Panelization lays multiple boards onto a standard fabrication panel, and for assembly onto smaller arrays sized for the SMT line, with rails, tooling holes and fiducials. Boards are held in the array by V-score lines or routed slots with breakaway tabs and are separated after assembly. Good panel design uses material efficiently, keeps the array stiff through reflow and leaves room for parts that overhang a board edge.
Panelize them four up with 5 mm rails, tooling holes in the corners and three fiducials on the rail.
Also heard as
- panelisation
- step and repeat
Related terms
V-score
V-shaped groove cut partway into a panel from both sides so boards snap apart along straight lines.
Tab routing
Routing out each board in a panel but leaving small tabs that hold it in place until it is broken out.
Mouse bites
Rows of small drilled holes across breakaway tabs so boards snap cleanly from a panel, leaving a nibbled edge.
Fiducial
Small bare copper target on a board or panel that machine vision uses to locate it precisely.