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PCB DESIGN
Layer16 provides exceptional PCB layout services. Our expertise covers minimizing layer count for high-volume low cost products to 30+ layer complex boards. We have the experience and training to correctly design noise sensitive sections of the design.
We provide specialist design solutions covering all aspects of PCB layout embracing the following board technologies, including:
- Single, double,multi-layer
- Backplanes
- Flexi & flexi-rigid
- Analogue and digital
- Blind & buried Micro-Vias,
- Stacked Micro-Via Impedance controlled
- Matched lengths / timings
- Differential / balanced pairs
- Crosstalk Timing controlled
- Signal integrity Analysis
- PCB Simulation
Markets
& Technology Expertise:
We have has domain expertise in the following vertical markets and technologies:
- Home Media, Digital Video & Voice, Imaging
- Consumer Mobile Devices
- Wireless & Networking
- Automotive
- Test & Measurement
- Medical Devices
BACKPLANE DESIGN
This section focuses on designing high-performance backplanes, a task that can be extremely complex. To assure high performance and good signal integrity, many issues must be considered during the design process.
We provide a custom Backplanes service mainly for Telecommunication, Military, Medical and Industrial applications. We specialize in high-speed 10Gbps interconnects using various IC technologies such as LVDS, CML & LVPECL, high density, high layer-count Backplanes. We offer fast and effective design services for optimum performance and layer count, providing expert support and services from concept to product delivery.
Our services include:
- Conceptual design
- Project management
- Component selection support
- System integration design
- Conformance to industry standards, Specifications and safety norms
- Analysis, Simulation and Measurement of Backplanes' electrical characteristics
- Schematics capture and PCB design
Backplane Expertise:
- Active and Passive Including RF
- Accurate Rules Driven Design Methodology
- Impedance Management and Build Specification
- Complex Routing Topologies
- High Layer Count Low Noise Designs
- Varied Termination Criteria
Backplane Protocols:
- AdvancedTCA
- CompactPCI, PCI, PXI
- ISA, EISA
- VME64x, VME, VXI, VXS
- Custom Telecom e.g. GMII
Optical Backplanes:
Optical backplanes will permanently reshape the face of the electronics industry. This is because optical transmission lines do not emit electromagnetic waves, instead relying on light through a polymer wave guide. They are immune to many of the pitfalls that affect electrical signals travelling down copper paths.
Simply marvel at the numbers - one optical signal has the capacity to carry 10 million times more information than an electronic signal travelling through copper. The amount of information that can be transferred through 4 oz of optical fibre would require 33 tons of copper to achieve the same result.
As with any emerging technology, there are many design hurdles. Thermal expansion among two optical wave guides on an FR-4 board will differ significantly from that of copper paths. Layer16 is committed to delivering this technology to the electronics industry.
ROSH AND EOL RE-DESIGN
Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) also known as Lead-Free Design and End-Of-Life (EOL) Redesign are two related areas of expertise Layer16 can provide to your company.
RoHS Compliance Service:
Europe's RoHS compliance deadline was July 1, 2006 this affected every company that sells product for use in Europe. California is also initiating its own version of RoHS which is expected to be implemented around January 2007. Other countries are joining in as well. Component manufacturers are already eliminating supply of parts that are not compliant and releasing new, sometimes incompatible, replacements.These legislative developments are creating a hard deadline at which point current products will become obsolete and difficult to manufacture due to unavailability of components. Many products will have to be terminated or re-designed to be compliant.
EOL Redesign Service:
End-Of-Life issues affect all products over time. With RoHS regulations, this process has been accelerated for many products. However, outside of RoHS, many companies still experience EOL issues. By using parts brokers and grey-market sources, companies can continue to manufacture products based on obsolete components for some time. However, this cannot last forever. Layer16, working with our customers, has been able to demonstrate significant cost savings (parts, manufacturing, warranty, and support) as a result of replacing an aged design with a new one
OTHER DESIGN RELATED SERVICES
We also perform a number of other PCB design related tasks as detailed below:
CAD conversion:
We have been in the CAD data conversion business for many years. That experience allows us know quickly and accurately what works and what doesn't work in CAD conversion. Our unsurpassed knowledge of CAD formats ensures you the highest quality conversion possible. Reverse Engineering:
Reverse engineering of PCBs due to loss of filmwork or schematics is one of our specialties. We can handle complex multi-layer cards with our computerized net list generator and scanning process. We can usually create schematics , new layouts, artwork, and improvements to old, obsolete designs. New chips can be substituted and new features added. This includes fine-pitch, double sided, multilayer PCB's |
