Quick Turn Printed Circuit Boards Be Used in Space Applications
Printed circuit boards, or PCBs, are an essential component of any electronic device that requires power and data interconnections. These components are used in a wide range of applications, from smartphones to spacecrafts and satellites. However, designing and manufacturing PCBs for use in space is a highly challenging endeavor. This is due to the extreme conditions in space, including radiation exposure and microgravity. These unique environmental factors require specialized materials, advanced thermal management, and meticulous design processes to ensure the reliability of these devices.
In order to be suitable for space applications, PCBs must be made of high-quality materials. This is particularly important because the temperature in space varies from cryogenic levels to scorching heat in seconds. Additionally, it is necessary for the material to have good dimensional stability to prevent thermal expansion and contraction.
Additionally, the board must be able to withstand vibrations and other mechanical stresses. For this reason, many quick turn printed circuit boards for space applications choose materials like phenolic or polyimide. These materials are known for their mechanical robustness and ability to withstand temperatures from -40°C to +120°C. They also provide excellent electrical conductivity and are durable against radiation. In addition to this, these materials are lightweight, which is important because the cost of launching weight into orbit is a major factor for space missions.
Can Quick Turn Printed Circuit Boards Be Used in Space Applications?
Another important requirement of the space-grade PCB is its ability to withstand outgassing in a vacuum environment. This occurs when trapped air within the circuit board expands, creating voids that can damage components and contaminate the vacuum. To avoid this, top PCB manufacturers USA use materials with low outgassing properties, such as certain composites and polymers.
Due to strict size and weight constraints for space payloads, it is necessary for space-grade PCBs to balance compact dimensions with functional requirements. This can be achieved by using multi-layer boards and advanced miniaturization techniques, such as System-in-Package (SiP).
Additionally, space-grade PCBs must have a high radiation resistance to protect against harmful particles. This can be accomplished by using a radiation-hardened version of the microprocessor, memory, analog to digital converters, and power supply components. It is also important to use oxidation-resistant surface finishes like immersion silver and immersion gold.
Achieving a reliable PCB for space-grade applications requires careful design, manufacturing and assembly. Quick turn PCBs can help to achieve this by providing a fast turnaround time for the fabrication and assembly of these critical components. In addition, quick-turn PCBs are often less expensive than traditional PCBs because they are designed with the shortest possible manufacturing time in mind. This can make them a great choice for space missions where every second counts.