Circuitwise

22/11/2023

It is a pleasure to introduce our newest team member, Ayman Toufaili, as Analyst 📈.

We’re excited to have you on board and can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish with our team!

#2023

02/11/2023

We have some exciting news!

Circuitwise is now formally certified to AS 9100D Quality Management System Standard requirements for the Aviation, Space and Defence industries.

This is a huge advantage in today's highly competitive and rapidly evolving market.

Read more on our blog: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/post/circuitwise-formally-certified-for-qms-requirements-for-aviation-space-and-defence-industry

Obtaining a New Certificate of Registration: Circuitwise Adopts AS 9100D Quality Management System Drive Towards Excellence in Aerospace Manufacturing. In today's highly competitive and rapidly evolving market, ensuring the highest level of quality and precision in manufacturing processes is of para...

05/10/2023

𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦.

5. Specify surface finish.

Don’t forget to specify the surface finish. Hot air levelling (HASL) is the most commonly used surface. HASL
is low cost, re-workable, has a long shelf-life and is suitable for lead-free soldering.

However, HASL surfaces
are not as flat as other options, which may be preferred for particular components.

Other surfaces include
immersion gold (ENIG), hard gold, immersion silver, immersion tin, nickel palladium and organic protective film.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

04/10/2023

𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦.

4. Specify minimum/maximum hole size.

A recommended default size is a 0.6mm pad with a 0.3mm hole. If smaller holes (below 0.2mm) are desired, consider the maximum PCB layer thickness.

CAD packages generate drill files indicating the size and quantity of each hole type (plated or unplated). Review unplated holes to confirm their intent. Buried and blind vias should be used sparingly due to increased cost and fabrication time.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

03/10/2023

𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦.

3. Specify the PCB layer stack.

The PCB layer stack specifies the number, thickness, and material of each layer, including layer order, distance between layers, copper thickness, and layer materials.

These properties affect the characteristic impedance of traces and are influenced by factors like dielectric constant and distance to the ground plane. The thermal properties of the PCB material also impact board expansion, contraction, and stress on the product during assembly, and incorrect material specification can lead to board delamination.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

02/10/2023

𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦.

2. Define trace width and spacing.

Indicate any restrictions on trace width and spacing. PCB manufacturers may adjust these dimensions for optimization. Smaller dimensions make PCB fabrication more challenging.

Common minimum trace width and spacing is 0.15mm or higher, affected by copper thickness. Specify if impedance control is needed for any trace and its relation to the ground plane. This enables the manufacturer to calculate and adjust track widths if needed.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

28/09/2023

Stay tuned as we continue to release insider info.

This week we will be focusing on 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗦 (𝗕𝗢𝗠).

1. Manage BOM revision numbers.

Please provide the BOM in excel format with all required information, clearly indicating the revision number (e.g. X.X format).

If there are any change requests, attach a cover letter indicating the changes and update the revision number at the start of the document.

Avoid requesting changes via email body.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

21/09/2023

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧.

5. Advise the testing process early.

Define the testing procedure and include it in the request for PCB assembly quotes.

Consider that the testing process can significantly impact the cost and efficiency.

If the testing procedure is not yet finalized, provide a description of the necessary steps and estimated run times to obtain a more accurate quote.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

21/09/2023

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧.

4. Decide on first board sacrifice.

Considering ordering one extra PCB assembly to be sacrificed in order to optimise the reflow oven profile.

A sacrificial board
is the first fully assembled board of a production run with sensors drilled into it. The sensors determine heat distribution during reflow and a program is used to determine the optimal temperature for each zone of the reflow oven.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

20/09/2023

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧.

3. Specify your production roadmap.

If you plan to manufacture regularly, consider using Circuitwise’s Kanban system, whereby we can purchase all the materials in bulk but only do an assembly run as required.

Generally we quote annually, manufacture quarterly and deliver monthly. This approach lowers overall unit cost for customers that expect regular business but want to lower inventory costs.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.

18/09/2023

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧.

2. Identify high-confidence components.

During the proof-of-concept or prototyping phase, consider ordering enough parts for the full expected
production run.

Ordering just enough parts for a small number of prototypes can be expensive.

Head to: https://www.circuitwise.com.au/pcb-check-list to download the full list.