Specialty Coating Systems highlights the advantages of utilizing Parylene conformal coatings for the protection of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and associated electronic assemblies.
Choosing the appropriate conformal coating material is crucial, as each type possesses distinct advantages tailored to specific operational environments.
Parylene conformal coatings offer robust protection for PCBs and related electronic components. They shield against a variety of threats, including contaminants, corrosion, dust, fungi, moisture, salt spray, extreme temperatures, and, especially for implantable medical devices, bodily fluids.
The use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) assemblies and devices has surged in military and defense sectors. Even though these electronics were not originally designed for such applications, budget constraints within the Department of Defense, coupled with stringent Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations, have lead to their increased adoption. The customary approach of custom-designed military devices has shifted towards adapting COTS solutions for many non-critical applications.
Enhancing Product Durability
Ruggedized products are engineered to perform exceptionally well under extreme conditions, including severe temperatures, exposure to dust, rain, soot, water, and intense vibrations. Given the demanding environments in which these devices operate,internal components require robust protection to ensure their functionality.Parylene conformal coatings,known for their durability and versatility,have been the preferred choice for military applications for over five decades.
Beyond military embedded systems, rugged devices have proven their reliability in aerospace computing, emergency healthcare, public safety, and specialized scientific research, including undersea and arctic exploration. These diverse operational settings are marked by high stress, drastic temperature fluctuations, and variable atmospheric conditions, necessitating specialized protection for components. Parylene conformal coatings provide the resilience needed to maintain functionality where unprotected devices would fail. Key features of Parylene coatings include:
- Compliance with RoHS standards
- Adherence to IPC-CC-830 specifications
- Inclusion on the Defense Supply Center Qualified Parts List (QPL) for MIL-I-46058
COTS components repurposed for military use must comply with MIL-STD-810F standards, which outline performance criteria in response to artillery impacts, extreme acceleration, and exposure to various contaminants, including shrapnel, blood, fungi, and salt fog. The MIL-STD-810F specification provides testing protocols to assess a device’s ability to operate in critical environments, including:
- Creation of a uniform, bubble-free conformal film
- Resistance to vibrations
- Effective barriers against biological, chemical, and moisture threats
- Prevention of metallic whisker formation
- Support for MEMS and nanotechnology applications
- Reinforcement of delicate PCB leads and connections by a factor of ten
- High dielectric strength
- Mechanical properties that ensure resistance to environmental shocks, vibrations, and both natural and man-made disasters
Moreover, Parylene-ruggedized COTS electronics can endure changes in altitude and interference from magnetic fields or radio frequencies. as a military-grade conformal coating, Parylenes enhance the durability of ruggedized devices while maintaining their operational capabilities under challenging conditions.
With the increasing demand for products designed to withstand harsh environments, ruggedized solutions are becoming more prevalent.These products are crafted to meet stringent performance standards across industrial, defense, aerospace, and commercial sectors. Parylene coatings, recognized on the QPL, have been utilized for over 50 years in military and aerospace applications for custom devices, and they also improve the integrity of COTS devices without substantially increasing weight or costs.
