Know About Automotive PCB Assembly Services | Read Now
Over the past decade, we have seen a tremendous transformation in the automotive industry, the catalyst of this transformation is advancement in electronics. From electric powertrains to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electronic systems share a substantial portion of a vehicle's total value. PCBs are used as one of the most critical parts responsible for enabling functionality, safety, and performance of the vehicle.
This article reflects the professional key aspects & scope of automotive PCB assembly, and how electronic manufacturing service (EMS) sectors are adapting to evolving requirements of the Automotive industry.
We have witnessed the significant rise in the complexity and volume of electric vehicles. A modern electric vehicle can have more than 100 electronic control units(ECUs), all of which require assembled printed circuit boards that are reliable and durable. According to a report by McKinsey, the global automotive software and electronics market is expected to reach $462 billion, representing a 5.5 percent CAGR from 2019 to 2030.
PCB assembly is all about integrating electronic components on a printed circuit board through soldering, however as per the requirement of industry every PCB has a different tolerance limit in terms of various aspects. For automotive PCB assembly these aspects are high temperature, vibration and humidity..
To ensure the reliability and long-term performance of electric vehicles, the automotive industry goes through rigorous audits and compliance procedures before outsourcing PCB Assembly services to an EMS Provider so it can be assured of the top quality assembled PCB.
Any vehicle has to be operated under extreme temperature, mechanical stress, vibrations and shocks. To keep up with such challenges, we need to be vigilant in material selection for automotive PCB assembly. Some of them are like high Tg (glass transition temperature) laminates, thermal management substrates, and specialized coatings.
Automotive applications require PCBs to meet stringent quality and safety standards:
These standards guide design, material selection, and testing protocols across all electronic manufacturing services related to automotive applications.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole Technology (THT) are both used depending on the application. Reflow soldering is common in SMT, while wave soldering may be employed for components exposed to higher mechanical stress.
Functional testing is essential in automotive applications to ensure safety and reliability. It includes methods like Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for surface defects and In-Circuit Testing (ICT) for checking component integrity.
X-ray inspection is also used to detect hidden flaws in solder joints. Reliable PCB assembly service provider performs quality checks to ensure each board meets automotive standards before integration.
With the help of these PCB assembly testing methods, we can be assured that your electronic vehicle is not going to crash in any unprecedented situations.
As the technology shifts from traditional mobility to electric mobility, there is increasing demand for high-performance PCBs. Electric vehicles (EVs) require more complex and high voltage boards for assembly. Few electronic manufacturing service providers like Mefron are specialized in automotive-grade PCB assembly services.
Space-saving layouts and integration of multiple functions into a single board are now standard expectations in vehicle design. This requires advanced fabrication capabilities, precise assembly, and robust thermal management.
PCB assembly services are becoming more automated nowadays, with machine learning and real-time monitoring. These technologies help improve accuracy, boost production yield, and make it easier to track every part of the process. This is particularly important in the automotive industry, where maintaining consistency across batches is crucial.
To meet the demand of automotive application requirements, various types of PCB technologies and constructions are required:-
Rigid PCBs are common in automotive electronics, they offer durability and structural stability. It is typically made from FR-4 glass epoxy, with high-temperature variants like FR-4 high temp used for thermal reliability. Rigid PCB boards are made of halogen-free and flame-retarded materials to add safed in harsh conditions.
For compact and dynamic requirements Flexible PCBs are perfect as they can be fitted to limited space. They are constructed using flexible polyimide materials that can withstand high temperatures. It is available in single, double, or multilayer formats. It is used in automotive dashboards, lighting systems, and sensors.
Rigid-Flex PCBs combine the advantages of both rigid and flexible boards. They consist of flexible circuits integrated with rigid sections, allowing for three-dimensional layouts and the connection of multiple boards without the need for additional cables or connectors. This makes them especially useful in space-constrained automotive modules that require both durability and flexibility.
Metal-Backed and High-Frequency PCBs are used in applications demanding efficient thermal control and high-speed signal transmission. Metal-backed PCBs, such as insulated metal substrates (IMS), include a metal baseplate that aids in heat dissipation and EMI shielding. High-frequency PCBs are designed for RF applications, featuring low-loss materials like PTFE and synthetic heat sinks to support stable performance in power amplifiers and communication systems.
Thermal Dissipation: Managing heat is a persistent issue in compact electronic modules.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Production is delayed due to shortage of semiconductor and specialized substrates.
Regulatory Compliance: To stay aligned with global environmental and safety regulations, the EMS must keep them constantly updated.
The role of advanced PCB in the automotive industry is pivotal to supporting the growing demands for electrification, automation, and connectivity. Mefron stands at the forefront of this shift, offering specialized automotive PCB assembly solutions. Our dedicated techno-commercial team, procurement experts, and manufacturing professionals work closely with our clients to deliver high-quality, reliable automotive PCB assemblies that meet the evolving needs of modern vehicles.
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