Services
Logical Innovations Network understands the need to work closely with our clients to fully understand their design requirements and complete their projects on schedule, as budgeted, and correct the first time. We strive to function as an extension of our client’s design staff. Earning their trust, by providing consistent and reliable design solutions.
Our design experience includes, but is not limited to:
Our design experience includes, but is not limited to:
- PCB & Schematic Creation
- Component Research & Library Creation
- Schematic to PCB Integration
- Netlist import into PCB Layout Design
- Controlled impedance and 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.)
Quoting Considerations & Requirements
In order to provide our clients with the most efficient and accurate quote on a PCB Design/Layout, we ask that you fill out our easy-to-use online Quote Request form, and provide us with as many of the following requested documents as possible:
In order to provide our clients with the most efficient and accurate quote on a PCB Design/Layout, we ask that you fill out our easy-to-use online Quote Request form, and provide us with as many of the following requested documents as possible:
- Board name, Project number, any board design info, summary of previous revisions
- Project documentation (i.e. fixed parts locations, controlled impedance, differential pairs, etc)
- Detailed Parts List / Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Available component data sheets for any unusual or custom parts
- Netlist file (if schematic is already captured on CAD)
- Schematic Draft (from project engineer) paper or electronic format
- Board Mechanical Draft (including specific component placements with full dimensions)
- Layer count and stack-up requirements or considerations
- Testpoint and/or testpad specifications
- Special Requirements (including logos, custom silkscreen & assembly notes, etc.)
- List of deliverable items required (i.e. Gerber/drill files, FAB drawings, PDF artwork)
Click on the following links to learn more about the design services L.I.N. offers…
Electronics Engineering Consulting
With the increased complexity of PCB designs from high-frequency, match impedance, high-voltage, densely populated, low-pitched ICs, to EMI sensitivity; engineering consulting becomes a valuable mode of service. At Logical Innovations Network, we understand the importance of fundamentally-sound electronic designs. Therefore we employ certified electronics engineering technologists who specialise in addressing PCB design concerns. From component selection to power management and complex signal integrity analysis, we have access to a network of consulting services for any type of design. As this service is not standard, please Contact Us and notify us if your needs do require engineering consulting services.
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With the increased complexity of PCB designs from high-frequency, match impedance, high-voltage, densely populated, low-pitched ICs, to EMI sensitivity; engineering consulting becomes a valuable mode of service. At Logical Innovations Network, we understand the importance of fundamentally-sound electronic designs. Therefore we employ certified electronics engineering technologists who specialise in addressing PCB design concerns. From component selection to power management and complex signal integrity analysis, we have access to a network of consulting services for any type of design. As this service is not standard, please Contact Us and notify us if your needs do require engineering consulting services.
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PCB Component Research
When planning to design a PCB, the first step is to find the right specifications & package dimensions for the components you will be mounting on your electronic circuit board. Often parts may have the same function, but different specifications. The most experienced PCB designers often know that Component Library Creation can be often the most critical (and time consuming) part of designing a fundamentally stable circuit. Of course Layout Design is equally important. Usually besides common discretes, most 'new' components will require standard part coding. When selecting a component, one must consider that the requirements of their project must fall in range with the specifications of its components. Component characteristics such as temperature tolerance, voltage & current limitations, and value percentage of tolerance, become exponentially critical in obtaining a stable PCB. At L.I.N., we can help you not only search for the most optimal components, but using the most cost-efficient devices & ICs. Once components are selected for your design, L.I.N. can download the associated datasheet from the manufacturer’s website. Using the component specs, PCB footprints are then created within our EDA Library Manager tool then verified for consistency, to insure every component fits your PCB perfectly. Upon creation of the integrated component, they can easily be viewed in 3D providing a physical presentation. Contact Us to learn more about these services.
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When planning to design a PCB, the first step is to find the right specifications & package dimensions for the components you will be mounting on your electronic circuit board. Often parts may have the same function, but different specifications. The most experienced PCB designers often know that Component Library Creation can be often the most critical (and time consuming) part of designing a fundamentally stable circuit. Of course Layout Design is equally important. Usually besides common discretes, most 'new' components will require standard part coding. When selecting a component, one must consider that the requirements of their project must fall in range with the specifications of its components. Component characteristics such as temperature tolerance, voltage & current limitations, and value percentage of tolerance, become exponentially critical in obtaining a stable PCB. At L.I.N., we can help you not only search for the most optimal components, but using the most cost-efficient devices & ICs. Once components are selected for your design, L.I.N. can download the associated datasheet from the manufacturer’s website. Using the component specs, PCB footprints are then created within our EDA Library Manager tool then verified for consistency, to insure every component fits your PCB perfectly. Upon creation of the integrated component, they can easily be viewed in 3D providing a physical presentation. Contact Us to learn more about these services.
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Schematic Capture
Once all components (not already contained within LIN’s component library) have been created, the next stage is the Schematic Capture phase. This is where integrated part symbols are all drafted within the EDA design tool, placed & arranged, then electrically interconnected to formulate a schematic. When designing a schematic, first the Design Rules must be set before the designer can add components from the working project library. Design Rules set here, will serve as guidelines to ensure all design requirements are stringently followed from schematics throughout the Layout phase. Within the project library, each component will have a schematic symbol & a PCB footprint attributed to it. Throughout the project, Design Rule Checks (DRCs) are run several times throughout to maintain consistency. Finally a netlist report is generated once the schematic stage is completed, which will be forward-annotated into the Layout phase of design. Contact Us to learn more about the Schematic services L.I.N. offers.
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Once all components (not already contained within LIN’s component library) have been created, the next stage is the Schematic Capture phase. This is where integrated part symbols are all drafted within the EDA design tool, placed & arranged, then electrically interconnected to formulate a schematic. When designing a schematic, first the Design Rules must be set before the designer can add components from the working project library. Design Rules set here, will serve as guidelines to ensure all design requirements are stringently followed from schematics throughout the Layout phase. Within the project library, each component will have a schematic symbol & a PCB footprint attributed to it. Throughout the project, Design Rule Checks (DRCs) are run several times throughout to maintain consistency. Finally a netlist report is generated once the schematic stage is completed, which will be forward-annotated into the Layout phase of design. Contact Us to learn more about the Schematic services L.I.N. offers.
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Board Layout Design
Once the Schematic phase has been completed and netlist verified, the next and most crucial step towards successful design completion is the Board Layout phase. Typically board layers are assigned according to track direction and optimal power plane placement for EMI considerations. Signal layers are typically assigned to outer layers, while internal split-PWR layers are separated by GND layers. However, all designs are done in full accordance to the request of the client’s electronics engineer. Starting with the board outline, all components must be carefully placed in exact accordance to the client’s requested specific component placement. All package keepouts, via breakouts, decoupling components, and track rules must be fully initialized before critical nets can be manually routed. This includes differential pairs, match impedance, high frequency, clocking signals, data signal busses & PWR tracks. After all critical tracks have been manually routed & verified, auto-routing of all remaining net connections can be accomplished. Once auto-routing achieves 100% completion status, all tracks are manually mitered at 45 degrees to prevent intermittent board errors caused by acid-flux build up during the board fabrication stage. So what will your physical board look like? A 3D representation can be viewed as well!
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Once the Schematic phase has been completed and netlist verified, the next and most crucial step towards successful design completion is the Board Layout phase. Typically board layers are assigned according to track direction and optimal power plane placement for EMI considerations. Signal layers are typically assigned to outer layers, while internal split-PWR layers are separated by GND layers. However, all designs are done in full accordance to the request of the client’s electronics engineer. Starting with the board outline, all components must be carefully placed in exact accordance to the client’s requested specific component placement. All package keepouts, via breakouts, decoupling components, and track rules must be fully initialized before critical nets can be manually routed. This includes differential pairs, match impedance, high frequency, clocking signals, data signal busses & PWR tracks. After all critical tracks have been manually routed & verified, auto-routing of all remaining net connections can be accomplished. Once auto-routing achieves 100% completion status, all tracks are manually mitered at 45 degrees to prevent intermittent board errors caused by acid-flux build up during the board fabrication stage. So what will your physical board look like? A 3D representation can be viewed as well!
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PCB Design Verification
Finally once the layout is complete, you would ask yourself “Does this proposed design DO what it is intended to DO?”. This is where Functional Verification plays a vital role. First task that needs to be done is back & forward annotation between Schematic and PCB. Here our design checkers can verify on the component level, PCB to schematic referencing. Components can be clicked on one component or net in the Schematic, and it will be highlighted on the PCB side, and vise-versa. Signal Integrity Analysis (net-screening, reflection, crosstalk), and Mixed-Signal Analysis (transient, AC/DC, low-amplitude signals, noise filtering, data transfer, temperature displacement, clocking parameters, Monte Carlo) reduces scrap and provides improved yields in prototype & production environments. For a SPICE model analysis, an analog or digital power model can input a step voltage to the circuit to be tested at its output. Contact Us to learn more about other design verification methods L.I.N. can do.
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Finally once the layout is complete, you would ask yourself “Does this proposed design DO what it is intended to DO?”. This is where Functional Verification plays a vital role. First task that needs to be done is back & forward annotation between Schematic and PCB. Here our design checkers can verify on the component level, PCB to schematic referencing. Components can be clicked on one component or net in the Schematic, and it will be highlighted on the PCB side, and vise-versa. Signal Integrity Analysis (net-screening, reflection, crosstalk), and Mixed-Signal Analysis (transient, AC/DC, low-amplitude signals, noise filtering, data transfer, temperature displacement, clocking parameters, Monte Carlo) reduces scrap and provides improved yields in prototype & production environments. For a SPICE model analysis, an analog or digital power model can input a step voltage to the circuit to be tested at its output. Contact Us to learn more about other design verification methods L.I.N. can do.
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Optimization of Export Files
Once verified by L.I.N. checkers, we now move on to creating the output files needed for fabricating the physical bare board. Each gerber/drill file represents a single layer, which is used by board fabricators when etching copper layers, before compressing with dielectric layers to compose a bare circuit board. Export files along with gerber/drills, that are commonly requested by L.I.N. clients include ODB++, DXF, & IDF formats. All export files generated within our E.D.A. design tools, are then brought into our fabrication tool for manufacturing optimization & full report generation. Output files can then be provided to the client and/or sent directly to the fabricating & assembly shops for prototype production. Contact Us to discuss any type of output files, you may require L.I.N. to provide.
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Once verified by L.I.N. checkers, we now move on to creating the output files needed for fabricating the physical bare board. Each gerber/drill file represents a single layer, which is used by board fabricators when etching copper layers, before compressing with dielectric layers to compose a bare circuit board. Export files along with gerber/drills, that are commonly requested by L.I.N. clients include ODB++, DXF, & IDF formats. All export files generated within our E.D.A. design tools, are then brought into our fabrication tool for manufacturing optimization & full report generation. Output files can then be provided to the client and/or sent directly to the fabricating & assembly shops for prototype production. Contact Us to discuss any type of output files, you may require L.I.N. to provide.
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3D Mechanical Design
The purpose of this additional design phase is to provide Rapid Prototyping methodology capabilities by generating the standard export files needed for 3D Component Printing. L.I.N. designers have the ability to create visually compelling demonstrations for various proposed client components. With direct modeling, L.I.N. can easily apply design changes, and create 3D design models as if working with a lump of virtual clay. Component 3D models can be downloaded from a database of over 2 million parts from over 500 manufacturers. Using a standardized & verified 3D model database will provide many iterations within a short time, while reducing reliance on mechanical technicians to finalize your design. In the end, this saves you cost and time leading to a better, more innovative end product. Export files that are commonly generated from this phase are, 3D Print Files (.stl& .pdf), and 2D AutoCAD files (.dxf). Please Contact Us to discuss any type of 3D Mechanical Files you may require from L.I.N.
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The purpose of this additional design phase is to provide Rapid Prototyping methodology capabilities by generating the standard export files needed for 3D Component Printing. L.I.N. designers have the ability to create visually compelling demonstrations for various proposed client components. With direct modeling, L.I.N. can easily apply design changes, and create 3D design models as if working with a lump of virtual clay. Component 3D models can be downloaded from a database of over 2 million parts from over 500 manufacturers. Using a standardized & verified 3D model database will provide many iterations within a short time, while reducing reliance on mechanical technicians to finalize your design. In the end, this saves you cost and time leading to a better, more innovative end product. Export files that are commonly generated from this phase are, 3D Print Files (.stl& .pdf), and 2D AutoCAD files (.dxf). Please Contact Us to discuss any type of 3D Mechanical Files you may require from L.I.N.
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Third-Party Services
PCB Fabrication & Board Assembly - When the L.I.N. design process is complete, the next step is to fabricate your board. At this point, L.I.N. has provided the output files required to create your prototype; but where do you go to fabricate your board, and to assemble all of its components? L.I.N. can connect you to the right PCB partners in your area, for optimal service. After your prototype board is fabricated, the board is then examined for connectivity before being sent to the nearest assembly shop. Newer component packages such as BGAs, PGAs, FPGAs and other surface mount packages require modern soldering techniques in order to place these components with exact precision. Using the most current pick-and-place, and solder reflow methods, your prototype board is then professionally assembled, tested, verified and documented. L.I.N. is dedicated to selectively choose partners who specialize in the fabrication of professional quality circuit boards. By providing the resources needed to populate your board optimally, and verification to obtain maximum quality PCBs. Please Contact Us and notify us upon design request, if you require third-party PCB fabrication or assembly services.
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PCB Fabrication & Board Assembly - When the L.I.N. design process is complete, the next step is to fabricate your board. At this point, L.I.N. has provided the output files required to create your prototype; but where do you go to fabricate your board, and to assemble all of its components? L.I.N. can connect you to the right PCB partners in your area, for optimal service. After your prototype board is fabricated, the board is then examined for connectivity before being sent to the nearest assembly shop. Newer component packages such as BGAs, PGAs, FPGAs and other surface mount packages require modern soldering techniques in order to place these components with exact precision. Using the most current pick-and-place, and solder reflow methods, your prototype board is then professionally assembled, tested, verified and documented. L.I.N. is dedicated to selectively choose partners who specialize in the fabrication of professional quality circuit boards. By providing the resources needed to populate your board optimally, and verification to obtain maximum quality PCBs. Please Contact Us and notify us upon design request, if you require third-party PCB fabrication or assembly services.
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Privacy & Confidentiality
At L.I.N., 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 third-party without expressed written consent from the client. Click on the Confidential Disclosure Agreement to view a copy of the full agreement which will be completed and signed before any design work is initiated. This is done to protect the interests and privacy of the information submitted by our valued client.
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At L.I.N., 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 third-party without expressed written consent from the client. Click on the Confidential Disclosure Agreement to view a copy of the full agreement which will be completed and signed before any design work is initiated. This is done to protect the interests and privacy of the information submitted by our valued client.
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On-Site L.I.N. PCB Designer / E.E.T. (unavailable)
In order to offer the most cost-effective, and efficient solution to our clients world-wide, designs are generally done remotely; with L.I.N. working comfortably from our offices while you work comfortably from yours. And in addition to services offered by most 'free-lance' designers; L.I.N. improves your connectivity with your assigned PCB designer by offering complimentary services such as a '200-point' Quality Assurance Checklist, SecureBox to access your files daily, and Remote Design-View for critical situations (Please visit our Home page & scroll down to the points under "Why Chose L.I.N.?").
However if you feel L.I.N. 'on-site' services are absolutely required, we will be happy to oblige in order to fulfil all your project requirements. Once travel & accommodations are arranged & paid for by the client, total time including an additional 20% hourly rate for all time spent will be billable to the client. It is advisable, the client has meeting agenda well arranged previously to avoid additional time/costs.
NOTE - Due to covid-19 related federal restrictions, on-site services can no longer be offered until further notice.
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In order to offer the most cost-effective, and efficient solution to our clients world-wide, designs are generally done remotely; with L.I.N. working comfortably from our offices while you work comfortably from yours. And in addition to services offered by most 'free-lance' designers; L.I.N. improves your connectivity with your assigned PCB designer by offering complimentary services such as a '200-point' Quality Assurance Checklist, SecureBox to access your files daily, and Remote Design-View for critical situations (Please visit our Home page & scroll down to the points under "Why Chose L.I.N.?").
However if you feel L.I.N. 'on-site' services are absolutely required, we will be happy to oblige in order to fulfil all your project requirements. Once travel & accommodations are arranged & paid for by the client, total time including an additional 20% hourly rate for all time spent will be billable to the client. It is advisable, the client has meeting agenda well arranged previously to avoid additional time/costs.
NOTE - Due to covid-19 related federal restrictions, on-site services can no longer be offered until further notice.
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