Electronic – About waterproofing a circuit board

pcbwaterproof

I would like to waterproof an FR4 circuit board that has no external connectivity requirements other than permanently attached USB cable, but it does have a number of SMD LEDs that must show. Most significant other components are an TSSOP20 MSP430 microcontroller and an LM4970. Power is via a small rechargable 3.7 volt LiPo battery.

Also, the board is to be fitted in a shoe heel(!), so adding an additional waterproof enclosure is not feasible. The water exposure is essentially moisture build-up, not actual soaking (hopefully). The device needs to last just a few months to a year.

What are my options and and what problems would I face?

  • If I use potting epoxy, will there be heat build-up?
  • If I simply use a see-through latex balloon will that survive circuit board heat?

Is there any additional detail I could add to make this question clearer?

Best Answer

Ask you FR4 supplier about conformal coating options. They can mask it off, on the windows of the LED's and such. Check the water resistance of the LED's and such exposed parts. Most electronics are, as they are washed. Conformal Coating is very common on military and automotive electronics. A long time ago, I used it on video equipment that went in the trunk of vehicles to protect from salt build up from DEW point condensation.