Some people believe that the most crucial aspect of hardware development lies in principle and PCB design, while others argue that performance is paramount. Yet, few pay attention to the soldering process, which involves the assembly of devices before the birth of a hardware product. The end result is crucial, but encountering issues during the process can significantly impact the outcome.

As a novice in electronic design, my initial understanding of soldering was simply to connect components based on the schematic diagram and PCB layout to ensure electrical connectivity. Under the guidance of experienced colleagues, I learned the importance of achieving a flat and smooth soldering surface on the circuit board.

When working with high-speed circuits, I was advised to use a small amount of flux in addition to ensuring proper soldering technique, as it could affect signal quality. During the initial stages of product debugging, I encountered mysterious issues with signal levels varying unexpectedly. Despite trying various troubleshooting methods for two days, I found myself questioning component selection, design principles, and even my own grasp of physics. It is essential to reflect on one’s work habits when faced with such challenges.

For instance, poor soldering habits like only soldering one end of components, improper selection of components with identical package values, overuse of flux, etc., may be contributing to the current problem. In my case, excessive use of flux was identified as the cause of the issue. Sometimes, seeking assistance from others can provide a fresh perspective and help break out of a fixed thinking pattern that may be hindering progress.

When it comes to soldering, attention should be paid to the following aspects:

1. Welding Materials: solder, flux

2. Welding Temperature: adjust as per device specifications to avoid damaging components.

3. Welding Environment: Ensure a smoke-free work environment.

4. Protective Measures: Guard against static electricity, solder splashes, prioritize safety.

WellCircuits Limited specializes in manufacturing high-precision double-sided, multilayer, impedance-controlled, blind/buried vias, thick copper PCBs. Our products cover a wide range including HDI, backplanes, rigid-flex, buried capacitance/resistance, Golden Finger boards, catering to diverse customer requirements.

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