Industry: Electronics & Semiconductors

Automated PCB assembly process

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
4 MIN READ
PCB stackup with material and copper

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
electrical structure within city

What is Design for Manufacturing?

January 4, 2022

PCB 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
Valor Part Library PCB footprint

Valor Parts Library: What You Need to Know

December 27, 2021

Validating the PCB footprint with a comprehensive component library Are you familiar with the Valor Parts Library? Whether you are…

By Tova Levy
< 1 MIN READ
PCB stackup planning

How do you do PCB Stackup Planning?

December 8, 2021

Being able to quickly qualify materials based on your known electrical tolerances, and not upon the materials availability of your selected fabricator is key for efficient stackup design. This allows you to optimize the design around the available materials and take complete control of your stackup.

By Don Kost
3 MIN READ
flexible PCB

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
custom scripting for Valor NPI

Creating Custom Automation in Valor NPI Using Scripting Languages

November 10, 2021

The most modern language supported and delivered with Valor NPI is Python. If Perl is your language of choice then an additional module needs to be acquired through Active State. When all else fails there is the legacy C-Shell that is also included with Valor NPI.

By Max Clark
3 MIN READ
PCB design panelization

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

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