In many PCB projects, component selection is treated primarily as an electrical decision.
If a part meets voltage, current, speed, and accuracy requirements,
it is often considered “good enough.”
In production, however, components behave very differently than they do in schematics.
At Comtec Labs, component-related issues are one of the most common reasons for:
Production delays
Cost overruns
Emergency redesigns
Unstable ramp-ups
This article explains why good component selection must balance electrical performance with manufacturing and supply-chain reality.
Why Electrically Correct Components Fail in Production
A component can be electrically perfect and still be a poor manufacturing choice.
Common reasons include:
Long or unpredictable lead times
Single-source components
Short product lifecycles
Packaging formats unsuitable for automation
These risks often surface only when volumes increase.
Availability Is a Design Parameter
Availability is not a purchasing problem. It is a design decision.
Selecting components without considering:
Multiple sources
Drop-in alternatives
Lifecycle status
creates fragile designs that struggle in production.
Packaging and Assembly Impact
Package choice affects:
Placement speed
Yield
Rework complexity
Exotic or uncommon packages often increase assembly cost without functional benefit.
Designing BOMs for Change
Change is inevitable. Good designs anticipate it. Including approved alternates,
using flexible footprints, and avoiding overly specific parts makes designs resilient.
DFM and Component Strategy
Manufacturing-friendly component selection reduces risk, shortens lead times,
and stabilizes production.
The best component is the one that can be built reliably tomorrow—not just today.
Ready to Reduce PCB Surprises?
If you’re navigating complex requirements, tight schedules, or production risk, Comtec Labs offers a full suite of services to streamline your workflow:
PCB design service
PCB prototyping service
PCB component sourcing
PCB component assembly
PCB testing service
PCB repair and modifications
Printed circuit board production
PCB mass production