Design

All About The PCB Development Process

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in Design on

Here at Avanti Circuits, we have been providing a wide range of industries with printed circuit boards for more than 35 years. We are a trusted manufacturer that can help you get the high-quality printed circuit boards that you need.

But how much do you know about our pcb development process? While you might be aware of the types of printed circuit boards we offer, you might not know much about the development process.

We believe that you should be aware of the work that we put into each and every single one of our PCBs. Only when you know how much work we put in, can you fully understand how seriously we take your orders.

If you have any questions or queries about our PCBs or you would like a PCB development consultation, please contact us. You can call us at 602 866 7227. We are here to help you at every stage of the PCB design and manufacturing process. Contact us today.

Beginning With The PCB Board Layout

When it comes to working on the PCB board layout, we need to make sure that the need for the PCB has already been worked out. This is because when we know what it is used for, we can determine what components need to be used. When we know what components need to be used, we can begin the layout.

Our designers will create the circuitry for your printed circuit board by referencing previously used schematics (graphics). This can help them to create a board that fulfills your needs. If there are no previously used schematics in the system, our designers will draw up new circuitry. This process involves placing the required components where they need to be and ensuring they can be connected. We are very careful and thorough with this process as we are all too aware of how the slightest error can make a huge difference to the PCB.

At this stage of the procedure, we will ensure that there are sufficient parts available so that we can add them as needed. We also need to be sure that we can use parts that will keep the printed circuit boards within your budget. Here at Avanti Circuits, we know that you want high quality printed circuit boards that meet your needs. This is why we work hard to consistently deliver what you need. If at any time during the manufacturing process you have any questions or concerns, please talk to us. We are here to help you and ensure you have as many high-quality PCBs as you need.

Prototyping The Boards

Whenever we create printed circuit boards, we always manufacture a prototype. We do this because we need to make sure that you have a printed circuit board that works well. We know that this is very important which is why we always send you a prototype.

We want to ensure that your new PCB does not just work, that it works well. If we can make your PCB better and within your budget, we will.

Having a high quality PCB means it’s much more likely to work well for you and your customers. We know how important it is for you to be able to offer your customers products that work as well or even better than expected. We like to go above and beyond for all of our customers so you are constantly satisfied.

We offer prototypes for any printed circuit board that you order from us. Inspecting a prototype is a great way for you to ensure that you have exactly what you need. It also ensures that you can ask us to make any necessary changes. When we know what changes need to be made, we can get to work on them, ensuring you are happy with them every step of the way.

The prototype that you will receive will be exactly the same as the PCBs that you ask us to manufacture. There’s no reason for us to send you a PCB that is merely similar to what you have requested. You need to know that you’re looking at a prototype that is identical to those you need. We always use the same high-quality materials, processes, and equipment that we use to produce printed circuit boards for some of the world’s largest brands.

At this stage of the manufacturing process, you can ask us any questions that you may have. We can talk you through your questions and concerns so that you’re completely satisfied with your PCBs. Once we know that you are completely happy with your prototype we will begin the manufacturing process. We will not make a single PCB until we know that you are happy. This is because we can only be confident that we’re offering you the very best when you tell us you’re happy with the prototype.

Did you know that we also offer online quoting in addition to quick turn PCB manufacturing? This can help you to move quickly from the prototype stage and onto full production. Please feel free to take a look at our website for more information.

PCB Board Testing

When you order PCBs from us, you will be receiving fully tested printed circuit boards. We all know the consequences of PCBs that do not work well. This is why it’s important that they are tested thoroughly.

Assembly testing methods are a very important part of our manufacturing process. Only when the PCBs are tested do we know that they are ready to be sent to you.

Here are just some of the PCB testing methods that we use:

  • In-circuit testing – this type of testing is known to be the most robust type. Occasionally known as “Bed of Nails” testing, the OCB is powered up. The individual circuitry is actuated. This type of test works to make sure your PCB is up to 100% tested. However, it’s likely that it will be between 85 – 90% tested. This 85 – 90% will be free of human error, giving you peace of mind.
  • Fly probe testing – This is a less expensive type of testing that does not require the use of power. It tests for shorts, opens, diode issues, resistance, inductance, and capacitance. If there are minor issues, they are likely to be uncovered during this process.
  • Automated optical inspection – AOI uses a 2D camera or 3D cameras to photograph your PCB. The program then works to compare the photographs of your PCB with a schematic. If there isn’t a match, the board will be flagged and then inspected by one of our technicians. All of our technicians are highly trained and experienced. They know exactly what to look out for and how to deal with any issues that they may come across.
  • Burn-in testing – This type of testing works to detect any early failures in addition to establishing load capacity. This method pushes power through the electronics, sometimes at its maximum capacity. If the board fails between 48 and 168 hours, it isn’t suitable for medical or military applications. You may, therefore, need to make some adjustments to your PCB. Do not worry, we can talk with you about this so you have exactly what you need.
  • X-ray inspection – When this type of test is carried out, an x-ray technician is able to locate any defects early on in the manufacturing process. They do this by inspecting the barrels, internal traces, and the solder connections.
  • Functional testing – Some of our customers prefer us to use functional testing as this is a method they are familiar with. This type of testing involves us using external equipment, requirements for a range of standards, and fixtures. If you would like to receive your PCB quickly, this testing method might not be the best to use.
  • Other functional tests – There are other tests that we use. These tests ensure that we can verify the printed circuit board’s behavior. Some of the tests that we use include a solder float test, peel test, time-domain reflectometer micro-sectioning analysis, PCB contamination testing, and a solderability test.

As you can see, we take our PCB testing very seriously. We need to know that your new PCBs work as well as you’d expect while adhering to our high standards. We want you to be perfectly happy with every single printed circuit board that you receive. This is why we work as hard as we do.

Contact Us Today For A PCB Development Consultation

We are proud to have manufactured printed circuit boards for some of the world’s biggest brands. We can also manufacture printed circuit boards for you, no matter how large or small your company might be. You can trust in us to produce PCBs that you are happy with.

If you have any questions or queries about our PCBs or you would like a PCB development consultation, please contact us. You can call us at 602 866 7227. We are here to help you at every stage of the PCB design and manufacturing process. Contact us today.