IPC and CAT, Inc.’s PCQR2 database continues to grow

IPC and Conductor Analysis Technologies, Inc. (CAT, Inc.) have announced that their joint Process Capability, Quality and Relative Reliability (PCQR2) Benchmark Database now includes 11 active subscribers, with the recent addition of PCB Supplier Tyco Electronics Printed Circuit Group and a major North American original equipment manufacturer.

In addition, test results from 56 submittals have been posted to the PCQR2 Database since the beginning of January 2004.  The total number of submittals has grown to 135 since the establishment of the database in late 2001.  A breakdown by design type and PCB supplier geographical location can be obtained at www.pcbquality.com
 
“The continued growth of the PCQR2 Benchmark Database with the addition of these two new subscribers and the significant increase in the number of submittals supports the claim that the PCQR2 Database has become the globally accepted de facto standard for comparing the process capability, quality and relative reliability of PCB suppliers,” said David Wolf, vice president of technical marketing at CAT, Inc.  “To date, 55 different worldwide PCB supplier facilities have submitted test panels for inclusion in the database.”

According to John Vesce III, vice president of engineering at Tyco Electronics Printed Circuit Group, “CAT Inc., and the data it provides through the PCQR2 Database, is a direct compliment to our Corporate ‘Best Practice’ Program for continuous improvement and technology readiness across our multiple manufacturing sites.”

The PCQR2 Database provides a detailed snapshot of supplier fabrication capabilities in five different areas: conductor/space formation; via structure formation; via structure reliability; soldermask registration; and controlled impedance.