Things to Know Before Ordering a PCB Project

If you are going to order a PCB project, there are a few things that you should be aware of. For instance, you must double check your traces before ordering. In addition, you need to make sure that your BOM and drill file match. Moreover, you must choose the right material.

Double checking traces

When ordering PCBs from a PCB manufacturer, it is crucial to double-check the traces and spacing on your board. The thickness and width of the traces on your project will determine the amount of current that can flow through the circuit. You can use an online trace width calculator to find the ideal trace width. This will reduce the chances of connections breaking.

Checking your BOM

The first step in ordering PCB components is checking your BOM. It will help you avoid missing or incorrect component numbers. Using the BOM is also beneficial when it comes to sourcing parts. The description of the component will help the buyer and assembly house find a suitable replacement part. This will also help them confirm that the parts have the right MPN.

It is important to check your BOM before sending the PCB project to a manufacturer. This is because even a small mistake can cause problems during the PCB assembly process. You should also keep track of any changes made to the BOM and label them clearly. The most up-to-date version of the BOM is the one that you should use.

Once you have your BOM, you need to find out the cost of the component you’re ordering. It is important to know exactly what you’re going to be paying. The price of your components should match the BOM of your PCB project. If not, you may have to replace the components or even change the design.

Checking your drill file

You can easily check your drill file before ordering your PCB project from a PCB manufacturing company. However, there are some important things you must remember before placing an order. The first step is to make sure that the file is in the correct format. You can use a gerber file viewer to double check your file.

A drill file is a secondary file that explains where holes should be drilled on the PCB. This file must be sent along with the Gerber files. If your Drill file does not specify the locations or sizes of holes, your PCB order will fail the audit.

The drill file should also contain a tool list. It lists which tools are needed for each component hole. The tool list should be either embedded in the drill file or be sent as a separate text file. Failure to provide this tool list on the fabrication drawing will eliminate automated verifications and result in more errors when it comes to data entry.

Choosing the right materials

Choosing the right materials for your PCB project is essential. The physical properties of PCB materials can significantly affect the performance of the board. For example, a lower dielectric constant will mean thinner dielectrics and lower board thickness, while a higher dielectric constant will lead to higher losses. This information will help you narrow down your selection of PCB materials and find those that deliver the required performance.

Next, you should determine the number of routing layers on your PCB. For a simple PCB design, there may be only one or two layers, while a moderately complex design may need four to six layers. More complicated designs may require eight layers or more. The number of layers will directly affect the cost of your PCB project.