Panelization, also known as the processing of boards in an array format, keeps small boards attached to each other within a single, larger substrate. As circuit boards become smaller, changes to production processes must be made in order to ensure that quality is not sacrificed. Panelization helps to address these issues to process multiple small boards through assembly, and is becoming more prevalent as board sizes shrink. There are two primary reasons for using an array scheme: One is to increase throughput, and the other to allow the manufacturing process to maintain its standard panel size. Besides, smaller boards run the risk of being removed during routing due to the router’s vacuum pressure, while the risk can be largely reduced when boards are arrayed in a good order.
