Anticipating the Aftermath of PCB Orders
In the world of electronics, making changes to a printed circuit board (PCB) design after it has been ordered is a common yet crucial process. Here's a simplified breakdown of what happens when you need to tweak your PCB design post-order.
- Identifying the Tweaks
The first step involves identifying the necessary changes to the PCB layout or schematic. This could be anything from fixing errors found during testing, adding or removing features, or improving manufacturability.
- Updating the Design Files
Once the tweaks have been identified, the next step is to update the PCB design files using your PCB design software. This might involve adjusting the Gerber files, Bill of Materials (BOM), and assembly instructions as needed.
- Resubmitting the Updated Files
After updating the design files, they are resubmitted to the manufacturer for a new fabrication and assembly run. Most PCB fab and assembly houses require the revised Gerber and BOM files to produce the updated boards.
- Communicating with the Manufacturer
It's essential to communicate with the manufacturer about the changes and confirm pricing and lead time adjustments. Some companies provide tools or portals to upload revised files and track orders.
- Waiting for the New PCBs
Once the revised files have been submitted, you'll need to wait for the new PCBs to be fabricated and assembled. This process can take days to weeks, depending on the complexity and the manufacturer’s process.
It's important to note that modifying a physical PCB already in production or shipped is generally not possible. PCB fabrication and assembly are batch processes that start after final file submission. If errors or improvements are found post-order, the usual method is to revise the design, then place a new order or arrange for rework or production of updated boards.
Some manufacturers and services offer consultation during the prototyping phases to minimise the need for such tweaks after ordering. They may also support assembly with testing and programming services for smoother iteration.
Key Input Files for PCB Fabrication
Important input files for PCB fabrication include Gerbers/ODB, IPC netlist, NC drill file, and fabrication drawing.
Quality Testing and Certifications
Quality testing is performed in accordance with IPC-A-610, IPC-A-612, and IPC-A-613 assembly standards, and the boards meet the requirements for certifications including ISO:9001:2008, ISO:13485:2003, RoHS, and ITAR.
Manufacturing and Assembly Standards
Sierra Circuits' manufacturing and assembly standards are aligned for prototyping and production of circuit boards for industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive.
The manufacturing process begins with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) checks to identify potential errors. After the board is manufactured, it goes through various stages including inner layer imaging, component placement, soldering processes, copper circuit coating, hole creation, copper deposition/plating, solder mask application, surface finish, and silkscreen application.
If errors are found during any of these stages, the user will be informed and guided to make the necessary corrections. Raw material inspection is conducted after receiving the components and materials, checking for quality and acceptance issues.
In summary, tweaking a PCB design after placing an order means revising your design files and initiating a subsequent manufacturing order rather than modifying the boards already produced.
- The PCB design tweaks, such as fixing errors, adding or removing features, or improving manufacturability, are made using technology in the form of PCB design software.
- To produce the updated PCBs based on the revised design files, the manufacturer utilizes technology in the form of machinery and equipment during the fabrication and assembly processes.
