WHAT IS IPC?

IPC is the trade association for the electronic interconnection industry. It

provides industry standards for the assembly and protection of electronic equipment,
as well as training, market research and public policy advocacy.
IPC is a member-driven organization and has more than 3,000 member
companies around the world. Its members include companies in all aspects of the
global electronics industry, including designers, suppliers, board manufacturers,
assembly companies and original equipment manufacturers.
The organization got its start in 1957 as the Institute for Printed Circuits. It later
changed its name to the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic
Circuits due to the expansion to packaging and electronic assemblies from bare
boards. In 1999, it adopted the name IPC, with the tagline Association Connecting
Electronics Industries.
IPC has its headquarters in Bannockburn, Illinois, and has other offices around the
United States and the world, including in India, China, Sweden and Russia.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has accredited IPC as a standard-
developing organization. What are the IPC standards? They are the most widely
recognized acceptability codes in the electronics industry. The organization
publishes standards for nearly every phase of the electronic product development
cycle, including design, purchasing, assembly, packaging and more.
IPC currently has more than 300 active standards and more than 1,000 standards in
its resource library. Electronic designers all around the world use these standards for
everything from generic reference designs to more customized blueprints.
Committees of volunteers from across the electronics industry draft, edit and vote on
IPC standards. More than 3,000 industry professionals across the globe participate
in this process. Committees can include people from around the world, as members
can participate via in-person meetings, teleconference and email.
The association provides validation services programs, including a standards gap
analysis that helps organizations address manufacturing issues and determine what
they need to do to reach compliance with standards. It maintains a qualified
manufacturers list and qualified products to help you determine if a product complies
with IPC electrical standards.
There are more than 110 IPC-licensed training centers around the world. The
organization also offers online and multimedia education and training resources. It
hosts educational events, as well as technical and management
conferences, including IPC APEX EXPO, which is the largest electronics
manufacturing industry exhibition in North America, and APEX South China.
Additionally, the organization conducts market research and does work in
government relations and environmental policy. IPC advocates for the electronics
industry with regulators around the world.
 
WHAT IS IPC PCB?

Since IPC creates standards for the electrical and electronics industry, it also plays a
crucial role in producing standards for PCBs. You can find IPC standards for PCB
manufacturing at every stage of the PCB production process, including design and
manufacturing.
For example, at the beginning of a PCB’s creation, IPC plays a role in setting
standards for file formats, PCB design software, design guides and electronic
product documentation. These standard PCB specifications also affect the
appropriate materials for PCB board assemblies, surface mount devices and surface
finishes. Additionally, they play a role in testing and judging the acceptability of
printed boards.
IPC PCB standards also set requirements for soldering electrical and electronic work
in PCBs. These soldering standards often relate to reflow and wave soldering, as
well as solder splices. Companies also rely on them to see if their electrical and
electronic assemblies are acceptable during manufacturing. IPC standards also
cover cable and wire harness assemblies. Finally, they set acceptability standards
for the manufacture, inspection and testing of electronic enclosures before the PCB
is released as a final product.

WHY DO IPC STANDARDS MATTER?

Producing safe, reliable, high-performing PCB products requires persistent attention

to detail and commitment to quality throughout the production process. Adhering to
IPC standards throughout the process can help companies achieve that.
Just as the production processes for PCBs take a step-by-step approach, the IPC
standards all build upon one another. With so many standards for PCB design,
assembly, manufacturing and inspection, you can implement an IPC standard for
nearly every phase of production.
To achieve high-quality, reliable products that meet customer expectations,
companies involved in the production of PCBs and the products that use
them must commit to quality through the use of IPC standards and certifications for
printed circuit boards.
Complying with IPC standards can help a company improve its processes and
products in numerous ways. Below are four of the leading benefits:

1. Improved Product Quality and Reliability

Adhering to IPC standards throughout the manufacturing process can help

companies improve the quality and reliability of their products. Creating products that
perform better and last longer will help make a company more competitive and more
profitable, as well as improve customer satisfaction.
IPC standards can help improve processes and also increase consistency in
products. Using IPC standards when inspecting PCBs and other products can
ensure consistent quality.

2. Improved Communication

Adhering to IPC standards helps improve communication both internally and

externally by ensuring everyone uses the same terminology and agrees on
expectations. Internally, employees who speak the same language can collaborate
and more easily make the changes needed to make improvements. IPC standards
also improve communication with customers, supplier vendors, regulators and
others. Using the same terminology can prevent miscommunication that can lead to
production delays and inconsistencies and, potentially, unhappy customers.

3. Reduced Costs

The improvements that result from using IPC standards can help reduce costs.
Improving quality and minimizing miscommunications diminishes the likelihood of
delays and reworks. IPC standards can also allow companies to minimize resource
use and increase efficiency.

4. Improved Reputation and New Opportunities

Adhering to internationally recognized standards like those from IPC gives a

company instant credibility. Even if someone knows nothing about your business,
when they see you follow IPC standards, they can rest assured of your commitment
to quality. IPC standards will enhance the quality of your products, improving your
reputation. Ultimately, following these standards will help attract customers, open the
door to new opportunities and make you more competitive.

IPC STANDARDS TERMINOLOGY YOU SHOULD KNOW

To help users understand and work with its standards, IPC provides definitions of
terms it uses. This common terminology can also help make communication more
accurate and efficient across the industry. You can purchase a full list of names and
definitions from IPC, but you can still find out about some of the primary terms and
classifications below:

What Do IPC Classes Mean?

IPC separates PCBs in electronics manufacturing into three different classes. These
classes signal the quality of the PCB, with Class 1 being the lowest quality and Class
3 being the highest quality. Companies that produce electronics with PCBs should
be aware of these different classes since they dictate the safety and performance
specifications companies must meet in inspections and the quality standards that
apply to the products.
Learn more about how IPC defines the three classes of electronic products below:

Class 1 – general electronic products: Class 1 products are for applications in which

the primary requirement is the function of the completed IPC assembly. This class
includes most typical everyday products and consumer electronics.
Class 2 – dedicated service electronic products: Class 2 products must have high
reliability and extended life. Uninterrupted service is preferable but not critical. The
use environment of the product typically wouldn’t cause failures. Some examples of
these products include microwaves and laptops.
Class 3 – high-performance electronic products: Class 3 products must provide
continued performance or performance on demand. There can be no equipment
downtime, and the end-use environment may be exceptionally harsh. The equipment
must function when required. This category includes critical systems such as life
support systems. Class 3 PCBs are used in advanced medical equipment, clean
technology and machine learning.

Other Terminology
Besides being aware of classifications of different electronic products, there are a
few other terms you may want to become more familiar with. Since IPC commonly
uses the following terms, you’re likely to encounter them if you produce PCBs, and
you may want to take the time to learn what they mean:
 Acceptance tests: The tests required to determine whether a product is
acceptable, as agreed upon by the purchaser and vendor.
 Assembly: Several parts, subassemblies or combinations thereof joined together.
 Resist A coating material used to mask or protect certain areas of a pattern
during manufacturing or testing from the action of an etchant, plating, solder or
other coatings.
 Integrated circuit: A combination of inseparably associated circuit elements
formed in place and interconnected on or within a single base material to perform
a microcircuit function.
 Flexural strength: The tensile strength of the outermost fiber of a material that
must bend.
 Critical operation: One procedure of a total process that has a significant impact
on the characteristics of the completed product.
 Process indicator: A deviation on a product that doesn’t harm its reliability, fit or
function, such as discolored insulation or a solder joint containing a pinhole.
 

A HISTORY OF IPC STANDARDS

The electronics industry has changed significantly over the years with the
introduction of new technologies, regulations and expectations. As the industry has
evolved, IPC standards have grown with it. Here’s a brief overview of the history of
IPC standards.

1950s-1970s

As mentioned earlier, the Institute for Printed Circuits initially formed in 1957,
when six PCB manufacturers came together.
The year after its founding, IPC published its book How to Design and Specify
Printed Circuits. The book was the organization’s first major publication and sold
more than 25,000 copies.
In 1964, IPC published the initial version of IPC-A-600, the Acceptability of Printed
Boards — the IPC standard for bare PCB acceptability requirements. The standard
has undergone seven revisions and updates since then. Today, it remains the
leading source for visual support for acceptability requirements for bare boards in the
IPC-6010 series.
In 1977, IPC changed its name to the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging
Electronic Circuits, in response to the growing number of electronic assembly
companies that were becoming involved with the association.
The next year, the organization sponsored its first large international event — the
Printed Circuit World Convention. Held in London, the event included printed wiring
board associations from across the globe. In addition to IPC, then called the Institute
for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits, sponsors of the conference
included the European Institute for Printed Circuits, the Institute of Circuit
Technology UK, the Japan Printed Circuit Association and the Printed Circuit Group
Institute of Metal Finishing UK.

1980s-2000s

In 1983, IPC published the first version of IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic

Assemblies. The standard is the most published and referenced in the organization’s
history.
1994 saw the opening of the IPC Printed Circuits Expo in Boston, with more than
1,700 people in attendance. The expo featured nearly 100 committee meetings, 60
technical papers and 17 workshops to develop standards.
1994 marked the first time IPC offered its certification and training program for
Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, IPC-A-610B. This program remains one of
the organization’s most popular. Today, IPC has issued more than 10,000
certifications of instructors for the program. These certified instructors have trained
approximately 125,000 industry professionals.
In 1997, IPC first submitted its standards to ANSI for approval.
In 1998, the organization officially changed its name to IPC and adopted the tagline
Association Connecting Electronics Industries to make the name simpler and reduce
confusion surrounding it.
In 1999, IPC issued a position statement on the use of lead in PCB manufacturing
and electronic assembly. It also started to develop a lead-free roadmap.

2000-Present
In 2002, IPC introduced one of its most widely used and best-received standards —
IPC-A-620, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies.
In 2007, the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary.
In 2008, the industry was working through the introduction of lead-free solder. In
response to difficulties associated with the transition, IPC worked with the Joint
Electron Device Engineering Council and the Electronic Components Association
to create the IPC-J-STD-075 standard, the Classification of Non-IC Electronic
Components for Assembly Processes.
In 2010, IPC issued IPC-1601, Printed Board Handling and Storage Guidelines,
which provides advice on protecting PCBs from contamination, moisture uptake,
solderability degradation, electrostatic discharge and physical damage.
In 2017, IPC celebrated its 60th anniversary. At that time, the organization had more
than 4,000 member sites in 79 countries.

EXAMPLES OF IPC STANDARDS

There are IPC standards for almost every phase of the PCB production process.  To
give you an idea of what these standards entail, check out the following examples:
What is IPC-2581? IPC-2581 is a generic standard used when sending information
between a PCB designer and a manufacturer or assembly company. It provides a
standardized format for exchanging design data that helps ensure consistent
production results.

 IPC 2221: Establishes some generic design and performance requirements in

PCBs and other forms of component mounting or interconnecting structures.
 IPC 4101: Defines material requirements for PCB laminate materials and other
materials used to build stackups.
 IPC 2152: A newer standard that defines current carrying requirements in copper
traces and planes in a number of different applications.
 IPC 4761: Covers design guidelines for via protection to ensure reliability,
manufacturability, and quality.
 IPC 6012: Defines generic performance requirements as compiled from IPC
2221, IPC 4101, and other quality requirements. The related IPC 6013 standard
applies the same ideas to flex circuit boards.
 IPC-A-600 series: Defines acceptance metrics for printed circuit boards, as well
as the three standard IPC Classes for various printed circuit board assemblies.
 IPC 7351: Specifies footprint and land pattern requirements for SMT
components. Component manufacturers use these specifications when designing
their land patterns to ensure solderability and reliable electrical connections.
 IPC-1752A: Material Declaration Management standard defines reporting formats
for data exchanged between designers, distributors, and manufacturers.

IPC-2221 is the standard guideline for the process of designing PCBs. Within the
2220 series, there is also an IPC standard for flex PCBs, as well as standards for
rigid and MCM-L PCBs. IPC-2221 addresses topics like design layout, parts lists,
materials, mechanical and physical properties, electrical properties, thermal
management and more.
IPC-4101C covers requirements for base materials, typically called laminate or
prepreg, mostly for use with rigid printed boards or multilayer boards. It deals with
the materials used, their dimensions and their properties.
IPC-6012B establishes qualification and performance requirements for the
fabrication of rigid PCBs. It offers requirements for the various types of product
classes in areas such as structural integrity, solderability and conductor spacing.
IPC-A-600F sets the acceptance criteria for PCBs. It describes which observable
conditions of a board are acceptable and non-conforming — as well as the target
conditions — for all parts of the PCB, from gold fingers to copper plating. It is the
visual representation of the requirements put forward in other specifications.
IPC J-STD-001 describes the materials, methods and other criteria for creating high-
quality soldered interconnections. It focuses on process control and lays out
requirements for a range of electronic product types.
IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, provides criteria for the
acceptance of end products. It is the most widely used standard the IPC publishes.
IPC-A-620 provides criteria for acceptability of cable, wire and harness assemblies
and can serve as a stand-alone document for purchasing products.
IPC-TM-650 provides guidelines for assessing various aspects of PCBs. For
example, test method IPC-TM-650 2.6.14.1 describes methods for testing a board’s
propensity for surface electrochemical migration. The test measures resistance to
the flow of current across a PCB substrate surface. IPC-TM-650-2.3.25.1 describes
a method for ionic cleanliness testing of bare printed wire boards, which is important
because ionic contamination can cause issues that make a PCB defective.