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Test Drive Valor DFM software

Test Drive Valor NPI Free for 30 Days

This free, online trial will let you learn how moving manufacturing knowledge into the layout process can eliminate potential manufacturing issues early with Valor NPI.

Military Aviation

Global aerospace leader seamlessly integrates Valor NPI into an Allegro® workflow

Corporate Goal: reduce re-designs and increase product quality A few years ago corporate management at a global aerospace leader examined…

PCB designers discussing stackup planning

You Need to Control Your PCB Stackups!

Z-planner Enterprise contains all the tools you need to design and verify stackups on fast PCB designs. In addition to being able to calculate impedance and design valid stackups, you can run the field solver and perform cross-section analysis. And, it includes the industry’s largest dielectric materials library, including laminates. The result is a stackup design that will produce first-time-right results regardless of the fabricator.

Automated PCB assembly process

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

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.

PCB stackup with material and copper

PCB Stackup Design e-book

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.

electrical structure within city

What is Design for Manufacturing?

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.

Valor Part Library PCB footprint

Valor Parts Library: What You Need to Know

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

PCB stackup planning

How do you do PCB Stackup Planning?

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.

flexible PCB

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

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