Advanced Assembly :: PCB Assembly | Printed Circuit Board Assemblies

Q: What information (files and data) do I need to send you to confirm pricing and place order?
A: We require the following files for every pcb assembly order:

1) Cad-generated pcb assembly BOM list (or .xls spreadsheet). The BOM needs reference designators, value, package/decal, description, and part number.

2) Cad-generated component location XYRS file-also called the parts position/rotation file or the machine pick-n-place file. Each CAD system will generate this, if requested. We place all SMT components by machine for all prototype orders.

3) Board X,Y, 0,0 reference designators; Board Fiducial Marks are appreciated but not required.

4) Cad-generated Gerber files for Top/Bottom Copper, Silkscreen, and Solderpaste. (We don't need the soldermask file, but it’s ok to include in the zip file.)

Q: In what formats do you accept parts?
A: Our unique handling system is designed to automatically feed loose parts, but we accept any format. We gladly accept parts in cut tape, trays, tubes, reels, even bags if necessary...whatever. If you are ordering cut-tape from a vendor please request a continuous strip for the order quantity plus overage. We will provide bar coded part tags that you can securely attached to each part container. Drop ship your parts to us, and make sure they have our build number with them for identification.

Q: How do you handle Shipping and Handling?
A: We can ship UPS and FEDEX as requested. If you have a shipping account already established, please provide that information upon order confirmation and we will bill the shipment charges directly to you. Otherwise, we will prepay and add all shipping charges we've incurred to your invoice upon closing. All shipping is sent insured. A $10 handling fee is applied to all invoices.

Q: How do I pay?
A: Credit card is the easiest (plus you get miles!). We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. If you have other questions about payment or wish to establish a Purchase Order payment policy please contact us directly. Advanced Assembly uses Authorize.Net® to secure and process all credit card transactions.

Q: Your online quote calculation is not the firm/final quote. Why not?
A: If your data and design matches the data input to the online price calculator, then it is the same. Often, the initial data we receive is not the final or correct data needed for proper pcb assembly. Things can change with a printed circuit board design as it goes through the design/layout process. Consequently, data files and placement configurations may not be updated or synchronized upon submittal to us. We will also verify the component counts and stuff configurations, fine pitch and line item counts, turn time and board quantity. After reviewing your files, we will send you a formal quote for your final approval and authorization. The quote will include line item detail for pcb assembly costs, set up fees, stencil expenses as necessary, and any promotional discounts currently being offered. We also include complete documentation "deliverables' which you can use to verify both our quote and the integrity of your data. These "deliverables" allow you, the customer, to verify that all information received relates to the same revision of a board and that all is ready for a successful build.

Q: What exactly are these other documentation 'deliverables''?
A: Along with our quote you will also receive:

1) Production Bill of Materials (BOM) and Purchasing BOM .pdf showing exactly which parts we believe will be SMT, hand-load, and No-stuff/no load.

2) Smart.pdf - an interactive assembly graphic/document allowing the mouse cursor to show refdes and BOM information.

3) KitLabel.pdf - printable labels showing refdes, part numbers, description, and barcode.

4) The resultant .BMB file (generated by our free SMT Design and Verification Assembly Tool download) which created all of the above PDFs, and also providing more input design uses and functionality!

Q: Why do you need our BOM with all the "extra" data? This is what our purchasing department uses. It really has little to do with our CAD system.
A: This may be true and we do not want to cause anyone wasted effort, however please consider this simple example of a common BOM problem: a single keystroke error could result in describing a part as being a SSOP. But SSOP is not a valid package type. Should it have been a TSSOP or a SOP...or even a TSOP? The part number is what we would use to be sure your received part is correct. So, asking for a reference designator, value, package/decal, description, and part number are all verification checks. Quality and accuracy are most important to us.

Q: What exactly is meant by XYRS? Why do you need it? No other assembly house has ever asked for this.
A: You are probably right, but no other company assembles Low-Volume boards using fully automated machines for all placeable SMT.

Did you know that a portion of the cost and time needed when using a production assembly house may include a hidden 'one time' cost for the hand placing of ALL SMT 'parts'? This is done so the pick-n-place machine can learn the XYRS information! This placement effort is usually based solely on gerber land patterns. We hope to avoid this cost and human intensive operation by getting the information directly from YOUR CAD system output. Every CAD system can generate this information. The XYRS is simply the information needed to place (or find) a component on the assembly. The (XY) information is in Inches, MM, or Mils; and is measured from a given board origin. The (R)otation is in degrees clock-wise (0,45,90,etc.). The (S)ide is usually defaulted to the top side, but can be expressed as Top/Bot or even 0/1.

Please note: the XY information should represent the centroid of the part as opposed to the Pin 1 location as that is what the Pick-n-place machine needs to use.

Q: Explain why you need these gerbers?
A: For each side having SMT or through-hole components that we will be populating:

Q: Why do you need the silk gerber layer?
A: The silk layer normally includes POLARITY information and reference designators for parts. From diodes and polarized caps to QFNs and BGAs, orientation is critical. If your CAD system is 'weak' in calling out the rotation, then the visible information contained in the silk is our best check. That doesn't include the requirements of a repair tech or a QA inspector.

Q: I'm confused...I sent you a solder mask, but you want a paste gerber? How can I tell the difference?
A: Quick answer is that a solder mask usually shows through-hole and/or mounting hole information. A solder mask is usually a LPI (Liquid Photo-imageable) green file which is used to prevent solder shorts between pads and other surface copper features. A paste gerber, on the other hand, is used to generate a stencil which is used to place solder paste specifically on SMT pads. The aperture of the stencil holes is almost always the same as the pad sizes themselves.

Q: From which CAD systems do you accept data?
A: Our SMT Design and Verification Assembly program includes various specialized .DLLs to aid in importing various CAD program outputs, as well as being able to read generic .csv and .txt files. The only requirement is that the output format is NOT in a binary format. CSV or XLS is very much preferred for both XYRS and the BOM.|

We will accept data from almost any CAD program used today. Orcad, Protel, Eagle, Power PCB or Pads, Cam350, and PCAD are examples of the most commonly used, however we welcome the opportunity to develop additional interfaces. Just let us know what you are using.

Q: Is there anything special I need to do with the order from my parts vendor (i.e. Digikey) or my on-hand kit inventory?
A: Not really. If you chose to, you can check your total parts count for the boards you need by printing and using our Kitting-labels. You can print to standard Avery label-stock (part # 5263) or print to paper and then cut out the individual labels. You can then stick, staple, or tape the labels to your parts bags/containers. This is a great 100%, pre-shipping, inventory verification step! It is not required, but it will also help us make the same check when we receive your parts.

Q: We have a custom "in-house" component. Will you place it for us?
A: Certainly! However, if it is an SMT component, we will need package/decal information (pins, pitch, width, height). A datasheet would be useful.

Q: How do you 'count' transformers?
A: If our pick-n-place machine can handle it, then it is SMT. If not, then it should be priced as a hand-load. This is true even if it has SMT pads shown on the PCB. Call us directly if you have questions regarding Odd-Form SMT components.

Q: How many extra parts do you require?
A: In general, our process requires NONE. We don't experience much loss, but to be safe we appreciate having a minimum 5 % overage for all common passives to avoid any delays in production. IC's and more expensive parts usually require 1-2 extra at most. Parts that are properly shipped in anti-static carriers or in moisture sensitive packaging will be treated with care both while being inventoried and placed. Any unused parts are returned with your job.

Q: OK, worst case scenario... What happens if you receive incorrect components, the wrong number? In other words, you discover shortages.
A: In all cases, our receiving inspection of your parts will be based on our BOM, your packing list, the actual parts, and (if available) the kitting labels! We will contact you as soon as this problem is discovered, which will allow you to drop-ship missing or incorrect components, request that we hold the job, or simply no-stuff/no-load the parts in question.

Q: When does your promised “Turn Time” start?
A: The clock begins when we have your data finalized and approved, and all the necessary parts/boards in-hand to assemble. Remember, we are Prototype and Quick Turn Specialists! Standard turn time for most orders is 5 business days. Data and materials must be received by 10am MST to be counted for that day.

Q: Do I have to use your SMT Design and Verification Assembly tool?
A: No. It’s your choice, but remember, it is not just the tool that you get… it’s the data as well. Our data starts with the engineering data and links down to purchasing, part handling and automatic handling. It’s important to know WHAT parts you want and exactly WHERE they go on the board. No schematic of PCB Design tools can provide all the required data functions provided by the SMT Design and Verification Assembly Tool.

Consider the advantages of being able to do a 'final check' which will allow you to verify that your BOM, layout, and future pick-n-place data are all in sync! Also, after you use this tool successfully, we will be able to give you a firm quote...within minutes instead of hours! Our tool was written to provide these functions and to give the user a “What You See is What You Get” experience.

Here's another way to think about it.
If someone came to you and explained that they had a process to verify and quality check your pcb design data, capture and integrate all design and assembly files into one (1) output file that provides outstanding documentation, AND THEN provide you a better assembled board more quickly and at a great price..

Q: Ok, fine. How do I use your FREE program? I really don't have the time for a learning curve.
A: We know this is a new tool, and that it's hard to find the time to learn something new.
Short answer to a Short Question: We will always code your first (1st) assembly into our SMT Design and Verification Assembly tool to show you what it provides. You Don't Have to Learn the program right away. Install the software from the site, and review the documentation files we send back on your 1st assembly. Start there with the learning. If we have to code more, we'll do those too and help answer all your questions. It's there for you to use as you like. All jobs will be coded into the verification tool for assembly production.

Q: I may need a little more help. What support do you provide?
A: We are updating a new user training manual that will be available from our website. This will have the definitions and functionality of every menu-key, option, textbox, and mouse operation, as well as keyboard short-cuts. There will also be a QUICK-RESULTS procedure which will let you get your own BMB file generated in the most time efficient manner. Some customers who initially did not want to 'take the time', ended up learning and using this program to submit three finished BMBs (for immediate quote!) within a day or two.

We can work with you to help generate needed files or data formats. In fact, we are prepared and expect to assist every customer with your technical questions. We understand that not all CAD programs are 'simple' when generating extra information. We are working to build and maintain a 'how to' process for all CAD systems we encounter. Scheduling, receiving of part inventory, parts placement, touch-up, hand load, and quality control all receive our close attention. All issues will be shared with you.