How is circuit board prototyping best option for innovative PCB design?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: April 8, 2022
Circuit Board Prototyping

With miniaturization and other such trends changing the face of products, innovation and experimentation is the way forward for revolutionizing of PCBs. Prototyping is a very important aspect of this innovation and change. After all, it is the process of printed circuit board prototyping that saves companies millions of dollars in improving PCBs and not having to undertake large production runs until you are sure of mass production. Rapid PCB Prototyping is revamping the PCB Manufacturing process.

The process of prototyping, in turn, goes a long way in testing the functionality of the product. In fact, prototyping isn’t a one- stage process and involves several stages over which the prototype is improved and a final design is ready for mass production. The different stages before the final design include:

Creating Visual Models

This is where the process of prototyping begins. Essentially, it involves creating a physical product that shows the board and the structure of the components. This helps engineers to look at two aspects:

  • Find design flaws, if any
  • Make visual improvements in the model

With a visual model in place, it is far easy to check aspects such as whether the components fit together, is the design fine, is there any issue with the size, and so on. In fact, the process of visual modeling is an iterative process. You may, therefore, have several versions of the visual models before you finalize the one that seems to meet all the requirements.

Proof-of-Concept

The second stage, and a fairly important one, is the proof-of-concept. At this stage, the concept is fully tested. You need to be sure that the idea is workable before you proceed any further. What you get to check, therefore, is the viability of the project. It is fairly easy to make any changes in the working model, at this stage. It isn’t prudent to skip this stage as it could lead to costly errors at a later stage.

Working Prototypes

Once the proof-of concept is successfully vetted, the next stage is to create a working prototype. This involves the circuit board having all the final functions, even though the working prototype need not be a fair representation of the physical design of the final product. This is the stage where any tweaks can be made and you may therefore land up with several versions of the working prototype till you are fully satisfied.

Functional Prototypes

This is the stage where you not only have a fully ready-to-implement prototype, it is also as close to the final product design as possible. This is the ultimate step before mass production and therefore very crucial. At this stage you are checking to see many things:

  • Everything is in working order
  • Things look good visually

With this stage satisfactorily crossed, you are ready for mass production.

It is, therefore, easy to see the immense importance PCB Circuit prototyping holds in the success of the final product. Skipping of any of these meticulous processes means you could have to deal with costly mistakes once you order a full production run. Not only can it lead to loss of money and time, importantly it could cost your company its reputation.

The Technotronix Advantage

At Technotronix, we undertake the Prototyping process with extreme care. The different stages of PCB prototyping are meticulously followed so that we deliver nothing but the best. Importantly, the quantities of the board, do not come in the way of our quality checks. With time and effort spent in PCB prototype projects, what we ensure is that your final product will be very close to perfection. Irrespective of the phase of the project you are in, you can depend on our experienced engineers who are equipped with industry-best practices to ensure you do not have to make costly mistakes. Added to this is our state-of-the-art equipment as well as our robust testing protocols that streamline the entire process. The additional advantage of partnering with us is our unstinting focus on quick turnaround times that ensure that your deadlines aren’t impacted and that you reap the advantage of quick time-to-market. Overall, when you choose Technotronix as your partner you can be sure of effective PCB prototyping as also deliveries of large production runs, as soon as you are ready to launch your product. We are providing high quality and defect free PCB Prototype as per customer specification. Visit to know more about PCB prototyping services and feel free to contact us. Also, you can drop an email to us at sales@technotronix.us.

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How to choose the PCB Prototype Manufacturer for critical electronic device design?

By | Date posted: | Last updated: May 5, 2021
PCB Prototype Manufacturer

PCB designing comes with a host of challenges. After all the PCB is the most critical component of an electronic device and its success or failure determines the efficacy of the device. When you are designing for a critical electronic device, the stakes are even higher. Failure in such devices can even lead to fatalities. Think aerospace, military, medical devices and more. In such scenarios it is absolutely imperative that your prototype PCB board manufacturer builds boards to precise metrics. You need to be extra careful to select a Printed Circuit Board Prototype Manufacturer that is fully equipped and experienced to handle board fabrication as well as assembly for critical systems.

How then do you choose the prototype PCB board manufacturer for critical system design? You want to make sure that the contract manufacturer adheres to the strict rules that regulate the quality and reliability of components. Here are some handy steps:

#1 Check for the PCB contract manufacturer’s experience

Now this is a non-negotiable aspect. You want to make sure that the PCB prototype manufacturer has the requisite experience when it comes to critical electronic device design. Such manufacturers are equipped with the right equipment as well as industry best practices that are required for critical devices. In addition, it is imperative to check if there is enough commitment to data security, as you cannot afford any lapses.

#2 Adherence to standards and regulations

Another critical aspect is to ensure that the PCB prototypes adhere to the quality standards and regulations that are mandated for certain industries. For example, if you are manufacturing general electronics products, the boards would fall under Class 1 of IPC 6011. In this class some imperfections in the board are acceptable. If, however, you fall into Class 2 of dedicated service electronic products, the boards need to be highly reliable, even though some amount of imperfections will not lead to any fatality. In Class 3, however, with high-reliability electronic products, no downtime is acceptable. With critical systems falling into this category, the boards cannot come with any imperfections.

Additionally, there are other standards for different PCBs, namely:

  • IPC 6012 for rigid PCBs
  • IPC 6013 for Flex PCBS
  • IPC 6014 for PCMCIA
  • IPC 6015 for MCM-L
  • IPC-HF-315 for High Frequency

#3 Quality Control Measures

The one other aspect that you need to make sure is the PCB Prototype manufacturer’s Quality Control standards. IT is imperative, therefore, that you check to see the QC compliance standard that they follow. For example, with ISO 9001, you know that your contract manufacturer is certified for all industries. Additionally, there are other certifications for specific industries that you may want to check for, depending upon the industry you operate in.

#4 Component Traceability Procedures

Any PCB is as good as the components that are used in it. Critical systems, particularly cannot afford to have any counterfeit components. What this means is that it should be possible to trace your components from the OEM Manufacturer right up to the Contract Manufacturer. Selecting a reliable contract manufacturer means that you do not have to worry about receiving inferior components or worse still, counterfeits, that can severely impair the reliability of your critical devices.

#5 Address all concerns

At the end of the day, you need a contract manufacturer who will address all your concerns regarding device reliability. In fact, partnering with the contract manufacturer at the design stage itself can go a long way in ensuring reliability. With his vast experience, the device manufacturer can bring some valuable outputs to the design process itself, which will aid PCB manufacturing capabilities and not lead to loss of precious time at a later stage.

A due diligence of the above aspects can go a long way in ensuring that you partner with a manufacturer of PCB prototype who is technically sound, has the requisite experience and is absolutely committed to the cause of excellence.

As a leading PCB Prototype Manufacturer, we are fully committed to bringing to the table high quality boards that adhere to stringent quality standards. With our emphasis on ensuring a Design for Manufacturability test, we ensure you do not lose out on precious time. Besides our sourcing of quality components and robust quality control procedures ensure that you get nothing but the best. The fact that we are also committed to quick turnaround times, gives you a significant competitive advantage. You can rely on us on just to create successful prototypes but also to offer large production runs, as smoothly. You can drop an email to sales@technotronix.us or give us a call at 714/630-9200 to solve your queries.

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Things to consider while you look for fast PCB prototype in the USA!

By | Date posted: | Last updated: April 8, 2022
fast-pcb-prototype

Time-to-market is a big source of competitive advantage in today’s crowded marketplace. Fast PCB prototype, therefore, isn’t just good-to-have, but a must have.

However, in ensuring that prototyping is indeed quick turn, there are two aspects that need to be kept in mind. The first of course is to do with the choice of the contract manufacturer. There are a number of factors that you need to take into account in making the right choice. The second aspect is to do with the information that you provide and to be aware of aspects that slow down PCB prototyping. Let us look at both these areas in some detail. It will be good to begin with some aspects that impact the speed of fast PCB prototyping:

Areas that slow down PCB Prototyping:

Multiple Lamination

With multiple lamination, the time taken to fabricate the board increases. As a thumb rule it is worthwhile to remember that each lamination cycle adds about 2 days to the fabrication process. A tradeoff is therefore required between the number of lamination required and the speed at which you require the PCB prototype.

Via-in-Pad

While via-in-pad is extremely popular, the fact remains that it is seen to increase the cycle time by a day. It is important once again, therefore, to evaluate its requirement versus the speed at which you need the PCB prototype.

Surface Finish

Another aspect to evaluate in the context of time, is the surface finish required. If, for example, you need two kinds of finishes- one for the surface mount and another for the edge connectors, you will need to contend with additional time.

Criteria that you need to keep in mind while selecting your fast turnaround PCB prototype partner

Manufacturing Location for Circuit Board Prototype

First things first- it stands to reason that when you want quick deliveries the location of the partner makes a significant difference. The choice of an offshore partner for circuit board Prototype can come in the way of your delivery schedules. Choosing a USA based partner, on the other hand, can ensure that deliveries and hence your time-to-market isn’t impacted.

Prototype PCB Manufacturing Time

It is prudent to go with a manufacturing partner that is proactive when it comes to the PCB development time. Speeding up PCB Production time should be first choice for any PCB manufacturers. Some amount of due diligence in the partner’s past experience with clients will come in handy. It is also prudent to mention here, however, that due emphasis should be paid to getting the design right as that can cause delays. In fact, it will be best to take the manufacturer’s inputs ta the design stage itself. With their vast experience and industry best practices, they will be able to add value to your design from the manufacturability, stand point.

Quality of PCB

It is a given that you cannot sacrifice quality at the altar of speed. Hence you need to choose a partner who is committed to industry benchmarks and stringent quality checks. That way, you will be able to avoid not just delays but other costly mistakes includes loss of reputation to your company.

Ability to produce at scale

In choosing your quick turn PCB prototype prototype partner, what you also need to judge is whether the partner has the wherewithal to handle large production runs. While delivering high quality prototypes is critical, if it cannot be followed up with equally high-quality full volume runs, you will not be able to meet your production targets or that the large production runs could have flaws and deficiencies that you cannot afford to have. Evaluating the partner’s holistic competence and capabilities, is therefore mandatory. What you need is a partner that can assure both quality and timelines, irrespective of the volumes involved. This means that the partner needs to have the right equipment, the requisite manpower and the overall ability to offer production runs at scale.

Clearly, therefore, the secret to quick turn PCB prototype is to first understand how your requirements are likely to impact the production cycle and secondly to ensure that you go with the right partner who can make deliveries as per your requirement. A thorough analysis of both these aspects will ensure that you do not feel stuck at any point with aspects that are beyond your control, but which impact your brand and its reputation.

At Technotronix, we combine state-of-the-art technology with our advanced engineering to deliver unparalleled quality and service. With fast PCB prototyping and consistent delivery of high-quality PCBs, we offer a robust source of competitive advantage to our clients. With our four decades of experience, you can rest assured that we are cognizant of the industry best practices and will keep you ahead of the curve. Visit to know more about fast PCB prototyping service and feel free to contact us. Also, you can drop an email to us at sales@technotronix.us.

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Prototype Circuit Boards with Surface Mount Components or Device

By | Date posted: | Last updated: February 14, 2022
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When manufacturing product, designing its prototype is very important. A prototype is a copy of the product being developed that gives a fair idea about how the device or product works or how it will look like. Engineers use prototype circuit boards for prototyping the electronic device. These circuit boards have small holes in which the electronic elements are fixed to get the required design. It is a common practice that many electronic engineers use prototype circuit boards with a surface mount component or device, but the question is: is it feasible? Let us delve into that.

What are surface mount devices, and how they are used with prototype circuit boards?

Surface mount technology is the prime method through which prototyping is done for electronic devices. The surface mount technology (SMT) is placed above the printed circuit board. Prototype Printed Circuit Boards Manufacturer use SMT technology only for making prototypes. The components are assembled in one place, and they are placed on the printed circuit board through the Solder-reflow process.

Specifications to be looked upon while making a Prototype Printed Circuit Boards with a surface mount component device?

Some things are required that has to be checked or looked upon while you are building a Printed circuit board-

1. Dimension

You must choose the right dimensions for your PCB. The measurements should be exactly that should take no extra space because the extra things left out are only waste material and can’t be used further.

2. Layers

It is good if the PCB has more layers, because more layers offer a better roadway to the electrical components making it more complex and unique.

3. Material

The best material for PCBs is copper, as there are a lot of benefits of using Heavy Copper in PCB Fabrication. Other than that, PEEK, Teflon, and Polyamide can also be used. The printed circuit board is typically made of glass- epoxy.

4. Board thickness

The more thickness the PCB has, the better it is, allowing a faster and inexpensive experience. The maximum thickness that is accurate is 1.5 mm.

5. Plating

Plating is an important component while designing a PCB when assembly and plating are done to cover the surface with another metallic material so that soldering can be improved.

6. Impedance control

This feature can become a problem for PCBs that have radios. The performance of the wireless antenna gets maximized if the impedance is controlled.

7. Minimum spacing and width

The PCB manufacturer decides the spacing and width. When we talk about the spacing, it refers to the copper width in the PCB.

8. Hole sizes

Big holes always remain a big no-no as they occupy more space and are very complex. Small holes are always preferred as it becomes easy to make electrical connections through it, and also, less space is needed.

9. Solder mask

The polymer is applied above the copper tracing to prevent any short circuits as the polymer is an insulator. The polymer acts as a solder mask.

10. Silkscreen

In silkscreen, graphics and texts are added to your printed circuit board.

Advantages of Prototype SMT Circuit Boards

  1. By using SMT technology, the size of the prototype will remain the same, just like the original piece. If the size is the same, you will get a better idea of the original product by looking at the prototype made with SMT technology.
  2. The minute and tiny size of SMT Assembly allows better flexibility because of the holes present. Also, the chances of parasitic attacks are less in these cases.
  3. This technology makes it easier to interchange the resistors and capacitors to try distinct values.
  4. This technology is cost-effective and a time saver.
  5. It gives fast results so that the product can be launched quickly in the market.
  6. The costs for modification of tools is also lower.

Process of assembly of Prototype SMT Circuit Boards

The assembly process of Prototype SMT Printed Circuit Boards is divided into three stages-

First stage

  • In the first stage, keep the printed circuit board on a rough surface, place the stencil above the PCB from the right side.
  • Keep on adjusting it till the perfect alignment is achieved.
  • Put solder paste on it.
  • Once the paste settles on it, detach the stencil carefully. Make sure there is no smudging.

Second stage

  • Place the other elements but make sure that you use the right parts and the orientation is also correct.
  • Ensure that the solder paste doesn’t get dried up completely.
  • Keep the PCB in the reflow oven and make sure it gets heater properly.

Third stage

  • After taking the PCB out of the oven, clean the PCB with a cleaning solution such as Isopropyl alcohol. Brush it properly.
  • Connect the PCB to power so that testing can be done beforehand.

Guidelines for Surface Mount Assembly & Prototyping

  1. A stencil that is unframed is always preferred as it comes at an affordable price. The framed stencils are comparatively expensive and difficult to deliver.
  2. Make sure that you handle the PCB with care because it is very delicate when it is made.
  3. Make sure you use superior quality lead paste for pasting.
  4. When you check the PCB working, make sure it passes the test 100%, else it won’t be passed forward.

Probable mistakes that can happen

  1. Design is the incorrect or wrong layout.
  2. sufficient attention is not given to the design’s testing, especially its probe points (access points).
  3. The elements or components are not used properly in the prototype according to the design.
  4. The parts that were used were not of superior quality.

These are important things for any Circuit Boards Prototyping to have with the use of surface mount devices. This is why we need prototype circuit boards with surface mount devices. The assembly process is quite simple: follow the steps carefully and don’t commit probable mistakes.

At Technotronix with our advanced engineering to deliver unparalleled quality and PCB Prototype services. With quick Printed Circuit Boards Prototyping and consistent delivery of high-quality PCBs, we offer a robust source of competitive advantage to our clients. With our four decades of experience, you can rest assured that we are cognizant of the industry best practices and will keep you ahead of the curve. We are providing high quality and defect free PCB Prototype as per customer specification. Get a Quick Quote for Prototype Circuit Boards.

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