EEVblog

PART 2 is HERE: • EEVblog #239 - PCB Des...
PART 3 is HERE: • EEVblog #552 - DFM Aut...
A how-to guide to taking your electronics project from prototype through to high volume PCB manufacture. Covers component selection and purchasing, SMD, DFM, PCB panelisation, gerber generation, drill files, pick and place files, and more.

[@peterxyz3541]

I can't express how much I appreciate the education you're providing me. Knowledge so good that I want to cry. Thanks for the wisdom!

[@baba00eddy]

I feel you bro. This guy knows how to spit wisdom

[@Josearnaldomanuel2]

8 years in, still fucking relevant. Hats off to you sir, much respect. I have learned a lot from this. The world will benefit if it has more people like you.

[@amirishere]

Ha ha! You have taught me more than some 4 credit courses in an ECE department. Thank you.

[@TheMWGriffin]

+Amir Hossein Bakhtiary For real

[@jp_engineer]

this comment was 4 years ago. How does it feel today? r u in the field?

[@jp_engineer]

16:52 - Panelization Start (Comment: oh!!! This is gold info, loved the advance one ) 34:11 - Panelization Fiducial 36:50 - ENIG Finishing 37:50 - Why getting boards out of panels ( individual routed board ) 39:45 - Getting things done in Altium ( or PCB project ) 42:33 - Solder Mask expansion 44:33 - Gerber generation 47:18 - Pick and Place

[@zachreyhelmberger894]

Well I guess the 163 "thumbs down" folks must've obeyed his T-shirt, I guess... I can't imagine ANYONE down voting this. He is pouring his heart out on this teaching!

[@codermik]

You are a gem, love the videos and the way you deliver these tutorials are perfect.

[@paulbridges7306]

Rather than paying for the Digi-Reels or Mini-Reels, just buy some extra parts on cut-tape to create a "leader" of sorts. One of my CM's recommends these additional amounts: "SMT components, not supplied on reels should be on one continuous strip of tape. Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes (0603, 0805, 1206, 2225, SOT, SOD, MELF - packages) require a minimum of 50 pcs and/or has to exceed the required quantity by 30 pcs. (Example: build req. 40 pcs - we will require 70 pcs - this meets our minimum required 50 pcs plus 30 pcs above build requirement) Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes (0201, 0402, minimelf, miniature packages) require a minimum of 100 pcs and/or has to exceed the required quantity by 50 pcs. (Example: build req. 80 - we will require 130 - this meets our minimum required 100 pcs plus 50 pcs above build requirement)" The other handy option is to buy your assembly "turnkey" (assy house buys the parts) rather than "consigned" (you supply the kit). They often can buy parts cheaper than I can, then I can ignore these matters.

[@AbhishekAlate]

Loved the negative feedback T-Shirt!

[@camelCased]

Thanks for providing this nice "peek" inside the manufacturing process, it was really informative and interesting for me as a programmer who happens to be somewhat interested in EE stuff.

[@supersilico]

I didn't understand a word you said but I'm fairly confident this is what i was looking for.

[@mywebnet]

Oh Boy, DAVE YOU ARE brilliant, and a great man! Big strong handshake, for a such nice personality, and for disclosure very useful information in such details, especially useful for novices and dummies! Love You channel! It's like treasure for me.

[@AmmarLegato]

So much respect and admiration, because of your channel and excellent explanation, now im able to design PCBs for home automation and robotics. All my experience in the electronics comes from you and i owe you a ton ! i used to watch your channel daily for 5+ hrs and i never forget a part that i need to rewatch ! Thanks and best wishes always, hope we can pay you back one day as a humble gratitude.

[@BarriosGroupie]

This is one of the best blogs you have ever done - so educational

[@SquarishLink]

You are the main reason why i still come here, i also find your forum very helpful!

[@Flumphinator]

This is an astounding amount of drafting. As a professional residential architectural drafter, I am humbled.

[@enginerdy]

Dave, you're going on about stuff that I use every day, yet no one ever mentioned in college. Nice work! This is the kind of stuff that nobody puts in a book.

[@philbx1]

Wow! In geek terms that is way out there! Amazing how different things are when PCB design goes into the 'big boys' sandpit. Thanks again very much Dave for taking the time to do this, and the great insight into this very special area of design.

[@TookBurrow]

I really appreciate you sharing industry standard & best practive type of information! It can seem daunting at time all the things that have to be taken into consideration. You layed out the information quite nicely!!!

[@thefasteddie88]

Great video, coming from a PCB manufacturing, I loved the points you touched on panelization, i.e. the overall size, breakaway methods, rigidity of panel and basically everything else. GREAT VIDEO!!! keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@glydrfreak]

WOW! Thanks Dave! You've answered so many questions that I didn't even know I had! I knew I could find a video by you that would answer some of the specific questions I couldn't find elsewhere!

[@MrNateSPF]

I'm glad you're glad I asked.

[@LazerLord10]

I'm glad you're glad he's glad you asked.

[@iwtommo]

Gladness overflow Seriously though, this video series is awesome. Thanks!

[@mycosys]

I feel Rob-ed

[@brendethedev2858]

I laughed too much at this

[@AndreasDelleske]

I will always be more glad than everyone else in this thread.

[@RedHaloManiac95]

This is such an old DigiKey site holy crap! How far they’ve come is amazing

[@2sites]

this video has so many little tips that youd never think of until its too late, especially the first time around. like, making sure your copper doesnt touch the v-groove, because then it will be exposed when you break your boards apart.. great tips.. absolutely brilliant video.

[@hack2makelivesbetter]

You have taught me so much and saved me from many headaches and mistakes. I can't thank you enough.

[@CJWarlock]

Thanks for the knowledge and experience put together in this tutorial. Normally it would take about 2 weeks of talking to the PCB manufacturer to collect all these informations and clues. Thanks for saving my time. :)

[@bgfelagund]

Awww I love the Back to the Future Outatime car plate in the background!

[@gonzik2675]

Awesome. Totally Awesome. As an engineering student, it's information like this that we never get in the classroom that I crave so much! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us.

[@sheldonholy]

Great video Dave. This has helped me no end with some of my college assignments. Downloaded both parts, I will suggest to our lecturer that he shows them during a lesson. By far the most helpful channel on youtube.

[@amenotepia]

This might have been the most useful and interesting video I've seen in youtube since its release.

[@dantripp666]

Several of the other commenters have hit the nail on the head: this video (and your videos in general) are what make KZbin actually worth using. I love cat videos as much as the next person but I especially love learning useful things from experts who share their knowledge and experience as effectively as you do! I don't think it's hyperbolic in the least to suggest that you're a great asset to humanity! Thank you very, very much! Inspiring, encouraging, helpful!

[@vikyngo]

This is something that should be taught in many engineering degrees, that is normally thought as unimportant. Great video

[@Brian-bv3ku]

And I though Einstein was the smartest, but after watching this and others you have created, I was wrong. Thank you for all the effort you put into each tutorial you produce.

[@Raxarax]

My university professors would be hard pressed to pump out a video as high quality and informational as this.

[@speedyracer7594]

Dave, this is my all time favorite video of yours ! very informative and practical.

[@OneBitStream]

Awesome blog Dave! I'm preparing for my first surface mount commercial PCB design and this info could not have come at a better time. Thanks :)

[@daniellora7740]

I just learned a lot, thanks for making the best and most completed video on manufacture specifications.

[@tabarin]

Great! I thought this video was gold, I don't know where else anyone would go to find out this much useful information about the DFM process. cheers

[@Mr.Laidukas]

Dave, great video. Many thanks from me. I am young electronics hardware engineer and always looking for techniques and principles how to design a proper PCB. Recently I discovered your PCB design tutorial, also great job. I wish you best luck.

[@dfwz33]

hey, just wanted to let you know, i use your videos all the time and i really appreciate your tutorials

[@printlife9016]

I am so excited with this tutorial I found, very informative and helpful. Thanks, great work, mate!

[@deangreenhough3479]

Great information to consider, well worth the time to absorb. Thank you Dave

[@ElectronicsAustralia]

Totally enjoyed this one Dave. Really spelt out the process very well. Cheers!

[@justlivemyway]

@EEVblog , I do not know how to Thank you for the valuable videos that you make.You are precious. Thanks :)

[@chethanabn8126]

Beautifully made tutorial. Great resource of information for designers.

[@scancool]

this video so good, I don't think anyone would ever give a thumps down

[@thomasey2]

this was the most terrific of all I have seen. Thank you so much

[@matthewgahan2665]

Really quality work mate. Thank you for increasing the signal to noise ratio on youtube, and indeed this sector :). You the man!

[@dydxdydududx]

What a GREAT video! So much information! Can't wait to watch the other 500+ videos. Great, great stuff, thank you very much!

[@NordicDan]

Glad I stumbled on this video. I'm designing a very compact piece for small scale production (don't anticipate selling more than 150 or so in all), got together a parts list for all SMT components, but have been waffling back and forth between making my own PCBs with a UV cabinet or just having them produced for me by a manufacturer. Sounds like having a manufacturer do it will be the more economical way to go. Great video BTW

[@EEVblog]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@gnagyusa]

Excellent summary! Thanks, Dave

[@RandyLott]

I think I've liked and favorited this video like 3 times. I always come back to it!

[@ansphotographics]

thanks for spending so much time on making these videos! great help!!!

[@xDR1TeK]

This man is under-appreciated.

[@droggwheel]

Allot of good advice was given which applies only to very large quantities. One will typically ramp-up from the prototyping stage to small-quantities first; Say 25 to 50 units. To address this market, assembly houses are offering services which loosen allot of the rules mentioned; For instance, they may not require you to panelize unless your board is very small; Say under 1" square, They may also be flexible about parts being on cut tape or loose. KUDOS DAVE JONES !

[@RaulGuevaraQuispe]

love the easy to understand lectures!

[@OverlandOne]

I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from them. This video is no exception. I have designed a board and am looking at making 100 of them to start so this info was perfect for me. Thank you so much. Bill

[@rcarsey]

it’s a challenge for newbs to even get 1 board designed and working perfectly.. this was a great video to help people get to the next stage easily. explained so much.

[@jedisonjow]

Great video! Thanks! Typical tooling hole diameter: 4mm Typical routing width: 2.4mm Typical fiducial mark diameter: 1mm (both sides for top-bottom surface mounting)

[@apexmike849]

Eurocircuits are amazing, they provide you with checks for many of these points when you submit your Gerber files - cheap too, if you use their pool service.

[@Dibblah1900]

Great guide! Another thing that can save cost on the raw board is minimizing drill changes, especially for smaller boards.

[@SSJProgramming]

Wow, this is amazing. Subbed in a minute!

[@ExStaticBass]

I have to say I'm really impressed as to how informative this video was. I even found some points that I hadn't considered. I think we need more oxygen breathers like you mate. The world would be a much better place. Please note that I've +1'd this on Google, shared it on Facebook and favorited it to my KZbin channel in hopes that it will reach a wider audience.

[@AshenTiger]

Thanks for this Dave - just managed to shave $5 off production using 0402 over 0603, and a VQFN-44 over a TQFP-44

[@azyfloof]

I'm about to watch this entire playlist all in one go :P Wish me luck!

[@amirhammad7715]

Wovv!! Very interesting stuff! I should have discovered this channel years ago!

[@silentbob19861]

Life-saver :) thank you so much for these great manufacturing tips. I've done some of these mistakes myself and hopfully will avoid some now :)

[@BigDaddySeany]

As a wannabe engineer, or engineer tech in any case, these vids are great, even if I don't understand everything.

[@artistengineer5172]

Great work. This sort of knowledge is invaluable and you can normally only learn it by doing it amongst some good electrical engineer mentors. A great way to create your BOM spreadsheet is to use the information that you've already provided in your CAD software e.g. Altium. If you use database libraries you can link the datasheet, manufacturer and supplier information to the part in the schematic. So when it comes time to make the BOM, all the information comes straight from the schematic!

[@NICKASHWA]

Thanks a ton David. This was quite brilliantly done.

[@valordk]

Best episode indeed! Thanks a lot Dave!

[@LovemeAquarius]

Very useful video.....cant get these information even if I read a whole library :) Thank you very much for the huge effort to sharing your knowledge and life experiences with others around the world.

[@mrVetz]

You sir have a lot of energy

[@unebonnevie]

I LOVE your shirt that says "I only give negative feedback" with the op-design! LOL!

[@zenerdezener]

I just finished watching your video and I have to give you a lot of positive feedback. This was the most informative video I saw on this subject ever. Very well done. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. P.S. Nice T-shirt.

[@RandyLott]

Absolutely phenomenal video. Thank you Dave.

[@MegaHustler]

Good one Dave. Lots of interesting info.

[@sarveshk09]

Great explanation! Thank you Dave!

[@MM0SDK]

The corner holes are normally, at least in my experience, the first holes ever drilled, as a pin is pressed into the holes to anchor the stack of pre-drilled boards to the CNC drilling machine bed, ready for drilling / routing. The next step is etching, before being brushed and cleaned, ready for silk screen printing of the mask and sent for component assembly / populate the PCB's. As far as I remember anyway, it was a while ago in an age where audio cassette tapes were the storage medium for CNC software / program....lol.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

This is interesting to me, and should be to a lot of people, who salvage components from old electronics and if, like me, you see if circuits can be improved - limited number of components can make a difference to audio circuits. Great!

[@googacct]

Great video. I generally make a own boards, but some great stuff to keep in mind in case one of my designs actually makes it to mass production.

[@krbosak]

You are better than a university of technology.

[@saikarotekkara8972]

I work for a Circuit Board Company and panels with pre-drilling and secondary drilling for open hole circuit boards are better because the plating allows for the boards to be fully conductive were as surface plating could go wrong. Also the way we manufacture boards is way different then the way your showing.

[@michelfeinstein]

Thanks Dave! I am using OSHPark right now for manufacturing, their service is very good for most projects...

[@adamwolfram6126]

Great video, Dave! Thank you!

[@JohnSmith-td6dn]

This guy is a hoot. He is very informative.

[@billgates904]

You don't need to automatically go to reels (or DigiReels). All you have to do is buy Cut Tape with 4-5" of extra length, the extra length becoming the leader. Done. Obviously for bypass caps and other parts, it makes sense to just buy a big reel, but otherwise I get tired of paying $7 for DigiReels.

[@CuriousMaker609]

I thought so. Would Digikey sell with 5-7" inch extra cut tape? I usually buy them in cut tapes but I always buy them extra assuming the assembler would lose some in peeling the tapes

[@VenturiLife]

Very comprehensive. Great video man.

[@brdane]

Uploaded 10 years ago, and you like you released this video yesterday.

[@oas1s2004]

Thank you so so so so so soooooo much for making this video. Stoked you used Altium as well. God bless you

[@johntre7656]

Thank you for posting. This was very informative!

[@EEVblog]

@marios2liquid I use PCBcart also. Yes, there are always NRE tooling costs.

[@sensecam]

Very well presented!

[@ElectronDust]

This is brilliant. Thank you so much!!

[@EEVblog]

@Psychlist1972 Some are underwater sonar stuff, some military, some custom test gear, a whole mix.

[@SciStarborne]

Exceptionally useful Dave, thankyou!

[@EEVblog]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[@StevenSesselmann]

Thanks, that was a great video, just what I was looking for !

[@TheBornDrunk]

Dave, looks like you really love those reels! Cool video anyways!

[@gaius100bc]

love this guy