Elementary, Mr. Watson: High Power: When Physics Becomes Real
The Shaughnessy Report: Watt About Power Integrity?
Global PCB Connections: Understanding Your Fabricator’s Capabilities (or Niche)
Beyond Blueprints: Early Involvement Shapes Superior Fab Outcomes
January 11, 2024 | Lea Maurel, ICAPE GroupEstimated reading time: 1 minute
PCB fabrication is the cornerstone of innovation in electronics, transforming intricate circuit designs into crucial PCBs. As technology advances, the demand for reliable PCBs with ever-increasing circuit density surges and highlights the pivotal role of fabrication in shaping the electronics landscape. In this intricate dance between innovation and execution, a symbiotic relationship emerges between designers and fabricators. This forms the core of success.
Effective communication acts as the bridge between design ideation and manufacturing realization, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach. The essence lies in early involvement, where fabricators contribute knowledge from the design's nascent stages, ensuring a seamless transition to functional PCBs. Subsequent exploration will delve into harnessing this symbiotic relationship at key stages, reaping tangible benefits in PCB fabrication.
Early Involvement of Fabricators
Collaboration in Floorplanning
In the intricate dance of PCB fabrication, the initial floorplanning stage emerges as a crucial arena where the collaboration between designers and fabricators sets the stage for success. This collaborative approach brings forth many advantages to shape the trajectory of the entire fabrication process.
First, involving fabricators in floorplanning bridges design intent and manufacturability. Fabricators bring practical insights into the materials and processes that will be employed during manufacturing. This collaboration ensures that the floorplan not only aligns with the functional requirements but also optimizes the placement of components for enhanced manufacturability.
One notable advantage is optimizing component placement for both performance and manufacturability. By integrating the expertise of fabricators, designers can strategically position components to minimize trace lengths. This reduction in trace lengths enhances signal integrity and streamlines the routing process during layout. The result is a PCB that meets design specifications in a manner that is inherently easier and more efficient to fabricate.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the January 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Global PCB Connections: Understanding Your Fabricator’s Capabilities (or Niche)
10/08/2025 | Markus Voeltz -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsNot every PCB fabricator is a good fit for every design. This is something many seasoned OEMs and greenhorn designers learn the hard way. The industry is full of talented board shops: global giants, regional specialists, niche fabricators, and everything in between. But even the best shop can fail a job if it's not the right fit for that specific board, volume, or customer requirement.
Pentalogix Launches ViewMate Essentials to Ensure PCB Designs are Manufacturing-Ready
09/03/2025 | PentaLogixPentalogix, Inc., a leader in PCB design solutions, announced the launch of ViewMate Essentials, an advanced CAM package designed to enhance the workflow of PCB designers. Available starting September 2nd, 2025, ViewMate Essentials enables designers to view, edit, and manage PCB manufacturing files with exceptional precision, facilitating seamless collaboration with PCB fabricators and assemblers.
Global Citizenship: Chinese PCB Fabricators Will Remain an Important Part of the Supply Chain
08/06/2025 | Tom Yang -- Column: Global CitizenshipIn today’s hyperconnected electronics landscape, collaboration is no longer optional; it’s essential. No single country holds a monopoly on innovation, and no one company or country can go it alone. Electronics manufacturing is very much a global business, and this will not change, no matter how the tariffs and global trade winds are blowing. Whether you're a startup founder building your prototype, an aerospace engineer pushing the boundaries of performance, or a supply chain leader managing a complex global network, Chinese PCB fabricators have likely already touched your world.
Insulectro Facilitates Fabricator Access to EMC Mass Lam Capabilities
07/30/2025 | InsulectroInsulectro, the largest distributor of materials used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards and printed electronics, announces a new service - a system to help our customers to access EMC's well established mass lam offerings. Long a leader in mass lam manufacturing, EMC is the exclusive supplier in Insulectro's laminate and pre preg portfolio.
Elementary Mr. Watson: Closing the Gap Between Design and Manufacturing
07/23/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonModern PCB designers are not merely engineers or technicians. I believe that PCB design, at its core, is an art form, and modern PCB designers should be considered artists. Beyond the technical calculations and engineering rules lies a creative process that involves vision, balance, and a passion for what we do. Like any artist who works with brush and canvas or chisel and stone, a PCB designer shapes invisible pathways that bring ideas to life. Each trace, layer, and component placement reflects thoughtful decisions that blend form, fit, and function.