Identifier pad for PCB tracking

17 October 2012 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

Molex has developed the track-it traceability pad – a printed circuit board (PCB) miniature identifier that provides unambiguous product traceability of work-in-process (WIP) in any high-volume electronic PCB assembly situation.

The track-it system is particularly well suited for use in the medical industry, where stringent traceability requirements apply. It is also relevant in any SMT PCB assembly where space is limited and traceability is required, including high-temperature ceramic PCB assemblies.

Measuring 1,80 x 2,80 mm in size, the device is a miniature metal pad, laser-etched with a unique 2D data matrix symbol that can be easily read by most commercially available optical scanners. These devices are available packaged on tape and reel for automated pick-and-place assembly on standard chip shooters in high-speed SMT lines.

For customers running multiple lines, with different manufacturing locations and/or using multiple contract manufacturers, track-it provides the added peace of mind that no number can ever be repeated, thus ensuring 100% traceability of the board content and manufacturing line or location.

During the assembly process, the pad is placed alongside other components onto the application PCB and solder reflowed. Each PCB thereby gains a unique identification, allowing the traceability data of all other components contained on the populated PCB to be logged against a unique traceability code number. The PCB identifier can then be incorporated into the identification of the final assembled device.

As the track-it pad is metal and temperature resistant and can be placed on the board prior to reflow, the additional high costs associated with Teflon labels can be avoided. The system is available for both standard reflow and high-temperature reflow associated with ceramic boards.

For more information contact Roger Young, Molex, +27 (0)72 327 1012, [email protected], www.molex.com

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