HDI Circuit Boards Are Used in Military Applications
Military applications demand high technical performance to withstand harsh environmental conditions and perform complex functions reliably. High-density interconnection PCBs (HDI) are ideal for these requirements as they can accommodate more technology while being smaller in size and less susceptible to environmental degradation. They are also able to provide greater power management and cooling capabilities.
Military-grade circuit boards are used in a wide variety of military systems including unmanned vehicles, robotic systems, defense navigation systems, communication systems, computers used by soldiers in the field, mortars and artillery, and satellite subsystems. Because of the nature of the military, these systems cannot afford to be down for even a short period of time. This is why these systems are designed to run on higher-grade circuit boards that are more resistant to damage, heat, and corrosion.
The use of hdi circuit boards in military applications also demands that these devices can be easily maintained and replaced without requiring significant downtime and a great deal of money. For this reason, these circuits must be able to handle harsh environment conditions and withstand vibration and impact. In addition, they must be able to work under severe temperatures and humidity.
How HDI Circuit Boards Are Used in Military Applications
Choosing a manufacturer that understands the unique needs of these applications is crucial to ensure that the finished product will meet the required specifications. Look for a manufacturer that has experience working with customers in the military and aerospace industries, and has the equipment and expertise to produce PCBs that can be quickly and efficiently repaired or replaced as needed.
The choice of materials and the number of sequential laminations in the PCB will have a significant impact on its overall cost. In general, a 2-n-1 design will be more expensive than a 1+N+1 design because it requires more layers. The type and amount of vias, through-holes, or microvias will also affect the cost of a board. Smaller vias are more expensive than larger ones because they require higher precision.
In addition, the type of finish and the surface treatment will have an impact on the cost of a military-grade PCB. The best finish for a military-grade PCB is immersion tin, which is durable and allows components to be soldered more easily. Other good finishes include ENIG and HASL.
The manufacturing process for hdi circuit boards requires special equipment that is typically only available at large companies. This includes laser drill technology for the very small microvias in the layers of a HDI board. It is important to choose a manufacturer that has this equipment and can offer competitive pricing for these high-quality PCBs. A quality supplier will be able to produce boards in a timely manner, and will not charge an excessive fee for rush orders. This will help to keep the costs down and make these high-performance PCBs affordable for military and aerospace applications.