JLCPCB ordering tip

[Demon]

If you keep messing up the "comma-separated" file prep like I do (the SAVE feature from Open Office is not smooth), consider using a script if you are I.S. savvy.

This is what I do to prepare PCBs for JLCPCB with parts:

- generate gerbers from PCB editor.
- generate drill files from PCB editor.
- generate component placement file from PCB editor.

- generate BOM from Schematic editor.
- generate CPL from Schematic editor (script downloaded from web).

The CPL script corrects the column names, removes unnecessary columns and overrides Rotation of ICs and Jumpers (you list them in a parameter file). I also tweaked the BOM and CPL scripts to save my files in a subfolder.

The nice thing about this is that I don't have to think. I just generate the files, run the 2 scripts, pass it through JLC once to see what needs to be rotated, edit the parameter file, and generate it again, and it's ready for JLC.

[Demon]

I don't have the same definition of stacked and staggered as JLCPCB.

[Demon]

I was curious to see how compact I could design a circuit to debounce switches, as well as see how much it costs at JLCPCB.

- total of 47 input lines,
- debounced using Bourns technique (10K / 0.1uF),
- Schmitt triggered and inverted (74HC14),
- 16F1946 TQFP-64,
- ICSP,
- driven from a master PIC via USART,
- busy lines to control communication (1 for master, 1 for slaves).

Ended up 158mm wide x 30mm tall (I was thinking of placing them vertically around the enclosure).




Got it priced at JCPCB to know what is the cost associated with assembling a circuit such as this:

5 PCBs, $80CAD + shipping
20 PCBs, $230CAD + shipping

[Ioannis]

If you have a local service for assembling the pcb's I think cost for the semiconductors will be significantly lower.

Will not hurt asking.

Ioannis

[Demon]

The prices for ICs and labour are much higher here in Canada:

16F1946 TQFP-64 in CAD funds

JLCPCB $2.90
Digikey $4.85-5.31
Mouser $4.45-4.68
Newark $4.54


If I have the PCBs fabricated in China, shipped to a local place for assembly, I'd pay shipping twice, and run the possibility of one supplier blaming the other for screw-ups.


I'm using:

- 0603 SMDs,
- TSSOP 74HC14,
- TQFP-64 PICs,
- 0.2mm traces,
- 0.2mm clearance,
- 0.5mm x 0.3mm VIAs.

I doubt I can expect small shop to compete with China.

[Ioannis]

From my experience, the chips that were in stock by JLC were double or triple the price from Mouser. The others that were not in stock were cheaper...!

But since I wanted only 20 assembled PCB's and none locally would do it, I just let JLC do the job.

Are you sure all components are available by JLC?

Ioannis

[Demon]

Yup, first thing I do is match all components on JLC's inventory for a given footprint and input price, JLC part # and Manufacturer part # in my symbol editor (Kicad), as well as if it's a Basic part or Extended part. My design depends on availability at JLCPCB, that's why I select PICs that are currently available.

I'm not looking forward to the day I have to start looking for compatible PICs because they are out of stock. New IC prices are just insane, even if we get to stock direct from Malaysia.