pcbdesign

Is BOM Identification for Electronics Designers important?

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What is Bill Of Materials in electronics? The BOM is a crucial inventory of components needed for top-quality products. It guides procurement, production, and quality control, ensuring accuracy and consistency. It’s essential for successful board development, outlining all required components for assembly. Let’s explore the actual implications of BOM (Bill of Materials) at Ark Circuitry through this article At Ark Circuitry, we leverage the potential of Bill Of Materials(BOM). When clients turn to us for Printed Circuit Board assembly and fabrication, we embark on a comprehensive process that involves obtaining the BOM file specifying component placement, as well as the Gerber files that facilitate board design using the design software.                                           Here is the picture of BOM file Once we receive the files: We cross-verify the BOM file against the provided Gerber files to check if any anomalies exist or components are missing.  If anomalies are identified, we promptly consult with our customers and they rectify the issue or we assist in correcting the issues. Subsequently, we analyze the cost and estimated timeline for the fabrication process.  Next, we ensure accurate assembling of electronic boards by breaking down components, quantities and reference designators using Bill Of Materials (BOM). Why choose us? Our forte lies with our customers trusting us to build products of uncompromising quality while effectively managing costs. Together, we navigate the realm of cost management, ensuring optimal outcomes and customer satisfaction.  At Ark Circuitry, our in-house component procurement team ensures that we source the right parts on time, simplify procurement, procure sufficient quantities , and drive seamless production. In addition, we also cater to customers’ specific requirements, utilizing preferred manufacturers and parts to enhance features or address repair issues. How Do We Choose Our Suppliers? After a rigorous vetting process of suppliers we identify those offering high-quality components, establishing potential partnerships along the way. We ensure to review and grade the products to maintain quality.  For small product volumes, we procure raw materials or components from trusted sources like Mouser and DigiKey. Conversely, for larger volumes, we leverage our network of distributors to ensure efficient procurement. CE and ROHS certified or not? We advise customers to choose CE and ROHS certified components, for high-grade and durable components. Conversely, for customers seeking a cost-effective solution, we provide the option of purchasing components from suppliers who might not possess ROHS or CE certification. We prioritize the use of perfect aligning with their specific requests, thus offering flexibility in component sourcing.  In addition, we serve customers operating in various sectors, including medical-grade systems, space and defense industries, and automotive applications, who insist on CE, ROHS, IP65 or MIL Grade certified components.  Our customer engagement services: If customers approach us upon completing their design of a product, we suggest solutions to rectify mistakes if they have any or deliver outcomes based on their specifications.  We collaborate with customers who approach us at the initial stage by preparing the BOM to design the board, testing the board to ensure timely shipment.  At Ark Circuitry, we conscientiously assess and validate every aspect of component functionality and standards, from start to finish, ensuring a seamless process and delivering an efficient final product within the specified timeframe and witness your project come to life with precision and ease. Our services cater to clients interested in manufacturing products in India, with a focus on reducing costs while enhancing both the quality and efficiency of their production process.  Looking to design or fabricate a PCB?  Talk to us to know more.  Mail us on arkcircuits@gmail.com  Call us at +91 9176418660. Ark Circuitry is an integrated electronics design assembly and mass manufacturing service provider renowned for crafting end-to-end services that accurately align with your unique requirements. With our team of seasoned engineers committed to excellence, we provide reliable and high quality services! Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs How to Reverse Engineer a Concept Board:A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners Regan May 15, 2023 How can you upgrade an existing product based on technological advancements or specific needs? Do … Read More How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB? Suneyna February 17, 2023 A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. … Read More

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How to Reverse Engineer a Concept Board:A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

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How can you upgrade an existing product based on technological advancements or specific needs? Do you want to develop a customized product with high standards while remaining cost-effective?  We’re here to help! Ark Circuitry is an Electronic Manufacturing Service Provider, highly adept in design, assembly and manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCB). Apart from several services we provide, our forte also lies in Reverse Engineering of Existing designs or boards of products. This  is possible by our team of well trained engineers with exceptional expertise over two decades. Reverse Engineering: Reverse engineering in electronics is the art of meticulously analyzing the design, components, and functionality of an existing product to create a replica, with the aim of enhancing features, reducing cost, and improving durability. By examining each layer and component, engineers gain valuable insights that enable them to enhance the functionality and performance of the final product. To elucidate, let’s take you through a project we delivered at Ark Circuitry: UNDERGROUND METRO DAMPER CONTROL SYSTEM: Any underground metro station across the world is installed with a ventilation exit system. The trains running underground require flushing out large amounts of air which is built due to the trains operating at high speeds inside the tunnels. Therefore, to regulate air pressure and effectively expel excess air, an underground air escape system is essential. This system is managed through the use of large tunnels built at the train stations. These tunnels have open /close dampers, which are operated by high-capacity motors and brakes. We were required to reverse engineer the existing board due to constant failure on the power supply section, high cost implications and import restrictions. REASONS FOR REVERSE ENGINEERING THE BOARD: At Ark Circuitry, our customers mostly opt for reverse engineering due to the factors: frequent failure of the actual product, components of the product that are not locally available, to manufacture boards of high quality and for customized products and extended service. The imported boards might require remodeling or redesigned to include better features. STEPS OF REVERSE ENGINEERING A BOARD:    1. EXAMINING THE ACTUAL PRODUCT: This is the first step to understand the existing product. At Ark Circuitry, we would require clients to permit us to visit the site for larger product(s)/ installations or provide us with a working model of the existing product itself. We assure our clients that confidentiality will be maintained at all times which times require us to sign a NDA. 2. ANALYSIS OF THE BOARD OR PRODUCT: Depending on the requirement: This stage may involve identifying the existing problem in the board and determining to take further action in order to improve the functionality.  Analyze the circuits, components and ideate changes that needs to be made to include features or upgrade(s) to the product 3. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM AND AVAILABILITY OF COMPONENTS Identifying the key components of the existing control board is the crucial step in reverse engineering and involves sourcing these components locally. In this project, to improve the life of the board we suggested replacing the entire power section of the board. 4. CHOOSING THE TYPE (Analog or Digital):​ Firstly, the engineers determine whether the control board is of type analog or digital. Boards utilizing analog circuits tend to be larger in size, prompting the use of digital circuits which replace bulky components with integrated circuits (ICs) to reduce overall size. Sometimes, digital ICs are employed as a means of increasing complexity and deterring reverse engineering attempts by other companies. In the damper control system, we swiftly analyzed that the circuit uses a microcontroller for operations and we replaced the existing one with a high temperature IC for durability. 5. REDUCING COST AND INCREASING EFFECTIVENESS: As these control boards are installed in an enclosed space with no air circulation, it is important to consider the ways to enhance their longevity.We also recommend customers regarding the size constraints; transforming larger boards into smaller ones, performance requirements and cost estimations.  We were able to enhance the performance of the damper control board,increase product lifetime, resolve the power supply issue to avoid overheating, and also reduce the cost of manufacturing these boards. We reconstructed the entire circuit to precisely match the 1:1 ratio. As a result, we were able to reduce the cost by 1/5th of what was previously being paid to the original manufacturer they were importing from.  Ark Circuitry provides an unlimited warranty period of 2 years for reverse engineered boards whereas the original manufacturer was providing only 3 months. Our services cater to clients interested in manufacturing products in India, with a focus on reducing costs while enhancing both the quality and efficiency of their production process.  Looking to upgrade or fix issues in your product?  Talk to us to know more.  Mail us on arkcircuits@gmail.com  Call us at +91 9176418660. Ark Circuitry is an integrated electronics design assembly and mass manufacturing service provider renowned for crafting end-to-end services that accurately align with your unique requirements. With our team of seasoned engineers committed to excellence, we provide reliable and high quality services! Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB? Suneyna February 17, 2023 A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. … Read More How prototypes help identify and formulate design and save time Regan February 9, 2023 Prototypes can help manufacturers save manpower, time and money. It simulates the actual product … Read More

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How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB?

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A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. This simulates the intended field of application and also analyses the electrical behaviour of the assembled board. Read more to find out our top 7 checks and how we fixed defects during a recent project. Firstly, the assembly process is chosen depending on the customer’s requirements and the electronic components. A mixed process of through-hole and SMT assemblies was used to build these boards. Next, once the PCBA is ready, it undergoes functional testing or FCT before being shipped. These tests aim to eliminate any defects or faults that might hinder reliability, replace incorrect or faulty components, check solder points and generate a detailed report to share with our customers. This module will be used in an EV charging station. Certain specific components were provided by the customer and others were sourced from our suppliers.  The 7 Checkpoints We Ran To Ensure The Proper Functioning Of A PCBA: At Ark Circuitry, we go the extra mile to ensure reliable boards are manufactured. For this specific project, after uploading the code, the engineer tests the boards to ensure the board will carry out the intended functions in the actual application. The checkpoints that they look at ticking off are: 1. Relay check: According to the functions and design, we have used 5 relays on the board.  When the engineer inputs the command, a soft clicking noise is the expected output.  Relay and buzzer test in progress 2. Buzzer test: The next is the buzzer test. The buzzer must go off when the command is run to confirm its functioning.  3. GSM module and Wifi test: A Sim card is inserted and the code is run. This test records the HSN code of the network and IP addresses generated.  GSM and WIFI test 4. CAN test: CAN test  The Controller Area Network or the CAN test. When the command is given, the output returns as a pass and that signifies its functioning.  5. RFID test “Access denied” is the prompt that returns (that was set by the customer ) when the tag is tapped. This ensures the component’s proper functioning. Testing the RFID function 6. LED check The customer provided us with the LED strip. The power supply to the LED is tested. The lights go off at first. It then turns on switching from red to blue and we know its a check.  Power supply to the LED is tested using this test 7. Voltage check: An input power of 12V is fed and an output of 5V is recorded to ensure its functioning. If a defect is detected, they check for open/shorts in nets or faults in solder connections. Lastly, once the tests are complete, the data is processed and the results generated. The stored data would aid in maintaining the PCBA quality effectively.  A detailed report on the status of functioning is shared with the customer for analysis or to refer to the test log.  Some points to look for when a fault persists: Check and recheck that all IC pins are soldered properly  Ensure that there is no solder paste residue  Reflow oven: When the outer layer of the solder paste would have dried and the inner layer might be still wet it leads to no contact. Check if it has been soldered well. Do not use solder paste that might be old or not stored at the right temperature. Temperature and environment are crucial, this results in no solder Manual solder any joints where there is no contact Use reliable and good-quality components Ensure your engineers are well-trained from time to time and quick to pick up issues/faults There are other inspection processes that a customer can request. Furthermore, read our previous blog to know more about inspection Get in touch with us to know more about the services we can provide. We are an EMS provider and specialise In providing tailor-made end-to-end services to meet your requirements. We have the capabilities and the experience to deliver low or high-volume orders.   Let’s talk for more information. Call us on +91 91764 18660 Mails us at: arkcircuitry@gmail.com Visit us at: https://arkcircuits.com/ Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs How to Effectively run a Functional Test on a PCB? Suneyna February 17, 2023 A functional test is a quickest and most effective way to check an assembly function as designed. … Read More How prototypes help identify and formulate design and save time Regan February 9, 2023 Prototypes can help manufacturers save manpower, time and money. It simulates the actual product … Read More

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How prototypes help identify and formulate design and save time

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Prototypes can help manufacturers save manpower, time and money. It simulates the actual product that you can present to your customer. Read this blog to find out how. Prototyping: A powder-coated aluminium box was the proposed enclosure. We 3D printed an enclosure to check how the board fit and the placement of the button and switch. We presented the fabricated powder-coated box to the client. At this point, we proposed a brushed stainless steel enclosure for sophistication. The client accepted the suggestion. Rapid prototyping: To execute several revisions in a short time, rapid prototyping is often used. Rapid prototyping can reduce material wastage, and expenses and quicken the processing time. This can confirm the functioning and aesthetics of a product. Reasons for prototyping: Prototypes help the designer and engineer to work out a solution for a final product. The designer finalises the material, structure, functions and appearance of the solution. A prototype allows the designer and engineer to make informed decisions. You can create prototypes with available materials or other techniques. This helps you create a solution keeping the cost minimal. Prototyping helps simulate the actual product. An operating version of prototypes can give the customer an idea of the product. Building the concept tests the possibility of whether the idea is operable. Prototyping determines unanticipated technical, financial and other hurdles that may occur during manufacturing. Provide you with an idea of how the end user will interact with the product. Illustrating our recent prototype for Clarico Air: We have been rolling out tailor-made box builds for an Indoor Air Quality Management system. Before manufacturing the products, prototypes helped us develop a functional and appealing product. PCB design lifecycle: First, we began with a conversation with the client to understand their requirements. Then, our designer created a PCB design and fit it into the enclosure. But, upon testing the usability, the designer included a few changes to the design. After testing the board it was fit into the box. This was the final design. A few design changes were made with inputs from the client and to fit the PCB perfectly into the enclosure Enclosure design changes: Then, a powder-coated aluminium box was the proposed enclosure. We 3D printed an enclosure to check how the board fit and the placement of the button and switch. We presented the fabricated powder-coated box to the client. At this point, we proposed a brushed stainless steel enclosure for sophistication. The client accepted the suggestion. Enclosure design changes (contd): Manufacturing the fully finished products: Finally, on approval, the electrical and mechanical designs are finalised. Using both SMT and through-hole technology we manufactured the PCBs. The mechanical team fabricated the enclosures to place the PCBs in them. All the necessary wires and harnesses are fit. Brushed Stainless Steel enclosure. The logo is lasercut with a black background. Our take on the benefits of prototyping: Ensure to communicate to your customer that prototypes are mockups only. The client and the manufacturer benefit by saving time, energy and financial burn. Moreover, prototypes can project costs, technical specifications and programming glitches. By testing the functionality, minimise design flaws and include modifications. Drop several edits and quicken the design development process through prototyping. Check out Clarico’s case studies to know more about the Indoor Air Quality systems deployed by them in Noida and Gurgaon. Check Out Clarico Air To Know More About Their Capabilities And Project. Get In Touch With Us To Know More About The Services We Can Provide. We Are An EMS Provider And Specialise In Providing Tailor-made End-To-End Services To Meet Your Requirements. We Have The Capabilities To Deliver Low Or High Volume Orders.   Let’s talk for more information.   Call us on: +91 91764 18660   Mails us at: arkcircuitry@gmail.com   Visit us at: https://arkcircuits.com/ Facebook Twitter Linkedin Instagram Recent Blogs How prototypes help identify and formulate design and save time Regan February 9, 2023 Prototypes can help manufacturers save manpower, time and money. It simulates the actual product … Read More Reverse Engineering-13 ways to constructively use it in R&D Regan February 2, 2023 What happens if a product or machinery used becomes outdated and you can’t find its components? Can … Read More

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Reverse Engineering-13 ways to constructively use it in R&D

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What happens if a product or machinery used becomes outdated and you can’t find its components? Can you find out the working of a machine and incorporate design changes before launching a new product? How can you clone or replicate or revise an existing product? What is Reverse Engineering? When a product is developed, firstly, it begins with an idea, then moves to constructing the design and finally the product is built. However, with reverse engineering, the process begins with a final product. The engineer deconstructs the product going in layer by layer to understand and arrive at the product design specifications. Where is it used? Reverse engineering can be used in several industries including electronics, mechanical, consumer products, software, biomedical, chemical, electronics, automotive, design, manufacturing, healthcare and medicine among several others. Why is it used? Reverse engineering is used to either re-create a product, improve it or understand its design for manufacturing in the future. During this technical process, vital information is collected to be used to analyse and research a product. Data on design elements like specifications, core components, processing flow, functional performance, manufacturing process and critical dimensions is gathered. 13 common reasons for reverse engineering include: To retrofit parts or components: New or modified parts, equipment or components which are not available at the time of manufacture and might be necessary to the end customer can be installed using reverse engineering.  Unavailability of original documentation: This method is used  when there are missing files or legacy systems are involved OEM components unavailability: Reverse engineering can be used to factor out obsolescence. Many OEM parts or components may have a short commercial lifespan or are out of production, replacements can be constructed with available material. It may also be used when maintenance is discontinued by the original manufacturer for a product.  Migrating legacy systems: To modernise software or include functions to adapt to the technological advancements, reverse engineering helps tackle these challenges. Migrating legacy systems to new platforms is possible with this method.  Privacy protection: By understanding the product better, the engineer can develop stricter protocols to restrict the copying of systems.  Revise product faults: You can fix issues with a product if you reverse engineer it. Particularly those problems that are not supported by the original manufacturers can be solved by this method.  Sourcing alternatives: Understanding the components or parts that go into a product, readily available or cheaper alternatives can be sourced. This ensures uninterrupted production and can also reduce costs. 13 common reasons for reverse engineering include (CONTD) Accelerate R&D: By deducing the know-how of a product there is scope for innovation & rapid production.  Educational: To understand a well developed product or to mitigate faults in the future.  Competitor analysis: This may not be ethically sound, but several companies expose their competitors’ public statement using this method. When a competitor has falsely campaigned or marketed a certain product, sometimes they are brought to light using reverse engineering Restoring or repurposing: A product that is no longer in use can be redesigned and improved to be made useful.  Proactive maintenance: This helps manufacturers stock spares and reduce unexpected downtime for critical components before they fail.  Digitise data: As mentioned above, when original data is unavailable, reverse engineering can help re-create the data in the digital form and preserve it.  Engineer researching a board that was manufactured by us (ARK Circuitry) to mitigate possible faults so as to source critical components required and to be stocked In Conclusion: With great knowledge comes power, and with power comes great responsibility. Although reverse engineering is a useful design and development technique and can be widely used in several areas, it is to be used with caution. If output of reverse engineering is to be commercially available, it is always advisable to look into the legal aspects as well. There is no one process in following this technique, it is up to the engineer to analyse the product according to the requirement.   Follow us for the follow up post on reverse engineering.  We will take you through the step-by-step process of one of our techniques for your better understanding.  Ark Circuitry Is An EMS Provider And Specialise In Providing End-To-End Services That Can Be Tailor-Made To Meet Your Requirements. We have experienced engineers who are dedicated to research and develop products with superior functioning.  Let’s talk for more information.  Call us on: +91 88259 58660 Mails us at: arkcircuitry@gmail.com Visit us at: https://arkcircuits.com/ Recent Blogs Reverse Engineering-13 ways to constructively use it in R&D Regan February 2, 2023 What happens if a product or machinery used becomes outdated and you can’t find its components? Can … Read More Why is cleaning a PCBA an essential process in manufacturing? Regan January 5, 2023 The functioning of electronic devices relies heavily on circuit boards. Care needs to be taken when … Read More

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