The Leader in Smart Watch PCB Fabrication in China

Smart Watch PCB Needs? Rely on Us!

PCBMay is familiar with the complex demands you have for Smart Watch PCBs. In consumer electronics, this sort of PCB is in high demand. Wireless connectivity is used to connect with mobile phones, tablets, and PCs via the Smart Watch. Therefore, you truly need a solid source of these goods.

• Proper layering approach for PCB prepreg and core
• Support miniaturization of digital devices
• Supports IoT and smart connectivity
• Environmental compliance for PCB process + raw materials
• When assembling circuit boards, we use only high-quality materials.

PCBMay’s Smart Watch PCB is constructed using Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Microvia, and/or Press-fit technique. It actually depends on what you desire as a customer. Because we put you first, we can adjust to any technique based on your budget and your device specs.

We will assist with a unique design for new orders. For example, we may use Altium or Eagle PCB design for your Smart Watch PCB. After sending us your Gerber file, you may also get a rapid quote.

PCBMay offers you the option of receiving a Work-in-Progress weekly report while fulfilling your bulk Smart Watch PCB order. Gladly, our customer support personnel will answer any forthcoming inquiries. As for affordability, our price is unbeatable. You deserve an amazing Smart Watch PCB worth a fair cost.

So, as you see, you have come across the perfect manufacturer for your Smart Watch PCB. PCBMay provides cutting-edge technologies as well as exceptional customer service. What more can you ask for?

Call to order your Smart Watch PCB now!

Smart Watch PCB: The Complete FAQ Guide

Do you have complex demands for wireless connectivity for your devices?

Using a smart watch PCB is an excellent way to connect with mobile phones, PCs, tablets, etc. This circuit board supports IoT and smart connectivity that improve the entire performance of smart devices.

PCBMay, a dependable PCB manufacturer, is familiar with the consumer’s demand for smart watch PCBs. We provide premium assembly service for your smartwatch circuit boards.

This FAQ guide will be a reliable source for you to get a deep understanding of this type of PCB. We hope it will help you a lot to upgrade your PCB experience. Let’s dig it deeper.

What Is A Smart Watch PCB?

A smartwatch PCB controls the wireless connections of smartwatches with electronic applications.  This is a worthwhile circuit board that contains dielectric materials like FR4, Composite epoxy, etc.

It upgrades the use of WiFi and Bluetooth connections so that you can track a device through your smartwatch. Because of having highly functional materials, this PCB offers a high degree of durability and thermal efficiency.

A well-designed smartwatch circuit board is compatible with mobile apps, different operating systems, and portable media players. That means it enables the smartwatch or other wearable devices to act as a mini-computer that combines usability and functionality.

Smart Watch PCB

How Does A Smart Watch PCB Detect The Pulse Rate?

A smartwatch PCB can detect pulse rate with great efficiency. It consists of transmission-type or reflection-type pulse sensors that measure the pulse rate.

Usually, transmission-type sponsors receive infrared or red lights from the human body. Then, these sensors calculate the blood flow variation concerning the lights emitted from the body.

On the contrary, reflection-type sensors emit IF, red, green light toward your body. Then, they receive the reflected rays through a phototransistor. An automated program detects the change of your pulse rate according to the reflected lights. Thus, a smartwatch circuit board acts to detect pulse rate through wearable devices.

Highly Functional Smart Watch PCB

Which Materials Are Used In A Smart Watch PCB?

A smart watch PCB consists of high-class materials. These elements ensure excellent dielectric properties and thermal features in smart electronic products. The basic materials are-

FR4

FR4 materials are reputable for high reliability and rapid signal flow in high-frequency applications. Their dielectric constant is 4.5, which is effective enough to handle dielectric strength and other electrical properties.

Besides, these PCB materials are economical. That’s why manufacturers prefer FR4 while making smartwatch circuit boards.

PTFE

PTFE (PolytetrafluoroEthylene) is a plastic material. It is effective for high-speed PCB applications. Besides, the flammability of Teflon is impressive. It also ensures high physical strength and thermal stability in smartwatch applications.

Metal Core

In most cases, Aluminum, copper, iron, etc materials are used in manufacturing smartwatches. Metal cores offer the following advantages in smartwatches-

• Outstanding temperature control
• Better thermal management
• Improved durability
• Supportive of lightweight designs
• Long shelf life
• Cost-effective

Smart Watch PCB Materials

What Are The Different Types Of Smart Watch PCBs?

Smart watch PCBs are found in different forms in the market. All of these kinds effectively improve Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity. Its most noteworthy types are-

Waterproof Smart Watch PCB

A waterproof smart watch circuit board enables consumers to use smart watches underwater. Its ATM rating and IP rating are quite impressive. This PCB makes smart watches popular among professional swimmers.

Fitness Smart Watch PCB

This PCB promotes the functionality of fitness watches. It is supportive of on-screen trackers. Besides, a fitness smart watch circuit board allows the functions of different activity trackers.

Bluetooth Smart Watch PCB

A Bluetooth smart watch can be paired with PCs, tablets, CPUs, and electric vehicles through the operations of smart watch circuit boards. Their specifications are worthwhile for smart appliances to a large extent.

GPS Smart Watch PCB

It is a multifunctional circuit board. Due to its functional features, it is a little bit complicated to ensure quality manufacturing. Usually, GPS smart watch circuit boards gear the operations of GPS devices required for running and hiking.

GPS Smart Watch PCB

WiFi Smart Watch PCB

If you intend to connect to the internet through micro-electronics, a WiFi smart watch circuit board can serve your purpose. It is compatible with the sensor PCB. That’s why smart watches can provide real-time information quickly.

AMOLED Smart Watch PCB

The displays of smart watches prefer AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) to OLED (Organic LED). AMOLED ensures bright resolutions for visuals and rapid data transmission. That’s why AMOLED smart watch circuit board modules are getting popular day by day.

What Are The Significant Advantages Of A Smart Watch PCB?

The most significant advantages of smartwatch PCBs are-

• Its usability is commendable. You can set it in wearable devices because of its small and compact design.
• Its high durability. This PCB can handle intense moisture and thermal pressures through its effective components and designs.
• The functionality of smartwatches is amazing. It is possible due to the reliable operations of smartwatch circuit boards.
• It supports modern App features and other technologies.
• Its operation is user-friendly.
• The cost performance of this PCB is convenient for the consumers.
• It is supportive of multilayer stacks. That’s why smartwatch modules provide high-class functional features.

Advantageous Smart Watch Circuit Board

How To Make An Arduino Smart Watch PCB?

Smart Watch PCB offers excellent flexibility in the case of design. It controls the Bluetooth functionality and supports the use of an App to track real-time data. You can make this circuit board by using an Arduino Nano board.

You need to follow the steps given below.

Component Arrangement

It is necessary to gather all required components before starting the project. You must collect the PCB components from a reliable source. Here, a list of must-have components is given for you.

• Arduino Nano Board
• SMD (Surface Mount Device) resistor
• Bluetooth module
• A real-time clock module (DS 1302 Chip)
• Pulse sensor
• OLED or AMOLED display
• USB to TTL interface
• Battery charging module
• Accelerometer module

Besides, you need to manage a soldering kit, tweezer set, and a 3D printer. Usually, a soldering kit contains a hot air soldering station, soldering iron, solder wire, etc.

PCB Design

You should use design software like Altium Designer or Eagle to optimize the PCB design. It is important to properly place the components and avoid unnecessary elements on the smartwatch circuit diagram while designing. Then, convert the design into the Gerber File.

A notable part is to incorporate a custom circuit board for this Arduino smartwatch making. A custom PCB allows you to manage the compact placement of PCB components. Besides, you can easily eliminate unwanted components from the board and place the mandatory elements on a single board.

Body Formation

After completing the circuit design section, you need to make the body of the smartwatch. 3D design software can make your job easy. It is required to accommodate display, pulse sensor, power button, USB port for charging inside the smartwatch body.  Then, you need to adjust the workflow and set the codes of your smartwatch.

Arduino Smart Watch Custom Circuit Boards

This is a straightforward process of making an Arduino mini smartwatch circuit board. It is like a prototype design. If you properly set the codes, it enables you to track calls and messages that you receive on your smart devices.

This circuit board also contains a heart rate measuring sensor. It acts to measure your pulse rate.

What Are The Mechanical Obstacles Of Smart Watch PCB Design?

It is very common to overcome some mechanical obstacles while designing smartwatch PCBs. Such as

Size

Smart watch circuit boards are usually found in small sizes. So, the designer needs to face more problems to ensure high functionality in these PCBs as a large PCB. But they are lightweight in designs that go in their favor.

Component Placement

Due to constraints in terms of size, component placement is also affected. This is a great mechanical obstacle in the case of smartwatches. It also affects PCB routing. Both manual and auto-routing are difficult for compact component placement.

Board Thickness

Optimizing the circuit board thickness is another mechanical obstacle that is not easy to overcome for designers. As this property has an immense impact on robustness and metallic coating, its wrong use causes serious damage.

Mechanically Stable Smart Watch PCB

You don’t need to be worried about these constraints if you consult a dependable and experienced manufacturer. A reliable assembly manufacturer provides skilled engineers that can take care of such mechanical issues.

How Does A Smart Watch PCB Ensure Thermal Management?

Smart watch PCBs comprise a huge number of connectors and components in a compact space. When a PCB is kept inside the body of a smartwatch, there is almost no option for air passage.

So, thermal management is a great concern during its design. Usually, smart watch circuit boards handle excessive heat generation through the following processes-

• Using high-frequency PCB substrate materials and components.
• Insertion of thermal vias to dissipate heat from the source to thermal distribution planes.
• Incorporation of heat sinks to transfer heat from the PCB components that consume and generate high heat.

Smart Watch PCB Thermal Management

What Are The PCB Vias Used In Smart Watches?

Vias are used for connecting the smart watch PCB layers. They’re placed in the drilled holes of the PCB face. These factors ensure smooth heat conduction and flow of electricity between   PCB layers. You’ll notice the following vias in this PCB.

Blind Via

PCB blind vias connect the external and internal surfaces. It promotes thermal operation in PCB layers. You have to maintain the proper rate (1.11) of periphery and hole depth for the blind vias.

Buried Via

Buried vias link two internal layers. They ensure proper conduction of electricity and heat in the inner sections of these smartwatches.

Through-hole Plated Via

This type of via conducts heat between two external layers.

Thermal Via

Thermal vias are veritably effective for distributing the heat of these PCB layers.

PCB Vias Used In Smart Watch

How To Match Impedance In Different Layers Of A Multilayer Smart Watch PCB?

Impedance is an AC characteristic of electric circuits. Usually, multilayer smart watch PCBs suffer from uncontrolled impedance during signal transmission. That’s why impedance matching is a significant issue for this PCB.

Different signal traces require particular impedance over the PCB layer. For example, the estimated impedance for USB and HDMI are 90 ohms and 95 ohms, respectively. They consider almost 15% alteration.

It is necessary to match the impedance throughout the signal path. The following parameters influence the impedance-

• Dielectric constant (DK)
• Dielectric thickness
• Copper thickness
• Trace width

Manufacturers try to keep the impedance matched by taking care of these factors. A low DK value is suitable for controlled impedance. Besides, increased thicknesses of copper and dielectric materials increase the impedance to a certain extent. That’s why you need to set the dimensions so that the PCB traces can match the impedance.

Smart Watch PCB Impedance Matching

What Is An Open SmartWatch PCB?

Open smart watch PCB is a customized circuit board that controls the functions of open source smartwatches. Basically, the open smartwatch is an open-source project that enables the user to assemble, modify, or repair easily.

Figure 11- Open Source Smart Watch Circuit Board

Its light and GPS editions are popular with consumers. This PCB makes the smartwatch operative with various gaming options, tools, watch faces, etc. You can check this video to learn more about it:

What Is Smart Watch PCB Assembly Process?

The assembly process of a smart watch PCB involves the following steps-

Application Of Solder Paste

Solder paste is a mixture of solder and flux. It is required to use solder paste to include the solderable areas on the circuit board.

Component Placement

Then, place the components at specific portions through the pick and place system.

Soldering

After placing the components successfully, solder them through the soldering machine. Wave soldering and reflow soldering are common processes in this case.

Inspection

In the end, conduct a thorough inspection manually and by using automated processes. It helps detect missing components, loose joints, etc.

Smart Watch PCB Assembly

How To Select Components For Making A Smart Watch PCB?

Thermal dissipation and component placement are big issues in smartwatch PCB assembly. So, you need to select PCB components carefully so that they support your design requirements. But how?

You just consider the following factors-

• The number of layers stacked in the design. Usually, smartwatches support 8-12 layer circuit boards. So, the materials and components used here need to match with the power and ground planes of these multilayer PCBs.
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI). You have to choose components that generate low noise and handle high EMI.
• Thermal efficiency.
• Durability
• Flame retardness
• Operations
• Wireless connectivity
• Compatibility with high-speed and high-frequency signals.

If you can manage the components from a reliable source, you will experience the excellence of smart watch circuits.

Smart Watch PCB Components

What Are Design Rules To Avoid Noise In Smart Watch PCBs?

The basic design rules to avoid noise during data transmission in a smart watch PCB are-

• Include the ground and power planes during the PCB design
• Keep the trace size short. The ideal trace thickness to reduce noise due to capacitive coupling is below 8 mm. You can insert PCB vias for this purpose.
• Trace routing needs to be horizontal and vertical in the case of two adjacent signal layers.
• Disintegrate the analog and digital components.
• Incorporate decoupling capacitors.

Smart Watch Circuit Board Design

Watch the following video to get a clear idea of PCB design for smartwatches:

What Is The Copper Weight Of Flexible Smart Watch PCBs?

The copper weight plays a crucial role in premium PCB manufacturing. In the case of smart watch PCBs, this feature is a vital factor. The average copper weight of this circuit board is 0.5-2.0 Oz.

Usually, copper thickness impacts impedance matching, current conduction, solderability, metallic coatings selection, etc. A thick copper surface is ideal for high current PCB applications. But it increases impedance that hampers signal transmission in high-density and high-volume circuits. So, you need to determine the most appropriate copper weight for your smartwatches by considering your preferences.

What Are The Major Challenges Of Smart Watch PCB Assembly?

There are various challenges involved in smart watch PCB assembly. Among them, the major challenges include-

Thermal Management

This circuit board contains several thermally sensitive components. That’s why it is very challenging to ensure proper thermal management in smartwatch circuit boards. It ultimately affects usability, durability, power consumption, etc.

The designers intend to balance the thermal dissipation with the PCB design. Proper use of thermal vias and heat sinks can make this situation better to large extent.

Packaging

Though miniature designs improve the PCB experience of users, it causes hassles for the manufacturers during packaging. These circuit boards are sophisticated. So, the manufacturers need to pay close attention to solving the packaging puzzle while maintaining compact designs.

Longevity

Who doesn’t want to use a device for an extended period?

But improving the longevity of smartwatches depends on many factors. Such as maintenance, quality control, inspection, materials, etc. Besides, the assembly service provider needs to consider cost performance while designing a smartwatch PCB.

That’s why the manufacturers have to balance between desire and reality. They usually use high-class PCB materials and ensure reliable tests to keep the PCB operative for a long time.

Challenges Of Smart Watch PCB Design

How Do You Test A Smart Watch PCB?

A smartwatch PCB improves the wireless connectivity of smart electronic applications. To get the optimum output, it is necessary to inspect the PCB properly. Do you know about the inspections that deliver trustworthy results after checking a PCB quickly?

Smartwatch circuit boards support both automatic and manual tests. Here, a glimpse of some reliable tests suitable for these circuit boards is for you.

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)

The AOI test is a common and effective process to check the functional properties of a smart watch circuit board. It delivers quick results. Here, the test-runner uses an AOI machine to take photographs of the PCB designs.

This machine consists of an integrated camera that captures numerous 2D and 3D images. Then, it compares these photos with faultless images of smart watch PCB and finds the dissimilarities.

Thus, you can determine the faulty portions of your circuit board. Its high expense limits its use in high-volume PCB productions in most cases.

PCB Testing

Flying Probe Test (FPT)

This is another worthwhile test for PCB. Its USP is that it is free from additional fixtures. Besides, it is not very expensive. That’s why small-budget manufacturers prefer the flying probe test.

Its operation is based on electrical probes. The inspector sets various probes at different angles and delivers an electric signal. Then, these probes touch specific points of the PCB surface and provide electrical properties of those points.

You can determine the opens, short, loose connections, copper thickness, wrong wiring, etc through this test. But it is time-consuming. You can use the FPT for low-volume PCB projects.

Functional Test

A functional test can let you know the real performance of a smart watch circuit. Here, the inspector checks the signal transmission rate, vibrations tolerance, thermal efficiency, etc when the PCB operates.

Besides, electrical tests, nail bed tests, etc are popular to test a smart watch PCB design.

How To Choose A Reliable Smart Watch PCB Manufacturer In China?

PCB manufacturing service requires high professionalism, expertise, experience, etc. It is not very common to get all of these capabilities from a manufacturer.

That’s why you need to consider some crucial factors while choosing a reliable smart watch PCB manufacturer in China. Such as

• Sufficiency in high-quality materials for quick assembly service.
• Reliability of providing custom solutions as per the customer’s demands.
• Capability and experience in manufacturing different smartwatch circuit boards.
• Environmental compliance while sourcing PCB materials and processes.
• Professional engineers who can handle complicated circuits.
• Affordable manufacturing costs.
• The ability to produce IPC class 2 or class 3 standard products.

We have a firm reputation for making versatile smart watch circuit boards that support the requirements of IPC and RoHS. Besides, we have a skilled team of technical staff to provide assembly service within the lead time. So, you can depend on us to promote your projects.

Conclusion

Smart watch PCBs have extensive demands in the modern electronic world. Its amazing functionality and durability promote its compatibility with different devices. Almost all wireless connections consist of this circuit board that ensures smooth operations.

PCBMay is a reputable producer of versatile smartwatch circuit boards. We have been engaging in this service for around 15 years. We tried to explain all the details in easy language.

If you have more queries to know, contact us. Our smart customer and sales service team will reach you within a short time.