A project plan defines the multiple stages of the process. How will it be started, and we should finish it. It is derived from the items below:
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each stage in the project plan, including its purpose and what it entails:
1. Gerber Out
Purpose: Generate and send the Gerber files to the manufacturer for PCB fabrication.
Process:
- Design Review: Ensure the PCB design is finalized and reviewed for errors.
- Gerber File Generation: Export the PCB layout into Gerber files using EDA software.
- File Verification: Validate the Gerber files using a Gerber viewer.
- Send to Manufacturer: Submit the Gerber files to the chosen PCB fabrication house.
2. PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly)
Purpose: Assemble the PCB with components.
Process:
- Component Sourcing: Order all required components.
- Stencil Preparation: Prepare a stencil for solder paste application.
- Solder Paste Application: Apply solder paste to the PCB.
- Component Placement: Place components on the PCB using pick-and-place machines.
- Reflow Soldering: Pass the PCB through a reflow oven to solder components.
- Inspection: Inspect the assembled PCBs for defects (automated optical inspection or manual).
3. BBU (Bring-Up and Basic Unit Testing)
Purpose: Power on the PCB and perform initial functionality tests.
Process:
- Power On: Safely power on the PCB for the first time.
- Basic Testing: Perform basic tests to check if the board is operational (e.g., voltage checks, basic functionality tests).
- Initial Debugging: Identify and fix any immediate issues.
4. Check Point
Purpose: Review progress and ensure everything is on track.
Process:
- Team Meeting: Conduct a meeting with the project team to review the status.
- Review Milestones: Check if the project is meeting its milestones.
- Issue Resolution: Address any issues or roadblocks encountered so far.
5. SI (Signal Integrity Testing)
Purpose: Ensure signal integrity of high-speed signals on the PCB.
Process:
- Test Setup: Set up signal integrity testing equipment.
- Perform Tests: Conduct tests to measure signal quality (e.g., eye diagrams, crosstalk).
- Analyze Results: Analyze test results and identify any signal integrity issues.
- Mitigate Issues: Implement design changes if necessary to address signal integrity problems.
6. DVT (Design Verification Testing)
Purpose: Verify that the design meets all specifications and requirements.
Process:
- Test Planning: Develop a comprehensive test plan covering all functional and performance aspects.
- Execute Tests: Perform the planned tests (e.g., functional tests, thermal tests, stress tests).
- Document Results: Record test results and compare them with the expected outcomes.
- Review: Conduct a review meeting to discuss the test results and any deviations.
7. RRC (Reliability and Regulatory Compliance)
Purpose: Ensure the product is reliable and meets regulatory standards.
Process:
- Reliability Testing: Perform tests to assess the product’s reliability (e.g., burn-in testing, environmental testing).
- Regulatory Testing: Conduct tests to ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FCC, CE).
- Certification: Obtain necessary certifications for the product.
8. Debug
Purpose: Identify and resolve any remaining issues.
Process:
- Issue Identification: Identify any functional or performance issues.
- Root Cause Analysis: Perform detailed analysis to find the root causes of issues.
- Implement Fixes: Implement solutions to fix the identified issues.
- Retest: Retest the fixed issues to ensure they are resolved.
9. TSP/PE Transfer (Test Service Provider/Production Engineering Transfer)
Purpose: Transfer the project to production engineering and/or test service provider for mass production.
Process:
- Documentation: Prepare detailed documentation for production (e.g., assembly instructions, test procedures).
- Training: Train the production and test teams on the new product.
- Pilot Run: Conduct a pilot run to validate the production process.
- Feedback: Collect feedback from the pilot run and make necessary adjustments.
10. PCQ
11. FPR and C4 Pass (Final Product Review and Customer Closure)
Purpose: Final review of the product and customer acceptance.
Process:
- Final Review: Conduct a thorough review of the final product.
- Customer Testing: Provide the product to the customer for their testing and approval.
- Feedback: Collect and address any feedback from the customer.
- Acceptance: Obtain formal acceptance from the customer, completing the project.
This sequence ensures a structured and thorough approach to developing and bringing a product to market, addressing design, assembly, testing, compliance, and final review stages.