How can you create PCBs for healthcare and biomedical use?

PCBs, or printed circuit boards, are essential components of many electronic devices, especially in the healthcare and biomedical fields. They provide the physical platform for connecting and supporting various electronic components, such as sensors, microcontrollers, power supplies, and communication modules. However, designing and fabricating PCBs for healthcare and biomedical use is not a trivial task. It requires careful consideration of several factors, such as reliability, safety, biocompatibility, size, power consumption, and cost. In this article, you will learn some basic steps and tips on how to create PCBs for healthcare and biomedical use.

1 Choose the right components

The first step in creating a PCB for healthcare and biomedical use is to choose the right components for your application. You need to consider the functionality, performance, accuracy, and compatibility of the components you want to use. For example, if you are designing a PCB for a wearable device that monitors heart rate, you need to use a sensor that can measure the electrical signals of the heart accurately and reliably, a microcontroller that can process and transmit the data efficiently and securely, and a battery that can provide enough power for a long time. You also need to make sure that the components are suitable for the environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and vibration, that your device will encounter.

Add your perspective

Semion Kofman

R&D HW Engineer at BDR Technologies Ltd.
Report contribution
At the first steps should be defined mechanical constraints of the PCB as its interaction with package or external construction, its form factor, keep out areas, maximum height of components etc.

Like

2 Design the circuit layout

The second step in creating a PCB for healthcare and biomedical use is to design the circuit layout. You need to arrange the components on the board in a way that minimizes the space, wire length, interference, and noise. You also need to follow the design rules and guidelines of the PCB manufacturer you choose, such as the minimum trace width, clearance, and via size. You can use various software tools, such as Eagle, KiCad, or Altium, to design the circuit layout and generate the schematic and board files. You can also use online services, such as EasyEDA or PCBWay, to design and order your PCBs online.

Add your perspective

Semion Kofman

R&D HW Engineer at BDR Technologies Ltd.
Report contribution
Should be considered EMI/EMC and thermal issues, which may influence on the PCB operation or on medical-biological processes or distore measurement results.

Like

3 Select the appropriate materials

The third step in creating a PCB for healthcare and biomedical use is to select the appropriate materials for the board and the components. You need to consider the mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties of the materials, as well as their biocompatibility and safety. For example, if you are designing a PCB for an implantable device that will be in contact with the body fluids and tissues, you need to use materials that are biostable, biodegradable, or bioresorbable, depending on the intended lifespan of the device. You also need to use materials that are resistant to corrosion, infection, inflammation, and rejection. Some common materials for healthcare and biomedical PCBs are polyimide, ceramic, silicone, or PEEK.

Add your perspective

4 Test and validate the PCB

The fourth step in creating a PCB for healthcare and biomedical use is to test and validate the PCB. You need to verify that the PCB works as intended and meets the specifications and requirements of your application. You also need to ensure that the PCB is safe and reliable for the end users and complies with the relevant standards and regulations. You can use various methods and tools, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or simulators, to test the functionality, performance, and quality of the PCB. You can also use specialized equipment, such as environmental chambers, electrostatic discharge testers, or electromagnetic compatibility testers, to test the durability, stability, and compatibility of the PCB.

Add your perspective

Semion Kofman

R&D HW Engineer at BDR Technologies Ltd.
Report contribution
The PCB should meet Design for Manufacturing requirements. It should contain points and ports for board’s testing and programming.

Like

5 Optimize and iterate the PCB

The fifth step in creating a PCB for healthcare and biomedical use is to optimize and iterate the PCB. You need to analyze the feedback, data, and results from the testing and validation process and identify the areas of improvement and modification. You can use various techniques and strategies, such as design for manufacturability, design for assembly, design for reliability, or design for cost, to optimize the PCB design and fabrication. You can also use various methods and tools, such as simulation, modeling, prototyping, or user testing, to iterate the PCB design and fabrication. You can repeat this step until you achieve the desired outcome and satisfaction.

Add your perspective

6 Document and communicate the PCB

The sixth and final step in creating a PCB for healthcare and biomedical use is to document and communicate the PCB. You need to create and maintain a comprehensive and clear documentation of the PCB design and fabrication process, such as the schematic, board, bill of materials, test reports, and user manuals. You also need to communicate and collaborate with the stakeholders, such as the clients, users, manufacturers, suppliers, regulators, or peers, throughout the PCB design and fabrication process. You can use various tools and platforms, such as GitHub, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Slack, to document and communicate the PCB.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Semion Kofman

R&D HW Engineer at BDR Technologies Ltd.
Report contribution
The PCB design is only a part of system and especially hardware design. It involves also different aspects of schematics, optics, mechanics, technology and manufacturing.

Like

How can you create PCBs for healthcare and biomedical use?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right components

2 Design the circuit layout

3 Select the appropriate materials

4 Test and validate the PCB

5 Optimize and iterate the PCB

6 Document and communicate the PCB

7 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Electronic Engineering

More relevant reading

How can you create PCBs for healthcare and biomedical use?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right components

2 Design the circuit layout

3 Select the appropriate materials

4 Test and validate the PCB

5 Optimize and iterate the PCB

6 Document and communicate the PCB

7 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills