The military-grade circuit board and how it is different from a normally printed circuit board. The article will explain the uses of military-grade circuit boards and their unique advantages which cannot be achieved in with the normal PCBs. What all are the considerations for designing a military-grade circuit board? Since, there are many PCB manufacturers, how to select a great PCB manufacturer for Solid Circuit board design. Finally, you will find the key takeaways so you know exactly what to consider when getting your military-grade circuit boards.

What are Military Grade Circuit Boards?

To ensure the best application in the military sector, the military uses military-grade circuit boards. The printed circuit boards need to be reliable enough because the military uses it in harsh environments. 

Typically, the PCB is used in severe conditions; hence, first of all, they need to be very strong and durable. However, the circuit boards will not be exposed to corrosive environments; hence there is no chance for damaging these circuit boards.

Although there is no chance for any critical damage, opportunities to get in contact with high temperatures, chemicals, and contaminants are highly feasible regularly.  

That is the reason why military-grade circuit boards that suit these harsh environments are required to be chosen. The PCBs use different specifications depending on different types of boards. It is essential to consider some designs which are necessary not only from the perspective of the circuit, but it also concerns the process of manufacturing.

As stated, there are different types of PCBs, starting from single-sided and double-sided. They can be multi-layered wherein the inner and the outer layer comprises copper, and they covered with alternate substrate layers. The best things about these multi-layer PCB circuits are they are capable of allowing more component density.   

Uses of Military Circuit Boards:

As discussed, a PCB circuit is supported mechanically, and it is connected electrically with the components of electronics via conductive pathways, signal traces, and tracks. Now let us have a look the uses of military-grade circuit boards

• In the modern days, the use of circuit boards has increased thanks to the use of these reliable military boards incredibly. The military has been continuously using various technologies, thus welcoming and adopting newly evolved technology. Once they utilize the new technology, they have been able to bring changes and improve the circuit boards so that the military can use it according to their set standards. The military applies various rules and testing, thus making it suitable for the application. It is crucial for individuals who are willing to design in this field because he must keep track of any alterations in the specs. With the change or any improvement in technology, the specs will also like to change. 

• The use of technologically improved PCBs is found in robotic systems, communication systems, uncrewed vehicles, mortars, satellite subsystems, and also in the artillery and equipment used for maintaining security. These are some of the applications where extensive use of PCB can be found, thus making the military PCB devices more reliable and more durable.

• Therefore, as you can understand, there has been a rigorous use of circuit boards in military applications today; hence, circuit boards of higher grades are required to operate any commercial device. This should always be in an operative mode. The military does not have time for any repair or replacement at the time of any emergency. They must ensure the devices that they are always used to work efficiently.  

Things to consider while designing Military Grade Circuit Boards

• The manufacturing stage of the military-grade circuit boards is one of the most critical steps that the PCBs are required to undergo, thus ensuring the components used for creating the PCBs are up to the military standard.
• The tolerance range for these components hover between 1 to 2 %, while for the commercial parts, there is no definite tolerance range. These PCBs must be made in such a way so that they can tolerate the load of power/current. One more thing that should be kept in mind while making these PCBs is they should be capable of tolerating rough environments as they are used extensively.
• In some cases, low-frequency components can also be used; however, it is crucial to differentiate the low frequency from the high frequency to rule out any confusion. It is essential to distinguish because the former and latter components do not go along together well, and there is a high possibility of elements of high frequency can degrade the signal. Therefore, there must not be any interference between low and high-frequency components that can make it difficult for the circuit to work. 
• Also, it essential to make PCBs clock signal shielded and lean. Further, it is a good idea to use the material, which can resist heat, thus making it possible to use the device in extreme weather. Heat dissipation can be provided with the help of thermal compounds. Hence, one must ensure there isn’t much heat in the circuit, and in case, if there is a lot of heat, then there should be enough clearance space in circuit board components. PCBs should be created, keeping in mind the standards of MIL-PRF-50884, MIL-PRF-31031, and MIL-PRF-55110; circuit boards must be made following the rules and specifications.

How to select Great PCB manufacturer for Solid Circuit board Design

When it comes to selecting the Military PCB circuit boards, you must adhere to the specifications and defined standards given by the military during the manufacturing process. 

If you have a design in mind, or before you get a prototype design of the military-grade circuit boards, you must have a look at the Gerber files. It uses the Gerber file viewer and makes sure the prototyped designs are correct, and the circuits will work effectively. Some manufacturers of circuit boards allow the users to view the circuit boards with the help of free viewer, which can be found on the websites. They also provide the users to upload and share files for any ongoing manufacturing of any PCB. 

Irrespective of the grade of the circuit grades, the military circuit boards are selected based on an experienced manufacturer. Some people prefer to go for manufacturers who offer new technical support and assistance. 

Key takeaway- 

Are you looking for military-grade circuit boards? Get in touch with PCB manufacturers who provide high-quality circuit boards and also to know more about the options available today!