Professional Timer PCB Manufacturer in China

Let Us Be Your Turn-Key Timer PCB Manufacturer

The Timer PCB is an ever-present circuit board, utilized in home and commercial applications. This PCB makes schedules stay on track. To provide you with this product, we execute high standards.

• Support delay-on and delay-off timers for industrial control
• Support programmable timers and timers with multiple outlets
• Manufacture OEM Timer PCB for household appliances
• Customize Timer PCB design for Smart/ IoT gadgets
• Compatible with LED and LCD displays

With a Gerber file provided by our customers, PCBMay can speedily fabricate Timer PCBs for kitchen appliances, mobile devices and so much more. Our engineers are ready to help if you have a special Kicad, Eagle, or Protel PCB design for your Timer PCB too.

After we receive your Gerber file, trust us to give you a ready answer about how fast we can fulfill your order. If your bulk order will take some time, we can give you a weekly Work-in-Progress report.

When it comes to pricing and affordability, you can trust PCBMay to be easy-going. We have flexible terms of payment, depending on your order type and size. We understand how crucial Timer PCBs are for industrial and transport applications—likely, you will need a manufacturer like us who is timely as well as approachable.

As for raw materials, you don’t need to worry about the shortage in supply. We have a large enough capacity, and we are well-stocked. It is not unusual for us to complete Timer PCB orders in 24-48 hours, especially if it is a Quick-turn PCB.

Remember, for all your Timer PCB needs, you have PCBMay at your side.

Contact us now to avail.

Timer PCB: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Every piece of electronics holds a printed circuit board. A timer is a complex electronic device. However, timer PCB is also a complex type of PCB that you will find.

The timing mechanism is a piece of electronics. Proper engineering is required to function timer PCB boards.

However, with a complex piece of art, you may have a shortage of information. You may have raised questions in your mind about timer PCB and its mechanism.

We will try to fulfill your interest in knowing about timer PCBs by answering several most related questions.

What Is Timer PCB?

When an electrical switch is activated, a timer, also known as a time switch or timer switch, is used to control the switch. A timer is a device that activates electrical switches via the use of a timing mechanism.

The timer was first used in 1945. Windows, electric signs, apartment hall illumination, oil and gas burners, and stokers were all examples of where it was used.

Timer PCB

Timers are used in different embedded systems to keep records of different events. They maintain the operational times of embedded systems by collaborating with clocks. The clock might be external, or the clock in the embedded systems.

Essentially, the timer is powered by a printed circuit board. The timer PCB is the circuit board that provides electricity to the timer switches.

To put it simply, the timer employs timer relay PCBs to set the times on the clock. When a certain time is required, relay time is employed. The relay timer may be programmed to run at a certain time. The relay remains turned off till the time is up.

A DIL switch may be used to configure the timer relay PCB. The relay timer has three operating modes: Delay ON, Delay Off, and Pulse. Delay ON is the default mode.

The timer, on the other hand, works by connecting the switches to an electric power source. Additionally, they may be powered by low-voltage batteries that can be located in various places.

What Are The Types Of Timer?

However, there are two main categories of timer PCBs. They are Digital timer PCB and Analog timer PCB.

Digital Timer PCB

With digital inputs, you may control and alter the digital timers in real-time. In addition, digital consoles and scales with digital timer PCBs may be used to examine the output.

Digital Monofunctional Timer PCB

To set both the timer and the starting point of the timer, you must use distinct buttons. LCDs are used to show the states of the timer.

Analog Timer

The analog timer is the opposite of a digital timer. You will have an available knob to control and set the timer. Also, you can observe the output in analog scales. You can easily adjust the timer by using the knob mounted on the front panel of the timer.

What Are The Operating Modes Of Timer PCBs?

There are four basic types of operational modes used in a timer. They are On-Delay operation, Off-Delay operation, Flicker operation, and Interval Operation.

However, On-Delay and off-Delay are the most basic types of operations.

On-Delay Operation

When using the On-Delay mode of operation, there are certain time delays between the timer’s input signal being received and being processed. The procedure is referred to as an On-delay operation because it occurs at a later time.

On-Delay Timer

After a certain interval, the timer in on-delay counts the output of the timer and displays the results of the count. One exception is that only automated timer devices use On-delay actions.

Off-Delay Operation

By looking at its name, it is clear that the Off-Delay is understood. Off-delay operation begins as soon as the timer begins to receive inputs, if at all feasible. As soon as the timer’s output reaches the end of its defined duration, the timer is turned off.

The timer, on the other hand, may compute the set time of the timer after the set time is turned off. An example of an Off-delay function is a security door light, which may be found in many offices.

What Is 555 Timer PCB IC?

The 555 timer is a clock generator that employs a PCB with 555 timers on it. It’s a 555 timer PCB layout with a digital monolithic IC placed on it.

To put it another way, the 555 timer IC is a timing circuit with a 555 timer circuit PCB layout. A 555 timer can provide almost error-free timing signals. It employs a duty cycle of fifty percent or a hundred percent to create timing pulses.

555 timer PCB circuits are used to provide monostable and astable timing. 555 timers may have delays ranging from microseconds to hours.

555 Timer PCB Board IC

Because of its low cost, the 555 Timer is one of the most common timer PCB ICs. It can work with a DC voltage range of 4.5 to 15 volts. The most important feature is that the different voltage types do not affect the timer’s output.

The 555 timer is one of the most dependable linear compatible timers available. Transistor to Transistor Logic (TTL) and CMOS may be directly coupled.

The 555 timer circuit PCB Layout is much too simplistic. It’s a common component in electronics projects. An 8-pin 555 IC is also made up of 2 diodes, 15 resistors, and 25 transistors.

What Are The Different Uses Of 8 Different Pins Of 555 Timer PCB IC?

Let’s check the different functions of the 555 timer PCB IC’s different pins.

555 Timer IC Pins

The ground pin connects with the ground plane of the PCB. It ensures the grounding of the IC. This pin is either connected with the ground plane or to the negative rail in special cases.

2.   Trigger

The trigger pin is the input trigger of the 555 timer IC that activates the timing cycle of the timer. The trigger uses a low signal to trigger up. When the trigger gets one-third of the supplied voltage, then it goes high from the low voltage.

3.   Output

Output pins allow the timer to generate the output of the timer and then connect to the output terminal of the timer. The value of the output pin may be both low and high based on the timing cycle duration.

4.   Reset

The reset pin is simply used to reset the timer. The voltage used for resetting the timer is 0.7V, whereas the required current is 0.1mA.

5.   Control Voltage

The voltage pin carries two-thirds of the positive voltage. Between the voltage control and the ground region, there is a capacitor.

6.   Threshold Voltage

One of the two inputs of a comparator circuit is the threshold voltage. It compares the voltage to the control voltage that is provided. The output voltage would be high if the threshold voltage was lower than the control voltage.

7. Discharge

The discharge pin is responsible for providing a channel for the timing capacitor. It does this via the use of an NPN transistor. During periods of high voltage, the discharge pin behaves as an open circuit.

8.   +VCC (Supply Voltage Terminal)

The timer’s primary voltage is represented by this value. The 555 timer IC requires a supply voltage to function effectively. This pin is linked to the positive rail of the power supply. The voltages vary from +5V to +18V in this circuit.

The following is a brief video explanation of 555 timer IC.

What Are The Types Of 555 Timers?

There are three types and working modes of the 555 timer IC available. Theta er as follows.

Astable Mode

Astable mode is a mode that is not stable. In this case, the output of the 555 timer PCB is not steady. Rather, the production increases, and at times it decreases. None of this occurs as a result of the application of any external trigger.

In essence, no external trigger pulse is necessary while operating in Astable mode. You will see that the trigger pin and the threshold pins are linked together in Astable operating mode.

555 Timer Astable Mode Diagram

Monostable Mode

In the monostable mode, the user setup is a mashup of several settings. Modes that are both stable and unstable are combined. A high stable state value will result in a high final outcome if the stable state is set to a high value.

In the monostable mode, Vcc maintains the high level of the trigger input via the resistor on the timer PCB.

Bi-Stable Mode

Both output states of the 555 timer PCB are stable in the Bi-stable mode. If there is an interruption, the output will be low-to-high and high-to-low. The previous output will continue until there is another interruption.

The trigger and reset pins are linked to Vcc via two resistors in the Bi-Stable configuration.

What Are The Applications Of Timer PCB?

The timer PCB may be found in a wide range of electrical devices. 555 timers, in particular, are widely employed in traffic light circuits, LED circuit dice, metal detectors, LED flashing circuits, and other applications. 555 timers are also used in joysticks, gaming paddles, and clap switch activators.

DC To DC Converter Uses Timer PCB Board

In general, the application of timer PCBs is vast. The examples below are just a few.

• Pulse oximeter
• Tester for cables
• Frequency meter that is analog
• Divider of frequencies
• Dimming lamp
• Oscillator with a duty cycle
• Regulator of DC voltage
• DC to DC converters
• Time delaying systems
• Regulators for DC voltage, etc.

How To Make A Timer PCB?

The basic PCB manufacturing steps are identical to other PCBs. Following are the steps you must go through to make a timer PCB.

Schematic Draw

The very first step of making a PCB starts by drawing. The Schematic shows the component placement, trace position, orientation of the components, and so on.

You can say the schematic is the blueprint of the PCBs.

Layout Design

The layout design is the second step of timer PCB making. However, you need to import the schematic to your computer design tool by schematic capture.

A PCB Layout

The layout design is based on the schematic of the PCB.

PCB Printing

After completing the pre-visual works, this time, you need to bring the PCB in a physical state. Now print the PCB on the PCB board.

For this, you need to make the board based on the layer design. You can print your PCB by 3D printing, laser printing, or other chemical printing.

The following shows how laser prints PCBs.

Etching PCB

Now, etch the PCB traces. However, if you use 3D printing, you do not need to etch the traces separately.

Assembly

Here you do the component placement. You can place the components by through-hole, surface mount technology, or press-fit technology.

Orient and organize the components properly. Solder them with utmost care.

After finishing the assembling, test the PCBs that meet the requirement. After testing, your PCB making is completed.

What Are The Components Used In A Timer PCB?

There are different basic components used in a timer PCB. Following are the components you will see in a timer PCB.

Basic Timer PCB Components

• Capacitor: The capacitor is the part that stores electricity. It provides electricity to the other parts of the PCBs.
• Transistor: Signals in timer PCBs are controlled by transistors. It’s nothing more than a signal amplifier. The most common kind of transistor is the bipolar transistor. Collector, emitter, and base are the three pins that make up the transistor.
• Resistor: One of the most critical components of a PCB is the resistor. Resistors transfer current, create voltage, and emit current in the form of heat. Simply said, they provide the appropriate resistance to the current in PCBs.
• Inductors: Inductors also store current like a capacitor.  But they do this in magnetic form.
• Transformer: Transformers transfer current to different circuits. The lower or higher the voltage when needed.
• Diodes: Diodes set the direction of flowing of electric current. However, current can flow in a single direction, and get blocked in other directions.
• ICs: The microcontroller of the PCBs which controls the functions of the PCBs.

What Is The Importance Of Grounding In Timer PCB?

Grounding is the Safeway of electricity in any electronics. The ground path allows the PCBs to return any uneven current flow to the earth through it.

Grounding is a must-have design part for any electronics. It protects the PCBs from shock or any uneven event.

Ensure Proper Grounding On PCBs

The following are some significant reasons why grounding is essential for PCBs.

• The most important reason for grounding on your timer PCBs is, grounding ensures the protection of your PCBs. It protects from electrical overloading.
• The grounding ensures the proper amount of power your timer PCBs need. It stabilizes the level of the electric voltage.
• The Earth is the best conductor. Electricity can more easily pass to the Earth than any other conductor. It saves life in case of any electrical accident.
• Grounding prevents damages to your PCBs and other electronics. Without proper grounding, you may face damages to your electronics, injury, even death.

What Is EMI And Its Consequences In Timer PCBs?

EMI refers to Electromagnetic Interference. It is electromagnetic energy that causes disruptions to the signal passing of PCBs.

When you are listening to something on your headphones, bring a phone near to it, it produces sound noise. It is an example of EMI.

There are different reasons that create EMI on your timer PCBs. EMI can be produced from lightning or other environmental reasons.

It also can be created due to switching of the timer system. Background noise is responsible for it. Also, narrowband signals can produce EMI.

However, the consequences of EMI are dangerous. It disrupts the signals. For this reason, devices can stop their functionalities.

The consequences of EMI are most dangerous in the medical sector. Medical equipment such as ventilation systems, ECG, cardiac monitors, etc can be disrupted due to EMI. These types of problems cause health issues; even death can be the ultimate result.

How To Store Timer PCBs For Safe Storing?

It is certain that storing is an important part of your timer PCBs lifetime. Because you have to keep them stored most of the time before launching, during the shipment, the interval of the fabrication and assembling.

Use Moisture Barrier Bag For Storing PCBs

To keep them intact and faultless, you should store them in the following ways.

• Ensure the proper surface finishes. Surface finishes protect your timer PCBs from oxidation of the exposed metals.
• Use non-moisture sensitive components if possible. These types of components, for example, SMDs, have a long lifetime.
• Pack your boards in moisture barrier bags. Use desiccant to absorb any moisture sustained.
• Take care of the boards properly. Ensure the proper storing environment. Keep the storing area dust-free. Ensure a weather-proof environment for the storing rooms.

How To Test Timer PCBs During Manufacturing?

PCB testing is an important phase in PCB manufacturing. Testing detects if any fault happens or any requirement does not meet. Also, testing ensures the required quality of the timer PCBs.

There are many testing methods available to test the PCBs. You can use them as per your needs.

In-Circuit Testing (ICT)

ICT is the most common type of PCB testing method. It actuates individual circuits in the PCB. ICT is designed to test the entire PCB at a time. However, it can cover 90% of the PCB most of the time.

Fixed probes test the solder integrity, circuit connections, etc. Every component and circuit goes through an inspection.

Automated Optical Inspection

AOI uses two 3D cameras or a single 2D camera. The cameras take photos of every detail of the board. Then the photos are compared to the schematic of the timer PCB. If any fault is found, a technician takes the responsibility to fix them.

X-Ray Inspection

An X-ray can detect any tiny faults in the PCBs. Solder connection, internal traces, barrel are among the list that X-ray inspects.

X-Ray Inspection Of PCB Helps To Find Out Tiny Problems

Functional Testing

In the functional test, the PCBs are used like end-use. You need to use the PCB in real applications so that you can check all defined requirements work perfectly.

What Is FR4 Substrate For Timer PCB?

FR4 is the most widely used PCB base material in the printed circuit board industry. FR is an abbreviation for flame retardant. It is a class of materials that are specified by NEMA LI 1-1998 as a class of standard materials.

FR4 Is The Most Used PCB Material

FR4 is the most affordable PCB material. Excellent thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance are all provided by this product. A standard strength to weight ratio is also provided.

Because of its dependability, it is the most widely used material in PCB fabrication. FR4 is a composite material composed of epoxy resin and glass fibers.

FR4 is mostly used for multilayer PCBs with fewer layers, up to a maximum of 14 layers. FR4 is a PCB material that is both versatile and adaptable.

What Are The Electrical Properties Of Timer PCBs’ Material?

The electrical properties of the materials of timer PCBs are as follows.

Dielectric Constant (Dk)

The dielectric constant determines the two most important performances of PCBs. These are signal integrity and impedance control issues. For stable frequency, the range of Dk is 3.5 to 5.5. The less Dk, the more frequency performance.

Dielectric Constant Of FR4 Changes With Moisture

Loss Tangent

Loss tangent is important for power integrity. The lower Loss Tangent ensures less power loss. The range of the Loss Tangents should be 0.02 to 0.001.

Volume Resistivity

The volume resistivity of a dielectric substance is a measurement of its insulation. The high volume resistivity of the PCB layers helps to ensure sufficient isolation between the layers.

What Factors Should Consider While Designing Conductive Traces In Timer PCBs?

To manufacture a faultless and successful timer PCB using, you should consider the following facts sincerely.

• Define the size, shape, and type of the board first. It is important for the application of PCBs.
• Different boards need different manufacturing processes. Component mounting technologies are important to determine first.
• Use high-grade materials and components.
• Keep the components placement order right.
• Orient the same category components together.
• Make sure the logical organization of components.
• Keep proper space for grounding.
• Keep proper spaces among the components.
• Keep separate the digital and analog signals and components.

What Is Multilayer Stackup In Timer PCB?

PCB layer stack up is the arrangement of the different layers based on the layout design. Basically, copper layers and insulating layers are arranged properly in the multilayer stacks up.

Multilayer Stack Up Bring Efficiency In PCB Design

The multilayer stacks up offer a bunch of benefits for PCB design.

• Facilitates more circuits in a single PCB with various layers.
• Multilayer stacks up to minimize the PCB size. It also reduces the probability of vulnerability of the circuits from the external environment.
• Multilayers also reduce radiation. Crosstalk, and impedance issues.
• Multilayer saves cost along with providing efficient manufacturing.
• The rightly designed multilayer PCBs ensure EMC for PCBs.

How To Choose A Good Timer PCB Manufacturer?

For producing timer PCBs, choosing the right manufacturer is a must. A highly skilled and professional manufacturer can help you to produce the best products.

However, you should check their capability of production. Check if the manufacturer can manufacture bulk production at a time. Vast experience is a must-have criterion for this.

On the other hand, required certifications, such as IPC, are mandatory. Professional staff, highly advanced working environment, use of the latest technology are other criteria.

On-time delivery, customer behavior, the flexibility of manufacturing add plus points. If you find these, you can choose the manufacturer for your timer PCB production.

Final Words

Producing quality timer PCBs will bring profits to your business. For this, you should ensure a faultless production. Basic knowledge about PCBs can help you to understand your needs.

This FAQ guide could help you to get proper necessary information about timer PCBs. On the other hand, the best PCB manufacturer like PCBMay can provide you with the best quality of time PCBs.

You may contact us to get your most desired quality on PCB manufacturing. We are here for you to provide the best quotes.