NYP's School of Engineering (SEG) and School of Information Technology collaborated with Avi-Tech Electronics Ltd and developed an Automated PCBA Gerber Interpretation Software that streamlines this process. 

Traditionally, engineers manually convert a product design’s Gerber files (a standard digital format for PCB design) into hardcopies for verification, especially for component placement. With the new software, this process is automated. The tool not only identifies the necessary components but also colour-codes them on the design, making it easier to see where each part fits on the schematic and assembly drawings. 

Additionally, the software uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to scan assembly drawings and cross-check the number of components with the Bill-of-Materials (BOM). This helps pinpoint any discrepancies – such as missing parts – without the need for manual counting or comparison. The software also groups similar components together, improving overall efficiency. 

Why does this project matter?

For engineers, students, and staff at NYP, this project brings valuable insights into the power of automation in manufacturing. By working with cutting-edge technologies like AI-based OCR and data analytics, students gain hands-on experience in developing software solutions that solve real-world problems. Not only does this give them practical exposure to industry-relevant skills, but it also equips them with the knowledge needed to innovate in various fields. 

In the long term, this technology benefits the broader electronics industry by speeding up the production process, reducing human errors, and ultimately lowering costs. By automating repetitive tasks, workers can focus on more complex and creative aspects of design, improving productivity and quality across the board:

• Cost: NYP provided a cost-effective solution to address our issue.
• Quality: The software was customised to be as easy as possible, as the company is utilising it in a production environment where ease of use is of essential importance.
• Lead Time: The software improves our productivity and allows better utilisation of resources, achieving a faster turnaround of product lead time for our customers.