-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
It's Show Time!
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
Fueling the Workforce Pipeline
We take a hard look at fueling the workforce pipeline, specifically at the early introduction of manufacturing concepts and business to young people in this issue of PCB007 Magazine.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
The Sum of All Parts: Planning for a First-Time-Right PCB Design
May 17, 2016 | Sam Sangani, PNC Inc.Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The development of highly integrated and high-speed, chip-based circuit boards brings several functional benefits. But at the same time, these can introduce additional challenges to the actual board itself. Therefore, developing an effective plan for designing, developing, testing and producing the final PCBs is a good business practice.
Lack of communication between PCB designers and PCB fabricators is one of the most significant issues we have faced in our industry. This has led to disconnect in the mutual understanding between these two entities. Subsequently, a scenario has arisen where manufacturers lack the understanding of design guidelines and some designers are not always aware of the manufacturing processes and capabilities of a PCB manufacturer during their design/layout phase.
If we are going to succeed—particularly at the domestic level—we need to open up channels of communication.
Several steps in the PCB design and manufacturing process include areas that allow enhancements that would improve the ease with which boards can be manufactured and decrease the loss rate. Many elements of the process, from the design process to final board test, should be reviewed for improvements that can affect the board’s manufacturability. The ideal way to negate the aforementioned drawbacks would be to design and produce under one roof but, until such a time where this is possible on a large scale, certain measures can be taken to optimize the process as much as possible.
Here are five reasons why designers and PCB manufacturers need to communicate:
1. Critical tolerances vs. yield
With regard to determining what the process can and cannot do, this is a very important factor which affects yield and cost associated in PCB manufacturing.
2. Component placement and solderability
A variation in component density over a PCB surface impacts the uniformity of the soldering of components. Very dense areas may not get enough heat during the reflow process and could result in cold solder joints.
3. Size and uniformity
As the surface area of a PCB gets larger, it brings unwanted irregularities in manufacturing such as the registration of via to pad and warpage on the board surface, making SMT pads or BGA balls unconnected to the PCB. If the proper thickness and stack-up design are taken into account in the initial stages, it would help resolve these types of issues earlier.
4. Transparency
Designers and fabricators working side by side on R&D projects opens up doors not only for the parties involved, but also makes an overall contribution to the industry. Stay up-to-date on new development in processes and technologies. The industry—especially now—is changing rapidly.
5. Long-term business relationships
Once a designer and the PCB manufacturer are actively engaged and get know each other, designers are less likely to try to switch PCB suppliers and start building their relations from scratch. Instead, they can keep building better products when they better understand each other.
Fortunately, communications are moving in the right direction. More and more designers and board houses are starting to engage in productive discussions. Designers are reaching out for plant tours and are developing an interest in the manufacturing process. Golden advice to designers: Do not miss open houses and seminars organized by PCB vendors. Golden advice to PCB suppliers: Do your best to understand designers’ needs.
Sam Sangani is president and CEO of PNC Inc.
Suggested Items
KYZEN to Highlight Stencil and Cleaning Solutions at SMTA Monterrey
03/27/2025 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 10 at the Cintermex Convention Center in Monterrey, Nuevo León. KYZEN cleaning experts will be on-site highlighting stencil cleaning chemistries KYZEN E5631J and CYBERSOLV C8882.
Indium to Showcase Proven EV Products and High-Reliability Alloys at Productronica China
03/26/2025 | Indium CorporationAs a global materials supplier and trusted partner in electric vehicle (EV) and e-Mobility manufacturing, Indium Corporation® is proud to showcase its high-reliability alloys and soldering solutions at Productronica China, March 26-28, in Shanghai, China.
SolderKing Enhances Brainboxes' Electronics Manufacturing with Expert Support and Advanced Materials
03/26/2025 | SolderKingIn modern electronics manufacturing, success relies on more than high-quality soldering materials. Technical knowledge and process expertise are just as crucial for achieving consistent results. SolderKing, a leading UK manufacturer, provides both, combining advanced consumables with specialist support to help manufacturers optimise their soldering processes.
AIM to Highlight Type 5 Solder and Other Leading Products at SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum
03/20/2025 | AIM SolderAIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Monterrey Expo & Tech Forum taking place on April 10 at Cintermex in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Hentec Industries/RPS Automation to Showcase Valence 2508 at IPC Expo 2025
03/17/2025 | Hentec Industries/RPS AutomationThe Valence 2508 Selective Soldering System is engineered for high-mix, high-volume, advanced PCB production. It supports boards ranging from 25 x 25 mm to 559 x 559 mm (1 x 1 in. to 22 x 22 in.), with a maximum processing area of 508 x 508 mm (20 x 20 in.).