MEP EP#290: Avoiding Bean Counters
BGA vs. QFP - PCBA cost comparison
Inspired by Tim Jager on the slack channel48 pin QFP vs 56 pin BGAEscaping the packageLayer countIncrease in PCB tolerancesBlind and buried vias required?Inspection costsLeaded packages like QFPs can easily be optically inspectedBGAs typically require X-rayToolingBGAs typically require small paste apertures and might require more expensive coatings and stencilsDepending on lead spacing you may not need a stencil at your CM for a QFPUsing the MF platform to predict pricing
Napkin math your PCB assembly cost the “easy” wayCome up with a rough Bill of MaterialsDraw up a quick board outline that might be the size you requireEnclosures dictate PCB sizes more often then notUpload to the platformCan 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