What Are the Core Points to Verify in PCBA Prototyping Files?
In the field of electronic manufacturing, PCB (Printed Circuit Board) prototyping is a crucial step in transforming design concepts into actual products. For PCB prototyping suppliers, accurately verifying the documents provided by customers is vital, as it directly affects the quality, delivery time, and final product performance of the prototype. Let’s take a deeper look at what documents PCB prototyping suppliers need to verify.
I Design Source Files
1. Gerber Files
These are the main basis for PCB production, containing data for various layers such as the circuit layer, solder mask layer, silkscreen layer, and drill layer.
(1) Layer Completeness Check
Upon receiving customer data, we first check whether each layer of the file is complete and free of missing information. For example, we ensure the circuit layer clearly shows the direction of the conductors and the solder mask layer accurately covers areas that need insulation, to avoid short circuits, open circuits, and other issues caused by layer data errors.
(2) Layer Alignment Check
Check the alignment between layers, especially ensuring that the drill positions precisely correspond to the pads on the circuit layer. Otherwise, hole misalignment may occur, making it impossible to install components properly.
2. BOM (Bill of Materials) List
(1) Component Parameter Verification
Verify the model, specifications, quantity, and packaging of components. For instance, check the resistance value, precision, and power of resistors, as well as the capacitance value, voltage rating, and package size of capacitors. Ensuring these match the design requirements prevents circuit malfunctions due to incorrect component parameters.
(2) Special Requirement Confirmation
Confirm if there are special requirements for components, such as brand preferences or compliance with environmental standards (e.g., RoHS). Some high-end products or specific application scenarios may have strict regulations on component quality and environmental attributes, and suppliers must ensure that purchased components meet these requirements.
Key BOM Verification Checklist
| Component Type | Critical Parameters | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|
| Resistors | Resistance value, precision, power rating | Cross-reference with design specs |
| Capacitors | Capacitance, voltage rating, package size | Physical inspection + spec check |
| Integrated Circuits | Part number, package type, temperature range | Datasheet verification |
II Production Process Files
1. Drill Files
Drill files contain information about the positions and sizes of all holes on the PCB.
(1) Hole Specification Verification
Precisely verify the coordinates, hole diameters, and number of holes. Different component pins and via connections require holes of corresponding specifications. For example, the diameter of the pin insertion holes must match the pin diameter, and the via diameter affects circuit connections and board thickness design. Incorrect hole positions or diameters will make component installation impossible or cause circuit connection abnormalities.
(2) Special Hole Type Verification
Check for special hole types such as blind vias and buried vias, along with their corresponding processing requirements. Special hole types are more difficult to process, so it is necessary to confirm that the manufacturer has the corresponding technical capabilities.
2. Netlist Files
Netlist files record the connection relationships between various components in the circuit.
(1) Connection Integrity Check
By comparing the circuit connections in the netlist file with those in the Gerber file, check for short circuits (incorrect connections between different networks) or open circuits (failure to connect networks that should be connected). This is a key step in ensuring normal electrical performance.
(2) High-Speed Circuit Analysis
For high-speed circuit designs, analyze the signal flow and paths from the netlist file to evaluate the need for special treatments such as impedance control, ensuring signal integrity and stability.
III Technical Requirement Files
1. PCB Design Specification Documents
(1) Basic Parameter Specification
Clarify the board thickness, number of layers, and surface treatment processes (e.g., hot air solder leveling, immersion gold, OSP). Different application scenarios have different requirements for these parameters. For example, high-frequency circuits may be more suitable for immersion gold to reduce signal loss, and suppliers need to select appropriate production processes based on these requirements. Board thickness affects the mechanical strength and adaptability of the circuit board, the number of layers determines the complexity of the circuit and wiring space, and the surface treatment process is related to soldering performance and oxidation resistance, all of which must match the actual application scenario.
(2) Special Process Requirements
Check for special process requirements such as impedance control (a key parameter in high-frequency circuits), heat dissipation design (heat treatment in areas with high-power devices), and shape processing (cutting and chamfering of special-shaped boards). Production must strictly follow the impedance values specified in the document; for heat dissipation design, factors such as copper foil thickness and the layout of heat dissipation holes need to be considered during production. These directly affect the performance and usability of the circuit board.
2. Test Requirement Documents
Test requirement documents specify the testing content and standards for the PCB prototype after completion.
(1) Electrical Testing Requirements
Clarify electrical testing requirements, such as whether flying probe testing, in-circuit testing (ICT), or other electrical performance tests are needed, as well as the specific test items, qualification standards, and coverage (which networks and components need to be tested). This ensures that the circuit board can pass electrical performance verification after production, enabling timely detection of short circuits, open circuits, abnormal component parameters, and other issues.
(2) Functional Testing Requirements
If functional testing is required, verify the test procedures and judgment criteria, such as power-on tests and signal transmission tests that simulate actual usage scenarios. This ensures that all functions of the prototype PCB work properly and meet design expectations.
Electrical Testing
- Flying probe testing for open/short circuit detection
- In-circuit testing (ICT) for component value verification
- Resistance and capacitance measurement
- Continuity testing across all networks
Functional Testing
- Power-on testing under nominal voltage
- Signal transmission verification at operating frequencies
- Environmental testing (temperature, humidity)
- Functional verification under load conditions
IV Summary & Reliable Supplier Qualities
Summary
In general, for suppliers, carefully verifying the various documents described above during PCB prototyping is the foundation for ensuring prototyping quality. Only by accurately understanding the customer’s design intentions and strictly following the document requirements for production and testing can high-quality PCB prototypes that meet the requirements be produced, providing strong support for the customer’s product development and production.
Choosing a Reliable PCB Supplier: These Qualities Matter
To meet your needs, you need a PCB company with the following qualities:
They can comprehensively verify prototyping files, checking everything from Gerber files to test requirement documents one by one to ensure zero deviation in design information;
They can flexibly respond to special process requirements, such as impedance control and special-shaped processing, and support precise matching of components according to the BOM list (including environmentally friendly materials and specific brands);
Provide a transparent testing process, including flying probe testing and functional testing, and synchronize detailed test reports to make prototyping quality traceable;
Are you looking for a PCB assembly supplier? You can provide information such prototype file pre-review, process feasibility assessment, and accurate quotation.
PCBASAIL is your reliable supplier.
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