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Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) is a vital process in the electronics industry. It involves assembling electrical components on a printed circuit board (PCB). Flex circuits and printed wiring boards (PWBs) and Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs) are two important components in this process.

Flex circuits are thin, flexible conductive circuits often made from Mylar that can be bent, twisted, and folded into any shape. PCBs, on the other hand, are rigid insulation materials with thin layers of conductive metal on one or both sides. Unlike the printed circuit board assemblies which are covered in circuitry, the PCB/PWB/CCA are just bare boards with no components installed on them.

This article will discuss how these two components are used in PCB Assembly

Flex Circuits in PCB Assemblies

Flex circuits are used in PCB Assembly to save space and reduce weight. They can be integrated into existing PCB designs to reduce size and improve performance.

Flex circuits have become prevalent today due to the increased demand for light or small electronic products. They are ideal for portable electronics, which is why they are commonly used in medical devices, automotive applications, and consumer electronics.

Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) Assembly

PWBs are commonly used in PCB Assemblies for their mechanical strength and durability. They are rigid and can withstand vibrations, shocks, and extreme temperatures. PWBs are used in applications such as aerospace, defense, and industrial control.

They are also ideal for high-density designs where the number of components exceeds the capacity of traditional wire harnesses. They can be designed with multiple layers of conductive metal, which allows for the connection of many components without the need for excessive wiring.

The Combination of Flex Circuits and PWBs in PCB Assembly aka, Rigid-Flex Circuits

Flex circuits and PWBs can be combined in PCBA to create a PCB with the best of both worlds. The combination allows for the placement of components in different orientations and saves space.

This combination is also ideal for applications that require interconnects or flexible joints. The interconnects allow for connections between rigid and flexible parts, while the flexible joints provide flexibility and bendability.

The Bottom Line

Flex circuits and PWBs are both crucial components used in PCB Assembly. While flex circuits provide the benefit of space-saving, PWBs offer mechanical strength and durability.

If you’re an OEM, our team at BESTProto can help you with PCB prototyping, assembly, and production. Whether you need flex circuits, PWBs, or a combination of both, we have the expertise and experience to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

The telecommunications industry is constantly evolving, and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) are a major part of this evolution. PCBAs are the backbone of all electronic communication equipment, from broadcasting networks to mobile phones.

In recent years, advances in PCB technology have allowed for more efficient and reliable communication systems. This post explores how these advances impact the telecommunications industry and what the future holds for PCBs in telecommunications.

How Are PCB Assemblies Used in Telecommunications?

PCBAs (known in other industries as Circuit Card Assemblies or CCAs, Printed Wiring Boards, or PWBs) play an essential role in the telecommunications industry. They are used to create video collaboration systems, VoIP devices, PBX systems, and satellite technology.

PCB Assemblies are also used in broadband equipment, fiber optic multiplexers, and phone switching systems. These devices rely on PCB Assemblies to provide reliable connections between their components and allow faster data transmission speeds than traditional wiring methods.

Advances in PCB Assembly Technology

Recent advances in PCB technology include improved materials such as high-temperature laminates that can withstand higher temperatures than traditional laminates. This allows manufacturers to produce PCBs with higher current and voltage capabilities.

Advances in PCB Assembly technology have allowed for more efficient and reliable communication systems. For example, high-density interconnect (HDI) boards are now being used in telecom applications. HDI boards use finer lines and spaces than traditional boards, allowing them to fit more components into a smaller area while still providing excellent signal integrity.

Flexible printed circuit board assemblies (Flex Circuits) have become increasingly popular due to their ability to bend around corners or fit into tight spaces without sacrificing performance or reliability. This feature makes them ideal for use in mobile phones or other portable electronics where space is limited, but performance needs remain high.

What the Future Holds for Telecommunications

As advances in PCB Assembly technology continue, so do the possibilities available within the realm of telecommunication. Companies will be able to create devices with unparalleled efficiency that provide faster data transfer speeds than ever before. Furthermore, advancements will enable companies to enhance security measures on their products with biometric scans so that all information exchanged between two points is secure from unauthorized access.

The Bottom Line

Printed circuit board assemblies will continue to be a cornerstone of technological advancement, especially in telecommunications. This evolution is worth watching for entrepreneurs seeking new opportunities within this rapidly advancing field.

If you’re an OEM looking for top-of-the-line PCB solutions, consider partnering with BESTProto for all your telecom PCB assembly needs. We will help you build the perfect PCB for your next telecom project. Contact us today for more information about our offerings.

The medical industry is constantly evolving and improving, and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs also known as Circuit Card Assemblies CCAs and Printed Wiring Boards or PWBs) have been at the forefront of this revolution. They provide a reliable connection between components and allow for more efficient operation of medical devices. This article will explore five innovative ways that PCBs are revolutionizing medical technology.

1. Improved Diagnostic Tools

Printed circuit boards have enabled the development of more accurate and efficient diagnostic tools for medical professionals. By utilizing advanced sensors and microprocessors, PCB Assemblies can help detect diseases earlier and provide more accurate results than ever before. The accuracy allows doctors to make better decisions about treatment plans for their patients.

2. Wearable Devices

Wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they rely heavily on printed circuit boards to function properly. These devices can be used to monitor a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, allowing doctors to keep track of their patients’ health without being physically present with them at all times.

3. Smart Implants

Smart implants use tiny sensors embedded in the device, which allow it to monitor a patient’s health from within their body. This data can then be transmitted wirelessly back to a doctor or other healthcare provider for further analysis and diagnosis. By incorporating flexible substrates and evolved printed circuit boards, engineers have created small, lightweight implants that can monitor vital signs without causing discomfort or irritation.

4. Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is common in the medical field due to its ability to reduce risk while still providing excellent results for patients undergoing procedures such as cancer removal or organ transplants. Printed circuit boards enable robotic surgeons to perform these operations more precisely, resulting in fewer complications.

5. Laser and Magnetic Therapy

Printed circuit board assemblies are also being used to develop laser and magnetic therapy devices for medical treatments. These devices use specialized electrical circuits to direct the energy from lasers or magnets to target areas of the body for therapeutic purposes. Thanks to PCBAs, doctors can provide more targeted and effective treatments with fewer side effects.

The Bottom Line

Printed circuit board assemblies are a key part of the medical revolution we are currently seeing. At BESTProto, we are proud to be part of this revolution by providing high-quality PCBs for medical devices and applications.

We can handle the medical PCB assembly and building of your medical products, so you can focus more on marketing your medical device. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

In 2002, the European Union (EU) restricted the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic products sold in EU countries. The new rules became known as the RoHS regulation and came into effect four years later, in 2006. Since then, consumer electronics and household appliances have all had to pass RoHS compliance before they could reach their end users. 

The goal is twofold: protect users from associated risks to human health and protect the environment from the consequences of these materials being disposed.

At first glance, this may not seem overly relevant, but the regulations affect anyone doing trade with EU countries. In short, if you are a U.S. manufacturer offering electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) products or components to EU consumers, you need to ensure compliance. 

What Does RoHS Mean for BESTProto and American Businesses?

The RoHS directive specifically applies to ten substances: 

• Lead
• Cadmium
• Mercury
• Hexavalent chromium
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
• Bis (2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) 
• Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

The first six substances were covered under the original regulation, and the remaining four phthalates were added in 2015. Their use is not expressly forbidden, but it needs to be restricted to less than 1,000 ppm. 

Most EEE manufacturers sell their products worldwide, even if they are operating from a comparatively small base in the United States. If that sounds like your business, now is the time to get serious about compliance. 

Complying with RoHS regulations may require manufacturers to change their practices and ensure products suit domestic and overseas customers. Customers have the right to ask for compliance documents, so it is important to ensure your processes are in order. 

What To Do About Non-Compliant Products?

As an EEE business, you can choose not to sell to overseas customers, but that could substantially limit your growth potential as resellers and distributors may also ask for compliance. Converting the manufacturing of non-compliant products is a better option to secure your company’s future and its continued appeal to customers around the world. 

At BESTProto, we have converted our practices to ensure compliance, and we are helping our partners do the same. Call us today at 877-722-1015 for inquiries or to request a quote.

Walk into any computer store, and you could pick up a fully-built computer off the shelf. But will it truly meet your needs? Box builds do, and that is why they are growing in popularity with manufacturers and end users. But how can you choose the right parts? Here is a closer look. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Parts for Your Box Build

What constitutes the right parts of a computer box build depends on how you want to use your machine. If high-performance gaming is your priority, you need different features from someone who is mostly programming or creating graphics. Box builds allow manufacturers and users to customize the parts that go into the box to their exact requirements. 

Six Main Parts of a Computer Box Build

Understanding the system requirements needed to be fulfilled helps you choose your parts. Read on:

1. Motherboard: this is the main board screwed into the computer case. The motherboard connects all other parts and enables them to collaborate and communicate.

2. Input and output units: these are nothing other than monitors, speakers, keyboards, mouses, and joysticks. As input units, most users want at least a keyboard and a mouse. For gaming, joysticks or other devices are essential. Anyone working on complex projects benefits from two monitors, whereas a professional musician may choose to upgrade their computer’s speakers and sound technology.
    
3. Central processing unit (CPU): think of the CPU as the computer’s brain where all data is being processed. The more demanding your work is, the more powerful the CPU needs to be.

4. Graphics processing unit (GPU): GPUs are specialized processors that accelerate any work requiring high-quality graphics. They are essential for gaming or video editing.

5. Random access memory (RAM): RAM stores data of frequently accessed programs and processes. As faster storage options are becoming available, RAM is becoming less important.

6. Storage: hard disk drives (HDD) used to be the main unit for storage, but they are being replaced by solid-state drives (SSD) which work more like SIM cards and store and read data faster.

Need more help? The team at BESTProto is happy to offer tailor-made recommendations. 

Well-designed PCB Assembly (PCBA, CCA, PWB) prototypes can help you save time and money. You can use them to identify and correct potential usability and performance issues, enabling you to avoid costly errors in the production stage.

It’s, therefore, essential to ensure prototypes meet your requirements and accurately resemble your final product. Below are a few tips to help you achieve this:

Work With an Experienced Manufacturer

Before hiring a contract manufacturer (CM), verify that they possess the requisite expertise and experience.  Request that they send their portfolio, which should include their past or present projects and most notable accomplishments. We advise seeking a product development partner familiar with your industry and who has worked with similar firms.

If you’re running a critical systems industry like the military, aerospace, or medical facilities, the chances are that you have an approved vendor list. If so, consider the approved development partners first.

Observe Applicable Regulations and Standards

Hiring a professional manufacturer does not relieve you of the responsibility of adhering to PCB manufacturing industry guidelines and standards. If the regulatory bodies discover that your PCBs contravene any regulations, they’ll come for you, not the manufacturer.

While prototypes should merely help you forecast your PCB’s functionality and performance, there’s no harm in ensuring they are also compliant. Doing so can make production more efficient by eliminating the need to worry about compliance at that critical stage.

Follow Component Traceability Procedures

Another key factor to consider is the dependability and quality of your PCB prototype’s components. The materials used in the prototype should be similar to those used in the final product. Therefore, you should take all the necessary precautions as you would during production. Avoid counterfeits and ensure that each component can be traced from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to the component manufacturer (CM).

Above all, ensure you’ve contacted a PCB prototype manufacturer who understands what they’re doing. These systems are so critical that their production has no room for guesswork.

At BESTProto, we pride ourselves on helping several clients like you prototype, assemble, and produce PCBs. Our customers come from several sectors — from medical to telecommunications, industrial, and military. 

Call us today at 877-722-1015 for inquiries or to request a quote. We’ll be more than glad to help you.

Printed Circuit Board Assemblies or PCBAs otherwise called, Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) and Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs), are an integral part of many military systems and devices. From communication equipment to weapons systems, PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs play a critical role in the functionality and reliability of military technology. 

In this article, we will discuss the use of PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs in the military sector, the differences between military-grade and private-sector PCBs, and the importance of proper inspection and testing.

The Role of PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs in Military Applications

PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs are used in a wide range of military applications, including communications systems, radar and sonar equipment, avionics, and weapons systems. They provide a reliable and efficient way to connect and power various components, allowing for the integration of complex systems and the creation of compact and portable devices.

Military-Grade vs Private-Sector PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs

Military-grade PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs differ from those used in the private sector in several ways. They are typically made with higher-quality materials and manufacturing processes to meet the strict requirements of the military. For example, military-grade PCBs may use higher-grade copper and insulation materials and more advanced fabrication techniques.

Also, military-grade PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs are typically designed with higher levels of redundancy and fail-safes to ensure that they continue to function even in the event of component failure or damage. This is critical for military applications, where the failure of a PCB can have serious consequences.

The Importance of Inspection and Testing

Proper inspection and testing are crucial to ensure the quality and reliability of military-grade PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs. This includes visual inspection, electrical testing, and functional testing to verify that the PCB meets all specified requirements and specifications.

One key aspect of PCB inspection and testing is power inspection. This involves verifying that the PCB can deliver the necessary power to the various components and systems– and that it does so efficiently and without overheating. Power inspection is vital for military applications, where the failure of a PCB due to power issues can have serious consequences.

BESTProto: Your Trusted Source for Military-Grade PCBs

PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs play a vital role in the military sector, providing the connectivity and power necessary for a wide range of systems and devices. Military-grade PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs are designed to meet the demanding requirements of the military, and proper inspection and testing are crucial to ensure their quality and reliability.

If you are in need of high-quality, military-grade PCBAs/PWBs/CCAs, be sure to check out BESTProto for all your prototyping and manufacturing needs. Our team of experts is ready to help you bring your project to fruition with the best possible PCB solutions. Contact us today for a free quote and learn how we can help.

When it comes to PCB Assembly  (PCBA), including Printed Wiring Board assembly (PWB) and Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) you have plenty of options. Although some may try to take shortcuts or even go the DIY route, this is ill advised. Generally speaking, printed circuit board assembly is one of the most important aspects of PCB fabrication. It pays to work with a high-quality PCB assembly service provider. Here is a closer look at the benefits of working with our team of experts at BESTProto. 

Benefits of Working with BESTProto for PCB, PWB and CCA Assembly Services

What are the benefits of entrusting BESTProto with your PCB Services? 

• Leveraging Expertise: One of the top benefits of outsourcing your PCB services to us is that it allows you to leverage the expertise of our team of experts. With decades of collective experience, our experts are highly skilled at building customized PC boards of all kinds. 
• Cost-Effectiveness: Another major benefit of working with a professional company for your PCB assembly services is that these services may be highly cost-effective. This is because reliable PCB assembly services fully understand concepts such as design changes, price fluctuations, part obsolescence etc. This makes it possible for them to design PCB assemblies in a manner that is the most cost-effective short and long term. 
• Boost Capacity: Working with BESTProto will also enable you to boost the capacity of your circuit boards. Companies that have to scale unexpectedly may experience downtime while reconfiguring their boards. However, working with a reputable company like BESTProto can drastically reduce any downtime that a given company may experience.
• Focus on Daily Operations: Lastly, creating printed circuit board assemblies is a complex process. Therefore, creating them in-house can seriously distract from daily operations. By working with us, you can continue focusing on what matters most: running your business.

Do You Need Premium Quality PCB, PWB and CCA Assembly Services?

Overall, if you are in the market for premium quality PCB assembly services, we’re here to help. Contact our team of professionals at BESTProto for a quote and more information. 

When it comes to electronics manufacturing, there are a lot of terms and concepts that can be confusing to newcomers. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a deep dive into one of these concepts: box builds. Read on to learn more about box builds and how they can benefit your business.

What is a Build Box?

In the electronics manufacturing industry, a “box build” is the term used to describe the process of putting together all the components of a final product into a single enclosure. A box build can be as simple as mounting a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) into a plastic or metal enclosure and adding boards, cable assemblies, connectors and a few peripherals, or it could involve hundreds of components and sub-assemblies. Regardless of the complexity, all box builds have one thing in common: they require careful planning and execution to ensure a high-quality end product.

Why Use BESTProto for Box Builds?

There are several reasons why electronics manufacturers such as BESTProto do box builds to assemble their customer’s products. First, box builds allow for greater flexibility in the design process. By outsourcing the assembly of individual components, manufacturers can focus on designing and building the PCB assembles and enclosures that will house those components. This can result in better-designed products that are easier to assemble and test.

Second, box builds can save time and money by reducing assembly errors. When components are shipped pre-assembled from different suppliers, there is always the risk that something will be misassembled during production. This can result in costly delays and rework. By outsourcing the entire assembly process to a single supplier, manufacturers can avoid these pitfalls and reduce their overall costs.

Finally, box builds allow manufacturers to outsource production to specialized suppliers who have the experience and expertise necessary to produce high-quality products. These suppliers often have access to state-of-the-art equipment and processes that would be cost-prohibitive for most manufacturers to purchase and maintain themselves. By outsourcing production, manufacturers can take advantage of these resources without incurring a significant upfront investment. 

Conclusion

Box builds are an essential part of BESTProto’s electronics manufacturing process. By outsourcing the assembly of individual components, manufacturers can save time and money while maintaining a high level of quality control. Specialized suppliers with experience in in box builds can provide manufacturers with access to state-of-the-art equipment and processes, ensuring that products are assembled correctly and efficiently.

From smartphones & computers to critical medical electronics & military equipment, printed circuit boards are essential components that make it all possible. However, the slightest manufacturing errors and defects in PCBs can cost a lot of money in the long run– and even cost lives if it’s an important medical or military device in the field.

That’s why PCB inspections from reliable and reputable engineers are more important today than ever. In this article, we’ll cover a few of the inspection methods used to find defects and prevent future PCB problems.

Flying Probe Testing

Flying probe testing (FBT) is a cost-effective method that is ideal for low-volume production or prototypes. The test probe “flies” (or moves) from test point to test point to easily and quickly identify open & short circuits or wrong values. FBT can also ensure each component is correctly placed and find anything that is missing. However, it does NOT allow for power inspections or functionality inspections.

In-Circuit Testing

In-circuit testing (ICT) is also an FBT, but it uses electric probes to run a current through various points of the PCB to check for power levels, resistance, capacitance, short/open circuits, and other basic information to determine the PCB’s integrity. This inspection is ideal for mid to high-volume productions, and it’s a great tool for picking out design-related defects, component deficiencies, and more.

X-Ray Inspections

Another inspection type that’s perfect for advanced components (such as multi-layered PCBs or those with a multitude of sockets) is X-Ray inspections. The X-ray gives a detailed look at each of the parts, making it less likely to miss errors that would be overlooked by a typical visual inspection. This includes giving detailed information on parameters such as voiding, solder thickness, and the sizes of the joints.

Reliable PCB Repair Services & Inspections You Can Count On

BESTProto is a PCB company with many years of experience in inspecting PCB units for a variety of industries including medical, military, telecommunications, and more.  Contact us today to learn more about our PCB inspection services