6 Things To Know About IPC-A-610 Standard
4 min read
The IPC-A-610 certification, also known as Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, is a crucial IPC standard. IPC is a premier standards organization that outlines the guidelines to design, manufacture, and test PCB. The IPC-A-610 standard is the “most widely used electronics assembly acceptance standard in the electronics industry.” It defines guidelines and requirements to enable PCB assembly manufacturers to meet acceptable quality levels during the manufacturing process. The concerned standard is also deployed across the medical, aerospace, and military manufacturing industries as a condition of employment.
The IPC 610 standard functions as a reference tool to enable the stakeholders to determine product quality. They generally keep this document readily available to refer to it throughout the process. It helps in maintaining consistency and reliability in electronic assemblies. IPC-A-610 is a primary standard for circuit board assembly and is developed in synergy with J-STD-001 and IPC/WHMA-A-620. Anyone responsible for the quality of electronic assemblies must follow the norm. It includes personnel like quality supervisors, engineering supervisors, and manufacturing supervisors.
IPC 610 is a two-tier certification. Individuals need to complete a training course and a certification examination. Individuals who are assured that they do not need training can directly opt for the challenge test for obtaining certification. Certified trainers then receive the qualification to train application specialists on IPC-A-610. The IPC A 610standard comprises three classes – 1, 2, and 3. Certain principles and qualities distinguish these classes. You need to primarily under the IPC-A-610 classification system:
- Class 1: General Electronic Products
- Class 2: Dedicated Service Electronic Products
- Class 3: High Performance/Harsh Environment Electronic Products
Class 1
IPC Standards Class 1 is the lowest of the Classes. Hence, it is pretty ‘lenient’ in terms of permitting allowances for potential defects. The products in this class are deployed in cheap, low-consequence items, for example, children’s toys. While they must function as desired, these products have a considerably shorter lifespan. Hence, these are priced relatively, which justifies their quality. Most PCBAs implemented in commercial electronics products come under this classification. In these products, service interruption is far from critical.
Class 2
The IPC standards class 2 products are generally highly requested for non-critical electronic assemblies. It permits a certain degree of anomalies, and longer-term reliability is desirable, though it may not be essential. While they do not have to be of the highest quality, it still needs to deliver more extended and more effective reliability. The imperfections which it allows may include provisions like “off pad” component placement. In such cases, the product will deliver proper functionality, but it may fail to look perfect. Hence, the dedicated service electronic products boards under class 2 need to be highly reliable, durable and enable continuous operation. But, even if it fails to meet the defined criteria, it will not threaten personal safety or health.
Class 3
Class 3 ranks highest among the three IPC classes. Hence, the stakeholders must satisfy the electronic assembly process with all of the IPC criteria. It supervises plating thickness, laminate selection, material qualifications, manufacturing processes, and inspection. Class 3 demands the best workmanship to satisfy the quality and reliability requirements. Class 3 is necessary for high-end electronic products and other critical assemblies. The highest quality assemblies, however, come at a higher cost since it is time and cost-intensive. Class 3 covers products that must operate on demand and provide uninterrupted service during their lifecycle. These devices should not fail, as they could be dangerous or even fatal.
Changes ToIPC-A-610H
The new revision ‘H’ to the IPC A 610 standard, which was released in 2020. The changes to the standard include
- Removed all target conditions, it followed the steps in IPC/WHMA-A-620D
- New criteria on wrapped terminals
- ESD moved to a separate appendix
- Separation of board assembly against the cable and wire harness
- General updates across the standard
- Jumper wire criteria folded into its chapter
- In the creation of the revision, more countries were involved, which increased from 11 to 29.
Major Provisions UnderIPC-A-610H
- Soldering requirements for through-hole technology (THT) and surface mount devices (SMDs); also include limitations on anomalies.
- Component mounting requirements, along with orientation, spacing, connections, and more
- Terminal requirements, along with soldering, conductors, insulation, and more.
- Acceptable silkscreen labeling and marking.
- Conformal coating and cleanliness provisions.
Who Benefits From IPC-A-610 Certification?
The IPC-A-610 certification is a valuable reference tool to show that you possess the requisite electronics assembly and soldering knowledge. It can help you if you choose to become a specialist (CIS) or trainer (CIT). Hence, those responsible for guaranteeing reliability and quality in electronic assemblies should opt for IPC-A-610 certification. It will enable you to gain recognition by the IPC. Once you procure the certification, you must recertify yourself every two years. However, a 90-day grace period is available after the term expires.
To Conclude:
This article details on few aspects of the IPC-A-610 standard that is widely applicable across the electronics industry. It will help you determine that the manufacturing process adheres to the quality guidelines, enabling you to release high-performing products that improve customer satisfaction.
About Author
