Overview
IEC 62878-1-1:2015 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that outlines the generic test methods for passive and active device embedded substrates. This specification focuses on testing device embedded substrates fabricated using organic base materials, encompassing embedded discrete passive or active electronic devices and sheet-formed components integrated during the electronic wiring board manufacturing process. The standard operates alongside IEC 61189-3, which covers test methods for printed wiring substrate materials and substrates themselves.
Device embedded substrates are increasingly utilized in advanced electronic assemblies, where miniaturization and higher functionality are required. By embedding components directly within the substrate, manufacturers can reduce product size, enhance electrical performance, and increase design flexibility. IEC 62878-1-1 is vital to ensure the quality, reliability, and consistency of these embedded technology solutions.
Key Topics
IEC 62878-1-1 covers several essential aspects for device embedded substrate testing:
- Visual Inspection and Micro-sectioning: Procedures for inspecting substrate appearance, finish, pattern, and the internal structure via micro-sectioning to assess quality and detect defects such as delamination, cracks, or poor plating.
- Electrical Testing: Standardized electrical test methods for measuring conductor resistance, through hole and via integrity, current carrying capacity, insulation resistance, and voltage withstand capabilities.
- Mechanical Testing: Methods to determine the mechanical robustness of conductors and holes, including pulling strength, adhesivity of plated foils, solder resist layers, and coated films.
- Environmental Testing: Criteria for evaluating the substrate’s reliability under various conditions through thermal shock, humidity resistance, and high-temperature immersion tests.
- Shipping Inspection: Guidelines to verify product quality during final inspection prior to shipping, including electrical, internal transparent, and visual inspections to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Terminology and Definitions: Adoption of standardized vocabulary as defined in IEC 60194 to maintain consistency in description and communication.
Applications
The standardized test methods outlined in IEC 62878-1-1 have direct practical applications in the electronics manufacturing industry, particularly for:
- Advanced Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacture: Ensuring reliability and quality of high-density PCBs with embedded components for use in telecommunications, computing, automotive, and medical electronics.
- Quality Assurance and Conformity Assessment: Enabling manufacturers to demonstrate product quality, meet industry certifications, and fulfill customer requirements.
- Process Optimization: Supporting process control during substrate fabrication, allowing for rapid identification and mitigation of defects or process anomalies.
- Product Miniaturization: Facilitating the development of compact, multifunctional electronic systems by guaranteeing the integrity of embedded substrates.
- Supplier and Customer Agreements: Providing a reference framework (AABUS - as agreed between user and supplier) for customizing specific test parameters to unique product or customer needs.
Related Standards
IEC 62878-1-1 should be used in conjunction with other IEC and international standards to ensure comprehensive compliance and interoperability, including:
- IEC 61189-3: Test methods for electrical materials, printed boards, and other interconnection structures.
- IEC 60194: Terms and definitions for printed board design, manufacture, and assembly.
- IEC 60068-2-1 / 2-2: Environmental testing procedures for cold and dry heat conditions.
- IEC TS 62878-2-4: Guidelines and test element groups (TEG) for device embedded substrates.
Conclusion
IEC 62878-1-1:2015 establishes fundamental test methods for device embedded substrates, supporting the electronics industry’s drive towards greater integration, reliability, and miniaturization. Adherence to this standard helps manufacturers deliver high-quality, high-performance electronic assemblies that meet global market expectations. By harmonizing testing practices across the supply chain, IEC 62878-1-1 plays a key role in quality assurance, risk reduction, and technological advancement in embedded component technology.