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APRIL 2025 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 45 design to ensure PCB manufacturability and viability, as well as reduce the risk of costly rework. • Full-service manufacturing partner, including prototyping: Layout review may uncover the need to change course. Find a PCB manufacturing partner that can provide economical prototyping and more collaborative, customized services. • State-of-the-art: Don't be afraid to ask questions about a potential partner's pro- cesses and the equipment they use. is matters if you've designed a small, com- plex board or need a PCB with more than two or three layers. Proven processes and advanced equipment expand your options, increase the speed of production, and improve the quality of the product. As a best practice for establishing a solid rela- tionship with your PCB manufacturing part- ner, provide their team with clear guidelines for production. is will help their engineers focus on the most important features and pro- mote more efficient collaboration. It is important to communicate with your manufacturing partner at the beginning of and throughout the manufacturing process, in addition to when you're creating your design. is is an integrated process, and your manu- facturer can have valuable insight into how design decisions can impact manufacturabil- ity, increase yield, and improve the quality of the boards. Don't wait to start the conversation until you hand off your design. If your manu- facturer offers support by chat, telephone, or e-mail, use their expertise to fill gaps in your knowledge as you work on your design. Your board manufacturer's capabilities and process requirements have a great impact on the manufacturability of your design, as does the accuracy of the footprint files you use on your board. Don't be shy. Keep an open line of communication with your supplier(s) to ensure you are using up-to-date footprint files throughout the design process. If you are using a rapid prototyping ser- vice for your PCB manufacturing, be aware of capabilities specific to your manufacturer's ser vice. For example, your board outlines or via diameters may need to fit within specifi- cations that are unique to that manufacturer's rapid prototyping ser vice. Highly manufac- turable designs exist within a range of specifications. Good manufacturers can help you tweak your design to make the best use of range or wiggle room. If your DFM rule sets are con- straining your design goal, ask your manufacturer if they have flexibility in their DFM require- ments. It can help save time, reduce costs, and improve the functionality of your board. e key to optimizing the manu- facturability of your PCB designs is to treat your manufacturing partner as a member of your design team. Prioritize open and consis- tent collaboration. e result will be higher yields and quality boards. DESIGN007 Matt Stevenson is vice president and general manager of ASC Sunstone Circuits. To read past columns, click here. Read Matt's book, The Printed Circuit Designer's Guide to … Designing for Reality and listen to his podcast series here. " As a best practice for establishing a solid relationship with your PCB manufacturing partner, provide their team with clear guidelines for production. "