Understanding the Basics of Solder Flux What is Solder Flux? Solder flux is a chemical compound that is applied to the surfaces being soldered to improve the wetting and bonding characteristics of the solder. It helps to remove oxides, contaminants, and impurities from the metal surfaces, allowing the molten solder to flow smoothly and adhere […]
What are Microvias? Microvias are small holes drilled in a PCB to make electrical connections between layers. They are typically defined as blind vias (connecting an outer layer to an inner layer) or buried vias (connecting inner layers) with a diameter of 150 μm or less. Some key characteristics of microvias include: Small diameter (typically […]
What Causes Tin Whiskers? Several factors contribute to the growth of tin whiskers: Stress in the Tin Plating Tin plating on electronic components can experience stress due to various reasons, such as: Temperature fluctuations Mechanical stress during manufacturing or handling Residual stress from the plating process When the stress in the tin plating exceeds a […]
Introduction to PCB Stackup A printed circuit board (PCB) stackup refers to the arrangement of copper and insulating layers that make up a PCB. The stackup defines the number of layers, their order, and the materials used in the fabrication process. A well-designed PCB stackup ensures proper functionality, signal integrity, and manufacturability of the circuit […]
Introduction to PCB Bottom The printed circuit board (PCB) is a fundamental component in modern electronics. It serves as a platform for mounting and connecting various electronic components to create a functional circuit. A typical PCB consists of two sides: the top side and the bottom side. In this article, we will focus on the […]
What is Solder? Solder is a metal alloy that is used to join two or more metal surfaces together. It is commonly used in electronic circuits to connect components to printed circuit boards (PCBs) or to join wires together. Solder is typically made of a combination of tin and lead, although lead-free solder is becoming […]
Introduction to Cold Solder Joints A cold solder joint is a common problem in electronic assemblies that occurs when the solder fails to properly bond with the surfaces being joined. This can lead to a dry, cracked, or incomplete connection that may cause intermittent or complete failure of the circuit. Cold solder joints are often […]
What is Soldering? Soldering is the process of joining two or more metal components together by melting a filler metal (solder) between them. The solder creates a strong, electrically conductive bond that ensures a reliable connection. Soldering is commonly used in electronics, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now Tools and […]
Introduction to Buried Vias A buried via is a type of interconnect used in printed circuit board (PCB) design to connect different layers within the middle layers of the board, rather than connecting to the outer layers. Unlike through-hole vias which go through the entire board from top to bottom, buried vias are embedded within […]
How Does a Desoldering Braid Work? A desoldering braid consists of a fine copper wire that is tightly woven into a flat, ribbon-like structure. The copper wire is typically coated with a thin layer of flux, which helps to facilitate the removal of solder. When heated with a soldering iron, the desoldering braid absorbs the […]
