When it comes to the requirements for printed wiring boards for U.S. military usage, the MIL-PRF-50884 is an essential specification. And the new Revision F, “Printed Wiring Board, Flexible or Rigid-Flex, General Specification for,” has just been released. Previously numbered MIL-P-50884, the change in designation means the document is now classified as a performance specification. The requirements are couched in terms of how the boards will perform, not on a detailed definition of how to produce them.
This spec was frequently referenced until it became inactive for new design in 1999. The new revision remains inactive for new design — It is used exclusively for replacement purposes. (Refer to MIL-PRF-31032 for new design.) This new Revision F is a 136-page document, replacing MIL-P-50884 Revision E with Amendment 3 and all previous editions of that publication. However, the good news is that it is not necessary to change any existing drawings that reference the older editions.
MIL-PRF-50884 is used for printed wiring boards, divided into 5 types as defined in IPC 2223 (replacing the obsolete MIL-STD-2118). These boards are either Use A or Use B, supporting flexing either in installation or in use. And they’ll be designated either grade R or grade U for rework.
The bulk of the document is actually the 8 Appendices (A through H.) They cover:
- Product assurance (performance and verification) requirements for QPL level
- Product assurance requirements for QML level
- C=0 sampling, test equipment and suitability of inspection facilities
- Supersession and usage of current and legacy design standards
- Qualification requirements for all levels of product assurance
- External visual and dimensional illustrations
- Metallographic illustrations
- Quality conformance test circuitry.
Compliance with the new document is effective as of 9/15/2014. This means that for contracts going forward, meeting the requirements of the new Revision F will be necessary. In fact, if your product contains such printed boards as a component part, you’ll need to be assured that the boards you use meet these new requirements for any contracts you are awarded as well.
Changes are extensive, so they are not marked in the margins as is sometimes the case.
You’re able to get your copy of this new update from Document Center’s website at www.document-center.com. Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’ve been selling standards since 1982, with much of our business supporting government contract work. We have the documents and tools you need to procure and maintain your collection of compliance documentation. Make us your Standards Experts!
