Your Trusted Source of Long PCBs in China

Different Long PCB Needs Successfully Fulfilled by PCBMAY

Long PCBs differ from the standard PCB size. Standard board sizes are typically 9 by 12 or 24 inches or 8 by 12 or 24 inches. But a Long PCB exceeds these measurements (20 inches above). PCBMay can provide you with the best Long PCB offered in the market.

• Heat transfer is superior
• The bondedcopper circuit layer is durable
• Quality checked – pass IPC2 or 3 inspection
• Offer lead-free logo pattern for your company name
• Choose your laminate material – High TG, PTFE/Teflon, Polyimide, etc.

There are several reasons why PCBMay should be your PCB provider. First and foremost, we have extensive resources to give you the complex requirements for a custom-made Long PCB. We can even make 16 Layer PCBs, 24 Layer PCBs, Rigid-Flex PCBs, and High-Frequency PCBs.

The second reason why you can trust PCBMay is that we have efficient engineering staff to help you. If you’ve got any Long PCB questions, our expert team will give you an answer in 1-2 hours. What’s more? In case you have a problem, a full 8D report can be provided for the root cause.

The final reason to choose PCBMay for your Long PCB order is our friendly customer service. Dealing with us with easy. We respond to your email, chat or call immediately, and in your time zone too! We don’t stop providing you with quality care, as we are here 24-7.

If you have a new order, let’s talk. If you need help with your Long PCB, Prototype PCB, or even Small PCB, just contact us.

We are here to help. Let’s boost your business right now!

Long PCB: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Each Long PCB has a clear purpose and a set of measurable goals. As a result of these considerations, PCB designs can be highly diverse.

For today’s wireless applications, you need antennas that can stand up to daily use. It is not uncommon to need a Long PCB to connect and support these programs, though.

PCBMay is a professional PCB maker in China who has been involved in the Long PCB business since 2008. People who are concerned about Long PCB should review this FAQ guide to clarify their doubts.

What Is A Long PCB?

Long PCB refers to a circuit board that is longer than 12 inches in length. When you are building a PCB design that is 20 inches in length, you are unquestionably constructing a Longboards PCB.

The automated SMT assembly equipment can not handle anything more than 30 inches. Anything more than that, and it becomes necessary to seek alternate production processes.

Long PCB

What Are The Materials Used In Long PCB?

Long PCBs are typically made up of four layers that are heat bonded together to form a single layer. Silkscreen, Soldermask, Copper, and Substrate are some of the numerous kinds of PCB materials utilized in PCBs, and they are listed from top to bottom.

The substrate is made of fiberglass and is commonly referred to as FR4, with the FR standing for “fire retardant.” This layer offers a sturdy foundation for PCBs, although the thickness varies depending on the board’s usage.

Long PCB Substrate

There are even cheaper boards available on the market that are built of phenolic or epoxy resin. The panels are referred to as FR1, FR3 Long Boards.

Because of the high-temperature sensitivity of such boards, they are prone to losing their lamination very quickly and easily. The fragrance these less expensive boards emit after being soldered makes it easier to distinguish them from the more expensive ones.

Copper is used as the second layer on long PCBs. It is bonded to the substrate using a combination of heat and glue. Some boards have two copper sheets, one above the substrate and one below, making it a sandwich model. A single layer of copper on a PCB is often utilized for lower-cost electronic devices.

Copper-clad laminate (CCL) is a frequently used laminate that may be classified in many ways. These categories include reinforcing material, utilized resin adhesive, flammability, and CCL performance.

This video demonstrated every PCB layer and how they are fabricated.

What Is The Standard Thickness Of A Long PCB Board?

When it comes to integrating the boards into your devices, the Long PCB thickness is essential. Using the incorrect thickness of long PCB for your project might cause significant harm.

Long PCB Layers

Typically, manufacturers build long circuit boards with a thickness of 1.67 mm. However, you have the option to alter your board’s thickness to suit your preferences. PCBMay provides you the flexibility to change the thickness of your panel at any time.

What Is The Surface Treatment Of Long PCB?

A Long PCB surface treatment is a method for creating a layer on top of the PCB in a controlled environment. A PCB’s solderability or electrical qualities may be improved by applying a surface treatment. Printed circuit boards can be coated in a variety of surface treatments. According to the following, they are:

• HASL
• Immersion Silver
• Immersion Tin
• Immersion Gold
• OSP
• Hard Gold

Manufacturers usually prefer immersion gold for the surface treatment of Long PCBs. Immersion gold is one of the most used surface treatments for Long PCBs, according to most manufacturers.

Two metallic layers make up the surface treatment coating known as ENIG or Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold. A displacement reaction coats the copper with gold atoms after nickel is put directly on it.

The exterior layer of Gold is deposited at a thickness of 0.050.1 m, whereas the Ni inner layer is 36m thick. Between the solder and the copper, there is a Ni barrier layer. The immersion gold technique achieves good surface planarity while also preventing Ni oxidation during storage.

Immersion Gold Long PCB

How Many Layers Can A Long PCB Have?

A long PCB can contain up to six layers. With additional layers, circuit boards can accommodate more components. It also allows the PCB to be used in a broader range of situations.

More PCB layers are not harmful. However, they might raise the price. To get the most out of a long PCB, consider the cost of adding extra layers.

What Are The Certifications Of Long PCB?

With the Long PCB Certification program, you can prove that your devices have been tested and approved to the highest professional standards. The certifications are  ISO 9001:2008, UL, and RoHS.

ISO 9001:2008

ISO 9001 is a set of worldwide quality assurance standards and guidelines. It’s designed to help businesses and organizations meet and exceed customer expectations by enhancing product and service quality. ISO 9001 covers organizational context, management, organization, operation, support, and performance assessment.

PCBMay aims to continually provide goods surpassing and boosting customers’ satisfaction with standards given in Long PCB fabrication and effectively enhancing the quality of service under ISO 9001:2008.

UL

Since 1894, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has been verifying product safety in Northbrook, Illinois. According to US product safety regulations, UL tests items internationally to ensure they are safe for use in the US.

In the US and Canada, the UL Label is the most commonly recognized safety certification. The UL Mark is a trusted emblem of product safety for Americans.

UL Label On PCB

RoHS

Toxic compounds are restricted in the manufacture of electronics under the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) legislation. The highest concentrations for each prohibited chemical are established in RoHS rules and should never be exceeded in practice.

How Do You Calculate The PCB Size?

Calculating the size of a Long PCB is essential. Your device’s performance can be severely harmed if the PCB size is incorrectly calculated. Numerous software exists that can help you determine the size of a long PCB.

You can determine the size of a PCB by basically left clicking on the line in most PCB software packages. The line’s width is shown by a bar well above the layout. To get the size of the Longboard, multiply the lengths of the horizontal and vertical lines of the box combined.

What Is The Size Of A Long PCB?

Long printed circuit boards are available in a range of forms and sizes. Manufacturers often produce longboards to your specifications.

If your PCB is longer than 1.5 meters, you can refer to it as ‘Long.’ Long PCBs can contain more components than conventional PCBs. It is more efficient than standard PCB and is utilized for more demanding tasks.

Long PCB Size

What Are The Applications Of Long PCB?

Long PCBs are used in heavier projects and more complex operations. Because they are longer, the PCBs can house more components than a standard PCB.

The following are examples of long PCB applications:

• Electronics for the general public
• Electronics for automobiles
• Radio or Communications Tower
• Industries
• Instruments for the medical field
• Industry of Safety and Security

Long PCB Used In Industry

How To Design A Long PCB?

Designing a long PCB may seem to be a difficult task. But, trust me when I say that the designing process is identical to that of conventional PCB design but in the big picture. The following are the steps you should take to design a long PCB:

Create or locate a circuit diagram.

Identifying the circuit you would like to design is essential before sketching wires and other components. As a result, you need a schematic diagram.

You have two options: either locate one that has already been produced or design your own entirely from the start.

Create your diagrams and schematics.

First and foremost, you must download a PCB design tool.

Eagle is a PCB manufacturer that we strongly suggest. It is entirely free, and it is pretty useful.

Create a project on your computer. Then, using the circuit diagram that you discovered in Step 1, create the schematics. Create a layout for your board of directors.

It is time to start drawing on the board. Transferring your schematic design into a design of your PCB is an essential part of the process.

Get Your PCB Designed

As soon as you have finished drafting your circuit diagram, you must get the design manufactured. You can etch your PCB at home or just purchase a PCB from one of the numerous PCB manufacturers available nowadays.

Ordering Components

It usually takes some time until your printed circuit board is complete. So, while you are waiting, double-check that you have all of the components you will need. There is nothing more frustrating than receiving a brand new printed circuit board only to discover that you lack some critical components.

Soldering Components to PCB

Create a working space for yourself and gather your soldering equipment. Prepare your workspace by laying out the parts and the PCB.

Soldering Components To PCB

What Are The Trace Routing Methods For A Long PCB?

Some of the same issues arise when routing traces on a Long PCB. Thankfully, we can utilize the same map strategies to route traces on a long circuit board. We will look at many PCB routing approaches to help you discover the optimum route.

Like a road journey, your PCB design requires an exact and thorough schematic to follow.

A structured schematic with a logical circuitry flow can help layout and route components on a PCB design.

For the circuit board to work optimally, high-speed signal channels must be routed properly.

Several design rules and limitations may be put up and used in the PCB layout in the schematic.

Cross-probing is a valuable tool for the layout designer. This feature requires some schematic configuration before the layout team can utilize it.

PCB Trace Routing

In What Ways Do You Protect Long PCB Against EMI?

EMF interference (EMI) is electromagnetic radiation that causes electronic equipment to malfunction by emitting radiation or inducting. Many vital electrical devices in the environment can be affected by EMI radiation.

Let us have a look at some of the most prevalent methods for reducing EMI on long PCBs.

Ground plane

The ground plane of a PCB is the most critical stage in eliminating EMI. Some typical ground design recommended practices to prevent EMI include:

Maximize ground area

Maximize ground area on the PCB. More area means fewer emissions, cross-talk, and noise.

Use solid planes

Solid ground planes are appropriate for multi-layer PCBs. Impedance increases with copper-stealing and hashed ground planes.

Connect each part

Floating components do not fully use the ground plane’s neutralizing effect on board design.

Minimize signal length

Signal length is crucial because the time it takes to travel to and from an origin must match. It may also emit EMI. Keep trace lengths small and equal.

Trace Layout

Traces are critical in board design. Trace use guarantees correct current propagation. A lack of adherence to EMC design principles may cause several issues.

A simple bend or cross may cause PCB electromagnetic interference. Traces are conductive channels that carry electrons throughout a circuit. One error and these traces become a radiating antenna.

Among the most extraordinary PCB trace layout guidelines are:

Avoid right angles

Avoid 45-90 degree angles for vias, traces, and other components. Capacitance rises as traces approach 45°. As a consequence, the characteristic impedance varies. EMI is the mirror. To prevent this, round traces need to turn or route them across two or more 45° angles.

Separate signals

Separate high-speed from low-speed transmissions and analog from digital signals. Interference may occur when close.

Cut return routes

Keep current pathways brief and follow paths of low resistance. Return pathways should be as short as possible.

Careful with vias

PCB design requires vias because they enable routing many layers. Engineers must use caution while employing them. With their capacitance and inductance, vias may cause reflections owing to variations in impedances. Vias also lengthen traces, which must be matched. Avoid utilizing differential traces in vias.

PCB Vias

What Are The Advantages Of Long PCB?

A long PCB may accommodate a large number of components. Manufacturers are required to create a single long PCB rather than several conventional PCBs. So they save both time and money. In addition to this, the following are some of the benefits of using a long PCB:

• Long PCB saves cable
• It is easy to fix.
• Due to the secure connections, short circuits can be prevented.
• Long PCBs are less expensive.

PCB Short Circuit

What Is The Bare Minimum Line Spacing On A Long PCB?

From the perspective of product safety, the PCB line spacing for clearance becomes an essential consideration. Over 30VAC or 60VDC is the usual operating voltage. Voltages exceeding certain levels are deemed dangerous, which is why these layouts are classified as high voltage.

It is challenging to maintain a minimal line spacing in high-density connection PCBs. Mainstream PCB manufacturers need a minimum gap of 4 mils between the wires to produce their boards.

Line spacing is sometimes referred to as line-to-line or line-to-pad distance. From a manufacturing standpoint, the bigger, the better, and ten mills are the most popular.

PCB Line Spacing

What Is The Standard Copper Thickness Of A Long PCB?

One of the top layers of a Long PCB is made up of copper. The thickness of copper on a PCB is generally determined by the amount of current that flows through it. The thickness of the copper layer can impact the whole PCB thickness.

For example, the usual copper thickness for interior layers ranges from about 1.4mm to about 2.8mm and weighs around 2-3oz. To meet your needs, the thickness may be modified. An increase in copper leads to a higher cost and a more complex process.

PCB Copper Layer

What Are The Design Aspects That Need To Be Taken Into Account While Designing A Long PCB?

Throughout the electrical product design process, designers must take into account a variety of factors. As a Long PCB manufacturer, we often see scenarios where production variables are neglected or ignored entirely.

We believed it would be beneficial to consult with one of our engineers to fabricate and assembly PCBs. The following five ideas will help you get it right the first time.

• Soldering difficulties can be avoided if component footprints are planned correctly.
• Panel efficiency, which directly impacts price, may be significantly affected by small changes in PCB size.
• Assembling a panel correctly reduces the risk of errors.
• Simple BOMs may save you time and money.
• Over-specification may lead to higher costs.

What Kind Of Testing Is Done On The Long PCBs?

Without testing, you will not know whether your PCB is operational. Various conventional tests can be carried out on long PCBs. Passing this exam may assist you in obtaining certifications for your PCB.

AOI

AOI can discover PCB problems or errors. Cameras are used to capture board photographs from various angles and lighting conditions. Analyzing measurements performed at specific places on the PCB, a software application verifies their compliance with the design specifications.

AXI

With SMT technology’s high density and the difficulty of identifying interconnections in BGA packages, X-ray (AXI) inspection techniques had to be developed.

In-circuit test (ICT)

In this test, each electrical part on the PCB is tested after assembly to ensure proper operation and placement. Short circuits, bare circuits, impedance, capacitance, and other factors are checked throughout the test.

It consists of an array of actuators and sensors that move freely on the board to produce the appropriate measurements.

Boundary-scan

Boundary-scan is a method of testing ICs when reaching all terminals of the circuit is not possible.

PCB Boundary Scan Test

Functional test

The examination and verification procedure concludes with a functional test. Its job is to simulate electrical impulses that may stimulate a circuit and measure the results.

How To Choose The Finest Long PCB Maker In China?

Consider your electrical device’s requirements before deciding on a PCB manufacturer. You must also take into account the needs of the manufacturer. You should be mindful of more complex PCB concerns.

When looking for a PCB manufacturer, keep these three things in mind.

Your product has to meet a particular set of standards.

To limit your options for PCB manufacturers, you need to know your product’s specifications. If you have a product, these inquiries will be relevant to it as much as feasible, so keep that in mind.

Set a budget

Your budget will influence the materials you choose to employ. Depending on your budget, you may choose between choosing high-quality materials or cheaper ones.

Your budget also influences your output level. Your financial situation dictates whether or not you should increase or decrease output.

Material selection

You need to know which materials are the finest for your gadget. When it comes to FR4 materials, a Thru-Hole is the best option. The first step is to determine if your product is of low, standard-, or premium-level quality. Then you will be able to choose the materials correctly.

PCB Material Selection

Time for production

It is a good indicator of whether or not you are in a hurry to get your innovation out to the world and earn money off it. For a manufacturer to profit, it must be able to meet its sales goals quickly.

Manufacturers’ specifications

It will assist if you have additional questions in mind while picking a manufacturer besides having particular needs for your product.  Experience, manufacturing capacity, and a proven track record are just some of the advantages of working with a reputable manufacturer.

Inquire as to whether or if the manufacturer has previously worked with a comparable product.  Experience is essential since they may have completed a similar job to yours. Thus, you can be confident that your PCB will be assembled by a skilled professional.

Conclusion

Long PCBs are difficult to make due to several variables. A long PCB requires a professional manufacturer.

Since 2008, PCBMay has started creating Long circuit boards. We make long PCBs using trained workers and equipment. We can help you by supplying high-quality Long PCBs for your project. You may reach our customer support department at any time of day or night with any questions you may have about long PCBs.