Lot Traceable PCB With Resistance Code Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing processes make it difficult to trace back production information, such as lot numbers and panel numbers, after dicing, hindering the identification of flawed PCBs and root cause analysis across multiple factories and production lines.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a patterned working zone with code boxes containing resistance test loops on the PCB substrate, allowing production information like lot and panel numbers to be embedded and read using a frying probe tester during manufacturing, ensuring compatibility with existing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a serial number or production information is printed on the substrate before dicing, then the production information can be recorded, but after dicing each individual PCB does not possess a corresponding identifiable number for traceability
Solution Approach 1:
The working zone is divided into multiple code boxes, with each code box containing specific production information segments (lot number, panel number, rack number). This segmentation allows each individual PCB to carry complete traceability information after dicing, while the overall structure remains organized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The production information is embedded in the working zone during the manufacturing process before dicing occurs. The resistance test loops are pre-configured in the code boxes, and the frying probe tester reads this information before the substrate is cut into individual PCBs, ensuring each final product inherits the traceability data.
2Reliability
If production information is embedded in each PCB after dicing, then traceability is improved, but this requires additional processing steps and increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The traceability information embedding is merged with the existing manufacturing process. The working zone with code boxes is created during the standard PCB fabrication process, and the frying probe tester integrates with the existing testing equipment, combining traceability functionality with conventional manufacturing without requiring separate dedicated steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The working zone serves multiple functions: it provides electrical test points for resistance testing, contains production information for traceability, and enables identification of flawed PCBs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate traceability systems and reduces overall manufacturing complexity.
3Productivity
If a frying probe tester is used to probe resistance test loops for abstracting production information, then identification efficiency is improved, but the system requires additional test infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance test loops in the code boxes serve dual purposes: they provide electrical continuity testing and simultaneously encode production information through their resistance characteristics. The frying probe tester reads this information using the same probing mechanism already employed for electrical testing, eliminating the need for separate information reading hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical printing or labeling of production information is replaced with an electrical resistance-based encoding system. Instead of physically marking each PCB with serial numbers, the production information is embedded in the electrical characteristics of the resistance test loops, which can be rapidly read by the frying probe tester.
Data Source
AI summary
A lot traceable printed circuit board (PCB) includes a substrate having thereon a patterned circuit layer and a working zone carrying production information related to the PCB itself. The working zone includes a plurality of code boxes, wherein each of the code boxes has a first probe region and second probe region. A single set of resistance test loop is disposed within the first probe region. Four sets of resistance test loops are disposed within the second probe region. A frying probe tester is used to probe the set of resistance test loops respectively for abstracting the production information recorded in the working zone.