PCB data is complex. Its management can be free form and often left to the individual creator. That doesn’t mean a formal process shouldn’t exist. Here are a few steps every PCB creator should follow when fabricating a PCB.
Electronics have been around since the 60s. Why address data management now? Simply put, the market demands higher functionality electronic goods. This invariably leads to more intricate PCBs. Companies are also facing the demand for high-quality, low-cost goods. These demands for quality, price, and functionality are the highest drivers forcing companies to improve their PCB data, according to a survey by Aberdeen Group in September 2014.
In our survey, top companies best practices focused on specific actions to streamline their data management. Foremost being improving communication and collaboration across R&D groups. An engineer designing in isolation creates room for many errors. Though the circuit may be correct, it may not fit the actual mechanical specifications and vice versa. Adding to collaboration, top companies have implemented a single library for all of their component data. This helps prevent errors between component alternatives. Other important actions are adding capabilities to predict design behavior prior to fabrication and create the board with manufacturability in mind (ie. DFM).
The future of technology products is rich functionality, high quality, and at a low cost. These demands mean more PCB production at a higher complexity. Companies should look to take steps to collaborate, DFM, and create a single repository for their data. Failing to take these steps will only lead towards delays in schedule and higher cost in production.
For more information on PCB data design, please read my recent full report: PCB Data Management: How Industry Leaders are Managing their Data.
