Potting (electronics)
Encyclopedia
In electronics
, potting is a process of filling a complete electronic assembly with a solid or gelatinous compound for resistance to shock and vibration, and for exclusion of moisture and corrosive agents. Thermo-setting plastics or silica gels are often used.
Most circuit board assembly houses coat assemblies with a layer of transparent conformal coating
rather than potting.
Conformal coating gives most of the benefits of potting, and is lighter and easier to inspect, test, and repair.
When potting a circuit board that uses surface-mount technology
, it is recommended to use low glass transition temperature (Tg) potting compounds such as polyurethane
or silicone
, because high Tg potting compounds may break solder bonds as they harden and shrink at low temperatures.
Electronics
Electronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
, potting is a process of filling a complete electronic assembly with a solid or gelatinous compound for resistance to shock and vibration, and for exclusion of moisture and corrosive agents. Thermo-setting plastics or silica gels are often used.
Most circuit board assembly houses coat assemblies with a layer of transparent conformal coating
Conformal coating
Conformal coating material is applied to electronic circuitry to act as protection against moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes that, if uncoated , could result in damage or failure of the electronics to function...
rather than potting.
Conformal coating gives most of the benefits of potting, and is lighter and easier to inspect, test, and repair.
When potting a circuit board that uses surface-mount technology
Surface-mount technology
Surface mount technology is a method for constructing electronic circuits in which the components are mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards . An electronic device so made is called a surface mount device...
, it is recommended to use low glass transition temperature (Tg) potting compounds such as polyurethane
Polyurethane
A polyurethane is any polymer composed of a chain of organic units joined by carbamate links. Polyurethane polymers are formed through step-growth polymerization, by reacting a monomer with another monomer in the presence of a catalyst.Polyurethanes are...
or silicone
Silicone
Silicones are inert, synthetic compounds with a variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant and rubber-like, they are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications , cookware, and insulation....
, because high Tg potting compounds may break solder bonds as they harden and shrink at low temperatures.