Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Book Excerpt: 'The Printed Circuit Designer's Guide to... Manufacturing Driven Design,' Chapter 4
September 12, 2023 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Excerpt from: The Printed Circuit Designer's Guide to... Manufacturing Driven Design, Chapter 4—Concurrent and Intelligent DFM
Bridging the Gap
If Manufacturing Driven Design is to be considered as the eventual end goal of the larger product manufacturing process, it is worthwhile to consider where the current industry is in terms of adoption of this methodology. I spent a good deal of time in Chapter 3 specifically explaining what DFM is not. In this chapter, we will cover what, and where, DFM currently is. DFM has been evolving away from the rudimentary and manual selection Engineering Rules Files to an automated and intelligent means of assigning manufacturing process requirements based on design characteristics.
It could be suggested that DFM is meant to represent the manufacturers’ interpretations of the design requirements only from a process perspective. This may suggest that DFM should have been viewed as a transitional solution that is better off taken into consideration throughout the design process. Widespread technological adoption of MDD within the PCB industry has been rather cautious as a whole, especially when compared to similar fields which have already adopted an MDD approach. Many within the industry see the evolution of DFM as the end solution, instead of as a transitionary approach to manufacturing. Within late-stage DFM, there are several significant advancements that are now emerging which show promise in bridging the gap between Digital Rule Checks (DRCs) and MDD. These are the use of Concurrent DFM and Intelligent DFM.
Both concurrent and intelligent DFM complement each other within the typical workflow and represent the beginnings of a transition away from a classical DFM, allowing for an improved NPI process.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Navigating Change, Mitigating Risk: We’ve Been Here Before
04/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineI visited with Tom Edman, president and CEO of TTM Technologies, and chair of the IPC Board of Directors. Tom candidly shares his insights into the implications of changes on the defense sector and the broader electronics manufacturing industry, especially concerning PCB manufacturing. With half of TTM’s business tied to defense, Tom discusses the potential opportunities and challenges arising from government initiatives, tariffs, and supply chain complexities.
ViTrox Marks 25 Years of Innovation with Cutting-Edge Solutions at NEPCON China 2025 in Shanghai
04/18/2025 | ViTrox TechnologiesViTrox, which aims to be the World’s Most Trusted Technology Company, is proud to announce its participation in NEPCON China 2025, taking place from April 22–24, 2025, at Booth #1E45, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre (SWEECC).
Nortech Positioned to Serve Global Markets Amid Tariff Challenges
04/18/2025 | BUSINESS WIRENortech Systems, a global leader in digital connectivity solutions and data management engineering, is strategically positioned to serve customers in Europe and the Asia Pacific region while effectively mitigating the impact of global tariffs and trade challenges.
Can the Electronics Industry Balance Tariffs With Investment?
04/18/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamTo better understand the U.S. administration’s recent actions on global trade policies, Barry Matties and Nolan Johnson met with Richard Cappetto, IPC’s senior director of North American government relations, who highlighted both the challenges and opportunities available to U.S. companies in the recent trade activity. This could include increased domestic manufacturing and supply chain diversification.
University of Arizona Pioneering Technical Education Beyond Semiconductors
04/18/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineWhile many universities struggle to keep their curriculum up to date with the evolving needs of the electronics industry, the University of Arizona stands head and shoulders above the others. Its Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing incorporates five of the colleges at UA and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for diverse careers in technology and manufacturing.