Calculating PCB Fabrication Costs (Watch Out!)

摘要

We get this question a lot: "How much per square inch for a four-layer board (or double-sided, or six layers)? I won't hold you to it, I promise." Right... We get it. It's difficult to provide the boss with a project cost rollup without the board cost estimate. If you do a lot of designs, you may have a feel for it, or you may refer to a similar board cost from a past project. This actually can be very effective. I have even seen online cost calculators that presume to give an accurate number. Knowing what I know about PCB pricing, however, I can say it just ain't so. Here is why calculating PCB cost is tricky and dangerous ground.