While dealing with high-frequency circuits, nickel might interfere and retard high-frequency signals. With the palladium layer on top of nickel, it can negate the influence of nickel on high-frequency signals. In mixed technology i.e. When RF and digital circuits are involved, opting for direct gold surface finish will lead to assembly related. As a result, Alsatian culture is a unique mix of French and German influences. Here are a few things you might not know about the region. Alsace is not Germany, but not quite France either. The relationship between Alsace and the rest of France remains complex to this day. In 2011, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy made an awkward slip.

Increased security

High Sierra is an update of MacOS which focuses mostly on back-end developments and a higher level of user security. As such, this operating system lays a foundation for future upgrades.

Stay safe

In essence, High Sierra took what was good with Sierra and developed it into a more comprehensive software.

High Sierra emphasizes the already-existing benefits of MacOS previous system, Sierra. There are few bells and whistles, but the changes are noticeable and positive. The Apple file system is the most significant feature it brought. It enables the storage and encryption of a large number of files. Thus, it boosts performance and helps manage device memory issues.

Apple also introduced new formats for video and photos in this version. These formats compress data - that’s a benefit as files can get huge with ever-rising resolutions. They added support for virtual reality headsets as well.

Besides that, when it comes to Safari, Mac search engine, there are some notable improvements with the update. The users can now control annoying auto-play videos, prevent tracking, and more. There are also notification controls, and you will experience a boost in performance, too.

The most noticeable changes took place in Apple’s Photo App, though. It went through a total revamp both visually in its interface and terms of tools and functions available. Many other discreet changes happened all over the system.

Where can you run this program?

If you’re running Sierra on your Mac, you will be able to run this one as well.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. Mojave, the newest version of MacOS, brought even more improved features to the table. However, if you can’t run it on your device, this is the second best.

Our take

High Sierra is not the shiniest upgrade Apple brought, but it’s one that sets the stage for new upgrades to come. Even out of that context, it’s a great operating system.

Should you download it?

Yes, if your device can support it. The new options and better security settings are worth getting.

Highs

Improved storage
Smaller image and video sizes
Handy Safari updates
Upgraded security

Lows

Spore High Sierra Download

Apps require updates for compatibility
Siri produces questionable results

macOS High Sierrafor Mac

10.13

ENEPIG

ENEPIG is a type of surface finish done on copper layer to protect it from oxidation and corrosion in printed circuit boards. This surface finish improves the solderability of copper and is also RoHS compliant.

ENEPIG stands for Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold.

Five features that make ENEPIG the best surface finish:

For wire bonding applications, the pull strength is of high importance. ENEPIG offers a greater pull strength (aluminum wire: up to 10 gram-force; gold wire: up to 8 gram-force) than soft gold and ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold). Hence, becomes the right choice.
The multiple electroless deposition of nickel, palladium and gold metals help minimize porosity and protects the cupper layer beneath them.
While dealing with high-frequency circuits, nickel might interfere and retard high-frequency signals. With the palladium layer on top of nickel, it can negate the influence of nickel on high-frequency signals.
In mixed technology i.e. when RF and digital circuits are involved, opting for direct gold surface finish will lead to assembly related issues. Whereas, ENEPIG is compatible with mixed technology and the various assembly processes.
ENEPIG surface finish is the low-cost alternative to direct soft gold plating.

ENEPIG surface finish is ideal for soldering, aluminum wire bonding, and gold wire bonding. This surface finish is formed by the sequential deposition of nickel, followed by palladium, followed by immersion gold. The Nickel acts as a barrier layer and reduces copper dissolution during wave solder, and ensures fine solderability. Nickel also prevents the mixing of copper and solder.

Reasons to Choose ENEPIG Surface Finish

Offers low contact resistance: The electrical resistance is uniform, hence, easier to predict amperage.

Follows RoHS compliance: The palladium completely dissolves into the solder leaving oxide-free nickel surface which allows a reliable tin nickel intermetallic.

Black pads are not an issue with ENEPIG: Black pads are referred to the dark corroded and oxidized Nickel. With ENEPIG surface finish it is no longer an issue.

All the above-mentioned parameters make ENEPIG the most compatible surface finish in the PCB industry. Sierra Circuits offers the option for ENEPIG finish on all of its products.

Sierra Standard Table

Nickel (µ”)

Palladium (µ”)

Plate Gold (µ”)

(minimum)

ENEPIG

125-250

4 – 8

If the values aren’t specified then our standard table will be considered.

Nickel and Gold Specifications & Standards

IPC Standards			IPC-6012 Rev C	Sierra’s Standard*
Immersion Gold	ENEPIG	Immersion Gold – minimum	Coverage and Solderable	1.00 µin min
		Electroless Nickel – minimum	118 µin	125-250 µin
		Electroless Palladium – minimum	2 µin	4.00 – 8.00 µin

Spore High Sierra Update

* If a range is not given the number in the Sierra Standards Colum is the minimum.