Technical Information
A production-ready PCB must account for the various automated processes it undergoes during manufacture. Use these guidelines to design for production.
Design
PCB Design for Production
When laying out a PCB for production in Altium (Protel) or similar software, please take the following into account in the design file.
Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Ensure all components on the PCB are in the BOM
- If a component is not required, enter "Do Not Fit" (DNF) in the BOM column
- Include a Designator column for components (SMD, THD, other)
- Component descriptions should be complete, e.g. CAP, 100nF 100V 10% X7R, 0805
- List the part number & manufacturer of each component
- Identify where substitute components are allowed
PCB Fiducials
- At least 3 fiducials for each PCB side containing SMD
- If SMDs are on both sides, fiducials are required on both sides
- Fiducials must be on each PCB within a panel
- At least 7.0 mm from the outside edge of tooling strips
- Normally a 1.00 mm diameter solid round exposed metal pad with a 1.0 mm soldermask pullback
- Localised fiducials recommended on fine-pitch components (< 0.50 mm)
Components
Component Requirements
Identify any custom components in the BOM that require special placement techniques, so we can plan production accordingly.
Surface Mount (SMT)
- Minimum size: 0.6 × 0.3 mm (0201)
- Maximum size: 56.0 × 56.0 × 15.0 mm
- Maximum weight: 80 grams
- Minimum pad size: 0.30 mm*
- Minimum pitch: 0.40 mm*
- Pick & Place connectors must have a vacuum pickup dot attached
*Smaller pad and pitch sizes will require an electroformed solder stencil.
Through Hole (THT)
- Lead-cutting & bending components must be on tape reel
- Polarised components must have direction marking clearly identified
- Press-fit components should have a jig supplied
Custom Components
- Should be identified in the BOM as "special fit"
- Any special requirements — soldering, gluing or other — should be identified
- Insulation component barriers should be identified
Questions about your design?
If you're unsure whether your PCB is production-ready, contact us for general advice.