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How Manufacturing Processes Can Impact Reliability in RF Circuits

Posted by Stephanie Weaver on Wed, Aug 01, 2018 @ 12:19 PM

When you consider the RF applications utilized in mission critical C5ISR environments, your contract manufacturer (CM) must comprehend the issues and challenges related to manufacturing processes in RF, but also have a deep understanding of the failure mechanisms that can cause defects.

RF design is inherently more complex than any other type of design. This is because of the unique issues that must be addressed due to the extremely high frequencies of operation for these applications.  For example, there are inherent challenges with power control, grounding structures, printed wiring board (PWB) stack-ups, laminate and surface finish selection, characteristic impedance control, signal path configurations, connectorization, pad geometries, solder mask, conformal coating, surface parasitics, exposure to harsh environments, fabrication effects, via sizing, component selection, and manufacturing process impacts.  These numerous issues must be well understood by your CM or the potential for failure is magnified. 

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Topics: electronics manufacturing, PCB, PCB assembly technology, manufacturing, PCB process, electronics manufacture

What To Look For When Hiring An Electronics Manufacturing Company

Posted by Adam Washburn on Tue, Jul 16, 2013 @ 07:00 AM


So you've made the decision to work with an electronics manufacturing company - now what? Although you have realized a need for assistance in the design and development of your products, you may not know where to begin with your search to find a quality partnership with a third party service. In fact, with so many options available, you may be feeling downright overwhelmed. Fortunately, there's no need to panic. By following this simple, five-step guide, you can quickly and confidently find a great manufacturing partner. 

Five Steps to Hiring a Qualified Electronics Manufacturing Company

1. Experience with complex electronics

Although seemingly obvious, a strong history in working with electronics should never be overlooked. Don't be shy about asking your prospective electronics manufacturing company for detailed information about their knowledge of the industry, and the specific types of technology that your company works with. Seek out partnerships with businesses that are established and have a proven track record so that you can be sure that you will be able to build a lasting relationship. You may also consider asking what education, training, or experience the manufacturing service requires of each of its employees before hiring. This will give you a good idea about the skill level that your partner team will actually possess. 

2. Positive, ongoing customer relationships

If the electronics manufacturing company that you are considering working with is truly all that it's cracked up to be, they will have a loyal client base to show for it. Take the time to find out what percentage of your potential service's customers actually renew their contracts. When the majority of the company's clients choose to continue doing business with them, you will feel more confident that you are making the right move. Be sure to also ask the manufacturing business for customer references. A solid, reputable service will be more than happy to do so.

3. The ability to assist in multiple areas

The last thing that you want is to hire a one trick pony. As you look to contract with an electronics manufacturing company, you should take care to find one that is able to help you in numerous aspects of your business. Although you initially may only seeking out help in the manufacturing process itself, you may find that down the road you could benefit from other areas. For example, if your team of engineers experiences difficulty on a particular project, or hits a roadblock, your third party service may be able to step and find answers to the problems that you are having. Additionally, it's wise to work with a manufacturer that also tests, troubleshoots, and repairs electronics.

4. Partnerships with reputable suppliers

The problem with overseas electronics contract manufactureing is that they often use cheap or bootlegged parts in order to cut down production costs. For obvious reasons, this will detract from the value of your devices and may cause serious damage to your company's reputation. Because of this, it's very important that you select a manufacturer that has developed strong partnerships with suppliers who offer them high quality parts at reasonable rates.

5. A true concern for quality control

Always make sure that your electronics manufacturing company is actually passionate about what they do. When a business truly cares about their industry and takes pride in what they do, you will always receive excellent  products that will please your clients and boost your business. 


Bonus tip: Make sure the numbers add up

It may be tempting for you to go with the lowest bidder, but keep in mind that if it seems too good t be true, it probably is. Cheap manufacturing services yield cheap products. On the flip side, however, make sure you aren't being ripped off or overcharged. An honest, reliable partner will not mark-up parts beyond that which is necessary.


Now go out and find a great electronics manufacturing company to partner with!

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Topics: electronics manufacturing, electronics manufacturing company, electronics contract manufactureing

What's The Importance Of EMS Electronics?

Posted by Laura Austin on Thu, Jun 06, 2013 @ 07:00 AM

EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) generally refers to companies that design, test, manufacture and sell electronic gadgets while offering a return/repair services or assembly of original electronic equipment. While this might sound as an easy task, it is a hard to achieve investment that once up and running will deliver quality assurance to a wide variety of customers and a go.

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Topics: electronics manufacturing, ems electronics, electronic design

Assembly Manufacturing In Today’s Electronic World

Posted by Laura Austin on Sat, May 25, 2013 @ 07:00 AM

As the rest of the world continues to rely on electronics and technology, in turn the technology becomes even better and a convenience to society. So, how is the assembly of such electronics and components affected from this rapid change and upgrading? Business is certainly booming, and there are all sorts of updates that have been made in order to offer the best quality and prices to clients who regularly use assembly manufacturing for their own projects.

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Topics: electronics manufacturing, assembly manufacturing, assembly manufacturing companies, PCB manufacturing, precision manufacturing