FEDEVEL
Platform forum

, 03-22-2024, 10:05 AM

Hello everyone

I have a question about the creation of panels and the creation of pick-and-place data.

How do you create pick-and-place data for six panels?

As I am creating the PnP data for a Panel the first time, I would need a few tips from you.

 
When I generate the placement data for six panels (6 identical PCBs) in the output job, I get the same component names 6 times, just with different X and Y coordinates, which is what I expected.

The pick and place machine cannot work with this data as the same component names are present multiple times with different coordinates.

To create the panel I use the Embedded Board Array, here I would expect to be able to attach an extension to the respective multiple created PCBs, unfortunately this is not the case.  

I would expect something like this --> e.g. IC100_1, IC100_2... IC100_6

Or do I have to derive the PnP data for the panel from the single board and just enter an offset of the boards manually for the assembly? How do you do this?

 

Thanks in advance

QDrives , 03-22-2024, 09:41 PM

It has been about 10years ago that I created a board array myself. However, I did not get a comment on the fact that designators were used repeatedly.
Your own PnP machine or from a supplier?

Ruby , 03-23-2024, 04:54 AM

I use to generate PnP data for production but they only required 1 PCB coordinates in a panel.

Robert Feranec , 03-23-2024, 07:28 AM

the same for me, I always only generate data from one board

QDrives , 03-23-2024, 02:02 PM

Usually you 'produce' production data just for 1 single board.
The assembly company then decides how to arrange that board in a panel. This panel is for assembly.
That assembly panel is send to the fabricator that places it in a production panel (the big green board Robert is holding in the JLCPCB video).
The assembly company create the panel for assembly and knows the size the fabricator can do and will optimize both for assembly and fabrication.

I can think of 4 reasons why you want/need to create your own panel:
1) You do the production / assembly yourself
2) You design the test fixture that can handle the (assembly) panel
3) Your design is much constrained in break-out, ie. routing (milling), V-score, mouse bites, etc. But do not forget about flex PCBs.
4) The break-out is an integral part of the PCB design itself.

Point 4 is why I created the panel 10 years ago.
Point 2 can also be a reason when you have to pay for the test fixture (using panel) and you want to switch to another assembly company.

That all said, like the others, if there is no (good) reason to create your own panel, leave it to the assembly company.