All Questions
Tagged with manufacturing pcb
63
questions
2
votes
2
answers
121
views
Plating via without chemicals
In my lab we can mill and drill double sided PCBs. Holes are not plated. To create a via we usually use little copper rivets. Electroplating is out of the question because we don’t do any chemicals ...
- 31
3
votes
5
answers
970
views
Tolerance of board-to-board headers
I am designing two boards. The bottom one is the power board that contains power switches on IMS (metal-clad board), while the top board is the logic board (4-layer FR4). Board to board height is ...
- 489
6
votes
7
answers
2k
views
Automatic serial number on a PCB
Imagine you're printing 10 PCBs and you want each PCB to have its own serial number, but you want to add the serial numbers automatically from Kicad. Is this possible or not? Does it depend on the ...
- 316
4
votes
0
answers
59
views
Attempting to patch the "G75 Bug" on a Gerber Level
Context
I am currently looking for alternative PCB manufacturers for my company and have sent Gerber files to some (Chinese) companies.
These Gerber files have already been used in the past by various ...
- 2,803
1
vote
1
answer
104
views
PCB design for Renesas' DA7212 audio codec
I'm designing my very first PCB. I managed to route all my components and I'm stuck at the last footprint - DA7212 from Renesas:
Those balls are both incredibly tiny and packed dense. I'd need a ...
- 33
4
votes
1
answer
196
views
Deliver high current through vias
There is a demand for a delivery of 3 A through several layers using vias.
Presented below in the picture is my PCB manufacturer's abilities regarding vias.
A single via can withstand 1.4 A. Are there ...
- 375
1
vote
1
answer
127
views
Tight GND plane Pros and Cons
Imagine a typical 2Oz/1Oz, 4 layer PCB with a stack-up, Sig/Pwr, GND, GND, Sig/Pwr. Your typical trace width/space would be 0.2mm/0.2mm, and a prepreg Dk of ~4, ignore the Core. Fastest signal on the ...
- 305
1
vote
1
answer
56
views
Electronics Manufacturing Engineers: What needs to meet IPC-6012 the finished copper or the starting copper foil?
I have a PCB that has a finished copper thickness of 1 oz on all layers and must meet IPC-6012 requirements for Class 2.
Does this mean that the manufacturer can start with 0.5 oz copper foil then ...
- 111
0
votes
2
answers
126
views
How good are current PCB debugging tools? [closed]
I'm a newbie in the field of manufacturing, and I'm hoping to get a broad understanding of the field. After you get PCBs manufactured, I understand that you need to check for mechanical damage, ...
1
vote
1
answer
300
views
Soldermask bridge gap too small - PCBWAY
I've got a PCB design which contains a chip that uses the QFN (7x7) package.
Because of the package size the pins are very close together and the pads are 0.2mm apart, which is smaller than the ...
- 131
0
votes
2
answers
99
views
If a PCB is inspected to an IPC-A-600 class higher than specified what are the negative impacts?
I have received several parts from a PCB manufacturer which should have been inspected to IPC-A-600 Class 2 but were instead inspected to IPC-A-600 Class 3.
I believe I have received PCBs inspected to ...
- 77
22
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Environmentally sustainable electronics
I am part of my company's work to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. On a high level for the company that means pursuing ISO certifications (such as ISO 14001) and working according ...
- 607
1
vote
6
answers
1k
views
Electrically isolate bottom side of a PCB
I have a 4-layer board with no parts on the bottom side, the bottom-side solder mask fully covers all vias.
I want to stick the board with a double-side adhesive foil on the metal bottom side of a ...
- 53
0
votes
1
answer
190
views
Do Professional Manufacturers Violate IPC Standards?
I lay out simple boards using BGA packages and often ignore my EDA tool's courtyards. I know these courtyards are set by IPC standards to allow for good design, but then I look at boards like the ...
user167743
11
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What exactly makes small quantity PCB production costly compared to large quantity PCB production?
The per-PCB cost of manufacturing a small number of PCB is 10 times or more compared to the per-PCB cost of manufacturing a large number of PCBs.
So what is it exactly that adds to the cost?
People ...
- 135
1
vote
0
answers
47
views
How to Design method to Program & Calibrate a Panel of PCBs
I'm designing a sensor-package PCB which needs to be programmed and calibrated while still in a panel of 10.
I'd like to avoid a large bed-of-nails type setup for this step so that the panel can ...
- 11
4
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Is it hard to do 2 sided SMD PCB in oven?
As far as I am aware, and please correct me. If we have a 2-sided PCB with SMD components on the top and also bottom, first we shall put components on the top side and solder them and then on the ...
- 2,103
0
votes
1
answer
78
views
How do you make custom THT (through-hole) connectors?
I have a project that requires a connector that is no longer manufactured which would interface with an old device. For prototyping, I have been salvaging this connector from old peripherals that used ...
- 23
10
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Which is better - components on both sides or components on one side of the PCB?
I am working on a PCB design. 50k PCBs will be produced.
SMD components: 100
Through-hole components: 25
I need to minimize PCB size. There are no high-speed signals or sensitive signals in the ...
- 362
0
votes
0
answers
47
views
Creating random PCB ID via manufacturing process
I often purchase prototype PCBAs on the order of five to twenty pieces and need to uniquely identify them sans software. I usually just whip out a permanent marker and label ...
- 2,516
1
vote
4
answers
4k
views
Soldering one PCB to another with 90 degrees angle
I want two PCB's to be soldered with each other in 90-degrees style.
I think that the base PCB should have a slot with the width equals to the top board thickness. The top board should have a flange ...
- 3,012
24
votes
6
answers
5k
views
Writable area on a PCB
I would like to create an area on my PCB where you can write on with a pen.
Is this possible, and if so how should I do it?
- 393
1
vote
2
answers
696
views
Reed Switch Failure Modes
I've been playing with these through hole reed switches: MDSR-4-12-23. It has been my experience so far that you have to be very careful in handling them, including when bending the leads to 90 degree ...
- 22.8k
8
votes
3
answers
4k
views
What is this small unconnected solder blob on this PCB?
There's a small solder blob in the middle of this one-sided PCB (a switch-mode power supply), surrounded by unmasked board. The blob is 1.5mm in diameter, and the non-masked area is 4mm in diameter. ...
- 486
5
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Usefull 0402 and 0603 solderbridge footprints compatible with machine manufacturing?
I am currently in process of my eagle library cleanup, and came up with the idea to create a footprint similar to the one from nucleo boards. Those pads are meant to be easily bridged by just solder ...
- 81
-1
votes
1
answer
1k
views
In Altium Why My Square slot is shown round in Gerber?
In Altium I have created a square slot in PCB then I create the gerber files.
In CAM, file's square slot is shown as round shape.
Can anyone explain why?
Also I have enabled the G85 command.
- 69
0
votes
1
answer
78
views
Any script for detecting PCB size or the trace width/spacing
everytime I place an order on PCB manufacturers (such as PCBWay), I need to fill out the related parameters of my boards - the width, the length, the trace , holes and etc. Has anyone tried to work ...
- 1
2
votes
2
answers
195
views
Will PCB assemblers solder wires to the board?
When preparing a medium run prototype, are there any manufacturers out there who will solder wires to you if you ask? For example, I have a device with 6 sensor pins. I'm hoping that a manufacturer, ...
- 493
0
votes
1
answer
341
views
STM32F103xxxx VFQFPN 36 pin package thermal pad, isolated or tied to ground?
Currently designing a PCB based on the STM32F103. The package is a VFQFPN 36 pin package, which also has a large thermal pad. The datasheet for this part does not appear to indicate a pin number or ...
- 690
14
votes
2
answers
6k
views
Mounting components on both sides of a PCB
I'm designing a PCB with a microcontroller ,CAN transceiver, sensor (I2C) and linear regulator. I want to make the PCB as small as possible, so my thoughts were to use both sides of a two layer stack ...
- 690
0
votes
2
answers
170
views
Newbie on SMD. From THM to SMD PCB design and manufacturing [closed]
I have made a prototype of a device using THM technology. Now one of my successful friends has suggested me to move the design to SMD technology to reduce component and PCB manufacturing costs. I have ...
1
vote
4
answers
378
views
Choosing a PCB Manufacturer/Assembler for the first time [closed]
I've just finished designing my first PCB, and I'm about to send out a batch of emails for quotes from manufacturing/assembly shops. My design is super simple: the only components are 7 identical SMD ...
- 303
0
votes
0
answers
265
views
Leaded wave soldering temperature on "lead free PCB"
I've a question regarding what temperature is recommended on a leaded wave soldering machine?
Background of question
The case is that I've the option to use a leaded (when customer allows) or a lead-...
- 626
3
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Many small via vs few bigger via
While I was designing a board I thought, if we want to make a better path for the current what is the best choise?
Small vias and big in numbers or fewer but with bigger hole?
- 2,053
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Half-etched fiducials Vs through-cut fiducials
While making PCB, I added 8 fiducials (fids) marks so that pick and place machines use these marks as referent points on the PCB to position the surface mount components (Packages) during assembly.
...
9
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Anyone know the premise of this PCB assembly note?
The assembly note states:
Bake bare PCBs in a clean and well ventilated oven prior to assembly at 125*C for 24 hours.
Why is this necessary?
- 312
2
votes
2
answers
216
views
Connectors in high volume manufacturing?
How are connectors such as USB handled in high volume manufacture?
Would the panelized board leave room to place these connectors or would the panel be cut apart and the connectors added later. Is ...
- 7,127
4
votes
1
answer
498
views
PCB solder mask inconsistency
We have a small PCB that has been manufactured and assembled several thousand times. However, the last lot showed inconsistencies with the solder mask:
It looks like the solder mask is very thin, ...
- 10.1k
1
vote
2
answers
177
views
Nomenclature for tested PCB assemblies
I want to unambiguously refer to an assembled PCB that has been tested. I am familiar with the terms:
PCB - unpopulated printed circuit board
PCBA - PCB assembly, a PCB with all the parts fitted and ...
- 4,172
6
votes
1
answer
956
views
Meaning of "caps not pop with watch crystal" in a schematic
caps not pop with watch crystal
You can find this sentence in ADuC 841 evaluation board schematic. Could someone explain what does it mean?
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
From what pitch should I consider ENIG finish
My design (4-layer, FR4, 1.6mm) has a couple of ICs with 0.5mm pitch pads and some LEDs with 0.4mm pitch pads, very small LEDs.
Should I consider ENIG (more expensive) or will HASL do the job?
I read ...
- 2,127
0
votes
2
answers
181
views
Tools used to manufacture entire digital systems
I am new to electronics and am trying to wrap my head around the various tools used for producing various digital components.
My understanding of HDL languages like VHDL and Verilog is that they ...
- 645
39
votes
7
answers
3k
views
How do I make sure my electronics design is good from manufacturing perspective? [closed]
I am a beginner in electronics design. I have some experience with fairly complex PCB design. I want to design a product that will hopefully sell a lot. How do I ensure that the design is inexpensive ...
- 491
4
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Need help with a vertical mount, male A USB connector
I need to figure out a way to get a Male A USB connector to vertically attach to a PCB. Ideally, we wouldn't use a surface mount right angle connector.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Most of ...
- 41
0
votes
1
answer
131
views
Custom board cutoffs pcb
I have been playing with the board shape, im planning to send this to OSH spark for manufacturing, however i have doubts about if they can do cutoffs of the boards like this or any other possible form ...
- 1,547
0
votes
2
answers
576
views
Silkscreen covering pads
Im prepparing my 1st pcb for manufacturing, and before i generate the gerbers i wanted to ask some things here fist,
What happens when i put a silk screen like this? a logo big enough to cover the ...
- 1,547
2
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Any better alternative to produce PCB than UV etching
I hope this is an appropriate question to ask it here.
I work for a small start up company that has a limited budget. We have UV box, etching tank, etc from manufacturer like Mega UK.
Our problem ...
- 3,305
1
vote
4
answers
1k
views
High precision soldering of through hole components
I have a through hole component with many leads spaced closely together, see picture:
I'm looking to unsolder it from the PCB and then solder it back again. Unfortunately, the leads are spaced so ...
- 65
0
votes
2
answers
414
views
Is quality China manufacturing possible without being there? [closed]
I'm looking for some help with manufacturing in China with respect to PCB fabrication and assembly, plastic injection molding and metal forging/brushing.
Common wisdom in our days is that one HAS to ...
- 81
0
votes
2
answers
327
views
Do any commercially available generic circuits use only discrete components? [closed]
I'm currently toying with embarking upon a totally crazy hobby project, which would prohibit the use of any component that cannot be 100% verified manually: obviously this completely rules out all ...
- 185