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I have a couple of questions regarding getting a PCB developed. I have used EasyEDA to develop a PCB schematic (auto-routing included.)
How can I find the availability of parts? For example, I have a Bluetooth module and I expect some modules are more available than others.
When reaching out to a PCB manufacturer/assembler, do they retrieve the components for you, or do PCB assembly companies have a defined list of components you can use on your PCB?
When reaching out to a PCB manufacturer/assembler, do they retrieve the components for you? Or do PCB assembly companies have a defined list of components you can use on your PCB?
Both. Usually, they have a catalog of standard components – mostly passives, but also standard ICs, connectors, LEDs – that you can directly use in your project, often at good prices (because the boardhouse orders 100,000 of them, and you would order 20).
The more professional board houses also offer that you can send components directly to them, or that they can order for you (from a selection of distributors). Cost varies greatly, but in general, it's possible. Usually, the most expensive solution is sending them the components to use. (That's the most "manual" work. If they just have to order 20 additional components from digikey, they don't have to do any extra sorting, bookkeeping, dealing with suboptimal packaging…)
You have to read assembler rules. Each assembler have different rules like:
As well, they have different abilities like:
