Overview: trends in prototype board fabrication

Regardless of whether an OEM follows traditional or concurrent engineering product development paths, sooner or later one or more prototype circuit boards must be built. And of the three major stages in the creation of a prototype circuit board-namely design, assembly and test-this session will focus on their assembly, as this stage is undergoing considerable technological change. The change is being driven by four major trends. First, is the need to create boards quickly to cut time-to-market. Secondly, are circuit-performance issues. Third are environmental issues surrounding the use of hazardous chemicals used for etching boards. And fourth is the steadily expanding use of surface-mount components.