MEP EP#290: Avoiding Bean Counters

BGA vs. QFP - PCBA cost comparison

• Inspired by Tim Jager on the slack channel
• 48 pin QFP vs 56 pin BGA
• Escaping the package
  • Layer count
  • Increase in PCB tolerances
  • Blind and buried vias required?
• Inspection costs
  • Leaded packages like QFPs can easily be optically inspected
  • BGAs typically require X-ray
• Tooling
  • BGAs typically require small paste apertures and might require more expensive coatings and stencils
  • Depending on lead spacing you may not need a stencil at your CM for a QFP

Using the MF platform to predict pricing

• Napkin math your PCB assembly cost the “easy” way
• Come up with a rough Bill of Materials
• Draw up a quick board outline that might be the size you require
  • Enclosures dictate PCB sizes more often then not
• Upload to the platform
  • Can change the bill of materials on the fly to make pricing considerations at prototype to high volume
• Ways to control pricing on your PCB Assembly