Superior Indicator PCB Manufacturer in China

PCBMAY—Your Credible Indicator PCB Provider

We specialize in Printed Circuit Boards. Our company uses only the best raw materials to make Indicator PCBs, and we closely follow UL requirements to ensure that your order is top-class. PCBMay’s high-quality Indicator PCB is ideal for both commercial and home applications.

• Increase the design freedom of your end-device
• Can be used with both digital and analog equipment
• Suits all varieties of indicators, can be matched with any OEM specimen
• Ensures that mechanical, electronic, and other issues are discovered immediately

You can be confident that whichever Customized Indicator PCB you order from PCB May will be a great value. You get a lesser price for more quality, which is what you deserve as a sensible entrepreneur.

PCBMay’s Indicator PCBs, Monitor PCBs, and Display PCBs are all handled with the same—with strong quality management methods in our well-run facilities. This is to ensure that your order is free of flaws. Whether you order a small or large quantity of Indicator PCB, we aim to please all of our customers.

If there is a problem with your Indicator PCB purchase, we will assist you in resolving it. To uncover the root cause of technical issues, PCBMay will generate an 8D report by request.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter where you are in the world. Don’t be concerned about it! We’ve come to the best of our skills to help you.

So, what are you waiting for? Please contact one of our sales representatives right away! With PCBMay, you can get the greatest Indicator PCB you’ve ever had.

Indicator PCB: The Complete FAQ Guide

Who doesn’t acknowledge that visibility matters in the electronic world?

Indicator PCB is a must-have element of modern technologies. Manufacturers apply indicators in simple and complicated devices on a daily basis. Numerous advantages and worthwhile features of indicator circuit boards make them indispensable in advanced PCB-based applications.

PCBMay manufactures different indicator PCBs that are far more advanced in competition in terms of quality and cost performance.

This FAQ guide will let you know the ins and outs of this effective element of electronic appliances. We hope you will get a better understanding from here. Let’s start.

What Is An Indicator PCB?

An indicator PCB is an effective circuit board that controls the mechanism of all kinds of indicators. It delivers outstanding functionality while indicating display, thermal properties, humidity, voltage, etc.

Usually, indicator circuit boards are worthwhile for both analog and digital devices. They provide excellent design flexibility that allows the manufacturers to employ these PCBs in discovering mechanical and electrical issues.

The basic materials used in indicator circuit boards are FR4, CEM-3, CEM-1, PTFE, etc. These PCB materials ensure sufficient dielectric properties in indicators while using in electronic applications.

Versatility is a huge advantage for indicator PCBs. All of their types are effective for measuring the required properties and quickly indicating the outputs. In a nutshell, these PCBs are the backbone of high-quality indicators that ensure excellence during operations.

Indicator PCB

What Are The Basic Elements Of An Indicator PCB?

An indicator PCB consists of electronic components that provide outstanding features to devices. If you can manage proper component sourcing, you can be assured of getting a premium circuit board.

The basic elements of this multifunctional circuit board include-

Transistor

It is a common electronic material that has three terminals. They are

• Collector
• Base
• Emitter

Transistors are usually reputable for increasing the charge carrying capacity of devices. N-P-N and P-N-P transistors act to amplify the input signals. That’s why the device can easily handle high currents and voltages without causing significant problems.

LED

LED(Light Emitting Diode) works as indicators in printed circuit boards.  Usually, LED indicators incorporate high-class LED technology. This mechanism is effective for its low power consumption and excellent heat distribution features.

Besides, LED indicators are tolerant to moisture and dust to a great extent. They pair with diodes to produce light energy without creating high heat.

You can find two types of LED indicators used in PCB. They are-

Surface Mount LED indicator

These integral LEDs are easy to install and operate. You can use them with the same connector or switch.

Single Point LED indicator

It is also named by block LED indiResistor

It offers usability on multiple surfaces of indicator circuit boards.

Resistor

Both fixed and variable resistors are used in indicator PCB designs. Effective use of PCB resistors improves the current conduction in circuit boards.

Capacitor

Capacitors influence the charge storage capacity and sensitivity to noise effectively. You need to use bypass capacitors to reduce EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) during data propagation.

It is important to collect all components from a reliable source. We provide trustworthy OEM services for different PCB manufacturing. You can completely rely on us to optimize the device’s performance.

Indicator PCB Elements

How Does A Battery Charger Indicator PCB Function?

A battery charger indicator PCB functions smoothly to save the device from overheating. Here, transistors act to vary the voltage that influences the glow of LEDs. When light-emitting diodes get the highest possible voltage, all of them glow and you can notice 100% charge.

Similarly, the lower voltages indicate a lower battery percentage

Highly Functional Indicator Circuit Board

What Are The Applications Of Indicator PCBs?

Indicator PCBs have extensive applications in different sectors of the electronic world. The most notable applications are-

• Monitor
• Home appliances
• Medical equipment
• Aerospace
• Military industry
• Communication
• Gaming device
• Water containers
• Battery
• Automotive devices

LED Indicator PCB For Counting Purpose

What Are The Major Indicator PCB Types?

Indicator PCBs are compatible with versatile technologies. They have numerous types concerning their working principles, applications, etc. The most notable indicator circuit boards are-

Display Indicator PCB

Indicator circuit boards for display are compatible with LED and LCD displays. They are supportive of monitors having thin and lightweight designs. Besides, you can experience excellent image quality by using these circuit boards for your displays.

LED Indicator PCB

Because of the outstanding use of backlight, an LED indicator circuit board can be applicable in both daylight and darkness. It ensures the production of required pixels for color variation.

Besides, LED displays offer impressive image quality that improves their usability to a large extent.

Power Indicator PCB

This PCB supports multiple alarm outputs. Usually, power indicators are good options for power supply sensors, a feature that is common in sensor PCBs. Again, these indicator circuit boards are supportive of proper input functions.

Temperature Indicator PCB

A well-designed temperature indicator circuit board module is effective to measure high temperatures and humidity. It has extensive use in medical instruments which are based on temperature. For example digital thermometer, thermostat, etc.

Watch this video about LED temperature indicators:

Voltage Indicator PCB

To make a device compatible with high voltages, the voltage indicator PCB plays a crucial role. It enables an electronic appliance to be functional in high-risk zones. Besides, its compatibility with high power PCBs and high current PCBs is commendable.

Automotive Indicator PCB

Customized automobile indicators consist of printed circuit boards to notice engine problems. This PCB offers great benefits to the consumers. It enables the drivers to use the indicator lights when changing directions during driving.

LED Indicator PCB

Except for these, you can notice PCBs used in water level indicators, speedometers, current indicators, etc.

What Are The Advantages Of An Indicator PCB?

Indicator PCB comes with numerous positive points while being used in analog and digital devices. Its significant advantages include-

Excellent Temperature Control

Indicator circuit boards are flexible to use heat sinks and PCB vias. That’s why they can take care of high temperatures.

Besides, their convenient thermal dissipation keeps the device operative amidst high thermal pressure.

Reliable Operation

Various indicators offer reliable and easy operations while measuring temperature, voltage, water level, etc. A well-manufactured indicator circuit board enables them to function smoothly in different conditions.

High Functionality

These PCBs are highly functional. Single and multilayer designs allow them to be compatible with modern electronic products. Besides, they keep the components functional for a long period.

Durability

Indicator circuit boards consist of durable materials, like FR4, epoxy, etc. These materials can resist mechanical and electrical forces. That’s why these PCBs offer outstanding durability in harsh conditions.

Nature Friendly

Some indicator PCBs are ecologically effective to a large extent.  PCB mount LED indicators exert a low amount of harmful UV rays. Besides, they dissipate minimal heat during their operations. So, these PCBs cause no harm to the environment.

Customized Design

Indicator circuit boards allow customization concerning the requirement of the device. You can use them in a multilayer stackup that makes the design lightweight and compact. Moreover, they support both SMD and THT processes for component mounting.

Outstanding Usability

Amazing features and user-friendly operation make indicator circuit boards usable in versatile high and low-volume electronic devices.

High-Quality LED Indicator Circuit Board

Is There Any Drawback Of Indicator PCBs?

The significant drawbacks of indicator PCBs are-

• Its design is complicated. You need to pay close attention to its design.
• Its manufacturing cost is a little bit high.
• It requires regular high-level maintenance.

Faultless Indicator Circuit Board Design

What Are The Effective Component Mounting In Indicator PCB Assembly?

SMT (Surface Mount Technology) is the best component mounting process for indicator PCB assembly. It includes the following positive features in indicator circuit boards.

• SMT supports miniature designs
• Economical
• SMDs are highly durable
• Easy assembly process
• High solderability
• Robustness

THT ( Through-hole Technology) is not effective for this PCB due to its high expense and low solderability.

SMT In Indicator PCB Assembly

How To Make A Battery Level Indicator PCB?

Battery level indicator is a common material of our daily life. An indicator PCB controls the entire operation of this indicator that indicates the percentage of battery while using a device.

Its making is not very complicated. You can easily construct a low-cost battery level indicator circuit board compatible with up to 15V. You just need to follow the instructions mentioned below-

Component Sourcing

The necessary components for making a battery level indicator circuit include-

• Zero PCB
• LEDs
• 12V DC power supply
• Resistors
• Connecting wires
• Soldering kits

PCB Design

Design the indicator PCB circuit diagram through advanced design software. Conduct the design rules checking to get the optimum output of PCB design.

Soldering The Components

After completing the arrangement of essential parts, you need to solder the components based on your design.

Circuit Diagram For Battery Percentage Indicator Circuit Board

Insertion Of LEDs And Resistors

Then, insert the light-emitting diodes and resistors on the circuit board as per your design.

Soldering The Connecting Wires

Now, you have to solder the wires connected to LEDs and resistors. It is crucial to ensure the use of reliable equipment during soldering.

Input Wire Soldering

In the end, solder the input wires. You need to consider black and brown wires as negative and positive inputs for the DC power supply, respectively.

Battery Level Indicator Circuit Board Module

These are the basic steps of making a 12V battery level indicator circuit board. You must match the circuit with designs before connecting the input power supply to the circuit.

What Factors Should You Consider While Designing PCB Mount LED Indicators?

Designing a PCB mount LED indicator involves essential standards and rules. You need to consider some factors while designing LED indicator PCBs. Such as

Component Placement

It is crucial for an indicator circuit board designer to place the right component at the right place. Otherwise, it is difficult to get the desired outcome. Connectors, thermistors, resistors, LEDs, transistors, etc need to be placed at a proper distance.

In this case, creepage and clearance are two vital issues. Creepage means the minimal distance between two PCB components. Again, the clearance indicated the measured distance through the air. You must consider these factors while placing PCB mount LED indicators in your devices.

Material Sourcing

It’s a great challenge to choose the right PCB material for LED indicator circuit boards. You must have a clear conception of the pros and cons of all PCB materials available in the market. You should focus on dielectric and thermal properties, along with considering robustness.

Tracking

PCB tracking involves checking the whole circuit design. It ensures that there is no short or open connection in the design. That’s why you need to track the PCB mount LED indicators after completing the component placement and wiring.

Thermal Management

LED technology is reputable for ensuring effective heat dissipation. PCB mount LED indicators also produce low heat. But you need to ensure a proper way to distribute the excessive heat.

Using thermal vias and heat sinks is worthwhile for this purpose. Again, you need to place the heat-sensitive components far from the high power supply. Keeping the heat-producing elements away from the IC is also effective for thermal management.

Metal core

It is beneficial for indicator circuit boards to use Aluminum as a metal core. It ensures rapid heat transfer and reliable surface mount of PCB mount LED indicators.

Glass Epoxy

If you have limitations of budget, you can prefer glass epoxy to the metal core. Otherwise, standard glass epoxy can’t dissipate heat as smoothly as aluminum.

Surface Finish 

You need to choose an appropriate surface finish to avoid corrosion and oxidation in the PCB surface. It is necessary to consider the types of LED indicators while choosing a metallic coating.

PCB Mount LED Indicator

How To Construct A Water Level Indicator PCB?

A water level indicator PCB functions efficiently to measure the water level and show the outcome. A properly-constructed water level indicator can only deliver the best indication without making any hassle.

In practical cases, this circuit board incorporates insulated copper wires to measure the water level. You need to use the toner transfer technique to construct a customized water level indicator circuit board. Do you know how?

Let’s find out.

Component Arrangement

First, you need to arrange the essential components for this project. You have to gather the following elements-

• PCB board
• Transistors
• Multicolor LEDs
• Resistors
• Insulated copper wires
• 9V Battery
• Battery cap

Required Tools

Then, it is necessary to arrange different tools like soldering kits, drilling equipment, etching materials, etc. You must ensure that you have these tools before starting the final construction.

Design The Circuit

Designing is the most crucial part of this making. Here, the collector terminal of transistors gets connected with resistors and LEDs at series connections. Then, place the batteries attached to the base terminal of each transistor.

Make sure that the transistors are grounded properly. You can incorporate design software to handle water level indicator PCB layout design. Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCAD, etc are reliable for PCB designs.

PCB Construction

Now, it’s time to make the water level indicator circuit board by using the “Toner Transfer Technique”. The basic steps of this process include-

• First, you need to take a print on photo paper. You can use a printer filled with toner powder for this purpose.
• Then, cut the circuit board according to the layout.
• Transfer the toner to PCB by using an iron.
• Place the PCB in a solution of ferric chloride for almost 5-10 minutes. It removes the unwanted copper from the PCB surface.
• Next, use a PCB cleaner to clean the circuit board properly.
• Then, complete the drilling through high-class equipment.
• Mount all the components concerning the PCB design.
• Use a suitable soldering process to solder the PCB components.

Thus, you can construct a water level indicator circuit board. You can check this video to learn how to make a wireless water level indicator: https://youtu.be/oqgonXXHUQo

Water Level Indicator Circuit Board

Why Is A Transistor Required For A Water Level Indicator PCB?

Transistors are vital elements of a water level indicator PCB that helps indicate water levels. This PCB transfers the data back to the control panel of the water level indicator and shows the position of water at a particular time.

Usually, transistors act to indicate whether the water containers have excessive water or not. When the water level overflows, it transfers signals to LEDs. Then, LEDs start blinking, and the buzzer sounds so that you can stop the water flow.

There are LEDs of different colors. It is important for indicating different positions of water level. Transistors enable the LEDs to blink concerning the water level. Thus, transistors play a significant role in reducing the wastage of water.

Water Level Indicator PCB Design

Can You Use A Humidity Indicator Card In PCB?

Yes. Humidity indicator cards are worthwhile for indicating the highest possible humidity of PCB. These cards get impregnated with a cobalt chloride solution while used in indicator circuit boards.

This mixture goes through a color change from blue to magenta-red to pink. If you notice that all dots of a humidity indicator card are blue, the humidity level of your PCB is below 10%. Usually, the humidity level needs to be within 30% for PCB-based electronic applications. It saves the product from corrosion and other injurious incidents.

That means a humidity indicator card improves the productivity and longevity of PCBs to a large extent. Effective use of this card can ensure a high-class device.

Humidity Indicators

How To Test An Indicator PCB?

An indicator PCB needs to be gone through some inspections before use. It is important to get ideas about the functional properties of your circuit board.

There are some tests that provide dependable results in a short time. Such as

Automated X-ray inspection

The AXI (Automated X-ray inspection) test determines the dimensional errors of indicator circuit boards. During this inspection, the X-rays pass through the circuit board and let the inspector check critical portions.

As the X-ray is a highly penitentiary, this test enables you to check drilled hole diameter, copper thickness, etc.  But it is expensive. You can optimize its cost by using it in high-volume PCB manufacturing.

Automated Optical Inspection

This inspection involves an AOI machine that takes 2D and 3D photos. Then, the inspector makes a comparative analysis between these images and ideal indicator circuit board images. Thus, you get a detailed result of your PCB designs.

Besides, the flying probe test, peel test, nail bed test, etc provide reliable results.

Indicator PCB Testing

What Are The Challenges Of LED Indicator PCB?

An LED indicator PCB has some challenges during design. A well-designed circuit board can handle these challenges efficiently.  The most challenging issues are-

Temperature

The temperature control is a great challenge for LED indicator PCB. LED technology converts almost 20% of electricity into heat. If you can’t control the thermal variation and neutralize it, it can turn into a hazardous issue.

Lifespan

Ensuring a moderate lifespan is a critical task for LED indicator circuit boards. As temperature shortens the shelf life significantly, you need to balance between the intensity of light and longevity.

Color

Different colors indicate various levels in the case of LED indicator circuit boards. You need to manage sufficient thermal pressure to get the desired color variation in your digital indicator devices.

LED Indicator Circuit Board Challenges

What Are The Features Of A Trustworthy Indicator PCB Manufacturer?

The must-have features of a trustworthy indicator PCB manufacturer include-

• The ability to make IPC class 2 and class 3 standard indicator circuit boards.
• The technicians should be certified by RoHS.
• Skilled and experienced engineers handle complicated designs.
• Adequate raw materials to produce different indicator circuit boards.
• Cost-effective indicators for digital and analog applications.
• The capability of providing OEMand ODM services.
• High-quality factory facilities with testing equipment.

We deliver hassle-free assembly service for water level indicator PCB, battery percentage indicator circuit boards, etc. So, collaborate with us to boost your business.

Conclusion

Indicator PCBs allow you to ensure the UL requirements and OEM specimens required for a high-class product. Besides, you can use the circuit boards irrespective of digital and analog indicators. That’s why their compatibility range suits almost all types of applications.

If you are struggling with maintaining the design freedom of your indicator circuit boards, PCBMay will provide the best support to you. Our products are suitable for both home and commercial applications.

Contact us to know more about this PCB and experience the right assembly service for your products.