A PCBA quote can be completed quickly and accurately if all the basic requirements for production data are initially met. Providing complete and accurate production data to your EMS partner reduces the quotation lead-time because it reduces the back-and-forth communication required to clarify missing information. Better production data also helps ensure better manufacturing results.
Here is an overview of the information required for a complete PCBA quote:
- PCB data (Gerber) and specification
- BOM information with complete MPN details
- Pick-and-Place file
- Special Instructions
PCB
A complete set of Gerber files in a single zipped folder is recommended for PCB data for quick and easy communication regarding the PCB fabrication. A few important details regarding the PCB data include the following:
- Zipped Gerber Files
- Substrate or material to be used (e.g. FR4, IMS AL, etc.)
- Number of copper layers (1 layer, 2 layers, 4 layers, etc.)
- Surface coating (e.g. HAL, ENIG, etc.)
- Final copper thickness (e.g. 35µm, 1oz, etc.)
- Final board thickness (e.g. 1,55mm +/-10%)
- Solder mask sides and color (e.g. Both sides / green)
- Silkscreen sides and color (e.g. Both sides / white)
- Special instruction/s (e.g. Use perforated tabs)
- If specific details on the PCB materials are not provided, the following standards are used:
- Substrate = FR4
- Number of copper layers = (based on Gerber data)
- Surface coating = ENIG
- Final copper thickness = 35µm or 1oz
- Final board thickness = 1,55mm +/- 10%
- Solder mask sides and color = Both sides / green
- Silkscreen sides and color = Both sides / white
Bill of Materials (BOM)
It is best to provide the Bill of Materials (BOM) as an Excel file. This allows our Quotation Specialists to work with your data immediately and match it to our large database of electronic components.
The important details to be included in your BOM for a faster quote are the following:
- Quantity (per single board)
- Reference Designator (preferably in "R1, R2, R3" format instead of grouping like "R1-3")
- Manufacturer
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN). Supplier part numbers can also be provided but are less ideal because they cannot be easily matched.
- Component Description
- Comment (if necessary, to indicate for example that a part will be supplied by you, or should not be assembled)
Alternatively, you may also use our BOM template (Download).
Our template allows you to list up to four (4) different authorized MPNs for each of your BOM lines. We will then choose the cheapest and/or the most readily available component. It can be good to have additional authorized MPNs, especially during times of components scarcity (Allocation).
- MPNs do not have to be provided for most SMD resistors and capacitors. Unless otherwise instructed by the customer, we match SMD resistors and capacitors to our standard stock items so long as the values are equivalent or better than those given in the customer BOM.
- Should there be sourcing issues, providing clear MPNs also allows the Quote Specialists to identify direct alternatives for customer approval.
Pick-and-place (P&P)
Pick and place files contain information regarding the X and Y coordinates or location of a component on the PCB. It also contains additional data regarding the expected footprint, rotation, and part number of each reference designator.
Special Instructions
Any special instructions regarding the assembly should be explicitly specified in the customer BOM to ensure that the quote includes these services.
Here are a few examples:
- Conformal Coating is required for both sides
- Do not depanelize PCBs
- Programming for IC1 required
- Customer-provided part
- Do not assemble
We hope that these tips help you optimize your data for your next electronics manufacturing project.