Building Process of a Printed Circuit Board

Like cells in an organism, printed circuit boards are the building blocks of any and all electronic devices. They are a vital piece of machinery and require a great deal of expertise and finesse to develop.
Following are the steps involved in building a PCB.

Designing the Circuit Schematic

Designing the circuit schematic is the first and most integral part of the process. PCB designers usually draw it on a graph paper or in a computer simulation software, mostly Eagle CAD or Multi Sim. But before they start designing, they create a net list that contains all the circuit nodes and component pins. They have to finalize the location of each device on the board and for that, they develop a grid of numbered columns and lettered rows to designate a place to each component. The devices can be manually placed at their designated locations or the software can automatically assign them to specific areas.
Once the device list is finalized, the software uses templates from a footprint library in order to form a footprint map for different devices. The map is actually the indication of each device’s pins with recommended drill-hole layouts and pads.
Once the logic diagram is complete, the designer prints it out and hands it over to an Electrical engineer for etching it on the board and then assembling the devices on it.

Etching the Design on the Board

Etching starts with putting a layer of copper on the substrate which is composed of a paper saturated with phenolic resin like Pertinax. The unnecessary copper is then removed by applying a temporary mask which is usually made up of ferric chloride. Ferric chloride at 46°C is poured in a tray and the board is then dipped in it for 20 minutes. Then it’s lifted using plastic tongs and gently tapped to remove the surplus copper, leaving desirable traces of the metal. This etching technique is referred to as ‘Silk Screening’. Other methods include ‘Photoengraving’ and ‘PCB Milling’.

Assembling the Components

After the engineer is done with etching, he moves onto assembling the devices and circuit components on the circuit board. Some boards are single-layered and some have trace layers in them due to which they are called multilayer PCBs. In order to place the devices, holes have to be drilled on the board which is done using small tungsten carbide drill bits. It’s an automated process and the placement of the board is controlled by a computer generated drill file called NCD file. The file also describes the size and location of each hole.
The pads and components that are to be mounted are plated because bare copper cannot be soldered. This is called surface mount construction. Whereas, through hole construction requires the engineer to insert component leads in holes and fix them electrically to the board with a metal solder. The parts that are not to be soldered are concealed with a solder resist polymer layer.

The Printed Circuit board is now complete. It is then tested to ensure that it works accurately. Also, it is coated with silicone rubber or polyurethane to prevent corrosion and damage.

For more information visit http://www.eiconnect.com/pcbbuild.aspx 

Attend the PCB West 2015 Conference in September

The PCB West 2015 Conference is a conference for all professionals in the entire PCB industry that includes workshops from guest speakers as well as exhibits from many PCB manufacturers.  This workshop is ideal for all professionals in the industry including fabricators, designers, engineers, and assemblers to come together and network or increase their knowledge and skills by viewing exhibits and sitting in on one of the many workshops with featured guest speakers.  PCB West 2015 is taking place September 15-17 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA.

The PCB West 2015 Conference is expected to feature exhibits from over 80 of the top PCB industry professionals as well as over 60 workshops and free presentations that cover a range of topics related to PCB design, engineering, and manufacturing.  Each workshop is presented by one of the many guest speakers that include engineers, managers, and marketing directors from the top PCB manufacturers in the industry.  Each day of the conference also includes a lunch session in which attendees can network and learn from others in the industry.
This conference is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm each day from Tuesday September 15 through Thursday September 17 in the Mission City Ballroom at the Santa Clara Convention Center.  You can register on the event website for the technical conference which includes the conference sessions and exhibitions or for the free exhibition only pass to view the exhibits. 

Electronic Interconnect is planning to be at the PCB West 2015 Conference to network with other industry professionals and learn about the latest trends and technologies related to PCB design and manufacturing.  We specialize in PCB design, testing, and manufacturing and we also offer a student program to sponsor engineering students for their projects.  You can learn more about our services at eiconnect.com.

The Design Automation Conference - June 7-11, 2015

The Design Automation Conference (DAC) is considered the top conference for design and automation of electronic systems and it attracts over 1000 organizations each year including system designers and architects, validation engineers, circuit designers, CAD managers, and researchers from major universities.  This conference provides opportunities for professionals in these fields to network amongst each other as well as view exhibits from industry professionals and receive related training and education.  This year’s Design Automation Conference is held in San Francisco, California.

 

The Design Automation Conference includes a large number of exhibits from companies within the industry from all over the world as well as plenty of learning opportunities such as tutorials, workshops, and nearly 300 technical presentations that cover new trends, developments, technologies, products, and methodology.  There are several different tracks at the DAC that cover the major areas of the industry including design, security, intellectual property (IP), embedded systems and software (ESS), electronic design automation (EDA), and automotive.  Within each track, visitors can find exhibits from companies within these specific sections of the industry as well as related workshops, panels, and tutorials.

This conference takes place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA from June 7 through 11 with exhibit hours from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.  On most days there are activities in the morning that take place before the exhibit hours including breakfast panels. 

Electronic Interconnect encourages you to attend the DAC this year and network with other companies in the industry to learn about the latest developments and technologies.  We provide custom PCB manufacturing and testing at our facility in Elk Grove Village, IL and you can learn more about our services by visiting our website eiconnect.com. 

At the Electronic Components and Technology Conference 2015

The 2015 ECTC is held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, San Diego, California, USA from May 26 to 29, 2015. ECTC brings together over 1,000 professionals from the global microelectronics packaging industry for 4 consecutive days packed with Technical presentations. Technology Corner Exhibits provide an opportunity to meet with and learn from industry movers on the latest technological advances.

ECTC 2015 - IEEE Electronic Components and Technology Conference

The Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC) is the premier international event that brings together the best in packaging, components and microelectronic systems science, technology and education in an environment of cooperation and technical exchange. ECTC is sponsored by the Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology (CPMT) Society of the IEEE.

Electronic Interconnect encourages you to network with other companies in the industry and learn about the latest developments and technologies.  We provide custom PCB manufacturing and testing at our facility in Elk Grove Village, IL and you can learn more about our services by visiting our website at www.eiconnect.com.

Electronic Interconnect to Attend Del Mar Electronics DMEDS and Design Show May 6-7, 2015

The Delmar Electronics and Design Show is the premier show for businesses in the electronic industry and the biggest meeting place for people who design, manufacture, and test electronic products.  The goal of this conference is to help promote the electronic design and manufacturing industry as well as provide a business atmosphere for designers, manufacturers, and testers to meet and exchange information.  Electronic Interconnect will be attending the Delmar Electronics and Design Show which is taking place May 6 and 7 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego, CA.

The Delmar Electronics and Design Show is the largest event of its type within the electronic industry and will feature 500 booths of exhibitors from the medical and biotech industries as well as the electronic industry.  Attendees will be able to visit with exhibitors to view their latest products as well as exchange information.  There will be many products on display from a number of companies within the industry including electronic components, instrumentation equipment, IC products and services, and engineering software and services among others.  This show will also feature a variety of free seminars for attendees and exhibitors as well as technical sessions and panel discussions by leading companies within the industry.

The show will take place on Wednesday, May 6 from 10 am to 5 pm and on Thursday, May 7 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego, CA.  Admission is free for attendees and there will be over 4000 industry professionals in attendance including Electronic Interconnect.  We provide custom PCB manufacturing and testing from our state-of-the-art facility in Elk Grove Village, IL and visitors to the Delmar Electronics and Design Show will be able to learn more about our products and services.  You can contact us through our website to talk to a representative or you can find us at the Delmar Electronics and Design Show for more information.

Printed Circuit Boards - Design Mistakes to Avoid

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are needed for most electronic devices and applications and the fabrication process is important for creating a PCB that will work best in the specific application.  But how should you approach PCB design to lower the cost of production and make for an easier assembly process?  The best way is through design for manufacturability, or DFM.  Designing a PCB according to DFM guidelines takes the processes and capabilities of PCB manufacturing into account to ensure that you create the most efficient PCBs for your application at a lower cost.

PCB Design Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting a Design Without Discussing your Application with the Manufacturer

A variety of materials are used to manufacture PCBs and the different materials can better suit specific needs.  It is beneficial to discuss the application you have in mind with your PCB manufacturer to determine which materials will be the most effective.  Different materials can be used for flex, high speed, RF, high temp, and RoHS circuit boards and certain materials may have a lead time of a couple weeks.  Talking to your manufacturer will help you determine which materials are the most available.

 Submitting a Design Without Knowing the Impedance Information from the Manufacturer

Every PCB fabricator builds PCBs at different tolerances which will affect the target impedance or stack-up in different ways.  It is important to establish your impedance requirements with the manufacturer before the fabrication because if the PCB is not built to your requirements, it may require adjustments before it can be used.  Making sure the manufacturer knows your impedance requirements before fabrication will help you avoid the need to make further adjustments which will save you lead time and money.

PCB Design with EI Connect

Regardless of the application, communication with your PCB fabricator before your PCBs are built will help you create and submit a PCB design that will best suit your needs.   Making sure the PCB design follows DFM guidelines will help ensure that your PCB is built to handle your specific application without the need for further adjustments.  If you have PCB designs to submit for fabrication, contact Electronic Interconnect.  We provide instant quotes for a variety of PCB types including zoom, multi-part, metal core, and bare bones PCBs.

Electronic Interconnect to Attend the Strategies in Light Show in Las Vegas

For over 15 years, the Strategies in Light show has been one of the biggest events of its type in North America.  Professionals from all aspects of the industry from LED and lighting professionals to professionals in manufacturing, testing, and packaging attend this event to build professional relationships and learn about current issues that are relevant to the industry.  This year, Electronic Interconnect will be attending this event which will start on February 24 and run through February 26 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The Strategies in Light expo is the largest show related to LED and lighting and this year there is also the co-location of The LED Show which focuses on the LED lighting industry.  Attendees at the Strategies in Light show can visit over 300 exhibitors that offer the latest products and services of the industry, learn about business and technological issues from the most trusted names in the industry, hear the Market Review for 2015, network with thousands of professionals of the industry, and attend workshops and conference sessions to learn more about the current issues of the industry.
Those that would like to attend the Strategies in Light show can register on the website for the convention.  Electronic Interconnect will have an exhibit at the convention in which attendees can learn about our latest PCB products and services.  We offer PCB manufacturing and testing services that we perform within our state-of-the-art facility in Elk Grove Village, IL.  You can contact us to learn more about our services and make sure to visit us if you are attending the Strategies in Light expo in Las Vegas.

Best Value PCBs for Controlling Heat

Expert Printed Circuit Board Thermal Management and Metal Cladding

Electronic Interconnect – The PCB Experts

Electronic Interconnect is a reliable manufacturer of high quality PCBs – up to Class 3. We specialize in and focus on the design and manufacture of PC boards.
With nearly 30 years of experience, our customers have benefited from our unique technical advancements and distinct advantages, such as thermal management, use of metal cladding, heavy copper and outstanding solder-ability.

Effective Use of Thermal Management

Today, many PCB materials, constructions, and configurations for electronic assemblies require special thermal management to ensure continued operation without excessive heat issues, such as
- Hot spots
- CTE mismatch
- Solder joint stress
- Thermal fatigue failure
- Shock and vibration issues
While thermal management is important for any electronic assembly that is smaller, faster and stronger, it has become a critical part of PCB design for:
- High-power devices
- RF and wireless applications
- LED lighting boards
- DC/DC converters
- Electric motor controls

Thermal Management Expertise

As PCB specialists, we have become experts in the use of metals and Thermal Management. As a result, our PCBs exhibit faster heat dissipation, longer life and reduced energy needs. Our heat management capabilities include UL-certified metal-clad PCBs with various thicknesses of dielectrics and metal bases, such as aluminum and copper.

Materials Expertise

The combination of our knowledge and dedication to thermal management in PCBs, our expert processes and the use of many thermal laminates, allow us to optimize the performance and reliability of metal clad PCBs and provide the best solution to our customers. We manufacture boards with optional metal bases, provide metal cladding and use heavy copper weights.
Electronic Interconnect offers design counseling services to support the Thermal Management program.

Electronic Interconnect specializes in Thermal Management PCBs with broad capabilities in design and manufacturing.

Metal Clad PCB (MCPCB) Capabilities

The use of heavy metal and metal cladding is critical to effective thermal management of PCBs. Electronic Interconnect has very deep experience and broad capabilities in this area of specialization.
- Heavy copper capabilities up to 10 oz.
- UL approved MCPCBs up to 6 oz.
- Metal thickness from 30 mil to 125 mil
- Solder masks with high reflectance
- RoHS compliant
- Multi-layer and hybrid FR4 construction
- Many construction options

Flexi-Thermal PCBs

Often called Conformable MCPCBs.
- Metal Core PCBs (MCPCBs) from 0.004”
- Breakdown voltage AC from 2.5Kv to 10Kv
- External/internal radius up to 60°
- Extremely low thermal impedance
- Halogen-free, RoHS compliant

Direct Thermal Exchange (DTE)

With DTE technology, the thermal conduction path operates efficiently as a heat sink.
- Direct thermal conduction path
- Heat dissipates through Z axis
- No thermal transfer through the dielectric
- Resistant to UV and thermal discoloration
- Low thermal impedance
- 135W to 300W/mK conduction achieved
- Fast heat transfer rate through DTE pad
- Utilizes any base metal thickness
- Utilizes standard dielectric for the circuit area
- Utilizes FR4 epoxy, polyimide or any typical dielectric
- Other base metals available
- High power capacity
- No thermal via required

PowerLink PCBs (PLPCBs) with Heavy Copper 

There are multiple benefits of PLPCBs, ranging from smaller PCB size to extended life. They utilize a minimum of two copper weights on the same layer for the buss bar application.
- UL approved up to 6 oz.; capabilities to 20 oz.
- Use of multiple copper weights on same FR4 plane
- Prevents circuit failure
- Reduces number of connectors required
- Increases mechanical strength
- Higher current carrying capacity
- Use of high temperature dielectric material

Fabrication for Thermal Management

Precise machining tolerances and high-quality fabrication services at Electronic Interconnect enhance thermal management and long-term board reliability. A variety of laminates are available, based on the T-lam thermal lamination system, which includes:
1. Single side with a thermally conductive dielectric.
2. Double-sided with a thermally conductive dielectric on two sides of metal base.
3. Hybrid IMPCBs with FR-4 and a thermally conductive dielectric
4. Multi-layer construction with FR-4 and thermally conductive dielectrics on the metal base.

Electronic Interconnect uses advanced thermal management technologies to create PCBs for a wide variety of applications, such as LED lighting and power inverters.

The materials used feature strong thermal performance with high dielectric strength and low capacitance. They can eliminate the need for fans, heat sinks, and heat spreaders.

Download the PDF Brochure on Printed Circuit Board Thermal Management

Meet Electronic Interconnect at the Design-2-Part Show in Portland, OR

We hope you will be able to join Electronic Interconnect today and tomorrow at the Portland Expo Center - Booth #244!

From design ideas, to custom/stock parts, through final assembly, you will find the instant answers you need at this show. This is the largest design and contract manufacturing show in the Northwest.

For over 39 years, engineers and product manufacturers have relied on Design-2-Part Shows to find the best custom components, parts and contract manufacturing services. Each show features hundreds of job shops and American contract manufacturing suppliers exhibiting their skills in design, prototypes, production runs, value added services, assemblies, electronics, and much more.

Electronic Interconnect has been a leading PCB manufacturer for over 20 years. You can find us at the show under the following service categories: Fabricating - Printed Circuit Boards • CAD Design Services • Assemblies - Printed Circuit Boards • Circuits - Flexible • Printed Circuit Boards - Aluminum Clad

Stencils for PCB Prototypes

Electronic Interconnect is now offering Prototype Stencils which we can ship along with our quality fabricated printed circuit boards!

To find out more about this low-cost and highly affordable solution for prototyping your next great PCB project, please visit our website for more details on Proto Print Stencils.

TrikStik III - a stand-alone single-board computer

The TrikStik II is a stand-alone single-board computer with integrated real-time operating system and interactive macro control language.

The TrikStik III is a full-featured DAQ computer mounted on a handy modular plug-in PCB.
It consists of a high speed micro-controller capable of executing up to 8 MOPS (million operations per second) with a USB interface and an IDC 26-pin connector.

The TrikStik III has on-board FLASH memory, EEPROM, RAM, 8 MHz oscillator, high speed UART, two high speed serial communications channels, 23 programmable input/output ports, counter/timers, PWM output channels, six channels of 10-bit analog to digital converters, an analog comparator, internal and external interrupts and everything necessary to implement a wide variety of high performance control and monitoring circuits.

In addition to the native capabilities of the micro-controller, a real-time operating system with stored program, on board command interpreter, with multitasking capabilities and macro commands is included at no cost.

Read more at http://www.eiconnect.com/product_detail.aspx?b=9

Electronic Interconnect to Attend the SMTA Capital Expo

Meet Electronic Interconnect (EI) at the SMTA Capital Expo on September 9th, 2014!

SMTA Local Expos and Tech Forums have become one of the great benefits of local chapters. Attendees get valuable technical info, meet leading suppliers, and get a FREE lunch. Exhibitors get a great opportunity to connect with people in their region who want to know about their products and services.

Why visit Electronic Interconnect at the expo?

• Understand Electronic Interconnect and convey your suggestions and concerns.
• See how Electronic Interconnect has expanded its online capabilities.
• See EI's LED & Metal PCB capabilities. Have a glimpse of Flexible LED PCB technology.
• See Superconductive PCB from Electronic Interconnect.
• Available PCB discounts and promotions.

Sign up online: REGISTRATION for the expo.

 When: Tuesday, Sep 9, 2014
 Where: 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723
 Exhibit Hours: 10:00am - 3:00pm

About Electronic Interconnect

Electronic Interconnect is a USA based PCB manufacturer and 1-stop shop for PCB prototype and design, taking your schematic to printed circuit boards.Our products are manufactured in the U.S.A. under ISO 9001:2008 standards. Since 1985, serviced design engineers and contract assemblers through out the U.S, Mexico, Canada, South America and Asia. Our mission is to manufacturing high quality printed circuit boards with fast turnaround and a goal of reaching 100% customer satisfaction.

Electronic Interconnect is looking forward to see more customers at the SMTA Capital expo!

Funding for development of electronics and biometric sensor platforms for human performance monitoring (HPM)

The Nano-Bio Manufacturing Consortium (NBMC), an industry-academia partnership with the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has awarded funding for a project proposed by Binghamton University to develop electronics and biometric sensor platforms for human performance monitoring (HPM).

The electronics platform includes a flexible substrate, battery, processor, WiFi communications and interface electronics. The biometric sensor platform includes temperature and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors, allowing calculation of the wearer's heart rate. ECG signals from human subjects and from an archive of human ECG recordings (from both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions) will be utilized to test the sensor electrodes and onboard electronics. The processed data will be used to calculate heart rate, and data transmitted to a local network will be compared to the input signals. These tests will then be repeated on 10 units produced in the manufacturing run, all of which will be used to transmit ECGs, heart rate and temperature from human subjects. A second LED-based oximeter sensor will also be evaluated for the detection of blood oxygen levels and heart rate.

Read more at: http://www.printedelectronicsworld.com/articles/funding-for-development-of-electronics-and-biometric-sensor-platforms-00006779.asp

Printed Circuit Boards - PCB Design Tools

Budget friendly as well as high-capability PCB design tools are most times a difficult combination to find. But great CAD products are definitely available from these select & quality vendors:
- CadSoft (Eagle)
- Altium (Designer)
- National Instruments (Circuit Design Suite).

In case you are also looking for a PCB Design company, Electronic Interconnect offers full printed circuit board design, layout & artwork, scanning services alongside our high-quality PCB Fabrication. Check our website for more details on PCB Design.

Flex OLED Displays Market Analysis

The new market research report "OLED Display Forecasts 2014-2024: The Rise of Plastic and Flexible Displays" includes detailed 10-year forecast by market segments, but also by display type (AMOLED, PMOLED, etc.). Uniquely, this report distinguishes between rigid plastic displays and flexible displays. The former are already commercialized in handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy Round or the LG G Flex (Note: the G Flex is a little bit flexible but mostly rigid in normal use). The OLED displays in these devices are not manufactured on glass but on a polyimide substrate, a plastic known for its resistance to high temperatures.
We can expect the first flagship phone with a flexible display to ship in 2017. Based on this scenario, the market for plastic and flexible AMOLED displays will grow to $16 billion within the next six years.

The rise of plastic and flexible displays will be accompanied by a shift from glass substrates to plastic substrates such as polyimide. However, glass-based displays will remain an important technology, especially in TV applications where scale-up and cost reduction are still big challenges. Flat and curved OLED TVs were recently launched by Samsung and LG. While the market for OLED TV panels will be relatively small in 2014, it will experience strong growth in the next ten years, with a projected 42% CAGR.

OLED displays: CAGR by market segment 2014-2024

Based on a deep understanding of the technology roadmap and the existing bottlenecks, IDTechEx has forecasted the OLED display market in eight segments:
Mobile phone displays
Tablet and notebook displays
TV panels
Automotive and aerospace
Wearable electronics
Industrial and professional displays
Microdisplays
Other applications

More info: http://www.idtechex.com/research/reports/oled-display-forecast-2014-2024-the-rise-of-plastic-and-flexible-displays-000402.asp

Electrical Testing Options for Bare Printed Circuit Boards

There are 2 types of PCB bare board testing options available at most PCB manufacturing shops: Flying-Probe Testing & Fixture Testing. There are advantages in each type depending on board quantity, lead-time, and accuracy.

Flying Probe testing is usually used for low quantity printed circuit boards and always uses the Netlist extracted from the supplied Gerbers. Fixture Testing on the other hand has 2 options. 1st is the Golden-board testing which extracts the Netlist from an existing PCB. 2nd is Netlist based testing which uses the Netlist from the Gerbers.

If youd like a specific type of electrical testing done on your PCBs, please contact your PCB supplier for more information and pricing options.

Industrial and Medical Electronics Trends

Innovation and cost savings are now the key growth drivers for industrial companies worldwide.  Introducing more and more electronics and intelligence into their products is mandatory to survive.
As a result, the global industrial and medical electronics production will start a new growth cycle, which is forecast to reach 6.5% in average over the period 2012-2017.

Demand today is outweighed by major energy concerns. This modifies the expected technological road-map and the renewal demand routines. A growing part of the market will turn towards smart energy saving systems.

Industrial and medical electronics can be divided into the following 5 segments.

1. Transportation: electronics equipment for railways, marine and off-road vehicles applications, (excluding automotive electronics, aerospace, and defense systems).

2. Power electronics: includes UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), labs and industrial power supplies, solar inverters, and power distribution networks as a first segment, solar panels and electronic lighting as two other ones.

3. Automation: control equipment for factory and utility automation on one hand, and building and home automation for the second one.

4. Medical electronics: imaging systems, implants, other diagnosis and therapy equipment.

5. Instrumentation, measuring and test equipment: Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), general instrumentation, telecommunications instrumentation, metering.

Industrial electronic equipment production breakdown by segments in 2017:

Read the full article at http://www.ttiinc.com/object/me-coulon-20140626.html

Source: DECISION (Extract from the World Electronic Industries 2012 – 2017 Forecast report)

Slow Growth for the North American PCB Industry

IPC - Association Connecting Electronics Industries announced the April findings from its monthly North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program.

Sales and Orders Slow but Improving

Total North American PCB shipments increased 1.6 percent in April 2014 from April 2013, which moved year-to-date shipment growth to -0.2 percent. Compared to the previous month, PCB shipments declined 12.0 percent.

PCB bookings strengthened but continued negative at -1.5 percent year over year. Year-to-date order growth, while still negative, improved to -5.6 percent. Order growth fell 8.1 percent from the previous month.

The North American PCB book-to-bill ratio held steady in April at 1.01.

Read the article at http://www.ipc.org/ContentPage.aspx?Pageid=IPC-Releases-PCB-Industry-Results-for-April-2014

From PCB Design to PCB Fabrication

Too often the information en-route from PCB Design to PCB Fabrication is not conveyed properly, resulting in poor boards, higher costs, design re-spins, and ultimately slower product time-to-market. However, these problems can be avoided through careful planning, thorough communication, and proper documentation from the design-end.

A simple view of a typical product cycle from PCB Design to PCB Fabrication is shown below.

At Electronic Interconnect, at the Prototype Fabrication stage, we have seen a plethora of issues which could have been avoided if the Design Engineer had only provided the correct documentation and data for manufacturing the PCB. Some of the main issues are highlighted in the red box above. Overall, going back to the Design Engineer for documents, such as a dimensional drawing of the PCB, result in loss of time and money for all parties involved. Major issues which cause slowdown at the Prototype stage occur after a design-for-manufacturing check finds errors which will impede moving forward due to technology constraints; this is to say when no such constraints were intentionally added by the Design Engineer. For example, small annular rings around Vias, exceptionally thin trace widths and spacings, or antennas and electrical shorts, missing layers, missing drawings and notes; these issues will halt all operations in the engineering department before going to the plant floor. This will, in-turn, mean that the Design Engineer will have to go through each of these issues and either provide waivers to continue as-is, or a new set of fixed data.

In conclusion, valuable time can be saved with a concentrated effort at the design stage to provide proper documentation and cleaner data for efficient PCB fabrication!

For any questions, including DRC/DFM reviews, visit www.eiconnect.com

Electronic Interconnect - Engineering Student Program

At Electronic Interconnect we value our engineering students, because they are the future for engineering advances.

Our Engineering Student Program Features:

1. Projects sponsorship
2. PCB Standard Spec for ONLY $25.00 Each
3. PCB standard Spec for ONLY $2.50 Per Square Inch
4. PCB Layout Software
5. PCB File Check [Free DRC]
6. Multilayer Zoom PCB orders

Find additional information at http://www.eiconnect.com/students_program.aspx

Contact Electronic Interconnect for sponsorship details!