Component Sourcing

Today we will learn about PCB component sourcing which is a critical process in ensuring you get the best quality of PCB devices.

In this guide, we will start by defining PCB component sourcing. We will then look at how beneficial it is to source for these components from a manufacturer.

Thereafter, we shall discuss the process of getting quotations, quality testing, and sourcing for some special components.

Finally, we will also look at some component sourcing FAQs.

By the end of this guide, you will know the ins and outs of sourcing for PCB components.

Let’s dive right in.

What is PCB Components Sourcing?

PCB Component sourcing refers to the purchasing the PCB components to be assembled onto the printed circuit board.

PCB Components

Component sourcing can be done in many ways.

You can have the suppliers purchase components from authorized and reliable distributors of their choice and deliver to you by order.

You can also recommend a distributor where the supplier can source the components from and deliver to you.

Still, you can opt to source for some components and let another supplier source the rest.

Component sourcing can either be done locally or from abroad. International component sourcing usually takes around 5-10 working days depending on the duration of customs clearance.

Local sourcing, on the other hand, takes a shorter time. It is therefore preferred, especially if all the required components are available because it helps save on time and production cost.

Advantages of Sourcing Components from PCB Manufacturer

What are the reasons why we may choose to source components through another manufacturer?

PCB Components

·Services offered by consultant manufacturer

Consultants provide critical services like root-cause analysis for PCB, soldering or component placement.

A good consultant has relevant experience and can source the required components faster. Experienced consultants thus provide concrete solutions to delays in component sourcing.

·Technical Expertise

By using specialized equipment such as 3D X-Rays, PCB manufacturers are able to detect problems with components.

The experts also have the ability to interpret analyzed data and make recommendations that resolve PCB component issues.

This means going through them will guarantee you flawless components. They will also provide technical advice on how to deal with poor design and process decisions.

·Experience in fabrication

When sourcing for PCB components, it can be useful to involve manufacturers who have experience in PCB manufacturing.

This is because they can handle manufacturing difficulties and non-conformances and delay in productivity.

·International standards certification

There are set comprehensive acceptance criteria and workmanship qualities of a printed circuit board. For example, most electronic products use an acceptable PCB with IPC-A-600 standard.

Only consultants with a certification of International standards can be trusted to source such PCB components reliably.

They have experts that define PCB requirements and are able to assess component quality and ascertain component-board compatibility.

·Global supply chain development

Experienced consultants have global networks with most suppliers. They can source PCB components worldwide thereby guaranteeing the right quality.

·PCB component sourcing becomes Easier

Involving a contract manufacturer in component sourcing makes it easy and time-saving. This allows you to speed up your productivity especially when you have to carry out mass production.

·Less paperwork

Contract manufacturers do everything and deliver the PCB components to you according to your order. This will save you the hassles of filling custom forms and international approvals.

·It is relatively cheaper

The contract manufacturer bulk-orders parts and usually have reduced buying, shipping, and customs duty payment costs.

This dramatically reduces the cost when you source your components through PCB contract manufacturers.

·Genuine and authenticated PCB components

Through manufacturers, you will receive new components that have been handled and stored the right way. They have experts who have technical knowledge on how to package their items well.

·Traceability of components

Contract manufacturer involvement in component sourcing leads to the provision of full product information about the source of PCB components.

In case of any faults on the component, you can easily trace where it has been sourced from.

Disadvantages of Sourcing Components from PCB Manufacturer

Even though the sourcing of PCB components from PCB manufacturers has several advantages, it also has some shortcomings as explained below.

PCB Components

·Counterfeit PCB components

You may get counterfeit PCB components which are a bit difficult to detect. These may only be discovered when the devices begin to develop faults.

·Lack of clear component price visibility

Sourcing PCB components from a manufacturer deny you the opportunity to have actual knowledge of product pricing from the original source.

Since you will have less knowledge about supply chain model used by the manufacturer, attention to non-price issues is denied.

There could be changes in prices of PCB components in the market.

Manufacturers sourcing component on your behalf may not reveal this especially when the prices have gone down. Therefore, you may end up spending more than necessary.

·Poor product configuration and manufacturing data

Involving manufacturers to source PCB components may result in a poor quality of product configuration and manufacturing data.

This is because you may provide a BOM with some information missing and the manufacturer may just assume.

When you source the components yourself, you may find a solution to work around the missing information.

·It takes longer to get acquainted with contract manufacturers

Getting the opportunity to deal with well-known manufacturers directly takes a relatively long time.

·Being overtaken by larger authorized distributors

Your order may be disrupted when your contract manufacturer decides to give priority to larger authorized distributors.

Types of PCB Components

There are numerous PCB components and the list below outlines just some of them.

Remember, the type and nature of components will depend on the specific functions of the PCB assembly process requirements.

Let’s list some of the most common components of PCB:

Types of PCB components

• Battery
• Resisters
• Transistors
• Capacitors
• LEDs
• Inductors
• Diodes
• Switches
• Semiconductors
• Transformers
• Coil and chokes
• Processors
• Controllers
• Thyristors
• Thermistors
• Antennas
• Ferristers
• Varistors
• Connectors
• Component sockets
• Backplane connectors
• Filters
• Suppressors
• Sensors
• Integrated circuits
• Temperature cut-offs
• Energy harvesting modules
• Lamp holders
• Backlighting components
• Monitors
• Clips
• Power inverters
• Power regulator

How to Get Quotation for PCB Components Sourcing

Getting a quotation for a PCB component sourcing involves uploading a complete BOM on-line into a contract manufacturer’s website.

You can then request a quotation which can be sent to you in a few hours. The following are the steps involved.

 Prepare a Complete PCB component BOM

A complete BOM should have items like PCB Assemblies, with part numbers, name of manufacturer and reference designator.

It also contains quantity, description, case/package, SMT method, footprint, and BOM level.

Below is an illustration of a complete PCB component BOM that you can upload when requesting for a PCB component quotation.

Item number    Reference designators    Quantity    Manufacturers    Manufacturer part numbers    Description     Package

 Request for PCB Components Quotation

This involves uploading a complete BOM, preliminary layout materials and schedule requirements into the website of the contract manufacturer.

You can also request the manufacturer to quote for a CAD system, products testing, deliverables, schematics and additional services you need.

Let us look at what a quotation entails in more details.

i.Mechanical description of the PCB

Sketch how the board should look like by illustrating the overall size of the board, and the expected number of layers.

The sketch will also indicate restricted areas, DXF or EMN, Board startup, Board technology like HDI and compulsory component locations.

This will guide the manufacturer to make the quotation.

ii.Bill of Materials

This is made in MS-excel format and must contain the name of the manufacturer and part numbers.

It also has standard package size identification for all parts used by an industry and a datasheet.

A complete BOM is uploaded in the request for quotation.

iii.Due dates

When requesting for PCB components quotation, you have to indicate the expected date to begin the project.

The duration it will take to complete must also be mentioned in the request for quotation.

iv.CAD system requirements

You have to mention in your request for quotation the CAD system you intend to use. You can either choose Cadence Allegro, Mentor PADS Or Altium

v.Product testing

You can decide to test the components for ICT or flying probe using appropriate testing methods. This must also be clearly outlined in a PCB component request for quotation.

vi.Deliverables

You will have to list all special requirements of all components packages you would like the manufacturer to deliver to you.

vii.Additional services you may need upon delivery of the PCB components

List all the additional services you would want contract manufacturer to provide upon delivery. These may include:

• SI analysis
• Schematic capture
• Thermal analysis
• Electrical/ mechanical engineering
• Database translation services.

Lead-time for PCB Components Sourcing

This is the duration required to manufacture a component. It includes order preparation, queue, setup, run, inspection and put-away time.

For products made on an order, it’s the time taken from the release of an order, to production and shipment.

Escalating lead time is one of the emerging trends in Electronic component sourcing. This creates a big challenge for purchasing communities.

There is usually no stability when it comes to lead times.

Component for printed circuit board

Escalating lead times is a complicated situation rising due to market demands, investment constraints and capacity allocations in some regions.

Lead-time usually is between 5- 8 working days from the initial day of order. For mass production lead time can take up to 2 weeks.

However, this may differ from one region to the other. For example, Lead times for resistors in North America had moved from 12 to 16 weeks by the beginning of 2017.

Packaging PCB Components

PCB components when packaged well allows for easy handling and assembly onto a circuit board. Good packaging also protects the device from damage.

Packaging electronics components

There are numerous packaging types, some of which have standardized dimensions and tolerances.

These are also registered with some associations of trade industry like JEDES and Pro Electron.

On the other hand, some PCB component packaging types are designed by single manufacturers.

Bare chips, additional packaging or epoxy filling are used to protect the device from moisture.

Components like resistors use JEDES standards. Their resistors use a numerical standard which contains the width and height of the packages.

For example, in the 0603 imperial code, it means the packaging length of 0.060 inches and a width of 0.030 inches.

Aluminum conductors are packaged in reels or coils as they come from stranding machines.

Other companies like PELICAN provide packaging for semiconductors.

They use an automated packaging machine and equipment empowered by their skilled engineers and technicians.

Quality Testing During Component Sourcing for PCB

Quality testing of PCB components is done by contract manufacturers during the manufacturing process.

This testing process is mainly carried out for quality control purposes. It can be divided into three parts.

These parts include:

·Fabrication

Fabrication ensures that the design specifications for clearances, spacing and drill-hole size fall within an acceptable tolerance.

You can also request your manufacturer to perform some electrical testing and optical inspections for your PCBs.

Trace currents, pin voltages, board temperature, power supply levels, switching and signal timing can also be tested upon request.

It may also be important to request the manufacturer sourcing your components to test for PCB functionality. Although it is time-consuming and expensive, it helps to prevent faults in the field.

Besides, it will reduce losses, damage to your brands and eventually promotes a good relationship with your clients.

·Component procurement testing process

After purchasing all the quoted PCB components, your BOM is then used to check against the purchased components for accuracy.

Contract manufacturers differ in additional checks like component tolerance and solderability testing.

·Assembly

The components are also tested for functionality after assembly-if your components supplier also does the assembly.

It has more inspection check as compared to the previous steps.

The tests involved here include internal and external optical scans, testing for contaminations and electrical testing.

During assembly, design testing can be done to ensure the PCB meet your design specifications.

The contract manufacturer set rule and regulations that guide you so that specifications for components fall within an acceptable tolerance.

Non-compliance to these rules may delay board manufacturing, prevent board fabrication and assembly.

Top Distributors for PCB Electronic Component Procurement

There are many PCB electronic component distributors worldwide. The following are some of the leading distributors.

Electronic component for PCB

·UK Hampshire in New forest

UK Hampshire is a UK based PCB component distributor that provides low and high volume batches of PCB electronic components. Their main strength is that they hold meetings with their clients and give engineering support services.

They use local suppliers-which simplifies the communication thus enabling them to receive personal service experience. Since components are locally available, they can be delivered the following day if you are in the UK.

·Alchip limited

Alchip limited is a PCB electronic component distributor based in China. It is located in Futian district, Shenzhen.

Remember, they have been in component sourcing for over ten years. They offer cost calculation, management of risk, substitute material suggestions and whole BOM purchasing services to their clients.

This distributor specializes in the procurement of electronic components for hardware manufacturers, PCBA companies, factories for EMS and SMT companies.

They help their client improve their purchasing efficiency, save the cost of labor, time, resources and other materials.

Alchip limited is the authorized agent for NXP and Panasonic.

Alchip provides the following excellent services:

• One-stop BOM services with 360 warranty days.
• Replacement suggestion and professional product services
• Logistic services of the door to door within three days of the request.
• Provision of all-new original components that are traceable

Their product includes processors and controllers, Integrated circuits, sensors, and optoelectronic devices.

They also source Diode transistors, passive devices like EMI filters, interconnects, electromechanical devices, development board kits, and circuit protection.

· CNC Electronics

CNC is located in Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 in the USA. CNC electronics specializes in PCB component supplies and distribution.

They distribute parts, repair them, exchange and use ex-stock exchange.

·Component source

This supplier of PCB components is located in Bordeaux, in France. It has a portal for an electronic component industry where 6000 companies are sited within Europe.

This portal can help you locate the best suppliers for PCB components. The website outlines the manufacturer’s address and list of distributors, address of distributors and their line cards.

·Evergreen material partners

Evergreen material partners are located in North Hampton, New Hampshire. They stock electronic components distribute on order.

They also purchase PCB component materials in excess and hire contract manufacturers to work for them.

·Galco industrial electronics

Galco industrial electronics is a Michigan electronic industry located in Madison Heights.

It was established in 1975 as a distributor of industrial and commercial electrical and electronic control, automation and motion products. It also provides repair and engineering services.

They aim at providing electronic professionals who can offer complete electronic control capabilities and innovative solutions.

·HMB Electronics

This is an electronic business located in North Haven, CT in the US. They work with a wide range of PCB component companies both in the US and internationally.

HMB Electronics supplies components in time and serve their customers directly.

With the help of their team of sales executives, quality control, and purchasers, they provide cheap and 110% quality-tested components.

·Hybrid Electronics

It is located in Florida. They specialize in distributing hard to find parts, obsolete parts, highly allocated parts, and semiconductors.

Also, they also source connectors, switches, capacitors, relays, fuses, inductors, resistors, wire and cables among others.

This electronic company is also a value-added distributor of broad level electronic components. Their main targets are major manufacturers, C.E.M.’S, R&D facilities and shops that provide repair services worldwide.

They source hard to find PCB electronic components through engineering, procurement, and logistics professionals.

At any given time, Hybrid Electronics usually has over half a million electronic components in their warehouse.

·Jameco Electronics

Jameco electronics has been in electronic business for over 40 years. It is located in California, Shore-way Road Belmont.

They source more than 50,000 semiconductors, passives, interconnects, electromechanical, power supplies, LEDs among others.

PCB Sourcing for Hard to Find Components

The task of sourcing these components calls for reputable contract manufacturers. This is because only they know where and when to find them.

Hard-to-find components are usually checked again and again before assembly begins to see if there are any issues.

PCB with hard to find components

You can also choose alternative components, be flexible with value parts and consider minor re-designs for long term components.

Contract manufacturers provide end-of-life notification for PCB components which encourages early sourcing of hard-to-find components.

Suppliers such as Green Circuits and Asian circuits source hard-to-find components for their clients.

This is because they have built a network of worldwide sources from Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and other Asian regions.

PCB Sourcing for Obsolete Components

Obsolete components can be found in electronic retail shops because they have a short product lifetime.

They include parts of Televisions, computers and mobile devices.

When the original product fails to survive the time gap between an upgrade or redesign time-frame, it becomes obsolete in the meantime.

PCB with components

Sourcing of obsolete components calls for the constant online monitoring of the life cycle of electronic components. This will enable you to make timely and informed decisions.

FAQs about PCB Components Sourcing

Probably, you could be having many questions regarding PCB components sourcing.

Well, this section covers some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to PCB component sourcing.

Figure 10 Components on PCB

Q1. Is there a specific PCB component sourcing lead time?

In most cases, yes.

However, this will depend on many factors such as components you’re sourcing.

For instance, hard to find components will require long lead time.

Again, it will also depend on the company. Companies with experience in the PCB component sourcing will obviously have short lead time even for hard to find components.

Q2. How can I get competitive prices when sourcing PCB components?

It’s simple, source for PCB components from China.

You can count on Chinese companies when it comes to getting competitive prices on PCB components.

Even if they have to get these PCB components from other companies abroad, say Europe, Asia or U.S.A., they have the know-how when it comes to getting better prices.

Besides, most Chinese PCB manufacturers have long-term partnership with most companies. Therefore, competitive prices on PCB components is a guarantee.

Q3. Does difference in solder mask color affect prices?

For small orders, you can pay an extra 20 USD on the upper end. Otherwise, for large quantity, the difference is insignificant.

Q4. What influences the reduction in PCB prices?

This can be achieved by designing your PCB in a simple way as much as possible. For example, without slots, standard specifications for PCB of 2 layers is 0.062 inches, FR4, 1OZ HAL, hole size>15mil, clearance>7mil, square shape.

Q5. Which files can we use in bare PCB fabrication?

You can use the Gerber RS-274X and 274D. Eagle AutoCAD’s DXF and DWG can also be used.

In case the manufacturer uses any unique file formats, they will let you know.

Q6. What is the best format for BOM list?

The format entails component part numbers, manufacturer, quantity, value information which are documented in MS-excel sheet.

You can look at this example by RayPCB:

BOM

Q7. What makes a PCB component sourcing quotation?

Some of the key things you should include are board assembly quantity, complete BOM, special assembly notes, bare PCBs if requested, a set of Gerber file with drilled data and any additional electrical data.

Q8. What is the MOQ for PCB component sourcing?

Most suppliers can supply both small and large quantity order units. Others can only handle small quantity orders.

Q9. Do manufacturers test PCBA before shipping?

All PCBA are tested according to your instructions and quality standards specifications. The contracted manufacturer does visual inspection, short and open circuit tests and functional testing, among other procedures.

Q10. How long will quotation take after sending BOM for PCB components?

After sending your BOM and design document online to a contract manufacturer, you should receive a quotation within duration of between 2-24 hours.

Most companies work 24/7 so it should be within that time frame.

Hopefully, these covers most concerns I receive when handling most PCB components sourcing projects.

In case you have any question, feel free to ask.

Conclusion

PCB component sourcing is very critical and should be done through experienced suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers.

It requires worldwide networking and link to experts who can help you get the best in the market.

Experienced suppliers can identify counterfeits and provide other services which are relevant during component sourcing like product testing.

Therefore, PCB component sourcing should be treated with a lot of care because its success determines final product quality.

Still having problems with PCB components sourcing, talk to us today.