Packaging guidelines for PC cards

PC cards which comply with the PCMCIA Association´s specification PC Card Standard are available in three basic styles. PC card frame kit packaging provides a rugged user friendly enclosure for applications requiring resistance to mechanical bending, drops, and vibration. The user choice of styles is dependent on their cost budget, manufacturing volumes, and appearance criteria. Most frame kit suppliers have assembly tooling available to assist the user in their manufacturing process. As pricing pressures mount for card manufacturers, frame kit suppliers continue to develop more cost effective designs to meet these needs. This packaging technique has also spread to applications other than PCMCIA cards to capitalise on its assets for consumer electronic PCB packaging