The development process of electronic products is more intricate and complex because it involves several crucial extra steps. To do the additional steps incorrectly may fail to meet the customer’s expectations. That will lead to a financial loss for the customer.

Prototype PCB Design

PCB manufacturing services include custom prototyping, testing, and manufacturing. Prototyping is invaluable during the development of electronic components, as it tests for signal integrity, voltage levels, power consumption, thermal behavior, and other issues. PCB failure can lead to delays within the supply chain, requiring changes to the production line or even sourcing new components to fix identified problems.

In addition to the cost-effective testing of PCBs, custom prototype PCB design allows for rapid PCB manufacturing. Quick-turn prototype PCB manufacturing services can produce PCBs within a speedy timeframe, often within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the complexity of the printed circuit board. Quick-turn PCB services are typically suited for small-volume runs, making them well-suited to small-scale companies looking to get products to market before their competitors.

PCB Testing and Validation

PCB manufacturers conduct the following tests during this phase: 

  • Electrical Testing
  • Thermal Testing
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) 
  • Compatibility (EMC) Testing
  • Durability and Reliability Testing 
  • Embedded Software Validation
  • Compliance with Standards

After PCB testing, the next step is to analyze the results and identify any issues or areas for improvement. If the prototype PCB passes the tests and functions as expected, the design is validated, and the PCB moves forward into production preparation. 

Trouble-shooting the defects or issues during testing is addressed by revising the design, reordering a new prototype PCB, and retesting the test loop until the PCB meets all functional and quality requirements. Once the design is finalized and validated, it is ready for full-scale manufacturing, where production processes, components sourcing, and assembly can occur. This testing phase is crucial for ensuring that an electronic product is reliable enough for mass production to begin, and minimizing the risk of failures during the final stages of development saves a great deal of time and money. 

PCB Manufacturing and Production

Electronics manufacturing requires high precision. For PCBs, this means exact component placement (e.g., surface-mount technology or through-hole), soldering, and testing for defects at a microscopic level. Mass electronics production can include highly sophisticated and fully automated assembly lines, including pick-and-place machines, reflow soldering, and automated optical inspection (AOI).

Several different materials and components are required to construct a printed circuit board. There’s the board, cushions, semiconductors, tracks, wiring, batteries, LEDs, etc. Complete turnkey PCB services include component sourcing and supply chain management. For smaller-scale companies venturing into electronics production for the first time, these two activities can be very time-consuming. Sourcing components from various suppliers at the right price requires a lot of research and a network of contacts. Procurement of these materials and components is more efficient if conducted by industry experts who instinctively know where to find the best products and materials at the best prices. 

With complete turnkey PCB services, you can also request third-party distribution. Full turnkey PCB production costs more than standard PCB assembly and production; still, considering the additional time and effort involved, it can prove very cost-effective for many smaller electronics companies.

Invaluable advice from trusted experts

Be sure to team up with a PCB manufacturer with extensive experience producing PCBs, particularly those with specific experiences of the product you wish to build (medical device, consumer electronics, etc.). A manufacturer with expertise in your sector will understand the unique challenges and standards your product may require.

PCB manufacturing companies that offer complete turnkey and custom PCB prototyping services are more likely to provide advice and guidance on all aspects of prototyping, manufacturing, procurement, and distribution.

Bay Area Circuits is a proud member of IPC, the global association that supports OEMs, EMS, and PCB manufacturers in driving the industry forward. IPC members are committed to manufacturing high-quality, fully certified electronics products.

BAC has more than 45 years of experience in the industry (founded in 1975) and is uniquely placed to provide unmatched PCB fabrication and design services, so whatever your project, budget, and timeframe, Bay Area Circuits will be able to tailor their services to meet your precise needs.