PCB Manufacture | Quick Turn PCB | Electronic Interconnect

EI PCB Manufacture Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is Electronic Interconnect?

Electronic Interconnect is a full service PCB manufacturer located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Electronic Interconnect has been in business for over 25 years. The PCB manufacture process is managed within a 22,000 sq. ft. facility. Electronic Interconnect has 100 employees that cover a six day work week around the clock.

What market do you target for sales?

Electronic Interconnect is a service driven corporation targeting quick turn pcb prototype through medium volume production. We have been praised by Project Engineers nationwide for our responsiveness and commitment to delivery. Purchasing Managers have EI as a primary source when they need to meet project deadlines with high confidence levels.

What are your standard lead times?

Each project is quoted based on its own merits such as product type, quantities, and lead time. Standard lead times for orders are at 2 weeks. Orders can be quoted for 2 week, 5 day, 3 day, 1 day, and Same day deliveries.

Who is using Electronic Interconnect Currently?

Our customer base is worldwide. Current Industries include Telecommunications, Commercial, Medical, Information Technology, and Automotive. Customers include Miller Electric Mfg., Valcom, Inc., Toshiba, Halliburton, Viasys Healthcare, Maxima Technologies, Plexus, United Technologies, Tyco, etc.

What certifications do Electronic Interconnect possess?

Electronic Interconnect has been ISO 9001 Certified since 1998. We are currently pursuing certification to Military Standard MIL-PRF-31032. Certification is forecasted for completion by 2006. Our current status with our military accounts is to comply with standard.

What does quick turn PCB means?

On demand, we can supply a 2 to 4 layer board within 12 hours.

What is your percentage of on-time deliveries?

Over the last 8 years EI has averaged 98% on time shipments.

How competitive are your prices?

EI’s prices are low because our software performs many of the PCB manufacture functions that other companies perform manually. Our processes are highly efficient; and due to our processing volume our savings are passed on to you whether you order one or one million PCB's.

How much do your PCB's cost?

The cost depends on many variables such as: board area, number of holes, layers used, etc. EI supports multiple manufacturing facilities so you don't have to pay for a 5-mil based process if your board needs only 10 mil minimal spacing.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes.

Does your system provide lead time information?

Yes, the Online Quotes/Order section provides PCB manufacturing time and price at the click of a button. Also, you can track the status of your orders on our site.

How do you calculate lead time?

Check our Delivery Dates Information.

Can I cancel my order?

Once your order is placed, we immediately start manufacturing, especially for quick turn pcb orders. Most often we cannot cancel your order unless you inform us immediately after placement. A cancellation may incur charges.

What do you do with the tooling I pay for?

Electronic data and documentation is stored for 5 years. Actual film is kept for 2 years. If you order this part number and revision again within 5 years, no other tooling charge should be assessed.

What do you do with my test fixture?

We will store your test fixture for use with all future orders of this part number and revision. Therefore, you will not need to pay for a test fixture for this part and revision number again. Sometimes, slight modifications to your part number may allow us to use the same fixture at little or no cost to you. Please remember, you will still be charged for the actual testing of your boards each time.

Can I have the tooling and test fixture sent back with my order?

You can request to have these items returned to you. Please remember, however, that if you order this part number again, we would need to charge for tooling and test fixture unless you return them to us.

What are your business hours?

Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm CST.

Accounting FAQs

What payment options do you accept for orders?

The easiest and most efficient method of payment is by credit card. Currently, we accept Master Card, Visa or American Express. This method allows you the opportunity to set up an online account, where you enter all of the necessary information for online ordering. Once your account is setup, you can re-order much quicker.

Another method of payment is to set up an account with our company. First, setup an online account at www.eiconnect.com/EI account. Then, click on our link to PAYMENT TERM, where you will find our Terms & Conditions as well as a form with the required information to submit. Or fax your credit application to 847-364-4892.

When is my credit card charged?

We authorize the credit cards upon retrieval of the order and charge when the PCBs are manufactured and ready for shipping.

Engineering FAQs

How can I view my Gerber files?

EI recommends you download Viewmate (http://www.pentalogix.com) to preview your Gerber and drill files before you submit them. Viewmate is a free version of the software that we use to prep your Gerber artwork and drill files. If you can view your files using Viewmate, then we should be able to use them to produce the artwork necessary to manufacture your PCB design.

Can EI build and test for differential impedances?

No, currently we cannot build and test differential pairs. In the future we will try to accommodate anywhere from 75 ohms differential to 140 ohms differential with a typical impedance tolerance of +/- 10% and validate results via our POLAR CITS 500 Impedance test system.

Can EI provide stencil data for our assembly house?

Yes, if Gerber Paste files exist, we can panelize them and send them to your assembly house for stencil prep.

Which third-party file formats are supported for custom manufacturing?

EI supports Gerber 274X format, click for more information on our PCB manufacture file specifications. To receive a custom quote please send your design files.

What format should my print be?

Gerber format is preferred, but also HPGL is an acceptable format. If neither of these options is available to you, "PDF" files (viewable in Acrobat Reader) are acceptable. As a final option, you may fax your print. Please reference your order number and part number.

Do you edit my design?

We will perform a design rule check. If we are able to make minor modifications without changing the intent of your design, we may elect to do so. Some of those changes might include:

	Increasing clearances on inner layer ground and power layers if insufficient
	Adding a backset on inner layer ground or power layers to prevent exposed copper
	Silkscreen clip to remove legend from pads and holes
	Increase trace width to accommodate etching line loss
	Increase pad size to minimize breakout of drilled holes where pads are insufficient to accommodate 0.005" true positional tolerances

What is EI's standard or default parameters for manufacturing?

EI follows a standard set of building parameters that are used, unless it is specified in the zip file information you email to our pre-engineering staff. These include ½-ounce copper on outer layers, 1-ounce copper on inner layers, FR4 material, 0.062" finished thickness, LPI green solder mask over bare copper, and white silkscreen. Your boards will be individually routed out unless specific 'v-score' or panelizing/palletizing information is included.

What if my needs do not qualify for the EI?

If your printed circuit board needs fall outside the parameters, please contact your Sales Manager .

What are printed circuit boards used for?

Printed circuit boards serve a variety of functions in the various electronics industries and markets. Printed circuit boards provide the base or foundation from which microprocessors and integrated circuits carry out the complex functions and algorithms needed to run most sophisticated electronic components popular today. There are a variety of uses for our printed circuit boards. We have manufactured PCB's for conventional use, such as TVs, radios, testing and design equipment, along with many hobbyists' creative inventions. Also, there are some specialized and surprising uses for our printed circuit boards as well. Our boards are included on the following: the Overhead Page system, Satellite antenna, Disney’s sign board, Medical Devices, Instrumentations and many mores!

Do you do assembly work?

We can accommodate some light assembly work, but this is not a core competency of EI. If you have assembly requirements, please call us and we will help you to locate the nearest PCB assembly house. If your requirements are beyond our capabilities, we can recommend an excellent partner that provides quality service.

Do you only support Windows?

Yes, currently.

Capabilities FAQs

What does Electronic Interconnect use as its standard for manufacturing?

Unless the standards are specified in the zip file information you email to our pre-engineering staff, EI follows a standard set of building parameters. These parameters include: ½-ounce copper on outer layers, 1-ounce copper on inner layers, FR4 material, 0.062" finished thickness, LPI green solder mask over bare copper (SMOBC), and white silkscreen. To see the full range of standards for manufacturing please review our manufacturing capabilities section .

What drawing files / design software do you accept?

EI recommends you download Viewmate (www.pentalogix.com) to preview your Gerber and drill files before you submit them. Viewmate is a free version of the software that we use to prep your Gerber artwork and drill files. If you can view your files using Viewmate, then we should be able to use them to produce the artwork necessary to manufacture your design.

What tooling specifics are needed for manufacturing my circuit boards?

Our CAM (computer aided manufacturing) process starts when we receive all the necessary files and data to begin the manufacturing process. We do not issue any order until our pre-engineering staff has approved your files. Review our manufacturing capabilities to see the range offered on EI.

I have a project that doesn't fit the EI parameters. Can EI still build my board?

For any order that does not fit into one of the above services, please use our contact us form and explain your differences. This will help to expedite your request.

What is Silkscreen?

Silkscreen (component legend) is printing on the component side (sometimes both sides) of a PCB that uses outlines and symbols to show component locations and to identify particular components with legends. Solder mask is required for silk screen printing.

What is solder mask?

Solder mask is a dielectric coating of the PCB, usually of a dark green color, which is designed to insulate and protect the copper traces and keep them from shorting together during the soldering process. The solder mask covers the whole board except solderable surfaces such as thru-hole and surface-mount pads. Solder mask is also required for silk screen (component legend). The only disadvantage of solder mask is it is an added cost to your board.

What is panelization?

Panelization is a method of arraying one or several designs within the boundary of fixed-size PCB panel. Optimal panelization utilizes the allocated panel space more effectively, thus reducing the cost per board. Unlike most other fabricators, EI performs the panelization and corresponding price adjustment automatically.

What is depanelization?

Depanelization is the post-manufacturing process that separates individual PCBs from board arrays on the panels.

Can I request custom color of solder mask and silk screen for my PCB design?

Yes. We will inform you about the availability of the requested option and updated order cost shortly after the order is placed.

Can I request gold plating or custom solder finish?

Yes. We will inform you about the availability of the requested option and updated order cost shortly after the order is placed.

Can I request inverted silk-screen option?

Yes.

Can I request custom board material, board thickness, or copper weight not available in the list of presets?

Yes. EI supports a number of custom board materials, such as Rogers, different thicknesses and a range of copper weights. We will inform you about the availability of the requested option and updated order cost shortly after the order is placed.

Do you support custom shaped boards with slots, cut-outs, etc.?

Yes.

Can I choose if boards are cut to border, V-scored, or tab-routed?

Yes.