Altium Case Studies Designing PCBs for Mars: DKB Resources' Complex Design Process Management
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Designing PCBs for Mars: DKB Resources' Complex Design Process Management

Altium
Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Middleware, SDKs & Libraries
Networks & Connectivity - 5G
Electronics
National Security & Defense
Procurement
Product Research & Development
Visual Quality Detection
System Integration
Testing & Certification
DKB Resources, a successful electronics service bureau, has carved a niche in developing specialized Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) for organizations in the space and military industry. However, this commitment comes with a significant responsibility. The company must work within the strict requirements of its clients, design using specific sets of standards and guidelines, and ensure that its designs can withstand harsh environments like space. This necessitates a strong emphasis on quality, reliability, documentation, and good communication with clients. The company's work is checked by program managers, procurement managers, and administrative support managers, each with their own data requirements and document standards. This complex process is likened to being multilingual by Darya Bronston, President of DKB Resources. The company's line of work leaves no room for error, as people's lives could depend on the reliability of a design.
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DKB Resources is an electronics design service bureau based in Santa Barbara, California. With over a decade of experience in developing specialized PCBs for research and development programs, including those in the space and defense sector, DKB Resources has built a reputation for customer service, productivity, efficiency, and quality. The company's clientele includes some of the world's most recognizable organizations such as NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Raytheon, Teradyne, and Northrop Grumman. The company prides itself on a 99.8% 'first time turn on' success rate, demonstrating its commitment to quality and reliability.
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To manage this complex process, DKB Resources utilizes Altium's data management system. This system allows the company's engineers to develop a series of design rules and libraries that are relevant to each of its clients. It also enables the design team to reuse design elements while maintaining quality and reliability. A prime example of how DKB Resources leverages this system is its collection of golden libraries and golden templates that are specific to each customer. For instance, for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), DKB Resources was provided a 600-plus page rule book of requirements and guidelines. The company used Altium Designer to recreate these applicable rules in a Design Rule Check (DRC) checklist to ensure adherence to JPL requirements. This commitment to quality and adherence to client-specific requirements sets DKB Resources apart from its competitors.
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The use of Altium's data management system has enabled DKB Resources to effectively manage the complex design process, ensuring adherence to client-specific requirements and standards. This has not only enhanced the company's reputation for quality and reliability but also its ability to communicate effectively with clients. The system allows DKB Resources to translate and document the details of its design into varying formats and share this information with the various parties involved. This capability sets DKB Resources apart from its competitors and allows it to provide a higher level of support. The company's commitment to quality and adherence to client-specific requirements was recognized when it was awarded the Supplier Trust and Recognition Award for its work on the Mars Rover MSL project.
99.8% 'first time turn on' success rate, indicating high reliability and quality of designs.
Managed to recreate a 600-plus page rule book of requirements and guidelines for JPL into a DRC checklist, ensuring strict adherence to client requirements.
Received the Supplier Trust and Recognition Award in 2009 for its work on the Mars Rover MSL project.
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