Tag Archive: medical devices

1. How are PCBAs Used in Medical Devices?

   January 24, 2023 1:42 pm Leave a Comment

   Why are PCBAs Critical to Medical Devices?

   Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) play a critical role in the development and functioning of medical devices. These devices, which include everything from diagnostic equipment to surgical instruments, rely on the reliable and efficient operation of their electronic components. PCBAs connect and control these components, making them a fundamental part of any medical device.

    

   How do PCBAs Function in the Devices?

   One of the most common ways to use PCBAs in medical devices is to control and monitor patient vital signs. For example, a patient monitor may use a PCB to track a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The electronic assembly in this device would likely include a microcontroller or microprocessor, which would instruct the device’s operation and interpret the data collected by the sensors. The PCBA would also include the necessary circuits and connections to power the device and display the information on a screen.

    

   Diagnostic Equipment

   Manufacturers also build electronic assemblies into diagnostic equipment such as imaging systems. X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines use PCBAs to direct the movement of the imaging equipment and process the data collected. These machines require precise management of the imaging equipment and use high-powered electronic components to generate and process the images. Overall, the PCBAs in these devices must be highly dependable and able to withstand the high radiation levels generated by the imaging equipment.

    

   Surgical Instruments

   Another important use of PCBAs in medical devices is in surgical instruments. Surgical robots, for example, require precise and reliable regulation of their motions. The assemblies boards in these devices command the motors that move the robot’s arms and perform the surgery. These PCBAs must be able to withstand the rigorous conditions of the operating room and be resistant to disinfectants and sterilization procedures.

    

   Implantable Devices

   An example of a highly specialized application of PCBAs in medical devices is implantable devices such as pacemakers and cochlear implants. Doctors and surgeons implant these devices in the body, and they must function for an extended period. The PCBAs in these devices need to be highly miniaturized and able to withstand the harsh conditions of the human body. They must also consume very little power and be able to function for long periods on small batteries.

    

   Certifications

   PCBAs in medical devices have to go through a strict certification and compliance process with agencies such as FDA, to ensure that they are safe for use in medical applications. Manufacturers have to adhere to strict guidelines, such as those designated by ISO 13485:2016, for the materials used in the PCBA, the manufacturing process, and the quality control procedures to guarantee the PCBA is suitable for use in medical devices.

    

   Summary

   In conclusion, Printed Circuit Board Assemblies play a vital role in the development and functioning of medical devices, from patient monitors and diagnostic equipment to surgical instruments and implantable devices. The design and manufacturing of PCBAs for medical devices is a highly specialized field, requiring specific materials, manufacturing processes, and strict compliance with safety guidelines. With the advancement of technology, electronic assemblies will continue to be an essential component in the development of new and improved medical devices.

   

2. Question #1: CEO Series

   June 8, 2022 3:28 pm Leave a Comment

   Question #1:

   Please describe some of Naji Gebara’s traits that have helped the organization succeed.

   Naji Gebara’s industry knowledge, constant-learning ambition, and forward-thinking mentality have helped PGF excel in the electronic manufacturing industry. Every year, following his lead, brings further growth and aspirations for the long PGF road ahead. With each project and this “CEO success,” PGF provides all customers with timely, affordable, and high-quality products and services. 

   Industry Knowledge

   By starting at PGF as an assembly worker and moving up the ladder to CEO, Naji has already grown with PGF and is constantly pushing to surpass the next limit. This experience has given him the knowledge of prominent companies, business tactics, and best assembly practices. It is also noteworthy that many of the team members that started with Naji initially are still working at PGF decades later, accomplishing high-quality assembly projects. Gebara’s widespread industry knowledge effectively translates to exceeding customer expectations, while constantly growing PGF success. 

   Constant-Learning Ambition

   

   Naji introduced himself to many cultures at a young age, where he learned quickly to excel in new spaces. After years of advanced schooling to receive a Doctorate of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems, Naji returned to PGF to lead the company into the next few decades. From this point on, Naji went from learning the languages of new countries to teaching the language of business. With his leadership role at PGF, Naji also spent some time teaching classes at Lawrence Technological University to advance future business-minded students in their endeavors. This learning mindset keeps PGF constantly moving forward, emphasizing the edge of technological advances. 

   Forward-Thinking Mentality

   When PGF began, it was a cable assembly company featuring simple assemblies for select industries. After years at the helm, Naji brought PGF into new opportunities by acquiring fellow Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) companies, new property, experts, and machinery. PGF Technology Group became a full-service electronics manufacturer, offering printed circuit board and cable assembly services. Over time, assemblies became more complex, and customers became more high profile. Today, we assemble turnkey solutions for the top companies in industries such as Aerospace, Electric Vehicles, Medical Devices, and Robotics. Looking forward, Naji intends to pursue larger manufacturing projects as well as advance internal employee skillsets. To further promise timely assembly work, Gebara continues to integrate technological advances for optimal manufacturing processes and PGF products overall. 

   Customer Satisfaction is PGF Success

   PGF Technology offers a variety of services from printed circuit board assembly to wiring harness assembly to companies around the world. CEO Naji Gebara continues to play a crucial role in the progression and success of PGF. Most notably, Gebara’s strengths cultivate a PGF reputation for timely, affordable, and high-quality services. Naji’s strong leadership confidently improves internal assembly and company structure, while fostering customer relationships to conduct universally favorable business. 

    

    

   

3. Design for a Medical PCB Assembly

   December 10, 2021 8:52 pm Leave a Comment

   Playing the Game

   When it comes to medical devices, no average or sub-par printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is going to cut it! In this live-action game of Operation, the consequences are real, and the assembly is accountable.

   As a premier manufacturer of printed circuit boards, PGF Technology Group fully understands the importance of proper PCBA design for medical devices and systems. However, some may find the design process challenging since many factors must be considered. These factors include safety requirements, cleanliness standards, industry/application-specific regulations, and more. That’s why our team has put together the following guide, which goes over some of the key considerations to keep in mind when designing medical PCB assemblies.

    

   Safety First

   Accuracy and precision are crucial to avoiding the buzzer. Many medical devices are designed to perform vital functions while living in or on the human body for extended periods, such as insulin pumps and pacemakers so that any malfunction can put the patient’s life at risk. That’s why manufacturers must design and build these products and their components carefully to ensure patient safety. PCBA manufacturers should consider the operational and environmental conditions (e.g., fluid exposure, temperature), their effect on the product, and the measures needed to combat those effects.

    

   Cleanliness Is Close to Godliness

   A clean workplace is a safe workplace. This saying is especially pertinent in the medical industry, where cleanliness can significantly affect the health and wellbeing of patients and the performance and lifespan of devices. That’s why PCBA manufacturers will often use materials that form surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect and incorporate strict cleaning practices into production operations to remove any residues left behind from manufacturing processes. Additionally, according to the cleanliness of product clause in ISO 13485 Medical Devices — Quality Management Systems — Requirements for regulatory purposes, organizations need to document product cleanliness or contamination control requirements.

    

   Read the Rule Book

   To properly play the game, you have to know the rules. In the medical industry, products are subject to numerous regulations outlining how they should be designed, manufactured, used, etc. Knowing, understanding, and following them is essential to the success of a product.

    

   ISO 13485

   Firstly, one of the most critical regulations relevant to medical PCBAs and other electronics is ISO 13485, which establishes the requirements for quality management systems for companies involved in one or more of the lifecycle stages of a medical device or the supply of products. The 2016 update of the standard brought the requirements in line with those already mandated by the FDA.

   Companies can be certified to this standard, meaning their quality management system has been verified to meet its strict requirements. The requirements aim to ensure the production of high-quality medical products that are safe and effective, which is why many countries require medical device companies to attain certification. In addition, ISO 13485 certified companies benefit from higher customer satisfaction, greater customer trust, and better credibility.

    

   IPC Class 3 Standards

   Other specifications to consider are the IPC Class 3 Standards. Companies that meet these specifications value skill, constant improvement, and intense scrutiny. They know that a buzzer in the game signals a life or death scenario, so practices must be monitored and perfected.

    

   PGF Technology Group maintains the ISO 13485 compliance and IPC Class 3 Standards for any project connected to medical devices.

    

   What’s the Use?

   In addition to safety, manufacturers must keep in mind the usability of PCBAs. For example:

   • Is SMT or thru-hole assembly appropriate? Manufacturers should reference the specific design requirements from the client to ensure that they utilize the best method of assembly. This process may include prototypes to review board real estate and functionality.
   • How small is too small? While it can be tempting to go with the smallest PCBA design, a design that is too small can limit the complexity of your device. You need to ensure enough space to incorporate all components for a fully operational and reliable instrument.
   • What is the min/max amount of energy input? Determine the circuit’s energy to run during typical and peak operation.

    

   Making It Easy

   Anyone who has built an IKEA item understands the pain caused by a hard-to-assemble project. Without clear-cut instructions and imagery to demonstrate design, the process can become prolonged. Medical PCBA designers can eliminate this pain by designing with assembly in mind; assemblers should not have trouble reaching and mating cables to connectors, soldering connections or placing other essential components. Additionally, the assembled product should be testable using various methods. Some examples include visual assessment, Solder Paste Inspection (SPI), X-ray scanning, In-Circuit Testing (ICT), and Automated Optical Inspection (AOI).

    

   Medical Device Solutions at PGF Technology

   Want to learn more about the critical design considerations for medical PCB assembly? Ask the experts at PGF Technology Group! As an ISO 13485 certified company specializing in PCBA, we can answer or address any of your questions and concerns. Importantly, you can check out our eBook, Key Considerations for Medical PCB Assembly, to overview the vital considerations to keep in mind when designing and assembling medical PCBAs.

   At PGF Technology, we have the knowledge, experience, and certifications to deliver PCBA solutions that meet the most stringent specifications. Contact us or request a quote today if you want to partner with us for your medical PCBA needs.