Tag: IPC

IPC 4101 Revision E Released

IPC 4101 Revision E was recently released.  This standard is titled, “Specification for Base Materials for Rigid and Multilayer Printed Boards.”  The new edition will replace revision D from 2015.  This specification lays out all the requirements for base materials, otherwise known as laminate or prepreg.  It’s available now from Document Center, Inc.

Base material selection is the first and perhaps most important step in PCB design.  IPC 4101 simplifies the process with its own well-defined callout system.  Each material’s specifications clearly define the material designator, specification sheet number, nominal laminate thickness, metal cladding type and nominal weight, thickness tolerance class, and surface quality class.

IPC 4101 revision E also includes a number of specification sheets.  These define requirements for each product grade of prepreg or laminate material.  In addition, the specification sheets carry the added benefit of connecting this revision to previous ones.

Additional sections of this document will guide you through some of the processes that occur after material selection.  Most importantly, these include provisions for quality assurance as well as packaging and transportation.  This thorough document is truly a must-have for PCB design.

Now, where do you get a copy?  Contact us at Document Center.  We’ve got this, as well as many other IPC standards available in a variety of formats.  We also honor IPC member pricing.  Stop by our website at www.document-center.com and browse our standards library.  Or, if you’d rather skip directly to the IPC 4101 order page, simply click here.

Not sure if IPC 4101 Revision E is the right standard for you? Call us any time with your questions, (650)591-7600 or send us an email at (info@document-center.com) and we’ll help you find the one you’re looking for.  Why Document Center?  We’ve been in the business of helping people acquire the right standards for 20 years.  Make us your Standards Experts!

Formats for IPC standards

When you order IPC standards from Document Center Inc., you have a number of choices when it comes to delivery formats.  Let’s review your choices and the pros and cons of each.

IPC standards in paper format.  IPC standards can be purchased in paper format.  These are copyright editions, so further replication is prohibited.  However, for the paper copies of IPC standards, you can share a copy with multiple folks as long as you use the IPC original copy.  Document Center Inc. sells the paper copies of IPC standards for the same list price as you’ll receive from IPC.  If you’re a member of the organization, Document Center will honor the member discount.  Just let us know when you place your order.

IPC standards in pdf format.  IPC standards can also be purchased in pdf format.  This results in faster delivery than paper and reduced shipping costs.  However, the IPC pdf format standards are copyright and sold as single user editions.  This means that they are for the use of 1 person on 1 computer only, not on a network.  Also, the print function has been suppressed so you will not be able to print any of the publication.  As with the paper copies, Document Center Inc. sells the pdf editions for the same price as IPC and will honor the IPC member discount if requested.

IPC standards in CD Rom format.  IPC standards are also available as CD Rom copies.  These CD’s are single user editions, not for networking.  They also have their print function suppressed, so you will not be able to print any paper copies from these CD’s.  Prices are as above — List price or member price with confirmed membership in IPC.

IPC standards in Kit format.  The Kit editions of IPC standards offer you discounted pricing for 2 copies of your standard — One paper format copy and one CD Rom edition.  This allows for the benefits of both formats since the CD Rom can be used on a computer, but the paper copy has the flexibility of being portable.  Prices are again the same as you would receive from IPC, since Document Center Inc. is an authorized distributor of these publications.

So the next time you need an IPC standard, look to Document Center Inc. and the variety of formats available from us.  You’ll be able to search for and order your copies online at our webstore, www.document-center.com.   If you have any questions, just get in touch with our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We’re here to assist you with all your standards questions.  Make us your Standards Experts!