NPI-Plus Upgrades Reporting and Testing Strategies

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

NPI-Plus, Universal Electronics' quick-turn PCBA prototype and NPI organization, has found that a thorough approach to manufacturing design and supply chain reviews along with careful testing can mean fewer headaches for design engineers.

The NPI-Plus team will deliver product within days and the project engagement process begins with a thorough summary report that is broken down into four sections:

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) will verify that your PCB design meets over 300 design rule checks as well as verifying the manufacturability of the entire project.
• Design for Assembly (DFA) virtually places the components from your Bill of Material to ensure the parts do not violate an additional 300 checks.
• Design for Test (DFT) analyzes the design to ensure the project be testable in full-scale production.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) analysis using Arrow's SiliconExpert software checks the components for issues regarding Life Cycle, Availability, Substitute Data, Environmental, and more.

"We have made a significant investment in SiliconExpert's and Mentor Graphic’s ValorNPI software," said Kevin Grob, NPI manager. "And the rigor we’ve built into our process helps ensure a smooth transition from PCB design to fabrication, assembly and test. More scrutiny upfront means fewer headaches along the way, and a high quality end product."

A careful BOM analysis that takes an in-depth look into electronic component lifecycle statuses, multi-sourcing, available inventory, and environmental compliance data helps guide component selection so there is less concern for rework later. And form-fit-function cross references can mean less chance for costly redesigns and provide multi-sourcing options that help engineers make the best design decisions. "SiliconExpert software also helps ensure compliance by identifying non-compliant components with data for environmental and governmental legislations," explains Grob.

Unique to NPI-Plus' service is a rigorous battery of tests that accompany every build. These include Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), X-Ray, Manual Inspection, and Flying Probe – which tests various nodes throughout the board to ensure the components work properly throughout the board. "We do not sacrifice quality at any step in our process. If we turn a project quickly but it’s not done right, we haven’t provided the reliable end result our customers have come to expect. NPI-Plus ensures the quality of your boards by performing multiple tests throughout the build," said Grob.

The rigor of the process does not, however, compromise NPI-Plus’ ability to satisfy the need for speed. From Alpha Build Quick Turns that are full turnkey and ship within days, to ramp-to-production builds that mirror exactly a customer’s active lifecycle boards and ship within two to four weeks. "We have built key relationships with high-tech PCB suppliers to ensure rapid builds, and we have all of the necessary resources to turn assemblies as fast as you need them," said Grob.

About UEI

UEI offers fast-turn PCBAs within NPI-Plus, and mid-volume manufacturing services customized to clients across the US. UEI serves multiple industries including Medical, Industrial, Lighting, Security, and Communications. Founded in 1980, UEI has two certified facilities in the upper Midwest. The Whitewater, WI facility is ISO9001:2008, ISO13485:2003, FDA, and ITAR registered. The East Troy, WI, facility is ISO9001:2008 and ITAR approved. UEI offers flexible engagement models and fast, cost-effective time to market strategies. Additional information about UEI and NPI-Plus and its services may be found at www.ueinc.com and www.npi-plus.com.