Capable design of printed circuit-boards

Conformability Analysis is a structured analysis to project the process capability of each component and assembly in a product design, and estimates a cost of failure for the proposed product. So far, Conformability Analysis has been applied only to mechanical designs, but the need to extend the method to electronics design has been recognised. This paper outlines the developments in capable design aimed at determining the level of variability associated with printed circuit-board manufacture and assembly, and the application of worst case design early on in the design process. Use of the approach in supplier development is also discussed