1. Research and select suppliers early in design

After the design team has completed a prototype, the next step in the design process is to get a prototype for testing. While for the team this is just one step mapped out, in reality the process involves many steps, such as purchasing components and making printed circuits, which need to be properly connected to the PCB. How the whole production process is implemented depends on the selection and management of the design team.

Therefore, you need to understand the production process in advance, including component availability and service provider capabilities, which can help you reduce rework and redesign. Win every battle. Of course, in all cases, printed circuit boards must be made as designed.

2, before the layout, reduce costs, optimize performance

Cost refers not only to the number of components used in the design, but also to the complexity of PCB design, number of flypin tests, and design-related manufacturing issues. Therefore, you need to optimize the performance of your PCB before the layout, as much as possible before the layout of unnecessary costs.

3. Develop your layout into a factory sweetpot

Whichever manufacturer he chooses, he will have a Sweetpot, and the design is right in the middle of the manufacturing process window. From this point on, within production capacity, small changes in manufacturing can still keep your design intact, thereby increasing your profitability and reliability.

4. Use vendor DFM tools to verify your layout productivity

A reputable PCB manufacturer will check for visual inspection errors for any design details by running your design in a Manufacturing-Oriented Design (DFM) tool. A top manufacturer will provide a feasibility report when quoting your design. The report is to verify that your design is suitable for the manufacturing process. This report is an important step in obtaining suitable assembly boards and is the first step in developing a circuit board optimized for production.

5. Manage prototype and hidden costs

Being prepared to revise from the first time can prototype to create a more stable design. Assuming the hidden cost of a five-person design team, it would take five people’s work days to complete this preparation, which may seem pointless. But this preparation will save you at least one prototype spin — about five days.

When PCB designs are simpler, or far removed from current technological advantages, these strategies have less impact on your design cycle. These strategies become more and more important if you are strict with errors in circuit testing.