PCB Prototyping for US Hardware Teams
Get prototype circuit boards that reflect how your design will build in production. Network PCB fabricates and assembles prototype PCBs for engineering teams across the United States, with DFM review on every order.
Prototype PCBs That Lead to Production
A prototype should do more than prove that a circuit works. It should also show that the board can be built reliably in volume. That is why Network PCB applies the same design review, materials and inspection standards to prototypes as to production orders.
Based in San Jose, California, since 1994, we support startups, product companies and R&D groups throughout the US. If your program has requirements about where prototypes are built, include them in your RFQ so they can be confirmed.
Bare-board prototypes
Rigid, multilayer, HDI, flex, rigid-flex and RF prototypes in the materials you intend to use in production.
Assembled prototypes
Fully assembled prototype boards with SMT, through-hole and BGA parts, plus inspection and optional functional test.
Quick-turn options
Expedited scheduling when a prototype is on the critical path for a design review or launch.
For expedited builds, see quick-turn PCB manufacturing.
From Prototype to Production
A typical path from first prototype to released production looks like this:
Prototype quote
Send your design data and build notes. We confirm what can be built, the price, and the realistic lead time for that construction.
DFM review
Engineers check the design against fabrication and assembly rules and raise any issues before tooling. Fixing them now is much cheaper than finding them on a finished board.
Prototype build
Boards are fabricated and, if ordered, assembled and inspected to your requirements.
Your validation
You bring up and test the prototypes. Feedback such as footprint fixes, stack-up changes or component swaps goes into the next revision.
Pilot run
A small pre-production lot confirms that the updated design builds consistently and that the test approach works.
Production release
The validated revision moves to production quantities using the same data, stack-up and quality requirements.
Design Files and Quote Requirements
Complete data avoids delays caused by engineering questions. Include the following.
For bare-board prototypes
- Gerber RS-274X, ODB++ or IPC-2581 data
- NC drill file
- Board outline and fabrication drawing
- Layer count, material, finished thickness and copper weights
- Surface finish and solder mask color
- Impedance targets and stack-up, if controlled
- Quantity and required date
Also for assembled prototypes
- BOM with manufacturer part numbers
- Centroid / pick-and-place file
- Assembly drawing with polarity marks
- Parts you will supply (if any)
- Lead-free or tin-lead requirement
- Test or inspection requirements
Upload everything through the request-for-quote form. Include BOM and pick-and-place files inside a ZIP or RAR archive.
Prototype Lead Times
Below are Network PCB's published standard turn times for bare-board fabrication, as listed on our manufacturing turnaround time page. Treat them as a starting point. The lead time on your quote is the one that applies.
| Area | What is supported |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 layers | 1 day (published standard bare-board turn time) |
| Up to 10 layers | 2 days (published standard bare-board turn time) |
| Up to 16 layers | 3 days (published standard bare-board turn time) |
| Assembled prototypes | Depends on component availability and the assembly and test scope. Confirmed at quote. |
Lead times are longer for specialty laminates, HDI build-up structures, sequential lamination, unusual finishes, extended testing, larger quantities and assemblies waiting on components. Shipping time is extra.
Technical Considerations for Prototypes
Getting these right at prototype stage avoids a re-spin later:
Choose your production material
Dielectric constant and loss vary between laminates. Prototype RF and high-speed boards on the material you intend to ship.
Define the stack-up early
Controlled-impedance traces depend on dielectric thickness and copper weight. Agree the stack-up before routing is finished.
Design within standard limits
Staying within standard trace, space and drill limits keeps cost and lead time down. Check the specifications page before you use advanced features.
Plan for test
Add test points and programming access now. They are hard to add once a layout is in production.
Check component availability
Long-lead or end-of-life parts can delay assembled prototypes. Note approved alternates on the BOM.
Panelize with assembly in mind
Rails, fiducials and breakaway tabs help small boards run through assembly equipment reliably.
Check feature limits on the specifications & tolerances page.
PCB Prototyping FAQs
How fast can I get prototype PCBs?
Are prototype boards made in the USA?
What is the minimum quantity for a PCB prototype?
Can you assemble my prototype boards too?
Can prototypes use the same materials as production?
What files do I need for a prototype PCB quote?
Will you review my design before fabrication?
How do I move a prototype into production?
Quote Your Next Prototype
Send your files and tell us your target date. We will review the design and give you a quote with a confirmed lead time.