Frequently Asked Questions

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Topics

General

What types of PCBs do you design and produce?

We specialise in designing and producing high-quality PCBs for Defence, Medical, Mining, and Industrial applications, including multi-layer boards, rigid-flex PCBs, and high-density interconnect (HDI) boards. 

Our company holds relevant industry certifications to ensure compliance with stringent quality standards for Defence, Medical, Mining, and Industrial sectors.

We employ rigorous quality control measures throughout the design and manufacturing process, including thorough design reviews, advanced testing procedures, and strict adherence to industry standards. We invest heavily in machinery and equipment that ensures accuracy and quality testing which provides confidence in speedy delivery. 

Yes, we offer services for both prototype PCBs for concept verification and large-scale production runs, tailoring our approach to meet your specific project requirements. 

Our team utilises industry-standard CAD tools for PCB design, including advanced software packages that cater to the complex requirements of Defence, Medical, Mining, and Industrial applications.

We utilise specialised design techniques and materials selection to ensure our PCBs can withstand extreme conditions often encountered in Defence, Mining, and Industrial applications across all environments. 

Turnaround times vary depending on the complexity and scale of the project. We have built a strong reputation on delivering efficient services while maintaining our high-quality standards. 

Yes, we provide comprehensive support throughout the product lifecycle, including design consultation, prototyping, testing, and assembly services to ensure the success of your electronic projects.

Defence Sector

What certifications and compliance standards does Masters & Young adhere to for Defence electronics manufacturing?

Masters & Young adheres to stringent international and Australian standards for Defence electronics manufacturing. We comply with industry standard requirements throughout the PCB design and assembly process to the final stages of testing and QA checks. Our processes align with various regulatory bodies guidelines to ensure the highest level of security and quality in our Defence sector projects.

We implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information in Defence electronics projects:

  • Strict access controls and data encryption for all project-related information
  • Secure facilities with controlled entry for manufacturing and design processes
  • Regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities
  • Comprehensive employee training on handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
  • Adherence to cybersecurity standards outlined in ISO-27001/2:2013
  • Incident response plans for prompt detection and reporting of security breaches

Masters & Young offers a range of specialised capabilities for Defence electronics:

  • Design and manufacture of military-grade avionics and communication systems
  • Development of robust electronics for harsh environmental conditions
  • Integration of advanced encryption and secure communication protocols
  • Custom PCB design and manufacturing for Defence applications
  • Expertise in electronic warfare equipment and countermeasures
  • Prototyping and testing of mission-critical Defence electronics

We tackle component obsolescence through proactive strategies:

  • Implementing thorough lifecycle management for all components
  • Maintaining relationships with trusted suppliers for long-term component availability
  • Designing with component interchangeability and modularity in mind
  • Offering redesign and upgrade services for legacy systems
  • Stockpiling critical components when necessary
  • Providing detailed documentation for future maintenance and upgrades

Masters & Young facilitates EMC testing and compliance services which can include:

  • Comprehensive EMC testing in line with ACMA standards and international requirements
  • Radiated and conducted emissions testing
  • Susceptibility and immunity testing for various electromagnetic disturbances
  • ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) testing and mitigation strategies
  • Design consultation to ensure EMC compliance from the early stages of product development

We maintain a secure and reliable supply chain through:

  • Rigorous vetting and continuous monitoring of suppliers
  • Implementing counterfeit part detection and prevention measures
  • Ensuring traceability of components from trusted sources
  • Compliance with Defence supply chain security requirements
  • Regular audits of our supply chain partners
  • Maintaining a diverse supplier base to mitigate risks

Masters & Young has extensive experience with Australian Defence standards and regulations, including:

  • Compliance with the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP)
  • Compliance with Australian Defence Force (ADF) specific requirements
  • Understanding of the Australian Defence Export Controls
  • Adherence to AS/NZS standards relevant to Defence electronics
  • Experience in navigating the Australian Defence procurement processes
  • Ongoing engagement with Defence industry bodies and regulatory updates

We provide through-life support services through:

  • Long-term maintenance and repair capabilities for Defence electronics systems
  • Technical documentation and training for Defence personnel
  • Rapid prototyping and manufacturing of replacement parts
  • Required software updates and cybersecurity enhancements
  • Maintenance of Defence agencies’ requirements for continuous improvement and adaptation of systems.

Medical Sector

What certifications and standards do you comply with for medical device PCB manufacturing?

We adhere to ISO 13485 for medical device quality management systems and comply with IPC standards for PCB manufacturing. We ensure our processes meet required regulations and other relevant medical device standards.

We implement rigorous quality control measures, use high-grade materials, and conduct thorough testing including environmental stress screening, accelerated life testing, and HALT/HASS testing to ensure the reliability and longevity of our PCBs for medical equipment.

Yes, we specialise in designing and manufacturing complex multi-layer PCBs for advanced medical devices. Our team has extensive experience in high-density interconnect (HDI) designs, flex and rigid-flex PCBs, and other sophisticated PCB technologies required for cutting-edge medical equipment.

We maintain ISO Class 7 (10,000) clean room facilities for medical PCB assembly. Our processes include electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, use of lint-free garments, and regular air quality monitoring to prevent contamination and ensure the highest level of cleanliness.

We employ advanced design techniques such as component embedding, use of high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, and micro via technology. Our engineers are skilled in optimising layouts for space-constrained designs without compromising on functionality or reliability.

We implement comprehensive traceability systems, including unique identifiers for each PCB, detailed documentation of materials and processes, and advanced tracking software. This ensures that every component and process step can be traced back to its origin, which is crucial for regulatory compliance and quality assurance in medical device manufacturing. 

Our design process incorporates DFM and DFT principles from the outset. We use advanced simulation tools to optimise designs for manufacturing and integrate test points and structures to facilitate thorough testing. This approach ensures high yield rates and reliable performance in the final product.

Yes, we offer comprehensive turn-key solutions covering the entire product lifecycle. This includes initial concept development, prototyping, design optimisation, PCB assembly, testing, and even assistance with regulatory submissions. Our integrated approach ensures seamless development and production of your medical device electronics.

PCB Design

What is PCB Design?

PCB design is the process of creating the layout and structure of a printed circuit board (PCB), which is used to connect and support electronic components. The design involves planning the physical arrangement of components, defining electrical connections, and optimising the board for functionality, durability, and manufacturability.

PCB design will typically involve the following steps:

  • Schematic Design: Mapping out the electrical connections between components.
  • Component Placement: Arranging components on the board to ensure efficient use of space and effective signal routing.
  • Routing: Creating the pathways (traces) that connect the components.
  • Design Verification: Checking for errors and ensuring the design meets all electrical and mechanical requirements.
  • Prototyping: Creating a test version to validate the design before production.

Single-layer PCBs have components and circuitry on one side of the board. They are simpler and cost-effective but limited in complexity.

Comparatively, multi-layer PCBs have multiple layers of circuitry, allowing for more complex designs with increased functionality. These are commonly used in advanced applications like computers and telecommunications.

Proper PCB design ensures the reliable operation of electronic devices, minimises signal interference, manages heat dissipation, and optimises manufacturing costs. A well-designed PCB contributes to the efficiency, durability, and performance of the final product.

In Australia, PCB design adheres to international standards set by the IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries). Key IPC standards relevant to PCB design include:

  • IPC-2221: Generic Standard on Printed Board Design, providing general requirements for the design of printed boards and other forms of component mounting or interconnecting structures.
  • IPC-2222: Sectional Design Standard for Rigid Organic Printed Boards, detailing specific requirements for designing rigid printed boards.
  • IPC-7351: Generic Requirements for Surface Mount Design and Land Pattern Standard, offering guidelines for designing surface mount land patterns.

Additionally, Australian designers must ensure compliance with the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards defined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). These standards regulate electromagnetic emissions to prevent interference with other electronic devices.

Leading the Way in Electronics R&D and Manufacturing Excellence

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