Automotive FR4 PCB – AEC-Q100 Ready Design

Q1: What is the difference between AEC-Q100 and AEC-Q200?

A:

• AEC-Q100 – Stress test qualification for integrated circuits (ICs) . When we say our PCB is AEC-Q100 ready, we mean it is designed and manufactured to support ICs that meet AEC-Q100, with appropriate materials, thermal performance, and reliability for automotive environments.

• AEC-Q200 – Qualification standard for passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors).

For PCBs themselves, the applicable standards are IPC-6012DA (automotive rigid PCBs) and IATF 16949 (quality management). Our processes comply with both.

Q2: What temperature grade do I need for my automotive application?

A:

We support Grade 1 and Grade 2 as standard. Grade 0 requires specialized high-temperature materials – contact us for a custom quote.

Q3: What is PPAP and do you provide it?

A: PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is the automotive industry’s standard for documenting production readiness. Level 3 (the most common) includes:

• Design records

• Process flow diagrams

• Control plan

• Measurement system analysis

• Dimensional results

• Material test reports

• Functional test results

Yes, we provide PPAP Level 3 for automotive orders. Please specify PPAP requirements when requesting a quote.

Q4: Do you offer controlled impedance for automotive PCBs (ADAS, radar, camera)?

A: Yes. For automotive high-speed applications:

• 50Ω single-ended – GPS, cellular, V2X antennas

• 90Ω differential – USB, LVDS (cameras, displays)

• 100Ω differential – Ethernet (100BASE-T1, 1000BASE-T1)

Standard tolerance: ±10% . Tighter tolerance (±8% or ±5%) available for critical ADAS applications. We provide impedance test reports with each order.

Q5: What is IATF 16949 and why does it matter?

A: IATF 16949 is the automotive industry’s quality management standard, developed by the International Automotive Task Force. It is stricter than ISO9001 and requires:

• Customer-specific requirements

• Product safety (for airbags, brakes, steering)

• Embedded software (for ECUs)

• Warranty management

• Zero defect culture

We are IATF 16949 certified. This is often a mandatory requirement for Tier 1 automotive suppliers.

Q6: Can you make heavy copper PCBs for automotive power applications?

A: Yes. For BMS, DC-DC converters, motor drives, and LED lighting:

• 2 oz copper – moderate power (10-15A)

• 3 oz copper – high power (15-20A)

• 4 oz copper – very high power (20-30A)

Heavy copper can be applied to inner layers (power planes) and outer layers (component connections). Specify your current requirements for a stackup recommendation.

Q7: What is the typical lead time for automotive PCBs?

A: Automotive PCBs require additional process controls and documentation:

• Prototype quantities (1-20 pieces): 7-10 working days

• Pre-production (21-100 pieces): 10-12 working days

• Mass production (100+ pieces): 12-15 working days

• PPAP documentation: +2-3 days

For Grade 0 (150°C) or specialized materials, lead times may be longer – please inquire.

Q8: How do you ensure reliability for automotive vibration environments?

A: We design automotive PCBs specifically for vibration resistance:

• Full annular rings – no reduction vs. standard IPC

• Teardrop pads – reinforce trace-to-pad connections

• Tented vias – prevent solder wicking and contamination

• No via-in-pad (unless filled and plated)

• Sufficient board thickness – 1.6mm minimum for large boards

Our standard automotive PCB design meets ISO 16750-3 (mechanical vibration test standard).

Q9: Can you provide PCBs for electric vehicle (EV) applications?

A: Yes. For EV-specific applications:

Contact us with your EV application details for a custom recommendation.

Q10: Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ) for automotive PCBs?

A: For prototypes, we have no MOQ – we can produce as few as 5 pieces. For production (especially with PPAP documentation), typical MOQ is 50-100 pieces to justify the documentation and process setup costs. Lower quantities may be accepted – please inquire.