Critical design reviews provided by Benchmark Electronics ensure your products are manufacture-able, testable and that your required materials are available and of good quality. The Benchmark Electronics, Design For eXcellence (DFX) process ensures that issues related to the quality, cost and manufacturing cycle time of your product are addressed early in the life of the product, allowing your resources to concentrate on the next generation design.

Design for eXcellence (DFX) is concurrent engineering. Reviews are conducted at key points within a predefined project plan that leverage the experience of Benchmark’s Materials, Manufacturing, Quality and Test organizations.

Design for Component/Cost (DFC) reviews are performed on product material listings from the concept phase to recurring points in the sustaining production phase. The results of DFC reviews alert the product design teams to end of life, not recommended for new design, availability and lead time issues along with supplier quality issues.

Design for Manufacture (DFM) reviews are performed at the system level, mechanical piece level and PCB level. Issues related to assembly, service, quality and process are documented and delivered to the product design team. Manufacturing process strategies are formulated including plans for new technology requirements.

Design for Test (DFT) reviews are performed at the bill of materials level, the system level, PCB and schematic level. Bill of material reviews expose any needs for new test technology projects. System level test reviews drive test strategy and overall test process flow. PCB and schematic level DFT reviews help drive component and process defect detection as early as possible in the manufacturing process.

Design for Quality (DFQ) reviews are ongoing through the product life cycle. Approved vendors are monitored for quality and delivery. Process flows and process failure mode effects analysis (PFMEAs) are developed. Control plans are put in place to address areas of risk exposed by the FMEAs. Gauges, fixtures and tooling reviewed for robustness. Quality systems and requirements are accounted for along with regular reviews of theoretical vs. actual yield data. Results from these review processes may drive process improvement projects.

DFX feedback is only valuable to a customer design team if it is received at the opportune time in the design process. Benchmark’s NPI process and engagement model ensures this feedback is delivered at the right time. DFX at Benchmark is an ongoing activity as your products are developed, produced and redeveloped for the next generation.