IPC Classification In PCB Manufacturing
Industry standards are extremely important in maintaining quality products across the board. Quality control is more important in the world of electronics and PCBs where manufacturers are placing vias inside annular rings instead of gumballs on popsicles. The IPC standards organization produces specifications for problems like this. IPC-6011 outlines three classes of PCBs with varying qualities for broad applications. Each of these classes describes a general type of board and details the number and severity of defects for each class.
IPC-6011 Classes
The general performance specification for printed boards details three primary classes of boards: 1, 2 and 3. Class 1 allows for the most defects and requires the least performance and reliability, while Class 3 defines the most stringent requirements in IPC-6011.
Class 1: General Electronic Products
This class is the broadest and defines most consumer electronics that people use on a daily basis. These kinds of PCBs are used in products that don’t need to last a very long time and are not part of a critical system. This level of boards also allows for various kinds of cosmetic defects as long the end product still functions.
Class 2: Dedicated Service Electronic Products
Class 2 is more stringent than Class 1 but still allows for a number of general defects. This kind of PCB would be found in items like communications equipment or robust computers. As these boards need to be long-lasting, they have relatively high-performance requirements. Continuous operation is important for Class 2 boards but is not extremely critical.
Class 3: High-Reliability Electronic Products
This is the highest level of general PCB, below military and aerospace products. These boards need to have uninterrupted service and should operate on demand. Reliability is of utmost importance for Class 3, as these circuits are used in things like life support systems and flight control computers.
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