-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueMechatronics
Our expert contributors discuss the advent of mechatronics in PCB design, the challenges and opportunities this creates for circuit board designers, and the benefits—to the employee and the company—of becoming a mechatronics engineer.
Creating a Culture of Collaboration
PCB designers could learn quite a bit from NASA and the private companies that develop spacecraft: Every one of these vehicles is a testament to the value of collaboration among disparate stakeholders. Without a collaborative culture, the rocket might never get off the ground.
Breaking High-speed Material Constraints
Do you need specialty materials for your high-speed designs? Maybe not. Improvements in resins mean designers of high-speed boards can sometimes use traditional laminate systems. Learn more in this issue.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
IPC Plating Sub-committee 4-14: Surface Finish Specifications
May 27, 2015 | George Milad, UyemuraEstimated reading time: 1 minute
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/7016/3116/1051/george_milad_100.jpg)
IPC specifications are reference documents to be called out by designers and OEMs. Designers may take exception with one or more items in the specification to ensure that the product meets the requirements of its intended use. The acronym AAUBUS (as agreed upon between user and supplier) is part of any specification.
Specifications are consensus documents. They are agreed upon by a panel of interested industry participants composed of suppliers, manufacturers, assembly houses (CMs) and end-users. The IPC Plating Sub-committee 4-14 is no exception.
When there is consensus, the committee documents it in a specification. In cases where no consensus is readily arrived at, the committee undergoes its own testing in what is commonly referred to as a round-robin (RR) study. In an RR investigation, an agreed-upon test vehicle (TV) is designed and manufactured. TVs are then sent around to the different suppliers who deposit the agreed upon thicknesses to be investigated. The TVs are collected and the deposit thicknesses are verified and documented. The TVs are then coded. The TVs are sent around again to the different testing sites that test for the desired attribute like soldering, contacting and wire bonding capabilities of different finish thicknesses. The data is then collected, sorted out and documented. At this point, a new attempt at consensus is made and upon arrival, the thickness specification is set.
A draft is prepared after consensus is complete. The draft is then posted for peer review. Any IPC member can review the document and suggest technical or editorial changes. All comments are then reviewed and all issues resolved before the final draft is issued. At this time the IPC takes on the task of publishing the document in its final format.
The IPC Plating Sub-committee 4-14 has been active since 2001. It is co-chaired by me and Gerard O’Brien of ST and S Group. The IPC liaison is Tom Newton. The sub-committee has an extensive member list composed of OEMs, contract assemblers, board manufacturers, and chemical suppliers, as well as labs and consultants.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the April issue of The PCB Design Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
Enhance Your Electronics Expertise Through IPC Courses in August
07/25/2024 | Corey Lynn, IPCAs the global leader in standards, training, and certification for the electronics industry, IPC is pleased to announce an array of upcoming online instructor-led courses this August. These courses are designed to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving field of electronics manufacturing and design. Whether you want to deepen your expertise in PCB design and manufacturing, understand the intricacies of intermetallic compounds, or learn about counterfeit part mitigation, IPC has a course tailored for you.
The Knowledge Base: The Value of Industry Certifications
07/24/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIndustry certifications have become increasingly significant in the modern job market, offering a range of benefits to both individuals and employers. These certifications serve as formal recognitions of expertise and proficiency in specific areas, validating a person's skills and knowledge. In the context of the electronics assembly industry, certifications are particularly valuable, given the technical nature of the work and the rapid advancements in technology.
Tom Edman Leads IPC Board of Directors
07/17/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineIPC elected several new board members at IPC APEX EXPO in April, including new Board Chair Tom Edman, CEO of TTM, who assumes the role from Bob Neves, CTO and chair of Microtek Laboratories. Tom and TTM have long been active in many facets of IPC. I caught up with Tom and asked him about his new board appointment, IPC, and the industry he serves. He emphasizes IPC’s work in standards and advocacy as especially important for our industry.
Getting Clear About Certification With Charlie Capers
07/17/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWalk through the entrance at Zentech Dallas and you’ll see a wall of certification plaques prominently displayed. Beyond being impressive and a point of pride, these certifications tell a story to potential customers: This company is ready to do business. Charlie Capers, former vice president and general manager, shares his insights on quantifying the ROI of certifications. You may not see it on paper, but it’s definitely there. He also talks about his expectations for new hires and shares a case study about the importance of collaborating with your PCB designers.
Winners of 2024 IPC Masters Competition China Announced
07/17/2024 | IPCFrom July 8-10, the 2024 IPC Masters Competition China was successfully held in Pudong, Shanghai. This year’s competition, was the largest in the history of the Greater China region, bringing nearly 400 electronics industry elites from 18 provinces and municipalities.