PCB Prototype
PCB Prototype
We provide the PCB prototype with sourcing components assembled on the circuit board.
PCB Prototype Service
For the PCB prototype, we provide the PCB assembly on the printed circuit board, sourcing capacitors and resistors, and having any components assembled well for your testing. We are working with our PCB factory partner to manufacture various types of PCB boards to meet any material and surface treatment requirements.
- Component sourcing
- PCB fabrication
- PCB assembly
- Specific requirements if making any changes (surface treatment or board color)
What is the PCB prototype?
PCB prototype refers to the development of electronic products in order to ensure the correctness and reliability of the design and the production of one or several samples. These samples are often used to test the functionality and performance of the design, as well as to check for problems that may occur during the production process. Making a PCB prototype is a very important step before mass production.
Key Features of PCB Prototype
Functional Verification
PCB prototypes can help ensure the correctness of the design as well as the functionality and performance of the electronic product.
Cost Effective
Prototyping a PCB can save money by minimizing errors and problems before mass production.
Rapid Manufacturing
PCBDesign Lab offers rapid manufacturing services, which can complete PCB prototype manufacturing in 48 hours.
Multiple Options
PCB prototype manufacture typically offer different types of PCB prototypes, including single-panel, dual-panel, multi-layer board, etc.
Follow-up Support
PCBDesign Lab also provides follow-up services such as box build and PCB assembly to meet customer needs.
The Manufacturing Steps of PCB Prototyping
The manufacturing steps of PCB prototyping include PCB design, circuit board making, filmmaking, exposure, development, etching, and cleaning. In actual operation, it can be adjusted according to specific requirements and equipment conditions. More complex PCB manufacturing, such as multilayer board design, inner graphics processing, solder resistance, and screen printing, may also be involved.The manufacturing steps of PCB prototyping include the following aspects:
Step #1: PCB Design Schematics and Layout
- Use electronic design automation (EDA) software, such as Altium Designer, Eagle, etc., to design the schematic and layout of the circuit.
- Define the layout of circuit connections and components in the schematic.
Step #2: Photomask
- Converting a layout file into a photo-painted film is one of the steps of the photolithography process.
- The pattern of the circuit board is formed on the lithographic film by a lithographic machine or a laser printer.
Step #3: Making A Circuit Board
- The circuit board mainly comprises two parts: the substrate, the component, and the routing placement.
- The substrate is usually made of a fiberglass/resin composite.
Step #4: Remove Residue
- Clean the circuit board to remove the residue and photoresist film produced during chemical etching.
- Use alcohol or other cleaning agent to ensure that the board surface is clean.
Step #5: Circuit Board Surface Treatment
- Surface treatment of circuit boards to improve welding and corrosion resistance.
- Common surface treatment methods include gold plating, tinning, spraying, and so on.
Step #6: Components Placement
According to the circuit schematic and layout, components are welded to the circuit board, either by hand or using surface mount technology (SMT).
Step #7: Functional Testing
- Functional tests to verify the performance and reliability of the board.
- Use test equipment, an oscilloscope, and other tools to test and debug the circuit board.
Step #8: Adjustment and Optimization
- According to the test results, the circuit board was adjusted and optimized.
- It can be designed iteratively and manufactured again until the desired performance and functionality are achieved.
PCBA&PCB Prototype
Best practices for PCB Prototype
Review The Design
Verify that the design meets all the requirements and specifications
Component Footprints
Footprints of all components match the physical components
Consider Panelization
Panelization involves placing multiple PCB designs on a single panel
Prototype Assembly
Surface-mount technology (SMT) components
- HASL
- Lead-Free HASL
- ENIG
- Electroplated Tin
- OSP
- Electroplated Silver
HASL: This is one of the most common surface treatments.
- After manufacturing, the entire circuit board is immersed in molten tin and then dried at high temperatures and in hot air so that the tin coating is evenly covered on the solder pad of the circuit board to provide good welding performance.
Lead-Free HASL: This is an environmentally friendly surface treatment method used to replace traditional lead-containing spray tin.
- Use a lead-free alloy instead of leaded tin to meet environmental requirements.
Electroless Nickel Gold( ENIG): This is a high-quality surface treatment method that is particularly suitable for applications requiring excellent signal transmission and corrosion resistance.
- A layer of chemical nickel is first coated on the copper layer of the circuit board, and then a layer of gold is coated on the chemical nickel layer.
What are the common surface treatment methods in PCB manufacturing?
PCB Design & PCB Reverse Engineering Services
We helped 100 customers develop The Products
Why Choose PCBDesign Lab
We are your remote electronic product hardware development team in China. Our English-speaking PCB design professional engineer in Shenzhen offers the most up-to-date circuits and international pieces of knowledge to create custom circuit designs.
- Specialized in 10 Experienes PCB Design
- English-Speaker PCB Design Engineers
- One Turnkey PCBA Solution Provider With Prototypes To Test
- Responsible For Any PCBA Amendment After Layout
Our PCB Prototypes Services
PCB Prototypes Quality Testing Methods
Short circuit test
Accuracy specification test
Flying Probe Testing
functional test
Board Types of PCB Prototype
FR4
FR4 is the most widely used material for PCB prototypes. It is a composite material consisting of a woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin.
High-Temperature FR4
High-temperature FR4 materials are designed to withstand elevated temperatures.
Rogers
Rogers is a high-performance material used in RF and microwave PCB prototypes.
Flexible Substrates
Flexible substrates, such as polyimide (PI) or polyester (PET), are used in flexible and flex-rigid PCB prototypes.
FAQ: All About PCB Prototypes
PCB Prototype
- Here are the brief steps involved in testing PCB prototypes:
- Continuity Testing: Check the electrical connectivity using a multimeter or continuity tester.
- Power-Up Test: Apply power to the PCB and verify proper functionality and voltage levels.
- Functionality Testing: Test various components, circuits, and interfaces to ensure they work as intended.
- Environmental Testing: If necessary, subject the PCB to environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, or vibration to evaluate its performance.
- EMI/EMC Testing: Test for electromagnetic interference and compatibility to ensure compliance with standards.
- Reliability Testing: Perform tests to assess the long-term performance and durability of the PCB.
- The cost of PCB prototypes can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the number of layers, the size of the board, the quantity ordered, the choice of materials, and the manufacturer or service provider you choose. It’s important to request a quote from the manufacturer or service provider to get an accurate cost estimate for your specific project.
- The cost of PCB prototypes can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per board. Simple single-sided or double-sided prototypes with fewer layers and standard materials are generally more affordable. As the complexity increases, such as with multilayer PCBs, high-frequency boards, or specialized materials, the cost tends to rise.
- Yes, PCB prototype services often offer the option of component sourcing as part of their offerings. Component sourcing involves the procurement of electronic components required for the PCB assembly process.
- Choosing a PCBDesign Lab that offers component sourcing can be beneficial, as it simplifies the procurement process and ensures that the required components are available for assembly.
- PCBA prototypes can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete, depending on the factors mentioned below:
- Component Sourcing: If components need to be sourced, the time required will depend on the availability of the components.
- PCB Fabrication: The fabrication time for the PCB itself is typically separate from the assembly process.
- Assembly Time: Once all the components and the PCB are ready, the assembly process begins.
- Testing and Quality Control: After assembly, the PCBA prototypes undergo testing and quality control to ensure proper functionality and adherence to specifications.
- Yes, we can create double-layer or multi-layer PCB prototypes.
- Double-layer PCBs have copper traces and components on both sides of the board, while multi-layer PCBs have additional internal layers with copper traces sandwiched between the outer layers.