Today, automation requires using robots, as well as their other electronic components. One important aspect of all robotics is the PCB (printed circuit board) that is useful for electronic operation and electronic control. With many industries using robotics, choosing PCB solutions, which meet the different and various needs of automated devices is now becoming very valuable.
This circuit board offers the control system. Also, it is one of the important components of the robot system that ensures its operation. Other main parts of the robot include actions, power supply, sensors, body, and feedback. Due to the fact that the PCB has to work in controlling the robot, it is impossible for robot builders to compromise the structure and design of the printed circuit board (PCB).
What are the Applications of the Robotic PCB?
Just the way robots have many applications, robotic PCB also have many. There are sectors that have accepted the advantages of automation using robotics, as well as the PCBs, which drive them. Below are some applications.
Manufacturing
Regarding manufacturing, the robots can handle some repetitive tasks that were initially handled by humans. Also, robots don’t work with breaks or shift changes. This allows facilities making use of the automation form to manufacture products throughout the day and year.
One key to ensuring the total operation of the automated devices is reliability. For the hardworking soldering robots, you can meet their long-term operation demands with metal PCB substrates.
Medical
Using medical robots have been able to overcome some of the disadvantages experienced with human workers. When handling pathogens or working near sick patients, medical robots can’t get infected. Also, these robots have the ability of delivering supplies and medications quickly to the patients and doctors.
Marine
Robots marine applications include devices to deliver remote research in underwater applications. Due to the fact that these situations usually place these robots in extreme pressure and temperature conditions, PCBs used here must be very robust to handle this environment. Circuit boards for vessels, marine robots, as well as other applications related to marine can help in controlling everything including navigation, temperature sensors, solid-state lasers, and communication.
Because of the way these marine robots and vessels are located remotely, the boards must not fail. The PCBs used here must be defect-free, well-made, and tough.
Energy
It may be necessary for the energy sector to need very durable and rigid PCBs. This is to help withstand the conditions of off-shore operations, power plants, and refineries, which are usually harsh. Also rigid pcbs that feature heat and moisture resistant components have the ability to keep controlling the robotics or automated devices.
What are the Design Considerations for Robot PCB?
The robot PCB usually begins with the schematic. The design phase is important for the arrangement and outlining of the components. When designing the PCB there’s a need to be specific, so as to prevent issues during the manufacturing and evaluation phases. Different considerations for the design include package design, drill size, and trace width.
Package Design
When designing, ensure you comprehend the view that the package creates. Generally, you wish to create the PCB package’s bottom view. If making use of it at the top, ensure you mirror that design to make sure of the components’ symmetry.
As a result of the package’s limited space, consider making use of both sides. Take for example, you can place the bottom’s surface mounted devices onto the top’s through hole components. In addition, make use of connectors that are more compact in saving space, where necessary.
Drill Size
Drill size indicates the width of the holes that have been cut into the printed circuit board (PCB). However, when you are indicating the right drill size on the diagram, there’s no need to use the needed distance. Give it a slight increase. Some space will be filled with solder, thereby reducing the necessary drill size and then making up for discrepancies between the hole and the required space.
Trace Width
Trace width helps in determining the available space in carrying current. Both the ground line and power line make use of traces. Also both must feature sufficient width. Furthermore, don’t create layouts requiring 90-degree, sharp turns in these traces.
When the trace size isn’t wide enough, there can be heat damage on the PCB components. However, avoid the trace size from being so wide in interfering with the other PCB components.
What are the Challenges for Robotic Printed Circuit Boards?
Robotic printed circuit boards usually experience many challenges to ensure that they function properly. To make sure the robots operate properly, the printed circuit boards (PCBs) must possess high quality. It is important to avoid risks, most especially for the robotic applications that put the safety or lives of people at risk.
Risk Management in PCB Design
Examining the design of the board to avoid problems and ensure manufacturability is very important. Take for instance, a review of the design before the engineering makes the general design function. It checks the shorts, open circuits, aspect ratio, traces and spaces present in your PCB design.
Once the manufacturer is informed, there is enough time to fix the problems and also avoid whatever risks that improper design holds for PCB manufacturing.
Quality
The PCB quality means making use of printed circuit boards (PCBs) that follows the process of quality assurance during manufacturing. From your PCB provider ask for this certification – ISO 9001:2015.
Also, the supplier of your robotic PCB must adhere strictly to the requirements of the industry-specific certification like IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012. When you conform to the established standards, it allows the quality of completed boards.
Conclusion
The specifics and quality of your printed circuit board mist carefully match your desired projects. Also, you have to meet the challenges of these robotics. This is why you need to work with a professional to deliver circuit boards meeting your project’s specs. We at RayMing PCB can meet your demands and needs because our capabilities include different surface finishes and quick turnaround. You can check out our latest articles to understand printed circuit boards better.
