How Are PCB Layout Jobs Priced?

Determining a price for PCB layout services is conceptually simple:  Estimated number of hours times an hourly rate.  The trick is estimating how much time, and which rate is applicable. Over the past 24 years we've quoted more than 6,000 designs and evolved a pricing methodology that uses a structured process applied to a baseline formula which is then modified to accommodate exceptional items. 

Probably the most frequent question asked by new customers is “What information do you need to quote a design?” Here are the files required for a quote, and additional files that are helpful (the more information provided the better):

     Required

1.        Schematic (Native design file or PDF)
2.        BOM (Bill of Materials)
3.        Mechanical (DXF, IDF, PDF, or simple X-Y dimensions)

     Helpful

1.        Netlist
2.        Routing Rules / Constraints Document
3.        Placement Floorplan
4.        Component Datasheets (only for components with Layout Notes)

Additional Things We Need To Know

Below are some common questions we might have, especially for new customers:

1.        General schematic/technology questions?
2.        Manufacturing cost concerns?
3.        CAD tool requirements? (At Optimum we support most tools)
4.        Do you have a corporate library?
5.        Target completion date?

Estimating Time - Baseline

With a general understanding of the design and the basic questions answered, we can estimate the hours required for the project.  For layout, the tasks are virtually the same for every board:

1.        Library creation
2.        Placement
3.        Routing
4.        Outputs

Estimating Time - Adders

The baseline number is then adjusted with “adders”, items which impact the standard time it takes to complete a design. Some common “adders” are:

1. Component pin density.  This is derived from the usable square area (inches) / number of pins.  Anything over 400 pins / sq. in. would increase not only the placement time, but the routing as well.  This calculation is also used to determine if HDI is necessary from a density standpoint (not package).
2. Routing density.  Based on the number of internal routing layers, number of nets, and shape of the board, a factor is applied to the routing baseline.
3. Routing Topologies and Timing requirements.  DDR memory schemes are good examples of technologies that take a bit longer to successfully incorporate into a layout.  Other examples would be; RF designs with shield walls, Power Supplies, large number of differential pairs, PHY’s, etc.
4. HDI. Necessary due to either package size or component pin density. HDI is a real game changer on what can be accomplished on a PCB as well as differentiator between designers.
5. Mil / Aero. Technologies used on military / aerospace are typically no different than what we see in the commercial world but because of their stringent design guidelines, review process, complex documentation and project management requirements, these boards take longer to complete in all areas.

Estimating Time - Example

Here's an example time estimate from a recent design quote:

To put a price to this example, we would multiply the 64 hours times an hourly rate. US domestic layout rates tend to range from $90-$150 per hour. The factors affecting the rate include turnaround urgency, seniority of designer required, technologies, EDA tool choice, onsite requirements, and business volume.

Conclusion

This structure approach has served us well for over 20 years. For some thoughts on the difficulty of comparing prices, see our article PCB Layout Prices Are Hard to Compare. To discuss your particular project contact Randy Holt, PCB Layout Manager, at rholt@optimumdesign.com.

Further Reading:  PCB Layout Prices Are Hard to Compare