THE CHALLENGE

A tier one technology company developed a highly complex PCBA for defense and aerospace applications using MPAR technology (Multi Functional Phased Array Radar). The oversized PCB had 15 layers with mixed high-speed laminates, embedded resistors, blind and buried vias. The PCBA included 2,500 components and 64 daughter board RF modules. Large numbers of RF signals, along with high power devices increased signal management complexity. The customer struggled to have one prototype built using separate PCB and PCBA manufacturers. They needed at least 50 boards for engineering evaluation.
 

WHY SANMINA

The customer needed a partner with experience delivering highly complex PCBAs. They believed Sanmina’s concurrent engineering approach including PCB, PCBA and test engineers working with the customer’s design engineers would get the product to market. Sanmina demonstrated capability to deliver highly complex technology.
 

SANMINA’S APPROACH

  • Sanmina PCB engineers recommended a specific mix of laminates to shield and isolate various RF signals.
  • They tested three materials to develop the best recommendation for rohasol bonding.
  • A multi-stage PCB manufacturing process was developed building 4 layers at a time, incorporating complex buried and blind via structures.
  • Controlled depth milling was used to accommodate the 64 RF modules.
  • Cavities were milled out in the mother board to shield the RF modules from interference.
  • Sanmina test engineers worked in collaboration with the customer’s design engineers to provide test access while minimizing RF interference.
  • 5DX x-ray was used to inspect non-visible elements of the PCBA.
  • Experiments were conducted with thermocouples attached to the PCBA to develop the optimum reflow profile for higher reliability.
  • A unique rework process was developed for this advanced PCBA.

 

RESULTS

  • The first working PCBA was produced within two weeks.
  • 70 pre-production PCBAs were manufactured within 4 months.
  • A consistent approach to manufacturing the PCB was developed.

Questions?