Survey: Complete, Accurate Design Data Tops List of Fab Expectations

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In a recent survey, we asked PCB designers about expectations, particularly fabricators’ expectations of their PCB designer customers. The overwhelming majority (84%) of respondents indicated that a fabricator’s primary expectation of a designer is a complete, accurate data package.

A handful of respondents (6%) cited a solid understanding of the fabrication process, while even fewer (4%) said that fabricators expected frequent communication with their design customers.

Here are some of the survey comments, edited slightly for clarity:

• “A complete and accurate data package is high on the list. Getting an approved stackup is another. Using the right trace and space rules for finished copper thickness. Basically, they expect us to provide a package that can be fabricated using their process that is not pushing the boundaries on every item.”
• “Timely, correct, and cooperative feedback on issues discovered with a job.”
• “Designers must be expert at managing and implementing high-speed design rules.”
• “Fabricators expect us to have frequent communications.”
• “A full, detailed manufacturing package, including special requirements.”

 

09/17/2020 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 Magazine

I recently spoke with Max Clark, business unit manager with Mentor, a Siemens Business, and Z-zero founder Bill Hargin about the newly formed partnership that resulted in a new stackup tool that Mentor is now selling worldwide. Fun fact: Hargin used to work for Mentor as part of the HyperLynx team, which now has an interface with Z-planner Enterprise. Talk about coming full circle.

08/13/2020 | Happy Holden, I-Connect007

We asked for you to send in your questions for Happy Holden, and you took us up on it! We loved them so much, and we know that you did too, so we’ve compiled all 21 questions and answers into one document for easy reference.

07/07/2020 | I-Connect007 Editorial Team

We asked for you to send in your questions for Happy Holden, and you took us up on it! The questions you've posed run the gamut, covering technology, the worldwide fab market, and everything in between. Enjoy.