PCB Traceability via Layered X-Ray Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-customer, multi-spec, multi-number, and multi-batch printed circuit board production, existing identification codes on printed circuit boards often lead to confusion during tracking, as they do not effectively differentiate between various layers and stages of production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving marking and reading identification codes on copper foil substrates at each stage of printed circuit board manufacturing, using a predetermined encoding rule to associate identity information across layers, and storing this information in a database for traceability, with X-ray scanning and laser marking techniques for accurate tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional identification codes are used on printed circuit boards, then the production process can be simplified, but tracking accuracy and differentiation between layers/stages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification code into multiple segments distributed across different copper foil layers. Each layer carries a portion of the identification information, allowing the system to maintain tracking accuracy while distributing the manufacturing complexity across multiple standard production steps rather than requiring a single complex marking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface marking to three-dimensional distributed marking across multiple layers. By embedding identification codes within the multi-layer structure itself rather than merely on the surface, the system achieves better tracking differentiation without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity, as the codes are integrated during standard lamination processes.
2Measurement precision
If identification codes are marked on each copper foil layer, then tracking precision across production stages improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the identification marking process with the existing copper foil lamination and production processes. By combining code marking with standard manufacturing steps rather than adding separate dedicated marking operations, the system achieves high tracking precision without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the copper foil layers themselves as intermediaries to carry identification information. Rather than requiring separate tracking tags or markers, the copper foils serve dual purposes as both electrical conductors and information carriers, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-customer, multi-spec production is implemented, then production versatility improves, but tracking confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing identification codes for different customers, specifications, and batches at specific locations within the multi-layer structure. Each layer or region can carry identification information tailored to its specific production context, allowing the system to handle diverse production requirements without information confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic tracking by enabling the identification system to adapt to different production scenarios. The distributed code structure allows flexible interpretation and tracking of different customer specifications and batches through the same physical structure, maintaining clarity despite production versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables clear and accurate tracking of printed circuit board units across production stages, reducing confusion and ensuring precise recording of identity and processing information, thus enhancing production efficiency and traceability.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray scanning device to scan the identification code of the inner copper foil substrate
Implementation Method 2
a laser marking device to mark the identification code on the inner copper foil substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking objects such as a printed circuit board (PCB) undergoing multiple manufacturing processes traceability system includes a coding unit, a scanning unit, and a reading unit and a database. The printed circuit board includes at least two inner copper foil substrates, subsequent substrates can be added. The coding unit marks identification and manufacturing stage codes on the inner copper foil substrate for through scanning by the scanning unit emitting X-rays. The reading unit can receive and parse the codes identified by the X-rays, and determine the previous or a next stage according to a predetermined encoding rule without risk of stage repetition or stage omission or product misplacement. The database stores standard identities and information as to manufacturing stages as a reference.