Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
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
Infineon Advances on 300-millimeter GaN Manufacturing Roadmap as Leading Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM)
07/10/2025 | InfineonAs the demand for gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors continues to grow, Infineon Technologies AG is poised to capitalize on this trend and solidify its position as a leading Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM) in the GaN market.
TTCI Joins Printed Circuit Engineering Association to Strengthen Design-to-Test Collaboration and Workforce Development
07/09/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a leading provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, is proud to announce its membership in the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), further expanding the company’s efforts to support cross-functional collaboration, industry standards, and technical education in the printed circuit design and manufacturing community.
GlobalFoundries to Acquire MIPS to Accelerate AI and Compute Capabilities
07/09/2025 | GlobalFoundriesGlobalFoundries announced a definitive agreement to acquire MIPS, a leading supplier of AI and processor IP. This strategic acquisition will expand GF’s portfolio of customizable IP offerings, allowing it to further differentiate its process technologies with IP and software capabilities.
LITEON Technology Reports Consolidated June Sales of NT$13.6 Billion, Up 16% Y-o-Y
07/08/2025 | LITEON TechnologyLITEON Technology reported its June consolidated revenue of NT$13.6 billion. Thanks to the growth from power management in cloud computing, advanced server, and networking, the revenue is up 2% M-o-M, 16% Y-o-Y. The cumulative sales for January to June totaled NT$76.8 billion, up 24%, Y-o-Y.
Inside Aimtron’s Cross-border EMS Strategy
07/08/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineMukesh Vasani immigrated from a very small farming village in India to the U.S. in 1995 as a civil engineer. After shifting into electronics, Mukesh built his Chicago-based company, Aimtron, into a successful enterprise by combining quality with competitive pricing. He leveraged his roots in India to expand manufacturing without compromising on quality.