Frequently Asked Questions
- In general terms, what are the steps involved in L.I.N.'s design process?
- Who owns the design database?
- What information is needed to provide a quote?
- What methods of information exchange does L.I.N. use?
- What do I need to know when sending files to L.I.N.?
- What design experience does L.I.N. have?
- How does L.I.N. determine the price of design related services?
- What is included with L.I.N.'s standard design layout service?
- Does L.I.N. require a preliminary placement from the engineer?
- What is L.I.N.'s typical design turn-around?
- Who controls the design process?
- What are L.I.N.'s routing strategies (manual vs automated)?
- How does L.I.N. communicate with the client during the design process?
- When is the design process considered complete?
- Can L.I.N. accommodate custom drawing border formats, parts list formats, etc?
- Our company's work is confidential... How does L.I.N. handle proprietary information?
- How does L.I.N. handle status reporting on design progress?
- We're still engineering the project... Is that a problem?
- What geographical areas does L.I.N. serve?
- Which exchange currencies are accepted by L.I.N.?
1. In general terms, what are the steps involved in L.I.N.'s design process?
A. After quote is approved by the client, the project is then assigned to a L.I.N. designer.
B. Component research begins, where new parts are created from specs, if necessary.
C. Initial BOM is reviewed, and any previous netlist is integrated into the design.
D. Design Rule Checks (DRC) are set initially in order to structure the design process.
E. A detailed schematic draft from the engineer is used in the Schematic Capture tool.
F. When the design is complete in Schematic Capture, a DRC is run to check for errors.
G. After DRC runs error-free, a netlist is generated for use within the Layout stage.
H. Board outline mechanical is created and placed into the Layout design.
I. Schematic based component footprints are imported into the Layout design.
J. Parts are strategically placed in the Layout design according to preferred placement.
K. Fine-pitch fanouts & vias are done first. Then critical tracks are manually routed.
L. Interactive and auto-routing of all remaining non-critical nets are completed to 100%.
M. General clean-up of traces and vias. Silkscreen generated and properly orientated.
N. DRC is run to verify no new violations have been created, and maintains consistency.
O. L.I.N.'s Quality Assurance Checklist is completed. Client reviews design & signs off.
P. Design files, exports, & generated reports delivered to client, then archived by L.I.N.
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A. After quote is approved by the client, the project is then assigned to a L.I.N. designer.
B. Component research begins, where new parts are created from specs, if necessary.
C. Initial BOM is reviewed, and any previous netlist is integrated into the design.
D. Design Rule Checks (DRC) are set initially in order to structure the design process.
E. A detailed schematic draft from the engineer is used in the Schematic Capture tool.
F. When the design is complete in Schematic Capture, a DRC is run to check for errors.
G. After DRC runs error-free, a netlist is generated for use within the Layout stage.
H. Board outline mechanical is created and placed into the Layout design.
I. Schematic based component footprints are imported into the Layout design.
J. Parts are strategically placed in the Layout design according to preferred placement.
K. Fine-pitch fanouts & vias are done first. Then critical tracks are manually routed.
L. Interactive and auto-routing of all remaining non-critical nets are completed to 100%.
M. General clean-up of traces and vias. Silkscreen generated and properly orientated.
N. DRC is run to verify no new violations have been created, and maintains consistency.
O. L.I.N.'s Quality Assurance Checklist is completed. Client reviews design & signs off.
P. Design files, exports, & generated reports delivered to client, then archived by L.I.N.
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2. Who owns the design database?
During the design process technically L.I.N. owns the design database, until that phase of design (Schematic, Layout, Exports) is signed off by the client. The client will be invoiced by L.I.N. and once the payment has been processed, the client then owns that phase of the design. Typically L.I.N. will archive a copy of the design for a minimum of three (3) years, for the purpose of reference and re-work (unless otherwise specified by the client). Design specific information will not be shared with any third-party, and only upon client's written request. L.I.N. offers a standard mutual disclosure agreement (refer to question 16); but can also consent to a confidential disclosure agreement initiated by your company.
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During the design process technically L.I.N. owns the design database, until that phase of design (Schematic, Layout, Exports) is signed off by the client. The client will be invoiced by L.I.N. and once the payment has been processed, the client then owns that phase of the design. Typically L.I.N. will archive a copy of the design for a minimum of three (3) years, for the purpose of reference and re-work (unless otherwise specified by the client). Design specific information will not be shared with any third-party, and only upon client's written request. L.I.N. offers a standard mutual disclosure agreement (refer to question 16); but can also consent to a confidential disclosure agreement initiated by your company.
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3. What information is needed for L.I.N. to provide a quote?
L.I.N. will need as much of the following information as possible:
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L.I.N. will need as much of the following information as possible:
- Board name, Project number, any board design info, summary of previous revisions.
- Project Documentation (ie. fixed part locations, controlled impedance, differential pairs, special routing, etc).
- Detailed Parts List / Bill-of-Materials (BOM).
- Component data sheets for any unusual, complex, or custom parts.
- Netlist file (if schematic is already captured on CAD tool).
- Schematic Draft (from project engineer) paper or electronic format.
- Board Mechanical Draft (including preferred placements with full dimensions).
- Layer count and stack-up considerations.
- Testpoint or Testpad specifications.
- Special Requirements (including specific track routing, custom silkscreen & assembly notes, etc).
- List of deliverable items required (ie. Gerber files, drawings, artwork)
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4. What methods of information exchange does L.I.N. use?
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- Encrypted Client SecureBox (FTP) with password protection.
- Email / Fax (for correspondence & account set-up only)
- Express Courier (in cases where component shipping is necessary, extra charges apply)
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5. What do I need to know when sending files to L.I.N.?
For security protocol, L.I.N. prefers clients send files to their SecureBox (assigned by L.I.N.), since most email systems have limitations as well.
When sending files, please use the following protocol:
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For security protocol, L.I.N. prefers clients send files to their SecureBox (assigned by L.I.N.), since most email systems have limitations as well.
When sending files, please use the following protocol:
- Large data files should be compressed using Winzip or WinRar.
- All design & netlist files should be placed directly on your L.I.N. assigned SecureBox in their appropriate folder.
- For email, send files as attachments. DO NOT COPY the data into an email message. (Attachments cannot exceed 5 MBytes).
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6. What design experience does L.I.N. have?
L.I.N.'s technical expertise in PCB design includes:
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L.I.N.'s technical expertise in PCB design includes:
- PCB & Schematic Creation
- Component Research & Library Creation
- Schematic to PCB Integration
- Netlist import into PCB Layout Design
- FPGA Synthesis & VHDL
- Controlled Impedance & Differential Pairs
- Impedance variation for high-sensitivity Analog/RF circuits
- Mixed-signal, Digital & Analog circuitry
- High-speed circuitry with rounded tracks
- High-speed track routing with EMI considerations
- High-density Layout boards with condensed placement
- Fine-pitched double-sided component break-outs
- Buried, Blind, & Micro via technologies
- Capabilities include latest IC package technologies (BGA/PGA, QFP, TSOP, SSOP, etc)
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7. How does L.I.N. determine the price of design related services?
L.I.N.’s quotes are calculated by projecting the total number of hours to complete all phases of your design, multiplied by the hourly rate for the complete design process. Hours to completion may increase due to revised design requirements requested by the clients. Hours to completion will not be decreased, unless it is specified that quoted phases of the design are no longer required. The general rate for the complete design process excluding additional services is hereby set at $70 CAD per hour. For individuals or businesses considered to be small (less than 5 employees), rates may be negotiated for initial project designs. Also as an initiative to provide universal availability, consideration for a reduced hourly rate shall be made for developing countries within the African continent.
The hour rate quoted will be set firm for the duration of the design; however quoted hours & scheduled time may change typically due to client requested 'major' design changes. Typically between 4-6 hours a day will be scheduled working on a design; however for urgent client situations, dedicated hours can be requested & scheduled beyond 6 hours (and Sundays) at the rate of time-and-a-half. After each scheduled business day, the updated project file, screenshots, and updated Design Quality Checklist shall be uploaded by the L.I.N. designer into the client’s assigned encrypted SecureBox. This will allow our clients to monitor their design progress daily which provides maximum transparency. L.I.N.'s Design Quality Checklist also allows any 'minor' changes requested by the client, to be documented and incorporated with insignificant impact to the project schedule. Significant 'major' changes shall be additional hours to the quoted price; and will only be incorporated after the clients' documented approval of the increased hours required, and the revised schedule impact.
NOTE: Due to the events of Covid-19 and the devastating impact it has had on the industrial environment, these rates are based on our company's minimisation of operating costs, including the standard EDA software which are readily available. L.I.N. feels this will not affect our ability to provide professional quality design files, mostly due to our stringent design practices clearly defined within our standard Design Quality Checklist. If you do have a software license for a preferred EDA platform L.I.N. does not have immediate access to, please inquire about how L.I.N. can incorporate your companies CAD software for use by your assigned L.I.N. designer.
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L.I.N.’s quotes are calculated by projecting the total number of hours to complete all phases of your design, multiplied by the hourly rate for the complete design process. Hours to completion may increase due to revised design requirements requested by the clients. Hours to completion will not be decreased, unless it is specified that quoted phases of the design are no longer required. The general rate for the complete design process excluding additional services is hereby set at $70 CAD per hour. For individuals or businesses considered to be small (less than 5 employees), rates may be negotiated for initial project designs. Also as an initiative to provide universal availability, consideration for a reduced hourly rate shall be made for developing countries within the African continent.
The hour rate quoted will be set firm for the duration of the design; however quoted hours & scheduled time may change typically due to client requested 'major' design changes. Typically between 4-6 hours a day will be scheduled working on a design; however for urgent client situations, dedicated hours can be requested & scheduled beyond 6 hours (and Sundays) at the rate of time-and-a-half. After each scheduled business day, the updated project file, screenshots, and updated Design Quality Checklist shall be uploaded by the L.I.N. designer into the client’s assigned encrypted SecureBox. This will allow our clients to monitor their design progress daily which provides maximum transparency. L.I.N.'s Design Quality Checklist also allows any 'minor' changes requested by the client, to be documented and incorporated with insignificant impact to the project schedule. Significant 'major' changes shall be additional hours to the quoted price; and will only be incorporated after the clients' documented approval of the increased hours required, and the revised schedule impact.
NOTE: Due to the events of Covid-19 and the devastating impact it has had on the industrial environment, these rates are based on our company's minimisation of operating costs, including the standard EDA software which are readily available. L.I.N. feels this will not affect our ability to provide professional quality design files, mostly due to our stringent design practices clearly defined within our standard Design Quality Checklist. If you do have a software license for a preferred EDA platform L.I.N. does not have immediate access to, please inquire about how L.I.N. can incorporate your companies CAD software for use by your assigned L.I.N. designer.
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8. What is included with L.I.N.'s standard design layout service?
L.I.N.’s PCB design layout quote includes the following as standard deliverables:
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L.I.N.’s PCB design layout quote includes the following as standard deliverables:
- Schematic Capture Drawings
- Layout Assembly Drawings
- Fabrication Output Files
- Updated BOM
- Netlist output formats
- All verification and DRC analysis reports
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9. Does L.I.N. require a preliminary placement from the engineer?
We don't require a preliminary placement. However, there are many ways to place parts on a board. It is very useful to have an indication of the placement required for any major components, LEDs, headers, or connectors. Especially boards with height restrictions or enclosure considerations. Even a rough sketch is helpful.
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We don't require a preliminary placement. However, there are many ways to place parts on a board. It is very useful to have an indication of the placement required for any major components, LEDs, headers, or connectors. Especially boards with height restrictions or enclosure considerations. Even a rough sketch is helpful.
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10. What is L.I.N.'s typical design turn-around?
L.I.N.’s typical design delivery time is 10-14 scheduled working days for an average sized layout project. Less complex design requirements or revision designs with minor alterations, can average 5 to 7 working days. LIN can begin a project design upon receipt of all preliminary LIN documentation reducing the time it takes for our clients to complete a functional prototype.
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L.I.N.’s typical design delivery time is 10-14 scheduled working days for an average sized layout project. Less complex design requirements or revision designs with minor alterations, can average 5 to 7 working days. LIN can begin a project design upon receipt of all preliminary LIN documentation reducing the time it takes for our clients to complete a functional prototype.
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11. Who controls the design process?
L.I.N.’s client control the design process. L.I.N. follows the client’s design rules, quality standards, and specifications, with final design completion dependent on the client’s approval. Where one is not provided, by procedure L.I.N. facilitates its own standard design process. It is not standard practice for L.I.N. designers to enter into the role of engineering consulting. In order to focus and specialize in layout design services only, clients are recommended to have their own electronics engineer ready to work alongside their assigned L.I.N. designer.
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L.I.N.’s client control the design process. L.I.N. follows the client’s design rules, quality standards, and specifications, with final design completion dependent on the client’s approval. Where one is not provided, by procedure L.I.N. facilitates its own standard design process. It is not standard practice for L.I.N. designers to enter into the role of engineering consulting. In order to focus and specialize in layout design services only, clients are recommended to have their own electronics engineer ready to work alongside their assigned L.I.N. designer.
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12. What are L.I.N.'s routing strategies (manual vs automated)?
Routing design rule parameters and property attributes are incorporated into the DRC database prior to the routing process. Before any initial routing can be done, all fanouts and via breakouts must be verified on all fine-pitch & discrete components. Then initially, all client-specified critical signals are manually routed using interactive routing. Where the number of critical nets requiring special attention is large, we may use the auto-router for preliminary interconnects, followed by manual interactive editing & clean-up. The critical nets from this initial phase are then locked down, then the remainder of the design can be auto-routed. After auto-routing reaches 100% completion, traces are visually inspected by the designer before final verification from the checker.
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Routing design rule parameters and property attributes are incorporated into the DRC database prior to the routing process. Before any initial routing can be done, all fanouts and via breakouts must be verified on all fine-pitch & discrete components. Then initially, all client-specified critical signals are manually routed using interactive routing. Where the number of critical nets requiring special attention is large, we may use the auto-router for preliminary interconnects, followed by manual interactive editing & clean-up. The critical nets from this initial phase are then locked down, then the remainder of the design can be auto-routed. After auto-routing reaches 100% completion, traces are visually inspected by the designer before final verification from the checker.
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13. How does L.I.N. communicate with the client during the design process?
All correspondence with the client during the design process should be emailed for future reference and documentation. L.I.N. will include a 'Design Approval Form' to be signed by the client, before the final deliverables are sent to the client. The design process is complete after L.I.N.’s receipt of the signed approval form. Keep in mind that additional time taken by the client for review and approval during any phase of design, may result in extending the overall delivery time.
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All correspondence with the client during the design process should be emailed for future reference and documentation. L.I.N. will include a 'Design Approval Form' to be signed by the client, before the final deliverables are sent to the client. The design process is complete after L.I.N.’s receipt of the signed approval form. Keep in mind that additional time taken by the client for review and approval during any phase of design, may result in extending the overall delivery time.
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14. When is the design process considered complete?
The design process is considered complete after the customer has signed L.I.N.’s 'Design Approval Form' and all deliverable items have been shipped. Designs will be archived in the company database for a minimum of three (3) years. All designs are confidential.
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The design process is considered complete after the customer has signed L.I.N.’s 'Design Approval Form' and all deliverable items have been shipped. Designs will be archived in the company database for a minimum of three (3) years. All designs are confidential.
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15. Can L.I.N. accommodate custom drawing border formats, parts list formats, etc?
Yes we can. However we would prefer that you provide your drawing formats in DXF, DWG, or Gerber, because we can load these directly into the database. If you can’t provide the drawings in the file formats mentioned, we will replicate your drawing formats manually. Visit our Services page for acceptable L.I.N. layout design formats.
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Yes we can. However we would prefer that you provide your drawing formats in DXF, DWG, or Gerber, because we can load these directly into the database. If you can’t provide the drawings in the file formats mentioned, we will replicate your drawing formats manually. Visit our Services page for acceptable L.I.N. layout design formats.
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16. Our company's work is confidential... How does L.I.N. handle proprietary information?
We fully understand with today’s fast changing technology and intense competition in the marketplace, the importance of our client’s proprietary work. Design specific information is never shared with any other clients or third-party. Before any client project documents can be disclosed or reviewed, both L.I.N. and the Client are required to sign a Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement. Upon request, L.I.N. can also consent to a Nondisclosure Agreement initiated by your company.
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We fully understand with today’s fast changing technology and intense competition in the marketplace, the importance of our client’s proprietary work. Design specific information is never shared with any other clients or third-party. Before any client project documents can be disclosed or reviewed, both L.I.N. and the Client are required to sign a Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement. Upon request, L.I.N. can also consent to a Nondisclosure Agreement initiated by your company.
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17. How does L.I.N. handle status reporting on design progress?
L.I.N.’s Quality Assurance Checklist is standard with every design project. This ensures that all standard and critical steps have been made to maximize board quality. This document is also a good indication of the progress that is being made in your design. Designs can be scheduled utilizing Microsoft Project, where we can also provide customized design status reports with estimated and actual dates for milestones throughout the design process.
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L.I.N.’s Quality Assurance Checklist is standard with every design project. This ensures that all standard and critical steps have been made to maximize board quality. This document is also a good indication of the progress that is being made in your design. Designs can be scheduled utilizing Microsoft Project, where we can also provide customized design status reports with estimated and actual dates for milestones throughout the design process.
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18. We're still engineering the project.. Is that a problem?
Yes and no. Continuing to engineer the project while we design the board is not the most cost efficient way to work. There may be extra costs involved, because we may need to undo certain things that we have already done, in order to change the design. Also since the schedule is dependent on the amount of work involved, the due date will most likely be a moving target throughout the entire design process. Design process always moves smoother when engineering is first completed before PCB design planning begins. However we are always up to the challenge if you are!
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Yes and no. Continuing to engineer the project while we design the board is not the most cost efficient way to work. There may be extra costs involved, because we may need to undo certain things that we have already done, in order to change the design. Also since the schedule is dependent on the amount of work involved, the due date will most likely be a moving target throughout the entire design process. Design process always moves smoother when engineering is first completed before PCB design planning begins. However we are always up to the challenge if you are!
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19. What geographical areas does L.I.N. serve?
L.I.N. primarily provides services throughout the United States and Canada. However with the emergence of cryto-currencies & blockchain encrypted data securities, L.I.N. can now provide remote design services internationally. Different time zones can be accommodated by adjusting L.I.N.'s design cycle to coincide with our client’s working hours. If you are located outside of North America, a schedule can now be arranged for L.I.N. to address all your circuit board layout design needs, remotely. Please fill out our easy-to-use online Quote Request form, or send us a message via our Contact Us page.
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L.I.N. primarily provides services throughout the United States and Canada. However with the emergence of cryto-currencies & blockchain encrypted data securities, L.I.N. can now provide remote design services internationally. Different time zones can be accommodated by adjusting L.I.N.'s design cycle to coincide with our client’s working hours. If you are located outside of North America, a schedule can now be arranged for L.I.N. to address all your circuit board layout design needs, remotely. Please fill out our easy-to-use online Quote Request form, or send us a message via our Contact Us page.
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20. Which exchange currencies are accepted by L.I.N.?
Due to banking transaction regulations, the only currencies currently accepted by L.I.N.'s financial infrastructure are the Canadian dollar (CAD) & United States dollar (USD). However with the emergence of blockchain technology as a fully encrypted peer-to-peer trusted ledger payment platform, Logical Innovations Network can now offer services seamlessly to clients internationally. Currently L.I.N. only accepts Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Ethereum (ETH) as cryptocurrency exchange for layout design services. Please click on our Contact Us page to learn more.
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Due to banking transaction regulations, the only currencies currently accepted by L.I.N.'s financial infrastructure are the Canadian dollar (CAD) & United States dollar (USD). However with the emergence of blockchain technology as a fully encrypted peer-to-peer trusted ledger payment platform, Logical Innovations Network can now offer services seamlessly to clients internationally. Currently L.I.N. only accepts Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC), and Ethereum (ETH) as cryptocurrency exchange for layout design services. Please click on our Contact Us page to learn more.
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