RF Circuit Design, 2nd Edition

Chapter 10: Manufacturability of Product Design

10.1 Introduction

The development process of a product can probably be divided into two stages: R&D and production. Let us take a look what happens when a product is developed in this way.

• In the R&D stage, the main design steps, including simulation, layout, and implementation of module or IC tape-out, are completed based on the product specifications.
• Some samples based on the prototype design are fabricated by hand.
• Testing of these samples is carried out.
• Patents are awarded and papers published.
• Product is put on the production line for mass production.
• However, the yield rate of the product is very poor, say, less than 40%. More than 60% of the funds for the direct and indirect material costs, including manpower and the manufacturing facility, is wasted.
• People from R&D and manufactory scream, shout, and blame each other for the product failure.
• Result: the company goes bankrupt.

What is going on?

The failure of this product is due to the lack of tolerance analysis prior to being put on the production line. To ensure the manufacturability of a product, tolerance analysis in the simulation stage must be carried out. Obviously, this is a very important step to guarantee the success of a new product.

The unique criterion to measure the success or failure of product development is the manufacturability of a product. What is the manufacturability of a product? Manufacturability of a product means that the product can be manufactured ...