 |
|
The
processor for our new design only exists in a BGA package,
how can we assemble our own prototypes? |
 |
|
|
 |
|
If
like most development teams all you have is a soldering
iron and simple rework tools things become difficult.
Without a suitable re-flow oven or specialist BGA re-work
station we would advise against doing it yourself.
back to top |
|
|
|
Our engineers are
perfectly capable of assembling the prototypes by hand,
why should we consider using Norcott EMS? |
|
|
|
|
|
We see our role
as accelerating your time to market. The time that your
engineers would spend building prototypes can be more
effectively deployed in undertaking other key parts of
the overall project.
back to top |
|
|
|
Why do you assemble
prototypes by machine - surely it is more cost effective
to use hand assembly? |
|
|
|
|
|
If you only need
one or two prototypes then hand assembly might appear
more cost effective. From conversations with our customers
we have found that the quality and consistency of machine
built prototypes provides a significant time and cost
advantage during the debugging process. The engineers
spend less time identifying build errors and can concentrate
on the design debug process.
back to top |
|
|
|
Is it true that the
PCB layout of a BGA footprint is critical for a good result? |
|
|
|
|
|
It's true. A poorly
designed PCB footprint can cause a host of problems during
assembly. By following some simple guidelines it is possible
to achieve a good result. If you need assistance or advice
please contact us.
back to top |
|
|
|
If I have samples
or have already purchased parts for this project would
you be able to use them? |
|
|
|
|
|
A qualified Yes.
If the components are in good condition then we can use
them successfully. A common problem is lead co-planarity
that affects joint quality, especially on large fine pitch
QFPs. We are always happy comment on the practicality
of using a component.
We also appreciate that sample devices can sometimes be
the only way to get the latest silicon for your prototypes
and they must be used. If necessary we can get the
devices re-manufactured including lead straightening and
re-balling.
back to top |
|
|
|
Most of the components
on our design are surface mount resistors and capacitors.
Creating a kit for these is a real pain. Do you have any
suggestions? |
|
|
|
|
|
Yes. With our extensive
in house stocks of basic passive components we can cross-reference
your bill of materials and save you kitting time.
back to top |
|
|
|
We have our own in-house
assembly facility. Would you consider building our prototypes? |
|
|
|
|
|
An unqualified yes!
We have several customers that have their own production
facilities either in the EU or offshore, but choose to
have the prototypes built at Norcott EMS. Some of the
reasons given are:
> Timescale:
“Our next free production slot was in three weeks!”
> Cost: “We cannot afford to shutdown
our main production line to mess about with prototypes!”
> Location: “Our main production
facility is in Mexico!”
> Quality: “All except one of the
boards fired up first time – that’s much
better than our previous prototypes.”
back to top
|
|
|
|
We need to assemble
prototypes rapidly. Is your 3-day assembly service really
achievable? |
|
|
|
|
|
Running the component
procurement in parallel with the PCB design and manufacture
ensures that all the assembly data and materials are available
on day one of production at Norcott EMS. As a result we
have assembled hundreds of prototype boards on three days
or less.
back to top |
|
|
|
We are not sure how
many prototypes we will need. Ideally we would like to
build two or three and if they are okay build more. Can
you help? |
|
|
|
|
|
Flexibility is a
key part of our service and so changing quantities at
short notice is not usually a problem, assuming that the
material is available. The assembly charges will vary
according to what is actually built and how many assembly
runs are required. We are always happy to discuss how
we can tailor our service to suit your exact requirements.
back to top |
|
|
|
Once we have the prototypes
working could you help us with the production volumes? |
|
|
|
|
|
In most cases yes.
We have the capability to place over 1 million components
per month and we can support low to medium volume production.
back to top |
|
|
|
When we go into production
we will only need 20-30 boards a month. Could you help? |
|
|
|
|
|
We regularly build
volumes of this level for our customers. Machine assembly
and a fully computerised bar-coded inventory system ensure
batch-to-batch consistency and component tracking. Our
flexible scheduled order system allows customers to manage
variations in demand whilst achieving cost savings.
back to top |
|
|
|
I've heard that having
product built in the Far East is much cheaper. Is that
true? |
|
|
|
|
|
For stable production
boards this is certainly true. The experience of our customers
is that initial lead-times can be 6-12 weeks and changing
the design (ECOs) or production quantities can be difficult.
We are happy to work with customers alongside a volume
supply route to provide a 'top-up' service, and handle
prototypes and initial volumes for new product introductions.
This keeps the overall unit cost low whilst providing
unrivalled flexibility.
back to top |
|
|
|
What information would
you need to give us a quotation for assembly? |
|
|
|
|
|
We would require:
> The quantity
of units to be built
> The bill of materials - indicating any free
issue material
> PCB Gerber files - including any panel information
> Any specific build information - e.g. mechanical
fixings
> Any functional test requirements
> Required delivery date
back to top |
|
|
|
Can Norcott EMS help
us with the design of our product? |
|
|
|
|
|
We have access to
a talented team of design engineers within the Norcott
Technologies group who can help with many areas of electronics,
from initial product development through to full manufacturing
support. For further information see the Norcott Technologies
Website.
back to top |
|
|
|
I've got an SMT PCB
design and have heard that I need to add fiducial marks,
but what are they and why do I need them? |
|
|
|
|
|
The fiducial marks
appear as a copper feature on the PCB. They are there
to assist with the optical alignment of the components
when placed on the board by the assembly equipment. They
act as reference points on the board so the machines can
accurately calculate and compensate for any stretch and
skew of the board during the PCB manufacturing process.
back to top |
|
|
|
Why do I need to panellise
my PCB design? |
|
|
|
|
|
PCB designs are
panellised for a number of reasons, but are usually done
to optimise the costs of PCB manufacture and the most
efficient use of the component placement machine time.
Panellisation is usually done to suit the intended production
line and processes. For a detailed technical reference
download our PCB
panel design technical note.
back to top |
|
|
|
I've got a design
that needs several pull up and pull down resistors of
the same value. Is it more cost effective to make use
of SMT 0805 resistor packs or individual 0603 SMT resistors? |
|
|
|
|
|
Although the component
cost of the resistor pack is equivalent or slightly higher
than the combined cost of the 4 individual resistors,
it is more cost effective to utilise the resistor pack,
as they only require one component placement and one inspection
during assembly. The combined cost of the component plus
assembly overhead is therefore lower for the resistor
pack implementation.
back to top |
Services 
