PCB Design and Stencil

Stencil design considerations during library cell design

Library cell design seems to be an easy part of the entire design process, but in reality, it can be a complicated part of this process, as it involves many different aspects to consider. It should not only comply with the electrical needs, but also needs to meet manufacturing requirements. Solder paste printing is one of the manufacturing processes that may need considerations during your library cell creation. To be more straightforward, the stencil design is something need to be considered during library cell design.

pick and place machine on PCB SMT line

How to Optimize PCB Design for the SMT Assembly Process Flow

PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design layout optimization is critical for the success of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) assembly. SMT assembly involves placing surface mount components directly onto the surface of the PCB, as opposed to through-hole components, which require holes to be drilled through the PCB. SMT assembly is faster, more precise, and more cost-effective than through-hole assembly, but it requires careful design optimization to ensure a successful assembly process.

detectives investigate DFM within a PCB design

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Bowties Part III

Previously… People often say ‘better late than never’, but I’ve never heard my boss say that. After much difficulty in…

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Bowties Part II

Previously… After receiving our boards and having them pass inspection I breathed a sigh of relief as this project was…

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Bowties Part I

It was just another Monday at the office. I had released a design I had been working on for four…

CAM Compare tool

3 use models of the CAM Compare tool

Using the CAM Compare tool Valor NPI comes coupled with multiple tool kits specifically designed to manage and assist with…

PCB assembly machine

What is the PCB Design Process?

The PCB design process can be different depending on your company, but the fundamental aspects are all the same –…

PCB Designer on Valor NPI

How do you track changes made to your CAM files?

PCB DFM comparison of CAM files CAM Compare is a popular DFM tool that comes packaged with every version of…

IC PCB DFT image

Proactive Design for Test (DFT) best practices

The process of PCB DFT needs to be considered sooner and more proactively in our PCB design process, incorporated in the schematic phase, not during the layout phase. A designer should determine what nets will be needed to be tested based on their likelihood of failure and position those pins in open, accessible real-estate.