Aerospace PCB Development: 3 Key Considerations to Eye

By Embedded Advisor | Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Developing a well-strategized approach will assist PCB manufacturers in fulfilling the new aerospace electronics requirements.

FREMONT, CA: Circuit boards are an integral part of electronics. Without them, the vast majority of electronic gadgets would not work the way they do. Even the space-based systems depend on electronics and PCBs. However, the quality and reliability of aerospace electronics are stringent than those for commercial electronics. Therefore, PCB suppliers for the aerospace industry must adhere to specific standards and regulations meant to ensure quality, reliability, and security. To meet this high bar, PCB developers need to consider several best practices that will assist them in PCB development acceptable to the aerospace industry. They are the following.

• Understanding the Aerospace Standards and Regulations

Due to extreme environmental conditions, the prolonged deployment times, and the potential for collisions with space debris, there are aerospace industry standards to which PCB developers must comply. Understanding which standard applies to the space-related board design and what responsibilities developers have to meet them is essential at this point.

• Using PCB Design Tool with Simulation Capability

Although the capabilities of the PCB design tool are always necessary, they are even more critical for designing aerospace electronics. PCBs for the aerospace industry are typically complex and require integration with other boards, calling for multi-board design, collaboration, and simulation of the board’s response to various conductions.

• Optimizing Component Selection

Using high-quality components that can withstand the space environment is critical for aerospace PCB development. Developers must take adequate measures to avoid counterfeit components being used in PCB development. Considering these factors during component selection can ensure that there are no delays or production interruptions, and no substandard components find their way into aerospace systems.

The development of aerospace PCBs requires special consideration and timely action to ensure that the design and manufacturing meet aerospace industry standards.