Ordering PCBs from fabricators in PCB Design - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the first step when ordering PCBs from a fabricator?

The first step is to prepare and verify your PCB design files, usually Gerber files, ensuring they meet the fabricator's specifications.

beginner

Why is it important to check the fabricator's design rules before ordering?

Because each fabricator has specific limits on things like minimum trace width and spacing, which affect manufacturability and cost.

intermediate

What information do you typically provide to a PCB fabricator besides Gerber files?

You usually provide the board thickness, copper weight, solder mask color, surface finish, quantity, and any special instructions.

intermediate

How does panelization affect PCB ordering?

Panelization groups multiple PCBs into one larger panel to optimize manufacturing efficiency and reduce cost.

intermediate

What is the role of a Bill of Materials (BOM) in PCB fabrication and assembly?

The BOM lists all components needed for assembly, helping fabricators source parts and assemble the PCB correctly.

What file format is most commonly used to send PCB designs to fabricators?

A Gerber files

B PDF files

C JPEG images

D Excel spreadsheets

Gerber files contain detailed layer information needed for PCB manufacturing.

Which factor does NOT typically affect the cost of PCB fabrication?

A Screen resolution

B Solder mask color

C Board thickness

D Number of layers

Screen resolution is unrelated to PCB fabrication costs.

Why might you choose a HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling) surface finish?

A To make the board flexible

B For a gold-plated finish

C For better solderability and lower cost

D To increase board thickness

HASL provides a solderable surface and is cost-effective.

What does panelization help with in PCB manufacturing?

A Improving electrical performance

B Increasing the number of layers

C Changing the board color

D Reducing manufacturing cost by grouping boards

Panelization groups multiple PCBs to optimize production and reduce cost.

What should you verify before submitting your PCB order?

A Number of team members

B Design rule compliance

C Type of soldering iron

D Screen resolution

Ensuring your design meets fabricator rules avoids manufacturing errors.

Explain the key steps involved in ordering PCBs from a fabricator.

Think about what files and information the fabricator needs.

Describe how panelization can impact PCB manufacturing cost and efficiency.

Consider how fabricators produce many boards at once.

Practice

1. What is the primary purpose of ordering PCBs from fabricators?

easy

A. To simulate electronic circuits on a computer

B. To turn your design into a physical board for testing or production

C. To create 3D models of the PCB

D. To write software code for the PCB

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of PCB fabrication

   PCB fabrication is the process of making a physical printed circuit board from a design.

2. Step 2: Identify the purpose of ordering PCBs

   Ordering PCBs from fabricators allows you to get a real board for testing or production use.

3. Final Answer:

   To turn your design into a physical board for testing or production -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   PCB ordering = physical board creation [OK]

Hint: PCB fabrication means making a real board from your design [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing PCB fabrication with software coding
• Thinking PCB ordering creates simulations
• Assuming it produces 3D models instead of physical boards

2. Which of the following file types is essential to provide when ordering PCBs from fabricators?

easy

A. JPEG images

B. Word documents

C. Gerber files

D. MP3 audio files

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the standard file format for PCB fabrication

   Gerber files contain the detailed layer information needed by fabricators to produce PCBs.

2. Step 2: Compare with other file types

   JPEG, Word, and MP3 files do not contain PCB manufacturing data and are irrelevant for fabrication.

3. Final Answer:

   Gerber files -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Gerber files = PCB manufacturing data [OK]

Hint: Gerber files are the PCB blueprint for fabricators [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Submitting image files instead of Gerber files
• Confusing documentation files with fabrication files
• Not knowing the correct file format for PCB production

3. You have two fabricators: Fabricator A charges $50 for 10 PCBs with 7 days delivery, Fabricator B charges $40 for 10 PCBs with 14 days delivery. If you need the PCBs urgently, which fabricator should you choose?

medium

A. Fabricator A because of faster delivery

B. Fabricator B because it is cheaper

C. Either one, delivery time does not matter

D. Order from both to compare quality

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze delivery times

   Fabricator A delivers in 7 days, Fabricator B in 14 days.

2. Step 2: Consider urgency

   If PCBs are needed urgently, faster delivery is more important than cost.

3. Final Answer:

   Fabricator A because of faster delivery -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Urgent need = choose faster delivery [OK]

Hint: Urgent orders need faster delivery, not just cheaper price [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing cheaper option despite urgent need
• Ignoring delivery time importance
• Thinking ordering both is always best

4. You submitted Gerber files to a fabricator but received an error saying files are incomplete. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. Missing one or more required Gerber layers

B. Files are too large in size

C. You sent JPEG images instead of Gerber files

D. The fabricator does not accept Gerber files

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Gerber file requirements

   Fabricators require all necessary layers (copper, solder mask, silkscreen, etc.) to produce PCBs.

2. Step 2: Identify common error cause

   An incomplete set of Gerber layers causes errors during file validation.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing one or more required Gerber layers -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Incomplete Gerber layers = error [OK]

Hint: Check all required Gerber layers are included before submitting [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming file size causes error
• Sending wrong file types
• Thinking fabricators reject Gerber files

5. You want to order 50 PCBs with the following specs: 2-layer board, 1.6mm thickness, HASL finish, and 0.8mm minimum trace width. Which step should you take to ensure the fabricator can meet these requirements?

hard

A. Ask the fabricator to decide the specs after receiving the files

B. Send only the Gerber files without any specification details

C. Order the PCBs without confirming specifications to save time

D. Check the fabricator's specification sheet for supported thickness, layers, finish, and trace width

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand importance of specification matching

   Fabricators have limits on board thickness, layers, finishes, and trace widths they can produce.

2. Step 2: Verify fabricator capabilities

   Reviewing the fabricator's specification sheet ensures your requirements are supported before ordering.

3. Final Answer:

   Check the fabricator's specification sheet for supported thickness, layers, finish, and trace width -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Confirm specs with fabricator before ordering [OK]

Hint: Always verify fabricator specs match your PCB requirements [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming fabricator can produce any specs
• Not communicating specs clearly
• Relying on fabricator to guess requirements