Germain Leclerc                                              
PCB Practice and Team Leader
Cysca Technologies
‍

From everyday consumer goods, such as cell phones, laptops, and household appliances, to the most sophisticated devices designed for the automotive, medical, aerospace, and defense industries, printed circuit boards are everywhere.

Commonly referred to by the acronym PCB, which stands for Printed Circuit Boards, they vary in complexity and are customized for specific applications. Their design requires a high level of expertise and is a key step in the development of a project.

However, that is not the only one. In this article, we outline a few key considerations to ensure the reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of your project.

Why a good PCB library matters

A PCB library is a virtual library of electronic components for the printed circuit boards of a given project, but it is more than that. As a computerized representation of the selected components, it also includes data regarding the space the components will occupy on the board and the clearance required for assembly.

The more precise the design of the component footprints, the easier it will be to manufacture and assemble the PCBs. On the other hand, a design flaw in the library could impact the PCB’s lifespan, reliability, and efficiency.

Consequently, a well-constructed library will serve as a repository for various electronic components, footprints, and design elements, supporting the evolution of the product over time to meet future customer needs.

However, the library design phase depends, above all, on the proper execution of front-end engineering, which defines the technological environment and the connections necessary for the project to proceed smoothly.

When it comes to making decisions, beware of pitfalls

Beyond technological choices, the development of a product or application is subject to resource constraints (budget, deadlines) that dictate many decisions. While some decisions will benefit the smooth progress of the project and the quality of the final product, others may put it at risk.

We have identified three scenarios that have the potential to affect development timelines and costs, which can be addressed during the engineering phase.

Case #1: Errors or omissions in the technical data sheets

• The technical data sheets list the electronic components selected by the customer and specify, for each, their mechanical configuration and the connections recommended by the manufacturer.
• As essential design references for printed circuit boards, their accuracy determines the quality and reliability of the subsequent development stages.

Case #2: Shortage or obsolescence of electronic components

• Recent supply chain disruptions—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—have highlighted just how vulnerable the electronics industry remains to production disruptions and the rapid obsolescence of components.
• To maintain product quality and design integrity, companies must adapt by carefully evaluating replacement components, their performance, physical and electrical compatibility, and impact on the product architecture.

Case #3: Use of lower-quality components

• Besides availability concerns, less expensive components are sometimes chosen to ensure a project’s cost-effectiveness.
• This approach also requires caution. While the initial cost is an important factor in decision-making, the final bill often turns out to be higher than expected. The cost of electronic components reflects their quality and, consequently, the reliability and future performance of the final product.

Possible solutions

Before beginning the PCB design process, our team of seasoned experts will set up an initial project kickoff meeting with the client to raise potential issues and validate several critical points, including:

• Board specifications
• The stackup, which will have a direct impact on the PCB’s performance
• The availability of components and raw materials. Indeed, the quality of the materials selected for the laminate (core) is essential, since it houses the PCB and conducts electrical signals, thereby contributing to the board’s performance, flexibility, and thermal dissipation.
• Delivery times for the selected components, which determine whether the project schedule can be met.
• It is crucial to anticipate the quantities of components and raw materials required throughout the entire product or application lifecycle, especially for SMEs, whose orders are often processed after those of large manufacturers with much higher procurement volumes.

Our experts have extensive knowledge of the best practices and IPC standards, which cover the entire lifecycle of printed circuit boards.

Besides PCB design, our team can also review or correct schematics or connections as needed, or validate component selection to ensure the smooth progress of a project and the performance of the final product.

As the backbone of many devices, printed circuit board design requires special attention. This crucial step must be thoroughly prepared; its success depends largely on the accuracy of the input materials and data.

When it comes to printed circuit board design—from the simplest to the most complex, with up to 20 layers—Cysca Technologies’ experts are here to meet your needs and help you develop reliable, high-performance products that meet your expectations and stay within your budget.

‍