Industry Focus: Automotive
Critical cleaning for the future: Ensuring automotive PCBAs are made to last
By Elizabeth Norwood, senior chemist, MicroCare I
n today’s automotive industry, Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) are the unsung heroes that power the intricate electronic systems of vehicles. As cars become smarter, more connected, and environmentally friendly, the role of PCBAs has evolved from important to indispensable. This article delves into the growing significance of PCBAs in the automotive sector and the critical role that cleaning plays in ensuring the reliability and longevity of these electronic components.
The evolving landscape of automotive electronics
Over the past few decades, the automotive industry has seen a significant transformation. Modern vehicles are equipped with an array of sophisticated electronic systems, including control and information systems, satellite navigation, near-field monitors, and multimedia devices. These advancements have not only enhanced driving experiences but also paved the way for the development of autonomous and electric vehicles. As we inch closer to a future dominated by self-driving cars and electric powertrains, the reliability of electronic assemblies within these vehicles becomes paramount. Any failure in these systems could have devastating consequences for human life. Hence, it is imperative that the electronic components used in these vehicles are highly dependable and operate without fault.
The growing importance of PCBAs PCBAs lie at the heart of these electronic systems, and their importance continues to grow. The global automotive Printed Circuit Board (PCB) market is projected to reach over $14 billion by 20241
Vapor degreasing emerges as a highly effective method for cleaning PCBAs. Cleaning trials on small batch sacrificial or test boards are a reliable way for ensuring a chosen flux remover’s effectiveness.
However, with the increasing demand for miniaturized PCBAs and the complexity of these assemblies, there is a rising reliability risk if cleaning is not meticulously planned and executed. PCBAs are subjected to a multitude of environmental conditions, from extreme temperatures and humidity to rain, snow, and vibrations. Designing for reliability is thus crucial, and one essential aspect is thorough cleaning before conformal coating.
. Factors driving this
growth include the adoption of rigid-flex PCBs, the integration of in-vehicle infotainment systems, the rise of electric vehicles, and the utilization of PCBs in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
18 November 2023 Components in Electronics
The consequences of contamination Contamination is one of the leading causes of electronic device failure. Even the tiniest amount of contaminant can create a barrier between electrical contacts, leading to a range of problems such as electrochemical migration, delamination, parasitic leakage, dendrite growth, and short-circuiting.
www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70
