Electronics Forum | Electrical Engineering Forum - PCBGOGO

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Why is Selective Conformal Coating Critical for PCBs?

13 0 Jan 02.2026, 11:15:02

In the final stages of SMT processing, selective conformal coating has emerged as an indispensable specialized technique. This process involves using automated equipment to precisely apply a protective material—commonly known as "three-proof paint" (moisture-proof, salt-spray-proof, and mold-proof)—only to designated areas of the PCB. By giving critical components and solder joints a custom "protective suit," selective conformal coating addresses the core reliability issues of PCBs operating in harsh outdoor, industrial, and automotive environments.Solving the Pain Points of PCB FailureTo understand the value of this process, we must first look at the environmental challenges PCBs face. Outdoor equipment is subject to rain, high humidity, and temperature extremes. Industrial devices struggle with dust, oil, and corrosive gases, while automotive electronics must endure thermal cycling and vibration. Without protection, these factors lead to solder joint oxidation and pin corrosion, caus...

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Why Is Odd-form Assembly Much Harder Than Standard SMT?

14 0 Jan 02.2026, 11:14:17

In the world of Surface Mount Technology (SMT), most people are familiar with standard parts like resistors and capacitors. However, the true test of a manufacturers capability lies in odd-form assembly. This specialized process involves the precise placement of components with irregular shapes, unique pins, or dimensions that exceed standard ranges, making them significantly more difficult to handle than traditional parts.Understanding "Odd-form" vs. Standard ComponentsStandard SMT components, such as 0402/0603 resistors or QFP and BGA chips, have standardized rectangular or square shapes with uniform pin spacing. In contrast, odd-form assembly targets parts like connectors, sockets, heat sinks, metal-cased sensors, and relays with non-standard leads. Because these parts lack a uniform geometry, they present three core challenges in the production line.FeatureStandard SMT ComponentsOdd-form ComponentsExamples0402/0603 Resistors, QFP, BGAConnectors, Sockets, Relays, SensorsShapeUniform...

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5 Common Mistakes in PCB Shielding Corrosion Protection

14 0 Jan 02.2026, 11:14:09

In the high-stakes world of electronics manufacturing, engineers often focus heavily on EMI blocking while neglecting the long-term durability of the shield itself. Based on thousands of orders at PCBGOGO, we have identified several recurring design flaws. These errors might seem minor during the design phase, but they lead to rapid failure in real-world conditions. Implementing a robust PCB shielding corrosion protection strategy is the only way to ensure product reliability.Below are the five most common mistakes and professional tips on how to avoid them.Mistake 1: Assuming Stainless Steel is Maintenance-FreeMany engineers believe that stainless steel is naturally immune to rust and requires no further treatment. However, stainless steel can still fail under specific conditions. For example, 304 stainless steel suffers from "pitting corrosion" in high-chloride environments (coastal areas), and stress corrosion cracking in high-heat, high-humidity settings.Engineering Guide: Even wit...

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Corrosion Protection in PCB Shielding Connection Design：3 Critical Details

13 0 Jan 02.2026, 11:14:01

The interface where a shield meets the circuit board is the most vulnerable point in any electronic assembly. At PCBGOGO, our analysis of field failures shows that over 80% of shielding-related issues originate at this specific junction. If the PCB shielding connection design fails to account for environmental factors, corrosion at the contact points will degrade EMI blocking and may produce conductive oxidation layers that lead to catastrophic short circuits. To ensure long-term reliability, engineers must implement these three critical anti-corrosion details.1. Optimize Joining Methods to Eliminate Crevice CorrosionCrevice corrosion is the most common threat at the shield-to-board interface. When small gaps exist between the shield and the PCB, moisture and corrosive gases become trapped, creating a stagnant micro-environment that accelerates metal decay.Soldering: This is the preferred method for high-reliability applications. Soldering creates a continuous, hermetic seal that elimi...

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Choosing the Right Material for an EMI Shielding Cover

14 0 Dec 31.2025, 09:58:25

Selecting the foundation for an EMI shielding cover is a balancing act between environmental protection and electrical performance. A high-quality shield must resist atmospheric decay while maintaining its ability to block electromagnetic interference over the long term.To choose correctly, engineers must evaluate the operating environment, corrosion resistance requirements, shielding effectiveness, and budget. Below is an analysis of common materials and surface treatments to help you optimize your hardware design.1. Selecting the Base MaterialCold-Rolled SteelThis is the most cost-effective option and offers strong electromagnetic protection. However, its natural resistance to moisture is very poor, making it highly susceptible to rust. It is only suitable for dry, indoor environments and must be paired with a protective surface treatment. At PCBGOGO, we advise against using untreated steel for outdoor or high-humidity boards.Stainless Steel (304/316)Stainless steel is significantly ...

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Why is Corrosion Protection Critical for Your PCB Shield?

26 0 Dec 31.2025, 09:58:16

When designing a PCB shield, many engineers focus exclusively on blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI). While EMI suppression is the primary goal, neglecting corrosion protection can lead to disastrous results. Without a proper anti-corrosion strategy, a shield will eventually oxidize or rust, losing its electrical conductivity and potentially causing short circuits that lead to total system failure.Real-World Failure Cases from PCBGOGOAt PCBGOGO, our engineering team has analyzed numerous field failures where a poorly protected PCB shield was the root cause:Wearable Electronics: A smartwatch manufacturer used cold-rolled steel for the PCB shield without surface treatment. After three months in a humid coastal region, the shields began to rust. Fine metallic rust particles fell onto the PCBA, shorting out sensitive chip pins and causing the devices to crash.Industrial Controllers: An industrial PLC used a galvanized shield with a thin coating. In a chemical plant environment, the...

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How to Eliminate 80% of Wave Soldering Defects via PCB Design？

19 0 Dec 31.2025, 09:57:10

Many engineers believe that wave soldering defects are purely process-related issues. However, at PCBGOGO, our experts have found that PCB design plays a decisive role in soldering quality. If the layout is flawed, even the most optimized process parameters cannot prevent failure. By focusing on a few critical design details, you can eliminate up to 80% of common wave soldering defects before the board even reaches the production line.1. Optimize Pad Design to Prevent BridgingThe pad is the foundation of the connection between the PCB and the component. Improper pad sizing leads directly to solder balls, cold joints, and bridging.Sizing: If pads are too large, solder disperses, failing to wrap around the pins; if too small, the solder volume is insufficient.Standards: At PCBGOGO, we adhere strictly to the IPC-7351 standard and component datasheets to optimize pad length, width, and pitch.Pro Tip: For rectangular pads, adding a small chamfer at the pin exit point helps guide solder flow...

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How Does Laser Soldering Meet Requirements for Flex PCB with Gold Finger?

19 0 Dec 31.2025, 09:55:08

In the rapidly evolving sectors of consumer electronics, automotive systems, and telecommunications, the integration of high-density Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC) with rigid boards has become a standard. In these complex designs, the soldering quality of a Flex PCB with Gold Finger directly determines the products reliability and operational lifespan.This article explores why laser technology is the superior choice for meeting the rigorous requirements of FPC assembly and how to ensure every solder joint meets industry standards.Why is Soldering a Flex PCB with Gold Finger So Difficult?The Nature of FPCA Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) utilizes a Polyimide (PI) film base laminated with copper foil. Unlike traditional rigid boards, it can be bent, folded, and twisted. While this allows for incredible space-saving designs, it introduces structural vulnerabilities at the connection points.The Challenge of Gold FingersThe "Gold Finger" area is created by removing the protective PI layer t...

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Applications of PCB Gold Finger Connector in Automotive Electronics

25 0 Dec 31.2025, 09:54:57

In the realm of automotive electronics, the PCB gold finger connector serves as a critical bridge for precision connections between circuit boards or between a board and an external device. They are not merely miniature high-speed channels for data transmission and power distribution; they are the vital link that ensures the efficient and stable operation of complex automotive systems.As vehicles move toward lightweight structures, electrification, and intelligence, the demand for high-reliability PCB gold finger connector technology is evolving. Design and manufacturing must now prioritize superior wear resistance, corrosion protection, and signal integrity while adhering to strict automotive standards such as AEC-Q200 and IATF 16949.Key Application Scenarios in Automotive Electronics1. Dashboard and Instrument ClustersThe PCB gold finger connector connects the various components of the dashboard, facilitating signal transmission and power connections to ensure accurate real-time disp...

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What Causes PCB Gold Finger Discoloration? A Technical Case Study

19 0 Dec 31.2025, 09:54:46

In the world of high-reliability electronics, the edge connector is the most critical zone for wear resistance and electrical contact. However, manufacturers often encounter a frustrating defect: localized whitening or "fogging" on the golden surface. Recently, a client identified this phenomenon during pre-assembly inspection, with a failure rate of approximately 1.5%. This case study investigates the root causes of PCB gold finger discoloration and outlines the necessary process improvements to ensure a perfect finish.The Problem: Localized Whitening and Luster LossThe client reported the following visual anomalies:Localized whitening and a "foggy" appearance on the gold surface.Uneven luster that stood out significantly against normal areas.No evidence of oxidation, peeling, or plating detachment, yet the visual quality was unacceptable.Root Cause Analysis and Laboratory VerificationTo solve the mystery, we analyzed the metal structure, cross-sections, and surface roughness of the a...

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