Sourcing af dele til PCB-samling

PCB production uses many parts. Parts can be hard to get. This guide explains parts sourcing for PCB assembly. It uses simple words. It uses clear steps. It keeps the logic easy to follow. It shows common parts, why sourcing matters, what can go wrong, and how to choose the best distributor. It also shows how Philifast helps you source parts and finish boards on time.

Introduktion

Printed circuit boards need many parts. Demand for PCBs keeps growing. Parts can become scarce. This makes buying parts a key task for PCB makers and OEMs. Good parts sourcing makes production smooth. It saves money. It saves time. It lowers risk. This guide helps you understand parts sourcing in PCB assembly.

What is parts sourcing?

Parts sourcing is the process to buy electronic parts for PCB assembly. It covers finding parts, ordering them, tracking delivery, and keeping quality. The parts can be passive parts, active parts, and materials. Passive parts are resistors and capacitors. Active parts are integrated circuits and transistors. Materials include the board substrate, copper, and solder mask. Parts sourcing may be done by the OEM, by the PCB maker, or by a third party. When the PCB maker buys and supplies parts to the customer, this is called turnkey or component procurement. This step is key for assembly success.

Common PCB components

Here are the main parts used on a PCB. Each part has a simple role.

Integrated circuits (ICs)

An IC is a small chip. It has many tiny transistors and other elements inside. ICs do logic, memory, power control, and more. ICs are often surface mount devices (SMD). ICs may come in packages like QFP, BGA, QFN, or SOIC. ICs are usually soldered to the board.

Resistors

Resistors limit or shape current. They are simple parts. They turn some electrical energy into heat. Resistors come in fixed or variable types. They have color codes or printed marks that show their value. They come in SMD sizes like 0402, 0603, 0805 and in through-hole types.

Capacitors

Capacitors store electric charge. They release charge when the circuit needs power. They help filter signals and stabilize voltage. Capacitors come as ceramic, electrolytic, tantalum, and film types. Many are SMD and have standard sizes.

Diodes and LEDs

Diodes let current flow in one direction. They protect circuits from wrong polarity. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) emit light. LEDs are a common type of diode used as indicators and light sources.

Sensors

Sensors detect changes in the environment. They output a signal that other parts read. Sensors can measure temperature, light, motion, pressure, and more. Sensors are key for many smart devices.

Inductors

Inductors store energy in a magnetic field. They look like coils or chokes. Inductors are used in power circuits and filters. They work with capacitors in power modules and filters.

Other parts and materials

A PCB also needs non-electrical parts. These include:

• • Substrate or board material (for example FR4 or ceramic).

• • Laminate sheets.

• • Copper foil for the conductive layer.

• • Solder mask (the colored layer that covers copper).

• • Silkscreen for text and labels.

• • Connectors, headers, screws, and standoffs.

These items are part of the board build and must be sourced too.

Why parts sourcing matters

Good sourcing brings clear benefits.

Save cost

Buying parts at the right price lowers production cost. When parts are cheaper, the cost to make a PCB falls. This helps margins and makes pricing more flexible.

Save time

If parts arrive on time, assembly runs on schedule. Late parts cause delays. Delays can hurt delivery dates and customer trust.

Ensure quality

Buying from good sources cuts the chance of bad parts or fakes. Bad parts can fail in test or field. Good sourcing keeps product quality high.

Manage risk

Parts can be near end of life or have long lead times. Good sourcing finds backups and avoids single points of failure. This lowers the chance of a halt in production.

Factors that affect parts sourcing

Parts sourcing is not simple. Many factors affect it.

Component availability

Some parts may be hard to find. Short supply can come from higher demand or factory issues. If a part is scarce, you may see long lead times or price spikes. Design teams must check whether parts are in stock when they choose them.

Obsolescence

Parts go obsolete. A part may stop being made. Designers must track parts that are close to end of life. If a part becomes obsolete, you need a replacement or redesign.

Distributor relationships

A good link with distributors helps. Authorized distributors can provide genuine parts and traceability. They can help with hard-to-find parts. Good distributors also help with pricing and delivery.

Lead time and MOQ

Some parts require minimum order quantities (MOQ). Some parts need long lead times. These items drive the schedule and inventory plan.

Counterfeit risk

There is a chance of fake parts in open markets. Buying from authorized or trusted sources lowers the risk. Test and inspect incoming parts when possible.

Price and total cost

Price matters. Also consider total cost, not just unit price. Shipping, testing, storage, and rework add cost.

Methods to procure parts

You can buy parts in several ways. Each way fits a different need.

Turnkey procurement

The PCB maker buys and supplies all parts. The customer gives the BOM and design files. The maker quotes a single price for the assembled boards. Turnkey is simple for the customer. The maker controls the supply chain.

Consigned parts

The customer buys and ships parts to the PCB maker. The maker assembles with those parts. This keeps the buying control with the customer. It can reduce risk of counterfeit parts.

Kitting

Parts are grouped in kits before assembly. A kit has one set of components for one board or one run. Kitting makes line feeding easy and cuts errors.

Hybrid models

Some work is shared. The customer supplies critical parts. The maker supplies standard parts. This blends risk and cost.

How to choose the best component distributor

Many distributors exist. Only some are reliable. Use these simple checks to pick the best.

Authorized and franchised status

Pick distributors who are authorized by the part maker. Authorized distributors supply genuine parts. They offer traceability and warranty.

Traceability and paperwork

Ask for certificates of origin, packing lists, and trace data. Good distributors can give lot numbers and date codes. This helps quality checks and recalls.

Stock and lead time

Check the stock level and the real lead time. A true partner will update lead times and help plan buys.

Pricing and payment terms

Compare price, shipping cost, and payment terms. Good partners offer fair price and flexible terms for large runs.

Quality and testing

Ask if the distributor tests parts or offers sample testing. Many top distributors have testing options for high risk parts.

Anti-counterfeit measures

Ask about anti-counterfeit checks and how returns are handled. This is key for high value and critical parts.

Support and technical help

Good distributors help with part selection and cross reference. They can find alternates and carry data sheets.

EOL and lifecycle support

Choose distributors that warn you about end of life parts. They can help find last buys or suggest substitutes.

References and reviews

Ask for references and check reviews. A good track record is a good sign.

Steps to evaluate and pick a distributor

Here are simple steps you can follow.

1. 1. Make a short list of possible distributors.

1. 1. Check if they are authorized by the part maker.

1. 1. Ask for stock proof and lead time.

1. 1. Request samples or small test orders.

1. 1. Ask for trace data and paperwork.

1. 1. Compare price plus freight and taxes.

1. 1. Check their return policy and warranty.

1. 1. Ask for references from similar customers.

1. 1. Make a trial order and judge the service.

Tips to manage parts sourcing well

Use these tips in daily work.

• • Keep an Approved Vendor List (AVL). Use only vetted suppliers.

• • Keep safety stock for long lead parts.

• • Have alternate parts ready in the design (alternate part numbers).

• • Forecast demand and order early.

• • Use small buys for prototypes and bigger buys for mass runs.

• • Use kitting to reduce line error.

• • Test incoming parts for critical items.

• • Keep clear BOM data: part number, manufacturer, package, value, tolerance, manufacturer part number (MPN) and approved alternate MPNs.

• • Keep records of purchase, lot data, and test results.

• • Use basic inventory software or an ERP to track parts.

• • Work with a partner who can handle customs and global shipping.