pcb dfm - Electronic Systems Design

What is New Product Introduction (NPI) and How Does it Apply to PCBs?

February 2, 2022

The pace of PCB new product introductions has increased exponentially over the past few years – and with it the need for a proper NPI process. It’s not just that PCBs are used in more and more products across numerous industries; it’s also that more PCBs are needed in those products. For example, consider how many PCBs are used in even the lowest-end cars today versus how many were used years ago. As new-model cars become increasingly connected to online services, the need for PCBs will continue to grow.

By Patrick Hope

5 MIN READ

PCB Stackup Design e-book

January 28, 2022

While not the final word on the subject of stackups, Bill’s e-book goes a long way to helping you plan ahead, providing an important voice in a space that is surprisingly lacking in content. I would also recommend exploring Z-planner Enterprise, a stackup tool that Bill has spent years developing. Now all you need is a sharp pencil.

By Patrick Hope

3 MIN READ

What is Design for Manufacturing?

January 4, 2022

PCB Design for Manufacturing DFM looks at all factors that may impact the manufacturability of a PCB design, such as assembly, fabrication, flex/rigid-flex, microvia, panel and substrate. It should also consider whether SMT component placement and soldering can be conducted automatically to reduce costs. DFM can involve general manufacturing specifications and/or the specifications of a specific manufacturer.

By Patrick Hope

4 MIN READ

Flex & rigid-flex PCB DFM: Learn from the expert

November 24, 2021

Flex and rigid-flex circuits use unique materials in the manufacturing process and must be handled differently than FR4 PCBs.

By Patrick McGoff

< 1 MIN READ

The last step in PCB design needs more attention

October 18, 2021

We put a lot of attention on the first step of a process and then it seems we fall behind schedule. By the time you get to the last step of a process you are out of time and just need to wrap things up. How often are you pressed by management to get a PCB design out the door and sent to the fab house?

By Patrick McGoff

< 1 MIN READ

Valor Parts Library: What You Need to Know

October 7, 2021

Are you familiar with the Valor Parts Library? Whether you are experienced with VPL or this is your first exposure,…

By Guy Shoshany

< 1 MIN READ