Insights
Technical learnings and practical tips from the DeltaProto PCBA proto lab.
Pin-compatible according to ChatGPT
2026-09-01When we flagged a supply problem on a Nexperia transistor, the engineer said: "Oh, I will just ask ChatGPT for an alternative." The answer looked convincing.
The biggest challenge in 2026 isn't the PCB — it's the material
2026-06-24Demand from AI is shifting laminate and copper-foil capacity. Lead times for special PCB materials are rising — and how split delivery keeps your development moving anyway.
Fast ProtoPCBA's are expensive. Until someone does the math.
2026-04-10A CEO with a €100k monthly burn rate asked me what a week of waiting costs him. The answer changes the entire cost equation of prototyping.
Fast ProtoPCBA's aren't expensive — waiting is expensive
2026-03-24The biggest costs in hardware development aren't in the PCBA, but in the time between iterations.
Second source for PCBs: why not, actually?
2026-03-06For components, a second source is obvious. For PCBs, almost nobody arranges it.
Heavy copper PCBs for high currents
2026-03-02When 1 oz copper is not enough: benefits, lead time and a smart prototyping strategy.
PCB Lead Time: the Invisible Showstopper
2025-12-29Did you know that PCB lead time often determines 90% of the total turnaround time of a ProtoPCBA project?