Automotive Radar PCB
A Radar PCB is a component of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that collects environmental data inside and outside a vehicle to detect static and dynamic objects. It is used to warn drivers of potential hazards.
Incorrect solder mask application and oxidation are among the most common causes of radar PCB failure. To avoid these problems, it is important to use high-quality PCB materials and ensure that the circuits are properly positioned.
High-performance connecting materials
Electronic safety systems are a major part of modern vehicles as we steer toward a future of driver-assistance systems and self-driving cars. These systems rely on printed-antenna PCBs to transmit and receive radar signals from the vehicle and Automotive Radar PCB surrounding objects, which are then analyzed by digital circuits to make decisions for the car’s operation. In order to fabricate these millimeter-wave radar sensor hybrid PCBs, suitable circuit materials are necessary.
The ideal circuit laminate for this type of application will be FR-4, which is a low-cost, flame-retardant material with a high glass transition temperature. This type of material also has a relatively low CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion), which makes it possible to achieve good plated-through-hole (PTH) reliability for dependable connections between layers.
In addition, a low insertion loss is critical for this type of application, as it reduces the amount of energy that is lost in the antenna. A high insertion loss will decrease the performance of the radar sensor.
Immersion gold or silver surface finishes
A good PCB surface finish is essential for a high-quality finished product. Choosing the wrong finish can damage the surface of the board and affect its performance. Choosing the right finish also depends on your budget and regulatory requirements. Some finishes require special handling or storage conditions, while others may corrode over time.
Immersion silver is a popular surface treatment that is RoHS compliant. It has excellent solderability and resists the black pad effect. It also has a flat surface that is easy for manufacturers to work with. This makes it ideal for SMD components.
ENEPIG is a two-layer metallic coating that consists of nickel and gold. The nickel layer acts as a barrier to the copper and prevents corrosion. The gold layer is deposited using a displacement reaction and provides a hard, durable surface for connections. ENEPIG is compatible with a wide range of assembly technologies, including lead-free soldering and aluminum wire bonding. However, it is more expensive than other surface finishes. The ENEPIG process can also be difficult to control and is susceptible to contamination from environmental sulfur.
Laser drilling
Laser drilling is a fast, reliable method for creating holes in the circuit board. It can also produce a more accurate hole size. This is due to the fact that it uses a laser instead of a needle, which results in fewer foreign particles entering the holes. It also allows for a more stable and uniform drill.
In order to produce a more precise hole size, the laser drills in a helical pattern. This enables the laser to remove more material from the surface than if it were to simply rotate in place. Helical drilling is particularly effective for drilling holes with large diameters.
While oxidation and incorrect solder mask application are the most common causes of failure for Automotive Radar PCBs, contamination can also occur during production and assembly. A contamination test is a crucial testing procedure that assesses the strength and quality of solder wetting by simulating contact. The technique is ideal for evaluating coating, solder and flux, assembly & wetting, and quality control. This test can be performed on a PCB sample or a complete board.
Mixed lamination
For the best results, you need to work with a PCB manufacturer with a long history of producing Radar PCBs. An experienced manufacturer will reduce development time and begin production quickly, using reliable manufacturing techniques. A qualified manufacturer will also be able to reduce costs and offer superior quality output.
ADAS Radar PCBs use microwave high-frequency signals to transmit radar sensor data for a variety of purposes, including anti-collision and predictive emergency braking. As such, they require substrate materials with low dielectric loss. These include PTFE, which is often used in conjunction with conventional FR-4 base materials. Compared to FR-4, PTFE has lower CTE values, making it more suited for radar sensor applications.
Depending on your application, you can choose from several different circuit board materials. For example, woven glass reinforced PTFE laminates are more dimensionally stable than chopped fiberglass based products. Moreover, they have a lower insertion loss than FR-4 circuit boards. You can also opt for the halogen-free Megtron 6 circuit board material, which has a low CTE and high thermal stability.
Surface-mount technology
Radar PCBs are used in automotive ADAS systems to detect obstacles and help avoid collisions. They are becoming increasingly common in Automotive Radar PCB Supplier new vehicles as the technology advances. They are also widely used in smart home automation devices, such as door openers that sense movement and open on their own.
Surface-mount technology entails attaching component leads to the surface of the circuit board with solder. This method is more efficient and cheaper than through-hole technology. The pads on the circuit boards are coated to inhibit oxidation, and solder paste is screened through a stencil onto these surfaces. Eutectic solder paste is most commonly used.
The surface tension of molten solder pulls the components into alignment with the pads on the circuit board. This technique allows for a high component density and minimizes power losses.
A good PCB manufacturer should offer a variety of manufacturing options. An experienced manufacturer can significantly reduce development time and begin volume production quickly. They should also use heavy copper boards that can withstand higher temperatures and currents. They should also provide wetting balancing testing, which is an effective way to assess the strength and quality of the wetting force.