PCB data packages commonly generate fabricator DFM feedback ques-
tions that require resolution. Resolving these issues delays the manufac-
turing cycle time. There are many methods and techniques to reduce the
DFM
issues, such as working with the fabricator to review proposed stackup
materials and impedance structures early in the design cycle. Another
common method is to generate a company specific acceptance specification
For any sizable design, PCBs are usually designed
by a team of multiple design engineers (EEs) creating
the schematic and multiple layout designers plac-
ing all the parts on the board and routing the traces.
For a successful design, a multitude of interactions
requires mandatory mechanisms to keep everyone
on the same page during the design process.
The prevalent
mindset of late
seems to be
"tools maketh
the designer."
I have noticed
this in ECAD
tool marketing,
discussions with
customers (past, present, prospective), and
conversations with colleagues. While I am an
advocate of having the right tool for the right
job, this should be tempered with good
old-fashioned know-how.
Why do
coatings
sometimes
fail in ser-
vice? What
are the steps
you can take to avoid failure in the first
place? At Electrolube, we take great care
in our research, product formulation and
developing the appropriate processing
and application techniques for our prod-
ucts, because we know that, on occasion,
conformal coatings can fail.
TOP TEN
All Systems Go: Can You Design Without Electronic Data Management?
Adventures in Engineering: A Penny
Primer on PCB Design Fundamentals
Dana on Data: DFM Issue Reduction—Company-specific PCB
Acceptance Specifications
EDITOR'S
PICKS
Sensible Design:
Why Some Conformal
Coatings Fail in Service
that provides requirements that are not covered in referenced IPC specifications and include
negotiated DFM issue resolutions.
78 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2022
