Supreme Rigid PCB by PCBTok

Rigid PCBs are commonly used in desktop and handheld electronics. They can be found in GPS equipment, computer motherboards, and mobile phones, for example. They are, however, used in medical equipment such as X-rays, heart monitors, CAT scans, and MRI systems. They are also used in temperature sensors and control tower instrumentation. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common rigid PCB types.

They are made up of several layers. The substrate layer, or base material, comes first. This layer is typically made of FR4 fiberglass. It gives the board a rigid feel while also being less expensive than other materials. Some designs employ FR1 or FR2, while ultra-low-cost models employ FR3.

They have different thermal, electrical, and heat resistance properties, despite their lower cost. This is due to the fact that the materials have different physical properties, which can cause manufacturing and quality control issues.

Rigid printed circuit boards are the most common type of printed circuit board. They are made of solid substrate materials, which prevents twisting. A computer motherboard, for example, is made up of many layers and is made up of a rigid PCB.

Multilayer Rigid PCB

There’re many types of rigid PCBs:

• Single-sided PCB
• Double-sided PCB
• Multilayer PCB
• Aluminum PCB
• Rogers PCB

Rigid PCBs are commonly used in desktop products and are a less expensive option for some electronics. They are frequently used in audio keyboards, audio players, solid-state drives, flat-screen TVs, monitors, and toys, for example. Because they are so tough, they are ideal for applications requiring part attachment and high-temperature performance. However, rigid PCBs are superior in low-cost electronics.

The primary distinction between rigid and flexible boards is the substrate material used. The boards are made with a flexible dielectric film and glue film. Polyester, polyimide, and fluoropolymer are all common materials.

The copper weight used in flexible PCBs varies. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of both materials. Learn the distinctions between rigid and flexible PCBs and which is best for your project.

The rigid and flexible circuit board fabrication processes differ from one another. Rigid boards typically have 20 or fewer layers, whereas flexible boards have more layers. Mechanical properties differ depending on the layer.

Rigid and flexible boards, on the other hand, have similar material layup and thickness. In general, rigid boards are less expensive and easier to work with. The following are the primary advantages of flexible PCBs:

Consider the intended use of your PCB when selecting the right type for your project. Are you creating a PCB for a video game console? Or are you creating an electronic device for your home? Rigid-flex PCBs have thin profiles and are ideal for ultra-light bundling.

Rigid-flex PCBs may be less expensive for IC manufacturers, but they have other drawbacks. Rigid-flex PCBs are frequently fragile, with the adhesive layer cracking when bent. RA copper is more malleable, whereas ED copper is almost exclusively used for rigid PCBs. Rigid-flex PCBs are frequently less expensive to manufacture, but they require less quality control.

Rigid-Flex Circuit Board

Let’s take a closer look at the various options to answer the question, “What is the Surface Finish on a Rigid PCB?” Each surface finish has benefits and drawbacks. It is critical to understand these options in order to make the best decision for your design.

PCB manufacturers can help you understand the differences between these options. Some of the most common surface finishes are listed below.

• Hot Air Solder Level (HASL)
• Lead-Free HASL
• Organic Solderability Preservative (OSP)
• Immersion Silver (Au)
• Immersion Tin (Sn)
• Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG)
• Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold (ENEPIG)
• Electrolytic Wire Bondable Gold
• Hard Gold

When selecting a surface finish, it is critical to consider the product’s reliability requirements. Lead-free solder complies with RoHS regulations, but it is more prone to contamination and breakage when handled. It can also be wire bonded and used in ball grid arrays and tight-pitch components. It has a longer shelf life as well, but may not be as suitable for contact applications.

Another type of surface finish is ENEPIG. It’s a type of electroless nickel immersion gold, also known as ENIG. This finish is pricey but meets RoHS requirements. Its three layers protect the copper from oxidation, and the gold layer prevents the formation of black pads.

Rigid PCB with Hard Gold

As a result, the ENIG surface finish is more expensive than the ENIG surface finish. ENIG follows the RoHS guidelines in addition to being copper resistant.

ENIG metallization produces a high-quality surface finish but has a lower aesthetic value than OSP and HASL. It is, however, still suitable for low-pitch and low-frequency server boards.

The high-temperature bath, on the other hand, has the potential to warp the surface. So, how should you go about selecting a Surface Finish for your Rigid PCB?