February 9, 2023 Prototypes can help manufacturers save manpower, time and money. It simulates the actual product … Read More

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