The Art of Saving PCB Cost
Electronics For You|September 2024
Are hidden inefficiencies in your PCB production draining your budget unnecessarily? Maximise efficiency and cut costs with smart panelisation.
ASHWINI KUMAR SINHA
The Art of Saving PCB Cost

Ordering a single piece of PCB from a manufacturer can be quite costly, especially when, for the same price, multiple PCBs could be manufactured and assembled. This is a common mistake made during initial product prototyping. Focusing solely on circuit design and being unaware of PCB panelisation, this error often goes unnoticed until later. Even for those familiar with panelisation, it is possible to produce 3 to 4 more units at the same production cost by making slight adjustments to the panel design.

This article is intended for those new to the process, who may be overpaying for PCB manufacturing. Here are some key insights gained during the process of PCB and product design, highlighting ways to save costs in both prototyping and final product manufacturing.

Prototyping your PCB design

In the prototyping phase, it is common to have two or more designs that require testing for reliability and functionality. Choosing the single PCB method for each design can be costly, especially as most manufacturers require a minimum order of 5-10 units. Often, only one or two units are needed for testing during the prototyping phase, which can lead to unnecessary expenses during initial prototyping.

Panelised manufacturing can significantly reduce costs when prototyping multiple designs.

Panelising different designs. When testing multiple PCB designs during prototyping, paying for their separate manufacturing costs is unnecessary. By placing multiple designs (3-4) on a single panel, only one PCB cost is incurred, allowing the production of all designs for prototyping. This, however, depends on the PCB vendor. But most vendors allow this practice, charging for a single panel while accommodating multiple designs, thus reducing both PCB and SMT costs.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2024 من Electronics For You.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2024 من Electronics For You.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من ELECTRONICS FOR YOU مشاهدة الكل
STK435 IC-Based STEREO AMPLIFIER
Electronics For You

STK435 IC-Based STEREO AMPLIFIER

This stereo AF amplifier uses the STK435 IC, a highly popular choice due to its simplicity.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
A SEWER DRAIN SHIELD For Smart Cities
Electronics For You

A SEWER DRAIN SHIELD For Smart Cities

Drainage systems are vital for storm water management but often transport pollutants, especially plastics, to rivers and oceans, harming ecosystems.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
ESP32 SPEECH FUNCTION: Text To Speech
Electronics For You

ESP32 SPEECH FUNCTION: Text To Speech

Speech capability in technology primarily has two dimensions: text to speech (TTS) and speech to text (STT). This device focuses on TTS.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
World's Smallest Programable INDUSPHONE DESIGN
Electronics For You

World's Smallest Programable INDUSPHONE DESIGN

This is the second part of designing the world’s smallest phone, where the UI is integrated with the basic functions of the phone.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
FLAME-SENSING FIRE ALARM Using An Arduino Nano
Electronics For You

FLAME-SENSING FIRE ALARM Using An Arduino Nano

Fire safety alarms are crucial in both residential and industrial environments.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
loT-Based Distribution Transformer CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEM
Electronics For You

loT-Based Distribution Transformer CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEM

The proposed IoT-based distribution transformer condition monitoring system enables real-time monitoring of distribution transformers, identifying such deviations as overload conditions and overheating.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Wi-Fi 6 AND Wi-Fi 7 Powering The Next Wave of Smart Connectivity
Electronics For You

Wi-Fi 6 AND Wi-Fi 7 Powering The Next Wave of Smart Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6 leads with faster data rates and reduced latency while upcoming Wi-Fi 7's backward compatibility will facilitate gradual upgrades from Wi-Fi 6, easing transitions. However, advanced features like multi-link operation (MLO) and ultra-low latency may command a premium, making Wi-Fi 7 suited for high-end applications.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024
CHARGE FORWARD: High-Voltage Batteries And MSMEs Can Fuel INDIA'S EV REVOLUTION
Electronics For You

CHARGE FORWARD: High-Voltage Batteries And MSMEs Can Fuel INDIA'S EV REVOLUTION

A nuanced explanation of low- and high-voltage EV batteries by Dr Gokhale, Vice President for Battery Technology at JSW Energy, illuminates their advancements and influence. The essential role of MSMEs and academia in developing a strong EV ecosystem emerges, marking their significance for India's push towards self-reliance in this innovative field.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
"MILES TO GO Before I Sleep"
Electronics For You

"MILES TO GO Before I Sleep"

A teacher illuminates the path to success through the light of knowledge, yet some teachers extend that light to society through their contributions and research. Known as the architect of the modern M3 electronic voting machine (EVM) and the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) that transformed India's democratic process, Prof. (Dr) Rajat Moona's journey began in the modest town of Bareilly. Here is his story, as recounted to and written by EFY's Yashasvini Razdan.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
STARTUPS & INNOVATORS
Electronics For You

STARTUPS & INNOVATORS

1 One Charger To Charge All Your Devices | 2 Harnessing AI Technology For Efficient Pest Management | 3 Wireless Light-Based Communication With Velmenni's Technology

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024