COTSWORKS ruggedizes optical
transceivers by applying a conformal coating to the PWB inside
the case. We offer a variety of coating types such as Parylene,
Urethane, Silicone, Epoxy, and Acrylic. We perform this work in
house under a certified ESD safe environment. A specific amount
of coating can be applied to meet thickness or electrical resistance
requirements. Some coatings include a UV additive to aid in auditing
and certification. Conformal coating transceivers allow them to
go into harsh environments where moisture, solvents, or corrosive
chemicals could cause failure of the electronics. The laser assembly
is usually hermetically sealed, but the laser driver and associated
circuitry are extremely susceptible to both ESD and environmental
damage. Corrosion can cause a change in opto-electric performance
which results in changes in link budget or thermal emission changes.
See our support section for MSDS information.
Conformal coatings can prohibit tin whisker growth on RoHS compliant
modules.
While it may seem that a metal or plastic case can stop moisture
from reaching the PWB, the opposite is actually true under some
conditions. Condensation is more likely to appear in a partially
sealed environment.
COTSWORKS conformally coats circuit cards with or without transceivers
as well. Our Parylene and spray fixtures enable us to do 24 hour
turnaround and we offer design and integration services to test
the modules we process. Our coatings meet MIL-I-46058 and the
newer IPC-CC-830.