C-Boards can reportedly produce a printed circuit board from a PDF source file. The company claims that using a PDF source file is simpler and faster than using traditional Gerber files, and that the process allows the fabrication of a PCB in less than an hour.
C-Boards focuses on rapid turnaround single sided
boards, targeted specifically at prototype PCBs.
FR408HR improved lead-free compatible, low-loss laminate has a thermally and electrically enhanced resin system. The material is designed to meet new designs challenges of high layer counts, heavier copper weights and those that require higher bandwidth. FR408 HR has a Tg of 200ºC, a decomposition temperature of 356ºC. This combination results in a 35% reduction in Z-axis expansion and a 25% improvement in dielectric properties over competitive products in its space.
Showed no degradation in performance after testing under multiple passes at 260ºC assembly after a prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperature on 5.5 mm thick very high layer count boards.
Hirose has released low-profile flexible printed circuit ZIF connectors, distributed by Digi-Key. The FH26 Series features a 0.3 mm contact pitch and vertical height 1 mm above board profile.
The connectors are said to be lightweight, with a typical 51 contact
connector fully loaded weighing a claimed 0.1 gram, as well as having
solder leads on a 0.6 mm pitch on the front and back of the connector
allowing ease of solderability on a PCB. The company reports that
conductive traces on the PCB can run under the connector with no
exposed contacts.
Reported easy insertion and reliable connection are obtained from the company’s Flip Lock actuator that uses a tactile sensation when closed, confirming the electrical and mechanical connection.
The ZIF connector accepts standard thickness 0.2 mm standard Flexible
PCB. According to the company, typical applications include mobile
phones, PDAs, digital and video cameras, camera modules, LCD
connections, plasma displays, and high-reliability ultra-small profile
connectors.
Fujipoly announces the availability of its expanded Elastomeric Connector and Thermal Interface Material
reference guide. The free product overview and technical design catalog
contains performance data and installation suggestions for a wide
variety of thermally conductive materials ranging from thin films and
form-in-place materials to gap filler pads.
The product guide also features 19 pages of high density, low
resistance, electrically conductive silicone connectors for consumer
electronics and industrial applications.
Exopack Advanced Coatings’ Duratool Eclipse Micro Matte films reportedly use refined manufacturing and coating reformulations that incorporate more environmentally sensitive solvents.
In addition to claimed greater sustainability, the product reportedly
provides PCB makers with better chemical and scratch resistance, as
well as a high level of emulsion adhesion.
According to Greg Williams, VP at Exopack Advanced Coatings, “We are
using just two reformulated coatings which significantly reduce the use
of volatile organic compounds in the manufacture of these films."
Features of the new films include a claimed 100% camera inspection
coupled with automatic web marking, superior resolution of 1000
lines/mm, excellent densitometry and coatings on a 0.007-inch polyester
base for high stability and durability.
Engelmaier Associates presents the report Recommendations for
PCB FAB Notes and Specifications in Printed Circuit Board Drawings for
SnPb and Lead-Free Soldering Assemblies, the Qualification of PCB Shops
and Activities to Assure Continued Quality.
Version v.08 makes recommendations regarding appropriate
specifications and fabrication notes on drawings for printed circuit
boards, general procedures to qualify PCB shops, and testing procedures
to verify quality and reliability. Provides necessary material
selection information to supplement IPC-4101 slash sheets. Contains
recommended examples of fab notes for SnPb solder assemblies and
Pb-free assemblies, for use as general specifications on PCB drawings,
a basic questionnaire to supplement to IPC-1710 for qualifying PCB
shops, and recommendations for ongoing activities to ensure qualified
PCB shops maintain internal quality.
