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AUGUST 2024 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 45 From Late Cycle to Iterative Simulation Instead of waiting for a nearly completed, or even worse, a completed design before con- ducting simulations, designs can be evaluated early and iteratively throughout the layout process. Simulation engineers and PCB lay- out designers can work seamlessly and syn- chronously, allowing for quicker iterations and faster convergence on optimal solutions, and significantly reducing development time and optimizing resources. is integrated design process is far more efficient, eliminating time- consuming late-cycle redesigns and reducing costly respins. From Prototyping Risk to Strategic Verification is proactive approach also allows virtual prototyping to be a strategic part of the veri- fication process. Based on insights from itera- tive design refinements and simulations, it allows for real-world verification sooner in the overall product development process, mini- mizing post-development setbacks. is helps to ensure that the design is rigorously verified before entering production. It underscores the importance of transform- ing the PCB design and multi-physics analysis process from a series of disconnected, man- ual steps into a cohesive, collaborative effort between PCB layout designers and simulation engineers. By doing so, design teams and engi- neering organizations can achieve a more effi- cient, effective, and successful design process, leading to higher-quality products and more predictable outcomes. DESIGN007 Josh Moore is a director of product marketing at Altium. Feature Article by Michael Marshall NCAB Group In May, I had the privilege of presenting "Cost Driv- ers in PCB Production" to attendees at the SMTA Wisconsin Expo. This presentation, one of our most popular, received tremendous feedback, inspiring us to share our insights more broadly through a compre- hensive white paper on the subject. In the realm of project management, cost drivers are elements that influence the overall expense of a project. These cost drivers can be categorized into two types: hard cost drivers and soft cost drivers. Understanding these categories is crucial for accurate budgeting, cost control, and financial planning. This white paper delves into the specifics of both hard and soft cost drivers, providing insight into their impacts effective management strategies, while also keeping in mind the aspects that contribute to the sustainabil- ity impacts of a PCB. Hard cost drivers encompass direct, tangible costs that are quantifiable and associated with the physical aspects of a project. These costs are typically straight- forward to estimate and track, making them critical components of project budgeting. In the white paper, we break down aspects like board size, layer count, and via types. Soft cost drivers, on the other hand, are indirect costs related to the electrical design, engineering analysis, drafting, and modeling of the board. Hiring skilled professionals, using advanced design soft- ware, and conducting feasibility studies are integral to this phase. While these costs are not directly tied to physical components, they are essential for ensur- ing the project's feasibility, safety and adherence to desired specifications. To explore this detailed article on cost drivers and sustainability impacts, click here. References NCAB Group offers a variety of design resources, including seven PCB design guidelines for multilayer, HDI, copper coin, semi-flex, UHDI, flex/rigid-flex, and stackups and impedances. We also provide a PCB checklist and some handy PCB design tips to help you get your PCB design right from the start. Michael Marshall is a field applications engineer for NCAB Group. A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Cost Drivers and Sustainability in PCB Production