It’s no secret that most industries across the globe need cables and wires to connect two or more components in a machine. Because that’s how electronic and mechanical devices work. Be it automotive, aeronautics, IT, or medical sectors, each of them needs a regular supply of cables and wires. Now can you tell us, do you manufacture any of these items? If yes, you must sift through this article avoiding interruptions, if any. Now please answer us – have you heard of IPC 620 Standard Revision B?
If not, we will share some crucial information about this instructional book in the following sections of this blog. Probably, the first question you might want to ask is:
What is IPC 620 Standard Version B?
The IPC-A-620 is a small standards book covering the “Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies.” As far as its version B goes, it is the revised variant of the IPC-A-620 informative book, containing 680+ full-colour pictures and illustrations, out of which 120+ are new or updated. Just to let you know, the critical updates in the IPC 620 Standard Revision B are the result of IPC and WHMA’s joint work.
If you don’t know what does IPC and WHMA mean here, we must tell you that the former stands for “Institute of Printed Circuits” and the latter “Wire Harness Manufacturers Association.”
What are the cable and wire-specific changes in the IPC 620 Standard Version B?
The IPC 620 Standard Revision B includes instrumental details, such as the industry-consensus criteria for:
1. Wire preparation
2. Ultrasonic welding
3. Wrapping/lacing
4. Coax/biax cables
5. Splicing
6. Connectors
7. Marking
8. Moulding
9. Shielding
10. Insulation displacement connectors
11. Assembly and wire-wrap terminations
12. Soldering to terminals
13. Crimping of stamped, formed, and machined contacts
Bear in mind that the B version of IPC 620 Standard has 400 pages, and it came to the market in October 2012.
What are the amendments made to IPC 620 Standard Variant B?
This version will find resolutions to a few internal conflicts and corrections for some editorial errors. What else, it also aligns common criteria to other IPC standards. Remember, when it comes to IPC-A-620 Revision B usage, you can follow the policy and procedures of your company to make any changes to this standards book.
What are the differences between revisions A and B of the IPC 620 Standard?
It’s not a hidden fact that Revision A of IPC/WHMA-A-620 is the older and well-known variant of IPC standards, whereas Revision B is the newer and latest one. There are many differences in both the variants and the fundamental changes covers:
1. Inspection conditions
2. Electrical clearance
3. Tools and equipment
4. ESD protection
5. Contamination
6. Rework/Repair
7. Statistical process control
Be informed that your engineers and sourcing managers will still find many references to Revision A because Revision B is not a new standards book but just the updated version of the previous one.
How to use IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards?
You must understand here that the use of IPC-A-620 standards depends on the fulfilment of the class to which the actual product belongs. Be it your operator or engineer, they need to identify the category to which the electronic assembly relates and then proceed according to the given standards. It is imperative to perform such tasks for the materials, process, and inspection standards for cable and wire harness assemblies.
For your convenience, we have listed out the product classifications that you must check:
Class 1 – General
It consists of the products appropriate for applications where its primary role is just the functioning of the complete assembly, for example, everyday consumer appliances.
Class 2 – Dedicated service
This class comprises electronics requiring continued performance and long life. Though you can expect such products to offer you uninterrupted service, they are not bound to deliver it. A few common examples of such items are telephones, televisions, gaming systems, and home computing.
Class 3 – High performance
This category of electronic items includes machines or devices that can offer continued performance and no downtime. Such equipment must function well when required. A few cases in point here are life support systems, military equipment, and other similar devices.
Concluding note
We hope you learned a series of things in this post, including what IPC 620 Standard Version B is, the amendments it comprises, and the difference between its A and B variants. So, if you found this content piece as informative as expected and want to buy IPC 620 standards book now, please visit the top-ranking electronics shopping site straight away.
