Automotive and EV PCB Rework and Repair

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are found in most electronic devices. It contains many different components that are crucial to your device’s health and function. The complexity of a PCB varies depending on its location and purpose. PCBs range from 1-100 layers, with 100 layers being incredibly complex, similar to those found in supercomputers.

PCBs in cars typically range from four to eight layers. Each board handles different tasks, like engine power, noise reduction, window motors, and more. When a PCB fails, particularly in an electronic control unit (ECU), a Battery Management System (BMS), or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), it has an immediate impact on the vehicle.

At Next Node Innovations, we rework and repair PCBs in line with IPC guidelines, providing support for manufacturers with high supply chain demands.

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Common PCB Issues in Vehicles

Issues with PCBs arise from manufacturing defects and normal wear and tear. PCBs are incredibly intricate pieces of a vehicle’s infrastructure. Their parts are typically small and delicate, leaving them susceptible to issues during manufacturing. Manufacturing defects include improper soldering or component placement. Common wear-and-tear issues come from overheating, thermal stress, mechanical stress, vibration and environmental damage.

How Do Automotive and EV PCBs Differ?

PCBs are critical automobile components. Their importance increases in Electric Vehicles (EVs). In traditional automobiles, PCBs control infotainment systems and some electronic systems, such as basic engine functions, anti-lock brakes and airbag release.

In EVs, PCBs are much more advanced and can include up to three times as many as traditional vehicles. EV PCBs are responsible for nearly every function, including battery charging, battery management and motor control.

Automotive and EV PCB Rework and Repair

Whether it's a radio circuit board repair or something more critical, reworking a damaged automotive PCB circuit requires advanced skills and specialized equipment. After PCBs are reworked, they revert to the manufacturer’s specifications. Repairing a damaged PCB fixes its defects, but typically not to the original standards.

During a PCB rework, experts can repurpose internal circuits (ICs) to create a more resilient supply chain for manufacturers, reduce costs and decrease environmental impact. IC repurposing plays a significant part in addressing chip shortages, an issue of growing concern amid ongoing trade and transportation challenges.

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