Potting (electronics)

A small transformer potted in epoxy. The surface visible on the right is formed by the potting compound that has been poured into the plastic box

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. Thermosetting plastics or silicone rubber gels are often used. Many sites recommend using silicone or epoxy to protect from impact and loose wires. [1]

In the potting process, an electronic assembly is placed inside a mold which is then filled with an insulating liquid compound that hardens, permanently protecting the assembly. The mold is part of the finished article and can provide shielding or heat dissipating functions in addition to acting as a mold. A cast assembly uses a removable mold. [2]

As an alternative, many circuit board assembly houses coat assemblies with a layer of transparent conformal coating rather than potting.[3] 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, low glass transition temperature (Tg) potting compounds such as polyurethane or silicone are used, because high Tg potting compounds may break solder bonds through solder fatigue as they harden and shrink at low temperatures.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Hackaday". Hackaday. 2012-06-04. Retrieved 2018-09-04.
  2. ↑ Haleh Ardebili, Michael Pecht, Encapsulation Technologies for Electronic Applications, William Andrew, 2009 ISBN 0815519702, page 36
  3. ↑ "Design Practices for Low-Power External Oscillators" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-09-04.
  4. ↑ "Potting Solutions Potting Hints". Pottingsolutions.com. 2015-03-28. Retrieved 2018-09-04.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.