Knowing the tradeoffs between electrical and materials constraints.

Read more: Selecting a Sound PCB Stack-up Strategy: Cost Adders

For boards headed for volume, plan your in-circuit test strategy up front.

The success of the manufacturing process is based on the execution and measurement of the health of each process step. Machines on assembly lines install thousands of parts every minute; therefore, throughout the assembly process, checks must be completed. Design-for-test (DfT) offers capability for testing, including component connectivity, electrical value, and proper component orientation. However, final testing – in-circuit testing capability – must be designed into the PCB at the layout stage.

Read more: DfT for ICT: When Should Testing Be Considered