In today’s blog we answer the most frequently asked PCB design questions
1. Whats is PCB Design?
Printed circuit board (PCB) design brings your electronic circuits to life in the physical form. Using layout software, the PCB design process combines component placement and routing to define electrical connectivity on a manufactured circuit board.
2. What is a PCB made from?
A printed circuit board (PCB) is a thin board made from fiberglass, composite epoxy, or other laminate materials. PCBs are found in various electrical and electronic components such as beepers, radios, radars, computer systems, etc. Different types of PCBs are used based on the applications.
A printed circuit board (PCB) mechanically supports and electrically connects electrical or electronic components using conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from one or more sheet layers of copper laminated onto and/or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate.
3. Which materials are used for PCBs?
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are usually a flat laminated composite made from non-conductive substrate materials with layers of copper circuitry buried internally or on the external surfaces. They can be as simple as one or two layers of copper, or in high density applications they can have fifty layers or more.
4. Why is Copper used in PCB?
The most common element used to make traces is copper. Why is copper such a popular choice in the PCB industry? The number one benefit of copper is that it is highly conductive. This means that it can easily transmit signals without losing electricity along the way.
5. What data is required for a PCB design quote?
We often only need the basics of a design to begin the process of PCB design. At Quadra we’re happy to accept any form of input. Some of our customers provide completed CAD generated schematics, but we can work with a hand-drawn sketch if required.
6. Which PCB/CAD tools does Quadra use?
Cadence Allegro: We have extensive experience with the Cadence Allegro tool suite
Mentor Graphics Expedition, Power PCB (PADS) and Board Station:
Altium: Now supported with Altium 365 making feedback and design changes easier.
eCADSTAR / CADSTAR / Zuken software packages: As a Zuken PCB design reseller our PCB design skills in this area is second to none.
There are others but it’s best to talk to us to find out what the best solution is for you.
7. Do you perform a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) check of your designs?
Yes we do. You can supply your own Engineering Rules Files (ERF), or you may specify your Fabricator and we will take care of the rest.
8. How secure is my information?
We understand the importance of Intellectual Property and take all Non-Disclosure Agreements very seriously. We hold our employees to very high confidentiality standards.
9. What’s the benefit of outsourcing my PCB layout to Quadra Solutions?
Our philosophy on this is simple: we work hard to make the outsourcing model work for you.
Without outsourcing, you take on the challenge of adding and balancing many liabilities/costs. During peaks, you hire, train, manage and outfit your in-house team with expensive tools, but during troughs, you may need to lay-off designers and continue to pay for idle licenses and overhead.
By outsourcing, you save time and money required to sustain an extended full in-house design team and all the while getting faster, professional results from an outstanding team that acts as an extension of your engineering department.
10. What other services does Quadra offer?
- Signal Integrity Analysis
- Schematic Capture
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Design Translation (to/from different tools)
- PCB Fabrication
- PCB Assembly & Test
11. How can I become a PCB designer?
Learn professional PCB design with Quadra Solutions’ IPC Certified Interconnect Designer Training. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking advanced skills, our CID and CID+ programs offer comprehensive courses covering component placement, track routing, and more. Learn efficiently through a hybrid of online and in-person sessions. Enquire now to start your journey in PCB design!
For more information please contact us today!