ipc-a-6012
IPC-6012 is a widely recognized standard for the qualification and performance
specification of rigid printed boards. It outlines the requirements for different classes of
boards to ensure quality and reliability based on their intended use.
Here’s a breakdown of its classes and associated details:
Classifications of IPC-6012
- Class 1: General Electronic Products
- Products where reliability and extended life are not critical.
- Example: Consumer electronics like remote controls.
- Class 2: Dedicated Service Electronic Products
- Products where continued performance and extended life are required but uninterrupted service is not critical.
- Example: Communications equipment, industrial controls.
- Class 3: High-Reliability Electronic Products
- Products where continued high performance or performance-on-demand is critical, and equipment downtime cannot be tolerated.
- Example: Aerospace, military, and medical applications.
Key Features of IPC-6012
- Specification of requirements for base materials and printed board construction.
- Defines performance tolerances, defect limits, and test methods.
- Ensures manufacturing consistency and compliance with stringent quality
standards. - Covers both single- and double-sided printed circuit boards (PCBs), as well as
multilayer PCBs.
Additional Considerations:
- Microvias and High-Density Interconnect (HDI): Special sections in IPC-6012 address the requirements for advanced technologies.
- Material Specifications: Details of the material properties needed to meet the standard.
- Performance Testing: Includes tests for thermal stress, plating thickness, dielectric properties, and more.
- Inspection Standards: Guidelines for visual and physical inspections, including acceptability criteria.