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Preventing Switch Bounce in Low-profile Keypad Assemblies
Preventing Switch Bounce in Low-profile Keypad Assemblies Custom low-profile keypad assemblies used in OEM applications incorporate snap-acting dome switches. These dome switches are intended for very...
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Battery Pack Development Timeline: Concept Through Production
Battery Pack Development: Concept Through Production Battery Pack Development TimelineThis is a brief overview of our battery pack development process. The actual completion time of development will...
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What is and what causes pad lifting on printed circuit boards?
Generally pads are small round or square areas of copper which are normally used to make a connection to a component pin. If these pads are not sitting correctly or are lifted, it can cause the...
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What is an overmolded cable?
An overmolded cable is a cable assembly that seamlessly combines the cable and the connector into a single part. The process of overmolding a cable entails injecting a molten material into a mold...
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Heavy Copper Circuit Board Strength and Survivability
The amount of heavy copper applied to the platted through-holes (PTH) plays a critical factor of the over reliability of the circuit board. There are two key elements to consider. The first is the...
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What is the smallest bend radius of a membrane switch tail?
The smallest bend radius that can be used on a membrane switch tail will depend on the type of design. Deciding factors will depend whether or not the membrane switch is one tail/circuit layer or dual...
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Why is via tenting required on a PCB?
Within the printed circuit board industry the term "tenting" originally indicated that the mask would fully enclose the via at one end by forming a skin or tent over the opening. While dry film solder...
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Battery pack fuel gauge, how much will it add to the cost of my product?
Determining the cost of a battery pack with fuel gauge technology will vary depending on the accuracy of the fuel gauge required. The overall size of the battery pack will also have an effect of the...
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Why use a PCB with a membrane switch?
Many applications are better suited using a “membrane switch” (low profile, flat surface keypad assembly) with a printed circuit board replacing screen-printed silver conductors on polyester...
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What is a Flexible Circuit Coverlay?
A flex circuit coverlay (aka coverfilm) is used to encapsulate and protect the external circuitry of a flexible circuit board.A coverlay serves as the same function as soldermask that is used on a...
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What is the shelf life of a rechargeable NiMH battery?
The shelf life of rechargeable batteries will vary depending on the storage temperature and the size of any attached load. Battery shelf life will also vary by manufacture.Panasonic recommends the...
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Why Bake OSP PCB’s Before Use?
It is not recommended to bake boards with OSP (Organic Solderability Preserve) finish. OSP is a very thin protective layer of material that goes over exposed copper usually using a conveyorized process...
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Can A Membrane Switch Keypad Be Waterproof?
In some applications including marine environments, medical devices, and consumer electronics there is a possibility for the user interface panel to be exposed to water or liquid solvents. In these...
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What is the difference between a stranded and solid cable?
The major difference between a stranded cable and solid cable is the flexibility. A solid cable is exactly that, solid. It consists of a single piece of metal wire. A solid cable would be best suited...
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Why Would You Fill or Plug A Via?
Non-planar filling (without over-plating) prevents solder from migrating away from a nearby surface mount pad, and down through the via, during assembly. It also helps to form a vacuum for assembly and...
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What is the reason for blowholes?
When a blow holes occur during assembly, as a result of the PCB card, the issue tends to be entrapped moisture or air. With moisture, any non-plated and non-masked areas on a bare PCB, that expose...
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What is the maximum copper weight for a Flex PCB?
The copper thickness used in a flexible circuit needs to be carefully selected in order to meet both the electrical and mechanical bend requirements of specific flex circuit design. Copper is both the...
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What is the minimum pitch that you can wave solder?
Wave soldering PCB’s becomes increasingly difficult as pitch decreases, but it is still possible to get a good result with pitches as low as 0.5mm (.0197”) with the appropriate controls.During the...
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What is cable pre-molding?
Cable pre-molding is the application of a material around the back section of a connector where the termination points usually are. Pre-Molding, sometimes associated with potting or encapsulation, is...
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PCB Fabrication: Data File Requirements
In order for Epec to quote or fabricate your PCB's accurately, with a minimum of delays, it’s important that you supply a complete file set, using industry-standard file types.Gerber Extended (RS274X)...
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