PSO is an abbreviation that stands for Social Enterprise Performance Ladder. It is a scientifically based quality mark from TNO and an instrument that shows the extent to which organizations are engaged in social entrepreneurship. With this instrument it becomes clear what is being done within an organization to increase the participation of vulnerable groups within the labor market. In this way, an organization can make its social commitment visible to the outside world.

At Confed, we are working every day to discover new innovative technologies that both reduce PCB production time and lower costs. We have fully automated SMD lines standing for PCB assembly, also called placement machines. They are capable of placing tens of thousands of components per hour with great placement accuracy and the certainty of a correct connection. These components can be packaged and delivered in a variety of ways, and this is where these terms come into play.

Properly transferring solder paste to the PCB, how is it done in practice? In the EMS industry where we talk about automated SMD streets, solder paste stencils are used that are fabricated using screen printing technique.

SMD assembly involves the placement of Surface-Mounted Devices (components). A Surface-Mounted Device is an electrical component attached to PCBs (printed circuit boards). In this blog, you can read all about the process steps of an SMD installation.

AOI is an acronym that stands for Automated Optical Inspection. It is all about automated optical inspection using a camera system. Printed circuit boards (both assembled and unassembled) are non-contact checked for quality using this system.

Before PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) and PCB assemblies are delivered, they must pass various electrical tests. Electrical tests are conducted to ensure the qualitative and reliable performance of PCBs in final products. These tests are applied to detect problems early. Flying Probe Testing is the test of choice to shorten your product's time-to-market and product design cycle to the maximum extent possible. In this blog, we explain exactly how Flying Probe Testing works.

Wave Soldering Wave soldering is a process where components or connection elements are bulk soldered onto the circuit board after being placed on the board. The technique is mainly used for THT components but SMD components can also be soldered using wave soldering.

When a circuit board is in the prototype stage, Through Hole Technology is a commonly chosen technique. This is because it is easier to replace through-hole components than components that are not continuously studded. In prototyping, Through Hole Technology components are easier to remove, therefore they are well suited test users. The disadvantage is that THT components are much larger.

When people talk about the SMT process, they are talking about a technology related to printed circuit boards. It is an assembly technique that relates to the placement of components on printed circuit boards. This technique is increasingly used because it provides low costs due to increased productivity. With SMT technique, the components and elements are applied directly to the surface of the PCB. This is in contrast to the conventional technique where components are applied through hole through the PCB, known as Through Hole Technology (THT). This SMT technique provides much higher placement speeds compared to the THT technique.

Man and machine cannot (yet) communicate with each other without problems. For example, the information a person can understand (such as text and images) is different from the information (ones and zeros) of a computer. This requires an interface. 

This interface converts information from one system into a form that is understandable and recognizable by the other system. Choosing the word "system" shows that interfaces are not just for communication between man and machine. Communication between two computer components is also through an interface. An interface may also be needed between two people. Read on quickly.

The hardware architecture (hardware requirements) is physically embodied by conceptual design and physical modeling of electrical devices. Detailed hardware design involves the selection of required components for all functions. Electronic circuits are also designed.

A software detail design, also called a software detail design, is a detailed plan for developing a piece of software. The SDD should outline the functionality of the finished software (specifications) and your team's plan to build it (timeline, goals, etc.). As a rule of thumb, we maintain that for any project longer than a month, an SDD should be created before coding or development begins. This prevents mistakes or problems in the future and ensures efficient and error-free progress in writing the right software.

Before a product is fully approved for development or sale, it must be verified, validated and accepted. This requires specific steps to be followed to make this efficient and qualitative. We explain these steps in this blog. Read on quickly!

An embedded system (also called embedded system or integrated system) is an electronic system consisting of hardware, software and firmware, which is integrated into consumer items or devices. The purpose of embedded systems is to provide some form of intelligent behavior to the device or article of use. Thus, devices can become increasingly "smart" for end-user use.

The V-model methodology consists of 2 branches, on the left are the design steps, on the right are the test steps. Each design step has a corresponding test step. The project starts with a definition defining the requirements and the corresponding acceptance criteria.

The terms product engineering and production engineering appear frequently in our work-related conversations with clients. However, there can be a lot of confusion about these terms. Many people think of the terms as one or confuse them. In this blog, we explain the terms and highlight the differences.

Choosing the right type of project approach is crucial to the progress and outcome of a development project. This choice must therefore be made carefully. In this blog we explain, how we approach this at Confed.

Designed for Testing (DFT) consists of a set of design techniques that add test functions to a printed circuit board design. These added features aim to facilitate the testing of (assembled) printed circuit boards, thereby reducing the cost of testing.

To protect the electronics from environmental factors, a variety of enclosure options can be selected. The enclosure is like a shell of the device, containing within it circuit boards, cabling, motors and other components. An enclosure can be produced from different materials, for example, plastic, aluminum, metal or other type of material. Our considerations when determining an enclosure are appearance, cost, production numbers, IP classification and robustness.

Firmware is software that is built into hardware. This software ensures that the hardware functions properly. The software is crucial to the functionality of the device. 

Firmware is found in TVs, washing machines, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and routers, among others. PCs are also equipped with firmware. Different "types" of firmware, such as BIOS or UEFI, reside on the PC's motherboard. For these more complex devices (such as PCs), firmware contains only the basic function of a device. It communicates with higher-level software used by consumers. Firmware acts as the complete operating system for less complex devices, including IoT devices. 

Convenience and evolution are making electrotechnical products increasingly complex to produce. Users expect more and more (electrotechnical) products that think "smart. The miniaturization of electronic components is also becoming increasingly important. As a result, among other things, the complexity of printed circuit boards (PCBs) is evolving.

The acronym IoT stands for "Internet of Things. This term includes all physical objects with an Internet connection that can transmit data online. Examples include smartwatches and modern cars, as well as washing machines, thermostats and doorbells....

Any electronic product, no matter how well designed, is prone to errors and irregularities. It is therefore essential to thoroughly test electronic products, and in this particular case PCBs, right from the first stage of design. This testing of PCBs at the design level can be done through various techniques such as EMI, Signal Integrity and Power Integrity. This minimizes design issues that can lead to problems later on. But how can you test a PCB after it has been assembled to verify that all is okay? How can you be sure there are no latches, bad solder joints or misplaced components? In this blog we would like to explain what test methods are for this and how Confed deploys and develops these test methodologies for its customers.

A Life Cycle Design is a design philosophy intended to ensure quality and durability throughout the entire life cycle of a product. Both in the period prior to production, during production and in the period after production, the products, the various components and the process must be designed to best support quality and sustainability. In addition to setting up a Life Cycle Design, Life Cycle Management is also needed to ensure the longevity of the products. In this blog, we will tell you more about Life Cycle Design and Life Cycle Management at Confed.

The product development of your electrical products must be streamlined to save cost and time. Thus, development must be efficient. In addition, the products must also be of sound quality. This requires flawless project management, with all the knowledge and skills that go with it. At Confed, you should expect nothing less from us. 

In this blog, we explain how Confed handles the project management of your product development. 

The approach to a project is crucial to efficient and quality product development. There are different types of approaches that support various products or processes. At the start of a development project, the best project approach is obviously chosen. One of the models is Time Material. We explain more about it in this blog.

IPC-A-610 certification is a requirement in the medical, aerospace and military manufacturing industries, among others. Companies that use this standard differentiate themselves from the rest of the market and can thus maintain and or strengthen their position. This certification (also known as the standard for acceptance of assembled electronic components) is the most widely used standard published by IPC, and it sets the standards for what is and is not acceptable during PCB assembly. In this blog, we explain more about the basics of IPC-A-610 certification.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is the world's largest and best-known non-profit independent testing laboratory. Based in Northwood, Illinois, UL conducts safety and quality testing on a wide range of products. In short, a certification from UL means that production takes place under safe and responsible conditions and the products are of sound quality. A UL certificate is necessary if you as a manufacturer want to export to the United States of America or Canada. This means that semi-finished products such as wire harnesses must also be UL certified. Confed has UL certification and is therefore an excellent supplier for the manufacture of your wire harnesses.

At Confed, we produce electrical engineering prototypes, finished products and semi-finished products, using a structured product development process. 

Once the principles in this development cycle are determined, the system architecture is determined. 

In this blog, we talk more about system architecture and what we specifically consider. 

During this phase of the design cycle, the design is developed in detail for each aspect of the product. The results of the detailed design are recorded for each discipline. 

In this blog, we explain more about the concept of detail design from the design cycle. 

At Confed, we use a special design system to design and develop your electrical engineering prototypes, finished products and semi-finished products as quickly, qualitatively and completely as possible. 

To do this, we use a structured cycle for product development. In this cycle, we determine the appropriate applications for each product being developed based on a number of factors. 

In the System Architecture step, we create an Architecture Design Document based on a number of tests and investigations. 

In this blog, we talk more about this document and especially its importance. 

Software is more important than ever for most electrical devices. A good software implementation is therefore crucial. 

At Confed, we implement software (but also hardware and other facets) carefully and regularly. One way we do this is by following a step-by-step plan or method. 

In this blog, we explain more about software implementation at Confed. 

Want to engage a complete and high-quality PCB service for your business? Confed takes burdens off your hands and applies knowledge and experience to PCB design and manufacturing.

From design and prototyping to logistics, we take care of it. We maintain full chain control in this, including all technical and logistical support. At every stage, we know the leading techniques, theories and working methods. We are efficient, careful and fast. And always with a complete focus on our customers' needs.

Cable assembly is needed for specific (electronic) products, computers and more. Do you want cable assembly with guaranteed quality, speed and with a thinking eye? Then you have come to the right place at Confed.

From design and prototyping to logistics. Here, we maintain full chain control, including all technical and logistical support. At every stage, we know the leading techniques, theories and working methods. We are efficient, careful and fast, with a complete focus on our customers' needs.

You can come to Confed for engineering, development, assembly and production. We like to think along with you about new and improved designs and can also take care of the handling in production and logistics for you.

Our experienced and skilled engineering team allows us to produce quality PCB, wire harnesses and other types of designs.

Having a prototype made for a new product or idea can capture the imagination and simplify testing and optimization.

Our experts listen, develop and manufacture to your needs and requirements. From thinking along to the initial testing phase; you can always count on our expertise, knowledge, experience and input.

A prototype for a new product or idea can capture the imagination and simplify testing and optimization.

The engineering of a prototype is the basis for your final product. It must therefore be done with precision, knowledge and experience. A solid foundation is half the battle.

EMS stands for Electronics Manufacturing Services. EMS is a term used for companies that design, manufacture, test, distribute and return/repair electronic components and assemblies for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Confed is EMS company. We like to think, develop and distribute.

Do you need a unique PCB for your (finished) product? Then of course you want the best specialists for design, development and production. At Confed we have years of experience, knowledge, a large network and an eye on the future.

We develop to your needs and requirements and are happy to think with you about various optimizations.

Assembly involves bringing together different parts of a product. This process is also called assembly or final assembly. Assembly is necessary for products. Even for the products you have in your home. Think of your vacuum cleaner, coffee maker, computer and washing machine, they all consist of parts that need to be assembled.

In this article, we talk more about the different forms of assembly at Confed.

From small to large series; at Confed we can make it all happen for you. Through economical scale purchasing, knowledge, experience and the right resources, we can perform any kind of series assembly cheaply and quickly for you.

In this article, we talk more about serial assembly at Confed.

Confed has been providing assembly, mounting and production of high quality electronics (EMS - Electronic Manufacturing Services) for national and international customers for many years. Our knowledge and experience allow us to offer each customer the most advantageous and highest quality electronics, at a fast delivery time.

In this article, we tell you more about electronics assembly at Confed

Are you looking for a suitable PCB company to assemble, manufacture and supply your PCBs? Then you have come to the right place at Confed. We have accumulated years of knowledge and experience and over the years have acquired a broad network and the right resources to produce your PCBs from A to Z of the highest quality.

In this article, we tell you more about our PCB company.

Do you want to improve the usability and user-friendliness of your electronics? Then it is important to apply User Interface Engineering. We explain exactly what this is and how we apply it to our designs for you.

In this article, we talk more about User Interface Engineering at Confed.

PCBs are crucial for the proper functionality of electronic devices or other modules. An appropriate and functional layout of PCBs is therefore important for their effectiveness.

In this article, we talk more about PCB Layout engineering at Confed.

Confed has extensive knowledge, experience and the right resources to engineer, manufacture and deliver all your electronics needs. For medium to large companies, we can design and produce multiple series. We also offer multiple services in addition to producing the electronics. We explain what we can do for you.

In this article, we tell you more about EMS Engineering at Confed.

During product development, we use a precise product development cycle. The core of this development cycle is to optimize all parts of a product step by step.

We begin our development cycle by defining the characteristics of a product. Then the requirements of the embedded systems are determined. 



In this blog, we explain exactly what is performed within these first two steps of the development cycle.