Aerospace and Defense PCB Capabilities

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Product image 1: Aerospace & Defense PCBs

An experienced mil-spec PCB manufacturer for aerospace and defense

As a seasoned mil-spec PCB manufacturer specializing in aerospace and defense applications, Sierra Circuits takes pride in supporting those who serve our nation. Our commitment is reflected in our priority scheduling system, ensuring fast-track production for every mil-spec board we manufacture.

Next day for standard FR-4 or double-sided PCBs
2–4 days for 4-layer to 8-layer PCBs
5 days for 10-layer PCBs and above
5–10 days for HDI, rigid-flex, flex, and metal core PCBs
IPC class 3/ES

High-reliability and fast turnaround times for your defense and space board

For standard FR-4 or double-sided PCBs, our efficient production pipeline allows for next-day delivery, providing a swift turnaround to meet urgent project requirements. In the case of 4-layer to 8-layer PCBs, we maintain a turnaround time of 2–4 days, combining speed with precision to accommodate the complexity of these designs. For higher-layer configurations, such as 10-layer PCBs and above, our dedicated team ensures a prompt 5-day turnaround to keep your projects on schedule.

When it comes to advanced technologies like HDI, rigid-flex, flex, and metal core PCBs, we extend our commitment to excellence with a 5–10 day turnaround. This enables us to deliver these intricate and specialized PCBs within a reasonable timeframe, meeting the stringent requirements of aerospace and defense applications.

At Sierra Circuits, our focus is not only on manufacturing high-quality mil-spec PCBs but also on providing expedited services that align with the critical timelines of aerospace and defense projects. With our reliable and swift production capabilities, we stand as a trusted partner for those who require precision, reliability, and efficiency in every mil-spec PCB we deliver.

Sierra Circuits supports IPC-2581.

In the manufacturing landscape of printed circuit boards, IPC-2581 stands as a crucial standard for the seamless exchange of design data. This open, vendor-neutral XML format plays a vital role in navigating the intricacies of PCBs, facilitating clear communication regarding layer stack-up, drill details, and other critical specifications. Adhering to IPC-2581 becomes paramount for mil-spec PCB designers and manufacturers to ensure transparent data exchanges, effectively minimizing the likelihood of errors during the process. Embracing this standardized approach not only promotes improved collaboration but also streamlines workflows, significantly contributing to the efficient and accurate production of PCBs with enhanced precision and reliability.

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Product Promise

Sierra Circuits is an aerospace and defense PCB manufacturer that provides full intellectual property protection. All mil-spec boards are ITAR certified.

Documentation we provide:

Certificate of conformance
Material specifications
Reflow profile copy (included with first article)
Photo requirements
First article inspection report
IPC J-STD-001E
Record of calibrated tools used during manufacturing
AOI report or visual inspection report
Flying probe or in-circuit testing report
Ionic cleanliness test report

If you don’t see the documentation or testing required for your project, contact us—and you’ll find expert insights on how we’ll perform the test you need.

For the best mil-spec boards, stick to the following parameters:

The dielectric thickness between two planes: 3.5 mil minimum
Annular ring for inner layer: 6 to 7 mil minimum
Annular ring for outer layer: 6 to 7 mil minimum
Drill to copper clearance: 7 to 8 mil
Tolerance of 1 to 2%

Note: These parameters are not mandatory but if followed your boards will be manufactured close to perfection.

Sierra Circuits' capabilities for aerospace and defense PCBs
Product Features	Rigid PCBs	HDI PCBs	Rigid-flex PCBs
Max Layer Count	30	24	16
Min Board Thickness	.01″ (.254 mm)	.01″ (.254 mm)
Max Board Thickness	.25″ (6.35 mm)	.25″ (6.35 mm)
Min Core Thickness	.002″ (.051 mm)	.002″ (.051 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)
Min Dielectric Thickness	.002″ (.051 mm)	.002″ (.051 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)
Min Starting Copper Foil Thickness/Weight	9 micron (0.25 oz) (.009 mm (7.4 ml))	9 microns (0.25 oz) (.009 mm (7.4 ml))	9 microns (0.25 oz) (.009 mm (7.4 ml))
Max Finished Copper Thickness/Weight (O/L)	6 oz (177.4 ml)	2 oz (59 ml)	2 oz (59 ml)
Max Finished Copper Thickness/Weight (I/L)	6 oz (177.4 ml)	2 oz (59 ml)	2 oz (59 ml)
Min Panel Size	12″ x 18″ (30 x 46 cm)	12″ x 18″ (30 x 46 cm)	12″ x 18″ (30 x 46 cm)
Max Panel Size	21″ x 30″ (53 x 77 cm)	21″ x 29″ (53 x 74 cm)	18″ x 24″ (45 x 61 cm)
Smallest Mech Drill Diameter	.0059″ (.150 mm)	.005″ (.127 mm)	.0059″ (.150 mm)
Smallest Laser Drill Diameter	.004″ (.102 mm)	.004″ (.102 mm)	.003″ (.076 mm)
Max Through-Hole Aspect Ratio	10:1	10:1	10:1
Max Blind Via Aspect Ratio	.75:1	.75:1	.75:1
Min Drill-to-Copper Clearance	.008″ (.203 mm)	.004″ (.100 mm)	.008″ (.203 mm)
Min Trace and Space Width	.003″ (.076 mm)	.002″ (.05 mm)	.0035″ (.089 mm)
Min Pad Size for Test	.005″ (.127 mm)	.004″ (.102 mm)	.005″ (.127 mm)
Process Pad Diameter	D + .012″ (.305 mm) (1-mil (.025 mm) annular ring)	D + .010″ (.254 mm) (1-mil (.025 mm) annular ring)	D + .014″ (.356 mm) (1-mil (.025 mm) annular ring)
Stacked Vias	Yes	Yes	No
Min Wire Bond Pad Size	> .004″ (.102 mm)	> .003″ (.076 mm)	.005″ (.127 mm)
Controlled Impedance Tolerance	10%	10%	10%
Solder Mask Registration	.002″ (.051 mm)	Within .001″ (.025 mm)	Within .002″ (.051 mm)
Solder Mask Feature Tolerance	.001″ (.025 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)
Solder Mask Min Dam Size	.004″ (.102 mm)	.004″ (.102 mm) (SMT) .0035″ (.089 mm) (BGA)	.005″ (.127 mm)
Min Diameter Rout Cutter	.024″ (.610 mm)	.024″ (.610 mm)	.024″ (.610 mm)
Mechanical Routed Part Size Tolerance	+/- .005"	+/- .003"	+/- .005
Laser Hole Location Tolerance	.001″ (.025 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)
Laser Routed Part Size Tolerance – Can only be done with panels <.032″ thick	.001″ (.025 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)	.001″ (.025 mm)
Bow and Twist Tolerance	Per IPC Spec	7%	7% along rigid area
Thickness Tolerance	10%	10%	10%
Sequential Laminations	3	4	3
Conductive Filled Vias	Yes	Yes	No
Non-Conductive Filled Vias	Yes	Yes	Yes

Trusted by innovators

Engineers at the world’s most innovative DoD contractors choose Sierra Circuits for the highest quality MIL-PRF-31032 IPC 6012 class 3/ES PCB manufacturing, and assembly right here in the USA.

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Product Image 2: Aerospace & Defense PCBs

Sierra Circuits engineers have the experience to bring your aerospace and defense PCBs to life.

Whether you’re developing weapons systems of the future or you’re a DoD contractor looking to satisfy ITAR regulations, Sierra Circuits manufactures and assembles the most rugged, reliable mil-spec PCBs in America.

Ideal for:

DOD product designers developing systems for mission critical functions
Contract manufacturers who need fast, predictable lead times
Purchasing teams who require pricing and supply-chain transparency
Aerospace engineers looking to shore-up their supply chain troubles

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Let us introduce you to one of the most innovative communities of engineers and designers in the world.

We can help you plan your project from design to assembled board.

Manufacturing Equipment at Sierra Circuits

Our 70,000 sqft state-of-the-art campus in the heart of Silicon Valley contains the most advanced equipment required for the manufacture and assembly of your PCBs. Whether you’re looking for standard quick turn PCBs or boards with the tightest tolerances, made from exotic metals, there’s a reason Sierra Circuits leads the industry in quality and performance.

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