What Are the Precautions for PCBA Packaging?

 The packaging of printed circuit board assemblies( PCBAs ) can be damaged by physical means such as crushing, vibration, shaking or dropping. The damage is not always visible but it can be fatal. The packaging of the PCBA can be particularly vulnerable to damage from static electricity or moisture. You have invested a lot of time and effort into designing your PCB, so you don't want it to be damaged during transport.

It is frustrating when we learn from the logistics end that our customers have received damaged goods. Icchip7 Company strives to improve all aspects of its service, including the packaging, in order to meet the expectations of customers when the PCB leaves the production line. It is important to meet some basic packaging requirements for PCBs before a manufacturer produces any products. This will ensure that the circuit boards are fully protected during transport.

Anti-Static Packaging

Electrostatic discharge (ESD), in relation to anti-static packaging refers the rapid transference of charge between objects having different electrical potentials. Electronic components can fail due to static electricity. Some components are strong enough to resist static damage. However, other parts like integrated circuits or semiconductors may be permanently damaged even by small current fluctuations. The vulnerability of devices increases as the size of integrated chips continues to shrink.

MOSFETs are a good example of components that can be affected by static electricity. They have a very high impedance which makes it difficult to dissipate a charge. Static electricity can affect the device's functionality even if it does not cause immediate failure. If you are using compositions that are extremely sensitive to ESD you can be assured that packaging will not damage them.

Anti-static bubble wrap is one of the best ways to avoid static electricity while traveling. It is not only a cushion to absorb all the shocks of transportation but also helps dissipate any static electricity. The anti-static coating gives it a unique pink colour.

Antistatic Bubble Wrap is the most common choice to store PCBAs while in transit.

Pink poly bags or antistatic bags are used to store electronic components susceptible to damage by static electricity. They function in a similar way to antistatic bubble wrapping. These bags contain polyethylene, which prevents static electricity. They may also include bubble wrap to cushion against physical impacts. Pink foam is widely used as well.

Conductive antistatic bag is a more advanced static protection method.Unlike ordinary antistatic or dissipative bags, conductive bags are coated with a metallic layer and have a Ziploc like sealing mechanism. These bags, also known as shielding bags, are ideal for long-term storage and transportation. These bags effectively shield the contents against external charges. They are also essential to preserve exposed components that can be affected by static electricity such as MOSFETs.

Moisture-Proof Packaging

Moisture is one of the most common causes of PCB degrading in outdoor applications. Moisture can still affect the circuit board even if it is in a waterproof enclosure on the site. Humidity can also negatively affect bare PCBs. If PCBs are to be transported by sea or in humid climates, it is important to pay attention to the moisture-proofing performance of the packaging.

The PCBs should be placed in a moisture-proof sealed bag along with a small amount of desiccant. The desiccant will be packed in a porous plastic bag to allow moisture to pass through and be absorbed. It is designed to absorb moisture in the residual air of the sealed bag as well as moisture that has penetrated the bag. The desiccant is still dry even when it's saturated.