PCB Prototyping

PCB prototypes are the first samples of products that are built with the primary aim of testing the functionality of the design ideas.  Designers and engineers use different types of PCB prototypes to test various aspects of a selected design.

Advantages of PCB Prototyping

PCB prototypes help speed up the process of developing a PCB design through visual assistance, complete testing, and minimizing the amount of rework required. Prototyping gets rid of guesswork by allowing engineers to quickly and accurately identify problems.

Disadvantages of PCB Prototyping

While there are not many cons regarding PCB prototyping, it is fully dependent on how you choose to prototype the board design. Most challenges arise when using a breadboard. The breadboards often have limitations compared to using software to prototype. They are not a good option for those working on a design that requires a high voltage, or one that is very complicated. It becomes difficult to map what you are doing, which could lead to challenges along the road.

Full Spec Production

Once the engineering and design team are satisfied that the basic prototypes are working to their expectations, they can opt to make enhancements to the design to increase efficiency. Full spec production means that the team is making the actual board that will be used in your applications.

Advantages of Full-Spec Production

If there is already an existing design in place to work from and you have determined that it is okay for use, numerous preliminary tests are not needed. Instead, you can go ahead and use high-end materials to make the boards. This gives you numerous options to select from. You may also incorporate advanced features.

Disadvantages of Full Spec Production

The main demerit is that the process takes a bit longer. This is because the production team is tasked to work with more volume than when doing a small patch assembly job. Secondly, you may end up spending more money to eliminate potential errors.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the key differences between PCB prototyping and full spec production allows you to determine the process that will be the best fit for you at a particular time. At Advanced Circuits, we offer both PCB prototyping and full-spec production. To learn more about our services and products, contact us today.

However, from the materials available to heat resistance, from transfer rates to size, circuit boards have evolved a great deal over time. They also continue to change as our demands do. Not sure what that change might look like as we move forward? Let’s take a few minutes to explore some of the most important current and emerging trends in circuit board design.

Medical Devices

One of the most notable trends today is the spike in demand for medical devices. These run the gamut from hospital and medical clinic equipment like ventilators to devices used by EMTs and paramedics and those designed for consumer use. Circuit board design for medical devices must meet stringent requirements in terms of safety, reliability, heat resistance, and more.

Wearable Devices

From medical devices to fitness trackers, there’s a massive shift toward wearable devices. These must contend with a broad range of stressors that other devices do not face, although mobile devices, such as smartphones, come close in some cases. These factors range from dramatically decreased footprints to how to safely discharge heat and even water resistance in some cases.

Embedded Antennas

Today’s low-profile electronics demand something more than massive mast antennas, and designers have offered up embedded antennas right in the circuit board. Of course, this requires some advanced materials and unique design considerations to ensure full functionality. They play a role in Wi-Fi enabled devices, IoT devices, and much more.

Lead-Free Designs

Another important trend is the shift away from lead-containing laminates. Lead has played a role in circuit board design for decades, but it appears to be slowly falling by the wayside. Why, though? It’s largely to do with the higher heat levels that some of today’s devices must contend with, which would reduce lead to a toxic puddle at the bottom of the device. New lead-free laminate materials are being introduced to cope with those high heat levels and maintain their structural integrity at all times (not to mention eliminating those toxic fumes).

High-Power Boards

Just as circuit board designs must contend with higher heat levels than ever before, they are also being designed for higher and higher power levels (which also affects heat, of course). Most of these boards are above 48 volts, and they can be found in a wide range of applications. Many of them harness solar power, while others are intended for use within electric vehicles. IoT devices, battery-powered devices, and those with additional components – all of these are high-power applications.

The Growing Role of IoT Devices

As touched on above, IoT devices are having a profound impact on circuit board design. One interesting trend here is that the PCB industry is expanding. In the past, it was largely focused on consumer electronics. Today, that is still the case, but there is a growing focus on serving industrial needs because this is where the vast majority of IoT devices can be found. While Alexa, Siri, Ring doorbells and the like are all being integrated into homes, the real demand is within the manufacturing and industrial sector where entire production lines are now integrating internet connectivity and being networked together.

Not only does this mean that there is an increasing demand for circuit board design and manufacturing, but that PCB designers face some unique challenges. One of those is the change in what “protection” and “security” mean. Previously, it was really all about protecting the circuit board against environmental changes. Today, though, it is becoming more about prevention against tampering.

Flex and Rigid Flex

Previously, both flex and rigid-flex boards were relatively rare in the PCB world. Today, that’s increasingly not the case. That’s due to a couple of the trends that we have already discussed. One of those is the rise of medical devices – ideally suited for flexible circuit boards. However, flex boards are also well-suited for consumer electronics, for use in a range of different sensors connected to IoT devices, and even medical implants.

On the other hand, rigid-flex boards combine the benefits of both flexible circuit board design and rigid boards. The result is a board that “plays well with others,” which makes these well-suited for use as sub-boards and for creating additional layers.

Waste Control

Waste is a growing problem. This is particularly true of e-waste. Finding ways to deal with the growing mountain of disposed-of electronics is a challenge, but one option is to use biodegradable circuit boards. Biodegradable PCBs offer some light at the end of the tunnel and a way to start greening up the industry. While workable circuit board designs using biodegradable materials are still some way off, they are coming. It will require the design of new substrates, as well as a shift away from chemical-based etching processes in many cases.

A Full-Service PCB Manufacturer

From IoT devices to wearables to future-looking technology, Advanced Circuits delivers critical capabilities. With over 30 years of experience, our team helps bring circuit board designs to life on any scale. We understand that each client’s needs are different, and we’re happy to produce everything from a single prototype to massive production runs. We work with clients in the defense industry, IoT, automotive technology, and virtually every other sector, as well.

Advanced Circuits: Your Go-to PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Resource

Whether you need end-to-end assistance, or just want to create a test board to explore your designs, we can help. With the best turnaround time in the industry; weekend turns; same day turns and more, it’s no wonder our clients keep choosing Advanced Circuits for everything from prototype PCBs to large PCBs runs. Contact us today for an instant quote or to learn more about our capabilities.

They should get quality work with a quick turnaround time while having someone they can talk to who helps ensure they stay competitive against other companies. However, knowing what they need from the PCBs for their circuit designs doesn’t always mean it’s easy to immediately find the right company to step into their corner. We’ll share a few tips to make that process easier.

Know the Right Questions That Should Be Asked

When a person chooses someone to create their PCBs, it’s essential to ask them questions to be sure they can handle their needs. Sometimes the answers to the questions can be found on company websites and reviews. Other times individuals might need to contact the company on their own and ask the questions that are important to them. Having answers will provide peace of mind that they’re choosing the right company for their needs.

How Much Experience Does the Company Have?

Experience is important for any product or service that someone chooses to pay for, whether that’s a car repair or PCBs to fit their circuit designs. When it comes to printed circuit boards, a manufacturer’s experience is essential to ensure customers get boards that are right for their needs. Knowing how much experience a company has will give insight into how many resources they have and what amount of knowledge is available. It also shows competence if a PCB company has been in business for a long time. That means they have adapted to the times and continuously put out great products.

What Certifications Does the Company Have?

This is another question that can speak to how qualified a company is with PCBs for a person’s circuit design. Certifications typically require a third party to verify that the company complies with certain standards or requirements. For example, IPC creates standards with regards to PCBs and industries related to electronics manufacturing. Any company someone decides to work with should be capable of meeting the standard required by their products and industry. This includes broad regulations as well as those that apply only to their industry. The best choice is a company that has experience working with other people in the same industry.

How Does the Company Stand Out?

This might seem like a broad question that could have any number of answers, but it can help people narrow down the right business to help with their product. This is especially the case when they have a few options for companies that offer all the services and products that they need. This question can be as simple as asking what makes the business different from others or can delve into what value-added services are provided. For example, Advanced Circuits can help with their circuit designs by providing free PCB design and file check software which will save customers money and time.

Important Considerations When Choosing a PCB Company

The reality is that there are tons of companies that provide PCBs and many of them also have services to assemble and create circuit boards that match specific needs. This can make it a challenge to choose between them since some companies may appear to be quite similar. However, there are a few things people can look at early in the search to get a grasp on which company may best fit their needs.

Types of Products Provided

The first thing for people to check is what products are offered by a company to be sure they even provide what is needed. If the company specializes in the needed products, that’s even better. Once they know the products exist, they can find out more about the pricing and quality of the products.

For instance, what kind of PCBs are available? These can range from rigid to flexible and rigid-flex. They might be metal core, aluminum backed, or hybrid board. People can ask about which substrates are used in the board. They can also look into the quality and consider the prices and how they stack up to the competitors. All of these things can help with the decision.

Services Available

In addition to products, people should consider services that they might need. If the company offers everything they need, they won’t have to go between businesses to get their product ready. Some of the services that should be considered are:

• Prototyping – Ability to create prototype PCBs before moving into production so customers can reduce costs and timeframe through thorough testing.

• Layout and Design Services – These can speed up their production by offering a complete design or providing software to make someone’s own designs.

• File Review – File reviews can help by ensuring a design is free of errors and that the company has all of the needed components to start creating its PCBs.

• SMT Prototype Stencils – Stencils are laser cut and made of stainless steel foil to ensure the solder is placed in the right areas of the PCB. The stencil helps with accurate circuit designs.

Other services that can be helpful include DXF to Gerber conversion, panelization, and PCB design for manufacturing services.

Accessible Capabilities

It’s also important to be sure the company is capable of offering what is needed for a customer’s PCBs. This includes everything from being capable of handling the size of their order to having a certain lead time and offering the right layers on a PCB. Other things to consider are the surface finish options available, the via options, specs and tolerances, and other things that they prioritize with their circuit designs. It might take some time to get answers to all these things, but once someone does, they will know whether a company is right for them.

Advanced Circuits is the third-largest manufacturer of printed circuit boards in the United States and offers excellent customer service and reliability. The company also offers a variety of services to customers like free PCB layout software (PCB Artist) and a free PCB file check. Those who want a streamlined PCB company in their corner can get in touch with us to learn more.

Always Test Your Circuit Design

One of the problems that cause delays and added costs to many companies is not ensuring that their boards are the best they can be before they go into the manufacturing phase. Even the most talented people can make small mistakes on their circuit design, which can cause a host of problems.

Rather than ordering a large number of these PCBs, it makes far more sense to take a step back and ensure that the design is correct first. Prototype the board and get a sample of the board to test out. This will let you know not only whether it works, but whether there might be some small design changes and tweaks that you could make to improve it further.

Do you have enough space between the components? Are you getting too much delay? Does the board become too hot? Look for the various ways that you can make some changes and improvements to your design, and then create another prototype, or at least have it checked by a third-party engineer, such as one of the specialists at Advanced Circuits. Doing this ensures that you have the best possible design. Only then should you move ahead with production.

Use Software to Make Circuit Design Easier

The world has changed, and technology has improved in many ways thanks to PCBs. With these changes, it means that the boards and circuit design is becoming more complex. The simple breadboards that were used for prototypes in the past may not be able to handle what you need in terms of your prototype circuit design. Instead, you will want to make sure that you are using software that will help to make the process of designing faster, easier, and more accurate.

If you are worried about the cost of this type of software, it’s understandable. Some of the software options that people use cost thousands of dollars. However, that’s not the case with our software, PCB Artist. We don’t charge anything to use the software, and it will work on computers that have a Pentium processor faster than 1.8 GHz and that have 512MB of RAM. The installation will take up 1.26GB on the hard drive, but most computers will have plenty of space to spare.

Just because our software is free doesn’t mean that it is lacking in power and features. We have a fully-featured program that has elements that you won’t even find with the expensive software options. Why do we offer the software for free? It’s simple. We want you to create high-quality boards that are ready to go. We want to make the process as simple as possible for you because it also helps us.

The software features hundreds of thousands of parts in the library. It’s easy and intuitive to use, and it can help to reduce the amount of time that it takes to go from an idea to a completed prototype and then to the manufacturing phase. Check out the software to see how much easier it will be to improve your circuit design.

Double-Check the Board

You believe that you have created the perfect board. Using software and prototyping as we suggested, that might be the case. However, you still don’t want to rush to the manufacturing process quite yet. Take some time to test the board in a real-world setting to see how it performs. You might find that you need to make just a few more small changes to improve the quality and efficiency of the board. While the board might work “just fine”, you should strive to ensure it is the best possible quality. This means double-checking the board to see if there may be ways to improve its speed or heat dissipation, for example.

If there are some changes you can make, apply them to your design, and get another prototype. Test it out until you are satisfied that it is exactly what your electronics will need. After all, you do not want a workable circuit design. You want an extraordinary design. Your customers, whether they are retail consumers or the military, will be glad that you did.

The Right Manufacturer Makes a Difference

Once you are certain that the board is in perfect shape, you can move ahead with manufacturing. However, you can’t simply choose just any manufacturer for the job. You need to be sure you are working with the team that can provide the best assembly and the best materials for your boards. Always take the time to investigate the history of the company and its size. You want a company that can provide you with what you need.

Advanced Circuits provides state of the art facilities and only uses high-quality materials for the creation of the boards. You have the option of ordering as many or as few boards as you need, and we can always provide a fast turnaround time. Often, you can get boards in a matter of days, which can help to speed up your manufacturing process. We have the best PCB shipping record in the field.

We are a top-rated PCB manufacturing company that is financially stable. You won’t have to worry about Advanced Circuits cutting corners or going out of business. We strive to be as efficient as possible in all of our departments. We even have 24-hour tech support, so you can always get in touch with a specialist regarding your project. Visit our website today to receive an instant quote online. We make things as easy as possible for you, so you can be sure you have the best circuit design.

In the past, PCBs were relatively simple. However, new advancements in technology have made it possible to create complex boards that can do far more than their counterparts of the past. Multilayer PCBs are helpful when creating more advanced electronics.

The Multilayer PCB

A PCB is considered multilayer when it has three or more layers with conductive copper foil. The layers are circuit boards with two sides that have been laminated and then glued together. They also include insulation between the layers to help protect the boards from heat. The electronic connections that take place between the layers happen through vias. These might be blind vias, buried vias, or with plating through holes in the board. This allows for there to be more connections and can make for complex printed circuit boards.

The multilayer PCBs became essential when the need for more sophisticated electronics rose. The standard PCBs were not capable of handling the needs of the new electronics because there would often be issues with stray capacitance, crosstalk, and noise. The multilayer PCB can help to deal with those issues. The number of layers that are used in these boards will vary. Typically, applications will require between four and eight layers, but it depends on several factors.

Why Choose Multilayer PCBs?

These types of PCBs offer a range of benefits. One of the most common reasons for using the multilayer PCB is the size. Because of the layered design, it means that the PCB will be smaller than other printed circuit boards but still have the same level of functionality. Most people today want their electronics to be smaller, while still being powerful. The multilayer PCB allows for this. These types of boards also happen to weigh less, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the gadgets in which they are used. However, the size is certainly not the only benefit.

Typically, these boards will also be high-quality and very reliable. A lot of work goes into the design of the boards to ensure they will work. When combined with quality materials and construction, they can last. They are known for being durable, and a big part of this is the insulation layers that are between the board layers.

The connections on these boards are closer together than they are on standard PCBs. This means that they tend to be more connective and more powerful. They will have a greater capacity, as well as improved speed. The multilayer PCBs also have just a single connection point. This is helpful in the design of the final product in which they will be used. It will mean that the product only needs to have a single connection point. This allows for more design freedom for those gadgets.

These are some of the biggest benefits of multilayer PCBs. If you aren’t already considering using them for your next design, it might be time that you thought about it.

Common Real-World Applications for Multilayer PCBs

These types of boards are often considered the go-to type of printed circuit board to use because of the advantages mentioned above. They are found in many different types of consumer electronics, for example. They are used with smartphones, tablets, microwaves, smartwatches, computers, and much more.

Multilayer PCBs are also used in the telecommunications industry. They are often used for satellites, signal transmission, GPS, and towers. They are used in many industrial control systems, as well as in the automotive industry. Many vehicles today are heavily reliant on computer technology. These boards allow for complex electronics in a smaller space.

The boards are becoming common within medical industry electronics, as well. They are used for a range of different types of equipment that helps to diagnose and treat patients. Multilayer PCBs can be found in heart monitors, CAT scan equipment, and a host of other devices. The functionality, durability, small size and low weight help to make them a good solution for many military and aerospace applications, too.

As you can see, multilayer PCBs are the solution for just about any type of industry today. Above are just some of the different ways that they can be used. There are not any major disadvantages to using these types of boards. Even though there may be increased production time, this can be mitigated by finding a reputable company with a fast turnaround time.

Choosing the Right Manufacturing Company for Multilayer PCBs

When you are looking for a manufacturing company that can create the boards for you, it is important to ensure that they can handle all of the needed layers. Some of the companies available may not be capable of creating the number of layers needed for the boards you are creating. At Advanced Circuits, we have standard specs that can create 0 to 10 layers, and our custom specs can provide 0 to 40 layers. This should be more than enough for any multilayer PCB you might be designing.

When you choose Advanced Circuits, you will have more than just quality materials and the ability to create a large number of layers. You will find that our customer service helps to ensure that customers are happy from start to finish. We have a free software package that will make it easy for designers to create the boards they need and to test them to see whether they work before going ahead with a prototype.

We offer a fast turnaround time, great prices, and reliability. Additionally, you only have to order as many PCBs as you need, since we do not have a minimum. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help.

Know Your Goals with the Printed Circuit Board

Before you start to design the PCB and long before it can go through the circuit board assembly process, you need to be sure that you know what the board needs to accomplish. Different types of boards may have different functions. Some might be relatively simple, while others may need to handle more functions. Those who have complex needs from their boards will likely need to use multilayer PCBs. This will allow for more functionality in less space.

Take the time to determine what the goals are for the board before beginning the design. Designers will find that having a solid plan in place even before heading to the software will help to keep them on the right track.

Sometimes, the design that you create will not work as intended. It’s always better to find this out in the early planning and designing phase rather than when the boards are being printed. Take the time needed to perfect the design. A good plan and the right software will help with this.

Use Quality Software

When designing the boards, you will want to be sure that you are using quality software that is made specifically for PCBs. Good software can help to make the process of designing easier, and some programs will even offer the ability to check the files before they move to the circuit board assembly process. They can find errors, and some software can fix certain errors to make your work easier.

If there are potential problems with the design, you can go back into the software and make the needed adjustments before you move to the process of circuit board assembly. This helps you save time since you won’t have ordered a prototype that doesn’t work and then try to figure out why. Once you are certain that your board is in good shape, you can then get a prototype or have a large number of the boards manufactured.

Generally, you will want to have prototypes done first. Order just a single board, or a few, and test them out. See how they work, how they stand up to different situations, etc. This will let you know if you need to do any further design work before moving into the manufacture and circuit board assembly phase.

Of course, many will worry that prototypes will be difficult to get because some manufacturers do not want small orders. When you work with Advanced Circuits, you will not have to worry about this since there are no minimum orders. We also provide an engineering check to ensure it will work, and you can use our free software to design the boards.

Hire a Professional for Manufacturing and Assembly

After you are certain that you have a circuit board with a good and usable design, it is time to assemble the boards. However, you may not want to attempt this on your own. Consider just how much time and space it will take to perform circuit board assembly, even for a few hundred boards. If you have thousands, it will be next to impossible for you to do on your own unless you already have a facility dedicated to production.

This is not the case with most designers, so it makes more sense from a logistical and financial perspective to work with professionals like Advanced Circuits. If you were to try to set up an assembly facility of your own, you would need to have additional space and likely additional employees. Also, there would not be a guarantee that the circuits were working properly.

You need to have a manufacturer that has the space, expertise, and tools available to manufacture the circuit boards. Outsourcing the circuit board assembly is typically the best option. Of course, you can’t entrust your boards to just any manufacturer.

Why You Should Work with Advanced Circuits

You now have a better understanding of why you will want to work with professionals and why you need to have a quality design to start. It is time that you connected with Advanced Circuits. Our company is the third-largest printed circuit board manufacturer in the United States.

On our site, you can download our free software for designing your printed circuit boards. This helps to make the process of designing faster and easier. This is not just some simple software, either. You will find that it is a professional-grade software that has more features than many paid programs. It is easy to use and it includes a free online file check that lets you look for any manufacturing issues that might be present before going into production.

Advanced Circuits is known for being reliable and providing quality PCB fabrication. Additionally, we are financially stable, which means you will not have to worry about the company going out of business.

We are known for using quality materials, providing reliable PCBs, and having a fast turnaround time. Our experience helps to ensure that the boards are made and assembled correctly and that they reach you quickly. We also have around-the-clock tech support, so you can always talk to an actual human when needed.

If you need professional printed circuit board assembly, it is time that you got in touch with us. We have the means and the expertise to help you get what you need quickly and easily. Check out the software, get a quote, and get your boards faster than you might believe.

When you are choosing a manufacturer for PCBs, you should consider not only the most important factors for you but all of the factors that go into a great company. This helps to ensure that you are choosing your manufacturer correctly.

Below, we will be looking at some of the factors that tend to be at the top of many peoples’ lists when they are looking for a PCB manufacturer.

Are Quick Turn PCBs Important for You?

Whether you are creating your prototype, or you are looking to have a large number of printed circuit boards manufactured, you want to know how long it will take. Sometimes, you do not have as much time as you might like. You need the PCBs as soon as possible. This means that you need to choose a manufacturer capable of meeting your specific needs not only in terms of quality but also turnaround time. It is important to realize that not all companies will be able to offer quick turn PCBs.

Fortunately, you will not find that problem with Advanced Circuits. We have a range of options available to meet the needs of our customers. We can offer same-day turns for those who are placing their two-layer PCB order by 8:15am MST. These boards will be shipped the same evening. Additionally, if you submit two-layer or multilayer PCB designs on Friday, we will build the boards over the weekend, so they can arrive by Monday morning.

We offer small quantity and quick turn assembly services that ensure you are getting the PCBs you need when you need them. We also have an on-time guarantee. Our company built a reputation on being able to provide quick turn PCBs, and this means that we will guarantee that your standard spec PCBs will ship on time, or they are free.

Reputation and Experience of the Company

One of the first things that you should look for when choosing a manufacturer for your PCBs is how much experience they have in the field. Are they a new entrant into PCBs or do they have several decades in the field? While there might be some new companies offering quality products, they do not have the reputation of older companies. This also often means they will not have the same capabilities. They will not be able to get the materials they need at good prices. Those companies will not have dedicated manufacturing facilities, and it is unlikely that they will have a reliable process for quick turn PCBs. A good reputation and experience go a long way in this field, so do not overlook how important it can be.

The Standard and Custom Options

When it comes to the standard and custom PCB options that a company offers, you need to understand what they mean by those options. Some companies, for example, will not have true custom printed circuit boards, but will only offer standard options. Take the time to learn how many layers are available, whether they have a minimum number you will need to order, board thicknesses, copper weight, materials, and more. You have to be sure the company can provide you with the boards you need.

Customer Service

How the customers are treated is also important and something you will not want to overlook. Find a company that can guarantee their quality and their quick turn PCB time. Make sure that you have plenty of ways to contact the company if needed, and that the manufacturer offers free checks of your work before going into production. This helps to reduce the possibility of creating boards that are not going to work.

Overall Capabilities

What are the overall capabilities of the manufacturer? Will they be capable of providing you with just a prototype if needed? Will they be capable of offering short runs, as well as producing the PCBs you need on a massive scale? You have to think about what your needs are right now, and what they could be in the future when you are choosing a PCB manufacturing company. Take the time to learn more about the company’s certifications, such as whether they can offer military-grade PCBs. How many facilities do they operate?

Additionally, you will want to be certain that the PCBs are being made in facilities owned and operated by the company. Some manufacturers shunt their production off to other parties, which means you cannot always rely on the quality or the speed. Learn as much as possible about the company you are considering and then make up your mind whether you want to do business with them or not.

These are some of the most important things you will want to consider when you are choosing your PCB manufacturer. Always make sure that the company you choose can meet, and hopefully exceed, your needs.

Get in Touch with Advanced Circuits

If you are looking for a company that excels in all aspects of PCB manufacturing and customer service, Advanced Circuits is ready to provide you with what you need. We have decades of experience in the field and we have a range of quality services and features that help to make us a top choice in the field. We are the third-largest PCB manufacturing company in the United States, and we want to ensure our customers are always happy with the orders they place. Our experience, our size, and our dedication help to ensure that you can count on our quick turn PCBs.

Those who work in the field know this and they are well aware of how important circuit boards are, and they are always looking for ways that they can improve on their own designs. Below, you will find some tips that can help with printed circuit board design.

Use PCB Design Software

In the past, designing printed circuit boards was more time-consuming and difficult than it is today. Now, it is possible to find and use design software created for printed circuit board design. The software allows designers to construct the software in a virtual space. They can add and remove components as needed and then test them in the digital space to see whether they would work properly in the real world.

This gives designers the freedom they need to create new and interesting designs while allowing for testing to weed out the errors and problems from the board. The software can be a huge time saver and money saver for companies, and for individuals who might be making their own boards as an amateur or hobbyist.

Best of all in this day and age, you can find great software and you won’t have to spend a dime on it. PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits is fully-featured software that will make it easy for you to create the boards you need and to test them. Once you have created the boards and have the files you need, you can send them out to be manufactured.

Proper Spacing on the Board

Many times, new designers will try to pack as many components onto a PCB as possible. They may think that it will provide them with the best use of space, but that is rarely the case. Often, it simply means there will be more problems down the line when the board is tested. When components are too plentiful or too tightly spaced, it can cause issues with heat and with the wiring and soldering processes. Instead, it makes sense to have a printed circuit board design that is as clean as possible. By orienting similar components in the same direction, it can help with proper routing, for example.

Working with software, as mentioned above, is a good way to let you “see” the design first. You can also make sure it will work with your current spacing before committing to the design.

Consider the Trace Angles

The angle of the traces will be important, too. Many people create 90-degree traces, but this is not an ideal option. In fact, this could cause problems. Many boards designed by professionals will instead have 45-degree traces. This is something that you should strive for with your printed circuit board designs. The 45-degree traces help to relieve overcrowding as discussed above, and it can also help to improve the transfer speeds.

Be Aware of Heating Issues

Heat is often a problem for printed circuit boards. Designs need to account for proper heat dissipation, which can vary depending on the device type. You will want to examine any components that might be considered problematic from a heat perspective. You might also want to add thermal reliefs to the design as a means to help keep it somewhat cooler. Other elements in the device can help to keep the board cool, such as fans. However, you should do what you can on the board to reduce heat issues in the first place.

Choose a Quality Manufacturer Offering Great Materials

You should consider not just the initial printed circuit board design, but also what happens once you have a design that is complete. You need to have a reputable manufacturer create the boards for you. Regardless of whether you are only printing a few of the boards or you need thousands, make sure you choose a manufacturer that can deliver.

You should look for a company that uses high-quality materials and that has been in the field for years. Learn about the company’s reputation, the certifications it has, assembly services, and the overall capabilities.

Having a great design is essential, but if you do not also have a great manufacturer that can deliver on your design, it will not matter. Do not neglect the importance of a great manufacturing company for your printed circuit boards.

Once you believe you have found a good manufacturer, it is a good idea to order a prototype or a small batch. This ensures you are not spending a large amount of money on your first order, and allows you to test out the boards to ensure they are of sufficient quality. You do not want to make the mistake of ordering 10,000 PCBs from a company that you have never worked with or tested before. You need to know what you are getting before you commit.

Get in Touch with Advanced Circuits

Above are just some of the things that you will want to keep in mind when you are creating printed circuit board designs. When you work with Advanced Circuits, you will find that we can make many parts of the process much easier for you. We offer free high-quality PCB software to help with your designs and testing. We run engineering tests on the designs before manufacturing and will make you aware of any issues that might be present. Advanced Circuits offers excellent customer service and ensures that you are getting what you need, when you need it. Our quick turnaround time means you will get your boards quickly. Over the decades we have been in this field, we have strived to provide the best service possible for all of our customers, large and small.

Whether you’re an expert engineer or an at-home inventor, you’ve likely designed PCBs that fail due to a short circuit or burnt-out component. PCB designs are incredibly intricate, and you’re not alone in your trial and error. Circumvent some of these hard lessons by checking out these tips to optimize your PCB layout for a better performing PCB.

Research                                                                                                                   

Before you begin drawing up the plans for your next PCB, pause for a moment to consider why. Is your goal to improve an existing circuit board? Are you dreaming of an entirely innovative concept? Whichever your reason, make sure you know your end goal and research whether there are existing circuit board templates that you can use. This pre-work will save you a ton of time and keep you from reinventing the wheel if a solution already exists. You’ll also avoid repeating the mishaps of others when designing your PCB layout.

Create a Blueprint

Once you’re set on the outcome you’re hoping to achieve, it’s time to put your ideas into something tangible. Start with a hand-drawn sketch to map out your circuit board. This will allow you to see the flow and catch any errors before adding in the complication of technology. You can also have colleagues or other PCB hobbyists review your circuit board layout ideas for input before creating your virtual design.

Use a (Free) PCB Software

With your blueprint in hand, you’re ready to start designing the layout of your PCB. The best way to create a PCB layout is by using free PCB design software, like Advanced Circuit’s PCB Artist. PCB design software, like PCB Artist, will give you access to a components library with over 500,000 parts. It’s incredibly easy to search for a previously used component, add it, and rearrange as needed for your PCB layout. Never pay money to use PCB design software, as there are so many excellent free choices on the market.

This digital blueprint that you create using a PCB software is called a schematic. In your schematic, you’ll place your components, connectors, connections, and power sources. Eventually, this will become your PCB design that a manufacturer will use to create your PCB.

Most free PCB design software also comes with a design rule check so you can be confident that your PCB layout works and can be produced by the manufacturer of your choice.

Placement

The placement of your components during the schematics stage is incredibly critical to the viability of your PCB. Typically, you want to start by placing your most essential elements first, and then go from there with any flairs or add-ons. Keep in mind that you don’t want to overcrowd your PCB. Placing components and active elements too close together can result in high temperatures. Overheating your PCB can cause components to burn and, ultimately, lead to your PCB failing.

You’ll also want to check with the manufacturer, and during the design, rule check to see if there are placement restrictions. In general, you want to leave at least 100 mils of space between any component and the edge of your PCB. You also want to evenly space out your components and organize so that like-components are oriented the same direction, as possible.

Routing

As you plan and design your PCB’s layout, you’ll want to consider the different routing options and specifications. On a finished PCB, the routing is the copper traces that run along the green board and indicate the flow of electricity between the components. The general rule of thumb is to make the route distance between elements as short and direct as possible. You also want to make sure that you make your traces wide enough to handle the high temperatures in an electrical circuit. When in doubt about your PCB overheating, you can always add in via, or holes, to channel electricity to the other side of the PCB.

Layers

Thanks to advances in our scientific understanding of electricity and circuits, we can now easily manufacture PCBs with multiple layers. The more layers you have on a PCB layout, the more complex your circuit will be. Extra layers allow you to add in more components and tends to have higher connectivity.

Multilayer PCBs appear in more sophisticated electrical devices, but if you find your PCB layout is becoming overcrowded, this could be an excellent way to problem-solve. Multilayer PCB designs do come with higher costs, but Advanced Circuits offers excellent deals on two and four-layer PCB fabrication.

PCB Manufacturer

You’ve put in the hard work and effort to design your PCB, so make sure you select a manufacturer that can bring your plan to life. Different PCB manufacturers use different fabrication processes and use varying qualities of components. It would be a shame to have an incredible PCB layout, only to receive a low-quality product with a lousy soldering job or faulty components. Choosing a manufacturer that uses surface mounting technology is your best bet for a PCB that precisely represents your PCB layout. This fabrication method is mostly automated and reduces the risk of human error when creating your physical PCB.

Create a Prototype

Even if you’re 100% confident in your PCB, it’s always a good idea to order a prototype. Even experts know that you’ll likely want to make tweaks to your PCB design once you see how your prototype performs in its given application. After testing out your prototype, you can go back to the drawing board and update your PCB layout for optimal output.

Advanced Circuits Can Help

Advanced Circuits is the third largest PCB manufacturer in the U.S. Their company has you covered from beginning to end in your PCB layout process. You can utilize their free PCB design software and file check to ensure your layout is bug-free and ready to go. Advanced Circuits has an incredibly accurate fabrication process that will ensure your PCB is delivered precisely as you designed it.

While there are DIY PCB tinkerers and blogs about how to create your PCB, this process is messy, costly, and potentially hazardous. It’s much more reliable and simpler to go the professional route and to collaborate with a PCB manufacturer that can bring your design to life. With so many PCB manufacturers on the market, it can be challenging to pick the one best for your needs. Some PCB manufacturers work well for individual inventors and small businesses, while others are better suited for electrical engineers at large firms.

Whatever your reason for creating a PCB, these are the considerations you should keep in mind before selecting a PCB manufacturer. Making the best choice can save you time, money, and make sure that you don’t end up with a faulty product.

Scale Matters

The first question you’ll want to think through is the quantity of PCBs you anticipate ordering. If you’re a PCB hobbyist that enjoys building novelty electronics, you’ll want to look for PCB manufacturers that match you. Your best bet will be a PCB manufacturer with simple solutions, easy-to-use PCB design software, and tutorial videos. These tools will keep you from becoming overwhelmed and will help you build your knowledge base on PCB design. You’ll also want to see if the PCB manufacturer has minimum order policies. As an at-home PCB designer, you’ll probably only order one or two PCBs at a time, so you don’t want to use a company that will require a minimum purchase order.

On the other hand, if you run a business that needs to fulfill large orders with a PCB design, you’ll want to work with a company that can turn out big orders – and fast. Check with the company to see what their bulk pricing is like and ensure that they’re able to keep up with your demand.

Spend Wisely

As you design your PCB, it’s essential to keep in mind your budget. More extensive operations will want to have a Bill of Materials that outlines how many and what type of components are necessary for a project. This will give both you and the manufacturer an idea of the financial resources needed for completion.

You will also rack up a higher cost if you need a multilayer PCB. Sometimes, multilayer PCBs are necessary or advantageous for your purpose. For instance, a multilayer PCB will provide more surface area, which means you can add more components. More complex circuit boards will need multiple layers to accommodate additional components as you don’t want to overcrowd the PCB. Overcrowding can lead to overheating and potentially cause a short circuit.

Knowing the materials required and how many layers you’ll need for your PCB design will help you to run price comparisons between PCB manufacturers. Some PCB manufacturers, like Advanced Circuits, offer exclusive deals on their two- and four-layer PCBs, making high-powered technology possible at a cost-effective price.

Time Is Of the Essence

If you’re on a tight timeline for a project or just antsy to get your hands on a design, you’ll want to know how quickly a PCB manufacturer can deliver the goods. In general, more complex PCB designs will take longer to manufacture and deliver than stripped-down prototypes. Wait times can vary from company to company, with most landing around 3 to 14 days. Advanced Circuits, the 3rd largest PCB manufacturer in the U.S., provides a same-day turnaround option for certain orders so that you receive your PCB the next day.

Skip the Middleman

As you look around for PCB manufacturers, take note of whether they’re actually producers or, instead, brokers. Since the market is so vast, many PCB brokers have cropped up to help facilitate relationships between large firms and manufacturers. PCB brokers have a place in the world and are the most helpful for large companies that constantly need to revisit their vendors for competitive bids. It can also be useful if your company doesn’t know much about the PCB industry as they can help guide you through the process and track progress.

However, for individuals or labs that know their way around PCBs, it’s most cost-effective to work directly with a manufacturer. Working with a PCB manufacturer is the best way to have an open line of communication and establish a relationship. Rather than playing a game of telephone, you’ll be able to call up the PCB manufacturer’s tech support or check your PCB’s production timeline.

Reputation Is Everything

When you’ve spent so much time and effort on a PCB design, the last thing you want is shoddy production. There’s nothing worse than finally getting your PCB only to realize the holes weren’t drilled properly, or your PCB has the wrong dimensions. This is why you want to confirm how reputable a PCB manufacturer is before sending off your pet project. A good indicator of quality is if the manufacturer works with other large companies and organizations. For instance, Advanced Circuits is approved to manufacture Department of Defense contracts for the U.S. government. This demonstrates the level of quality and service that you can expect when trusting your PCB design with Advanced Circuits.

Don’t Settle For Less

While budget and time constraints are real, you don’t want to skimp out by not choosing a high-quality PCB manufacturer. Determine your purpose and keep in mind these considerations so that you can select the absolute best PCB manufacturer given your resources and needs. Splurging a bit more on manufacturing or taking the time to do research will save you the headache of a faulty PCB that will send you right back to the drawing board. Advanced Circuits is one of the premier, American-based PCB manufacturers that is ready to help you bring your design to life today.