Understanding the IPC assembly specifications and their benefits

The IPC assembly specifications have become the worldwide standard for virtually every company involved in printed circuit board fabrication, assembly, repair and prototyping. That is without question. What is in question amongst most in the industry is what exactly each specification's primary focus and purpose is. This is compounded by the many acronyms and combinations of letters and numbers that are used for the specifications and revision levels. As an IPC Master Training Center we get calls every day from customers wanting to get IPC certified but who don't know which specification is best for their situation. So this should clear it up for everyone.

There are 6 primary assembly specifications: IPC-600K, IPC-6012F, IPC-A-610H, IPC/WHMA-A-620E, IPC-7711/7721D and IPC-J-STD-001H. The last letter in all of these refers to the revision level. For example, the J standard is at revision H, which supersedes revision G. Anytime there are substantive changes or additions, a new revision comes out and the spec gets the next letter as a suffix. One hint: don't try to apply any logic to the numbers and letters, they don't follow any logical pattern. To further complicate the alphabet soup, there are two Space Addendums — IPC/WHMA-A-620SA and IPC-J-STD-001SA — an additional set of criteria for aerospace applications. All specifications are interrelated and utilize criteria from the others, but their focus is different.

IPC-600K — Acceptability of Printed Circuit Boards. This is for bare board fabrication and inspection. The specification includes general technical information and pictures of internal and external defects as well as minimal acceptable and preferred conditions. This certification class is all classroom study and includes no hands-on work, so it can be done virtually.

IPC-6012F — Qualification and Performance Specification for Rigid Printed Boards. This covers qualification and performance of rigid printed boards, from simple single-sided through complex multilayer, with or without blind/buried vias and metal core boards. It addresses final finish and surface plating coating requirements, conductors, holes/vias, frequency of acceptance testing and quality conformance, as well as electrical, mechanical and environmental requirements. This certification is all classroom study and can be done virtually.

IPC-A-610H — Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies. This is typically for final QC at an assembly house and incoming inspection of assembled PCAs from an assembly facility or EMS partner. It is very pictorial and empirical in its documentation of good and bad solder connections for all types of SMT and TH components, as well as other PCB defects. All aspects of workmanship standards and inspection criteria are covered. This certification is all classroom study and can be done virtually.

IPC/WHMA-A-620E — Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies. This is for people terminating wires and building wire/cable harnesses. It includes all types of crimp, solder and solderless connections and what constitutes a robust, reliable assembly. It is mostly classroom work but there is an optional hands-on module for applying the practices learned. The optional Space Addendum is available for NASA and other aerospace applications. The primary certification can be done virtually; however, the optional hands-on module must be done in person.

IPC-7711/7721D — Rework, Modification and Repair of Electronic Assemblies. This is an intensive hands-on five-day curriculum that will make the student extremely proficient in repair of most all SMT and TH devices, as well as trace, pad and PCB laminate repair. The 7711 portion is component removal and replacement. The 7721 portion is repair of damaged TH barrels/annular rings, SMT lands and PCB traces, including inner layers of multilayer boards.

IPC-J-STD-001H — Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies. This is the most comprehensive specification of the 6 and focuses on process control for building reliable electronics. The certification course involves mostly classroom work, but hands-on skills comprise approximately 40% of the five-day curriculum. This is generally considered the highest-level specification and also has the optional Space Addendum.

All of these specifications are available at the CIS (Certified IPC Specialist) or worker-proficiency level, CSE (Certified Standards Expert) or referee level, and CIT (Certified IPC Trainer) or instructor-certified level. The CIT is a more rigorous curriculum, a higher-level certification, and qualifies the student to then train others to the CIS level. All certifications are valid for two years, then require recertification.

Perhaps the most important question is why invest in these training classes? Some do because they are contractually required, but most companies now see the value in proper training. If we want to bring work back from low-cost regions of the world we need to be more efficient, build it right the first time with better quality, quicker delivery to market and fewer field returns. Better skills make us more competitive in real, true cost and more profitable in the long run. The most successful companies realize that training is an investment, not an expense.

Hopefully this clears up the alphabet soup of IPC specifications. As always, if you have any questions you can contact our knowledgeable staff and they will be happy to help. Circuit Technology is dedicated to helping our customers improve their PCB assembly and repair processes to improve their profitability.