Services

PCB Design

GIC works closely with customers to help facilitate design and development requirements for cost-effective and reliable products. We assist with project and product management services, including PCB layout, manufacturing documentation, assembly, testing, and debugging.

Engineer reviewing PCB layout and design data using computer-aided design software

GIC has over 46 years of experience in electronic Manufacturing services for subassemblies and finished products. We have the expertise to assist with a customer’s initial concept, a fully documented specification, or at any point in between.

To achieve this, several software tools are used to map out the process, allowing engineers to draft and simulate the performance of the circuits before the actual production of the product. These software tools can include Altium, ORCAD, PADS, and AutoCAD for PCB design.

We work closely with you throughout the conceptualization and development process. We understand that each product must be both economical to produce and robust in operation, and our team is dedicated to ensuring that the final product meets these requirements. Our expertise and attention to detail enable us to provide valuable insights and recommendations to customers, resulting in a product that is both high-quality and cost-effective.

We offer our clients the opportunity to work with a highly experienced team who can deliver a range of electronic solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.

Project & Product Management

  • Electronic Circuit
  • Embedded Microcontroller Firmware Development
  • Design for Manufacturing Reviews
  • PCB Layout
  • Assemble, test and debug subassemblies and systems

Frequently Asked Questions about PCB Design:

What PCB design files are needed to manufacture and assemble a circuit
board?

For bare PCB fabrication, Gerber files are typically required to define the board’s copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen and other manufacturing details, along with the appropriate drill data. For PCB assembly, manufacturers also need information such as the Bill of Materials (BOM), component placement data, assembly drawings and any special manufacturing or testing requirements.

GIC can work with customers at virtually any stage of product development, from an initial concept to a fully documented design. Our PCB design capabilities include CAD schematic entry, PCB layout, Design for Manufacturing and development of a complete manufacturing documentation package using tools such as Altium, ORCAD, PADS and AutoCAD.

What is a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) review for a PCB?

A PCB Design for Manufacturability, or DFM, review evaluates a circuit board design to identify potential problems before the board enters production. The objective is to ensure that the PCB can be manufactured and assembled reliably, efficiently and repeatedly. A DFM review can identify design conditions that could contribute to fabrication defects, assembly difficulties, lower production yields, unnecessary manufacturing costs or reliability problems in the finished product.

GIC incorporates Design for Manufacturing into its PCB design capabilities so manufacturability and production economics can be considered before a design
reaches the manufacturing floor.

How can PCB design reduce manufacturing and assembly costs?

Good PCB design considers manufacturing requirements from the beginning. Following proven design practices can reduce unnecessary board complexity, improve panel utilization, allow the use of standardized fabrication processes and make automated component placement, soldering, inspection and testing more efficient.

GIC approaches PCB design with both performance and production economics in mind. Our engineers work with customers to develop products that are robust in operation while also being practical and cost-effective to manufacture.

What are the most common PCB design mistakes that cause manufacturing problems?

Common PCB design issues include trace widths or spacing below manufacturing limits, insufficient annular rings, incorrect drill sizes, inadequate copper-to-board-edge clearance, poorly designed vias, silkscreen placed over pads or holes, copper imbalance, and improper thermal relief or plane connections. These problems can affect fabrication, component placement, soldering, inspection, testing and long-term reliability. Identifying them through a DFM review before production can prevent costly redesigns, delays and reduced manufacturing yields.

These problems can affect fabrication, component placement, soldering, inspection, testing and long-term reliability. Identifying them through a DFM review before production can prevent costly redesigns, delays and reduced manufacturing yields.