SBC35-C398/Best Practices
v1.0
www.winsystems.com
Page 44
Placing the SBC35-C398 on Mounting Standoffs
—Be careful when placing the SBC35-
C398 on the mounting standoffs. Sliding the board around until the standoffs are visible
from the top can cause component damage on the bottom of the board.
Do Not Bend or Flex the SBC35-C398
—Bending or flexing can cause irreparable
damage. Embedded computer modules are especially sensitive to flexing or bending
around Ball Grid Array (BGA) devices. BGA devices are extremely rigid by design and
flexing or bending the embedded computer module can cause the BGA to tear away
from the printed circuit board.
Mounting Holes
—The mounting holes are plated on the top, bottom and through the
barrel of the hole and are connected to the embedded computer module’s ground plane.
Traces are often routed in the inner layers right below, above or around the mounting
holes.
•
Never use a drill or any other tool in an attempt to make the holes larger.
•
Never use screws with oversized heads. The head could come in contact with
nearby components causing a short or physical damage.
•
Never use self-tapping screws; they will compromise the walls of the mounting
hole.
•
Never use oversized screws that cut into the walls of the mounting holes.
•
Always use all of the mounting holes. By using all of the mounting holes, you will
provide the support that the embedded computer module needs to prevent bending
or flexing.
Plug or Unplug Connectors Only on Fully Mounted Boards
—Never plug or unplug
connectors on a board that is not fully mounted. Many of the connectors fit tightly, and
the force needed to plug or unplug them could cause the embedded computer module
to flex.
Avoid Cutting the SBC35-C398
—Never use star washers or any fastening hardware
that will cut into the SBC35-C398.
Avoid Over-tightening of Mounting Hardware
—Causing the area around the mounting
holes to compress could damage interlayer traces around the mounting holes.
Use Appropriate Tools
—Always use tools that are appropriate for working with small
hardware. Large tools can damage components around the mounting holes.
Avoid Conductive Surfaces
—Never allow the embedded computer module to be placed
on a conductive surface. Many embedded systems use a battery to back up the clock-
calendar and CMOS memory. A conductive surface such as a metal bench can short the
battery causing premature failure.
