Using computer aided cost estimation for PCB design and assembly: A review of recent work

The purpose of this paper is to highlight recent research in the use of computer aided cost estimation (CACE) systems for a broad spectrum of decision support activities in printed circuit board (PCB) design and assembly. Many of today's highly automated electronics manufacturing production floors are, by design, highly flexible systems in that essentially each have the ability to assemble a seemingly infinite number of board types. While the systems are highly flexible, important decisions in PCB design and assembly must be made. The following questions are a sampling of these types of decisions: What effects will result in replacing a QFP with a functionally equivalent BGA?; Is it economically viable to use an electrically conductive adhesive for flip chip attach?; and When adding an additional placement machine to relieve a bottleneck, is it better to place it in series or parallel with the existing equipment? We have found that invaluable is the use of CACE systems to provide the designer and production planner with the ability to make appropriate decisions while considering manufacturing ability and cost. As a result, this paper provides a review of the various CACE systems we have developed to aid in these types of decision support activities.