The design and production of any product that features a PCB can be fraught. In today's ultra-competitive market of electronic devices, you simply can’t afford to make mistakes. This is why the manufacture of prototype circuit boards early in the design phase is so important. With the help of a fully-functioning prototype board, any design or manufacturing issue can be addressed very early on.
If you are looking to reduce both production risks, and production time, the first thing to think about is how complex your PCB is. A schematic diagram will help you establish how effective your design is, and will be invaluable when it comes to reviewing it with industry experts.
The following 5 strategies will help you to get your product to market more quickly, and with fewer production issues:
Strategy 1
Collaboration with a PCB fabricator early in the PCB design process is crucial. With a shared goal, you stand the best chance at reducing the amount of PCB prototype circuit board spins required. Any good PCB manufacturer will give you helpful and insightful input that will not only help you improve the quality and reliability of your end product, but will also help you reduce lead times.
Strategy 2
It is not unusual for designers to add greater complexity and functionality to a PCB layout than is necessary for testing purposes. Complexity can often create issues for manufacturers, particularly if the design requires a specialized procedure, machinery, or components that a manufacturer has easy access to. In general, the fewer components that a PCB has, the easier it’ll be to build, and the quicker you can have your finished product on the shelves.
Strategy 3
Choose processes and layouts that your chosen PCB fabricator has experience with. This strategy will improve production capabilities, along with overall efficiency and component reliability.
Strategy 4
Prototyping can produce more robust designs. The quicker you begin prototyping, the quicker you can iron-out any issues. You may be able to shave months off your production time though effective prototyping.
Strategy 5
Make sure that your PCB manufacturer has access to the components that you need, and that that supply is guaranteed at a price you can afford. The least thing you want is for production to halt because your PCB manufacturer no longer has access to a component, or that its price has now become too high. Remember too, that as components and designs become smaller and more complex, the need to outsource may throw up new challenges.
The Bottom Line
Reducing PCB complexity is a surefire method of reducing production times, cost, and failure rates. Also remember that you can talk to PCB manufacturers directly, and if you have a great relationship, they’ll be happy to talk through your design and recommend any changes that'll aid production.
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