IPC Performance Classes
Performance Classes
Three general classes have been established to
reflect progressive increases in sophistication, functional performance
requirements and testing/inspection frequency. It should be recognized that
there may be an overlap of equipment categories in different classes. The user
has the responsibility to specify in the contract or purchase order, the performance
class required for each product and shall indicate any exceptions to specific
parameters, where appropriate.
IPC Class 1:
General Electronic Products — Includes consumer
products and some computer and computer peripherals suitable for applications
where cosmetic imperfections are not important and the major requirement is
function of the completed printed board.
IPC Class 2:
Dedicated Service Electronic Products — Includes communications
equipment, sophisticated business machines, instruments where high performance
and extended life are required and for which uninterrupted service is desired
but not critical. Certain cosmetic imperfections are allowed.
IPC Class 3:
High Reliability or Harsh Operating Environment Electronic
Products — Includes the equipment and products where continued performance or
performance on demand is critical. Equipment downtime cannot be tolerated and
must function when required such as in life support items or flight control
systems. Printed boards in this class are suitable for applications where high
levels of assurance are required and service is essential.
Please
NOTE that the final performance class for printed board assemblies (assembled,
soldered, cleaned and tested) cannot be any greater than the performance class
called out for the bare printed board. That is, in order to obtain a Class 3
with the assembly printed board assembly, an IPC Class 3 recognition of the
bare printed board (anything with a Class 2 or 1 with the bare printed board
prevents obtaining a Class 3 with the printed board assembly) must be first
obtained.
