94 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2021
Last spring, I wrote a column focusing on
cosmetic issues and I asked, "Why does the
electronics industry reject good products
when it's not always needed?" In my next col-
umn, I turned the coin around and asked if we
have understood the workmanship rule cor-
rectly: "Printed boards shall be free of non-
conformances in excess of those allowed in this
specification." I ended the column by asking,
"So, what can we learn from this?"
e most important thing is to know the
standard and how to use it. Most people read
the measurable requirements, while a require-
ment like the workmanship rule is le out.
Leaving out the workmanship can make it hard
to agree, because it requires at least two parties
to find a solution that works for both.
is, however, leads us here, where we shall
discuss AABUS, what it means, how to han-
dle it, and basically a list of issues that need
AABUS.
Why Do We Even Need an Agreement?
First, AABUS means "As Agreed Between
User and Supplier." As already mentioned, an
agreement needs two parties, and those two
need to find a common solution. e problem
with such cases is why we need that agreement.
It can obviously be something that can be seen
from two sides and end up with a very differ-
ent understanding if you don't talk together.
However, in the IPC standard it could even be
a measurable parameter, but the standard has
le the solution to be agreed upon.
Don't Forget AABUS
The PCB Norsemen
by Jan Pedersen, ELMATICA
