Anyone used Seeedstudio 4-layer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 05:19:57 am
content: Surprisingly when searching the web and this forum there doesn't seem to be any reviews or comments about the quality of the 4-layer boards from Seeed (or Itead for that matter since they're most likely the same.)Anyone used them?I'm about to get a 10x20cm 4-layer board done that's not particularly dense but is mixed signal and needs the extra planes for noise (or at least 4-layers will make it a lot easier.)

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 05:29:15 am
content: Interested as well. I've got a simple 4-layer in the pipeline, and right now I'd flip a coin to pick either Itead or Seeed to see if it's any good. In my case it's a 5x5 cm with mostly digital stuff. Basically FPGA + assorted fluff on top, decoupling caps on the bottom.Any tolerances to be aware of, or do they both live up to their claimed performance?

author: johnwa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 06:38:05 am
content: My current project uses a 4 layer board from Seeed. Registration does not appear to be a problem, though I think I increased the isolation on the inner layers somewhat.

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 06:48:55 am
content: What track and space did you use? I see their minimum is 8mil for the inner planes. 8mil is fine for what I'm doing if they can do it reliably.Overall is the board fine?

author: johnwa
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2013, 01:03:46 pm
content: I used 0.16mm track/space on the outside, 0.25mm track on the power planes, and I bumped the polygon pour clearance up to 0.5mm. While I have not examined the boards minutely, they seem to be OK, and there have not been any faults attributable to the PCB manufacture (though there have been quite a few attributable to my programming!).

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2013, 01:19:26 am
content: Thanks mate, appreciated. They look alright for 6thou.

author: riktw
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 03:21:52 pm
content: I used the smart-prototyping service as it is the cheapest 4 layer atm.Quality looks good, can recommend it.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 03:38:16 pm
content: i've run at least six or seven 4 layer boards at itead. some were the 10 pieces, some were large batch (100 boards )no problems whatsoever.6 mil track 6 mil gap and 12 mil drill in 24 mil pads.If you want: i have made an altium DRC template that will pass their incoming inspection without a hitch. Simply design to the set rules and there will be no questions.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2013, 05:04:23 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on October 21, 2013, 03:38:16 pmThat would indeed be very helpful.

author: Harvs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 02:57:00 am
content: Some feedback about the Seeedstudio experience.I went with them over Itead as I normally would because of the much greater flexibility of sizes.This was a 200x100, 4-layer, ENIG, coloured board.Firstly the quality of the finished product that I have in my hand (and I've assembled and tested a couple) is fine. It's very similar (identical?) to the quality of the itead 2-layer boards. The only gripe is the ENIG plating is very thin. In a couple of high current traces where I've pulled back the solder mask the plating has pretty much thinned out to nothing. So in hindsight I wouldn't waste the money on the ENIG plating.My only real gripe with Seeed has been the service is no where near as slick as Itead. Many small things:- I placed the order, got an email saying I could keep track of the order on their webpage. I looked at it wasn't there, so thinking something was wrong I sent them a message and got a reply saying the order's fine and be patient.- One week after submitting the order I got an email saying it was shipped. Great I thought, same times as the two layer boards from itead. Still no order information available yet via their website.- Two days later I got another email saying it's now traceable. That's not much use I thought, since by now I would be looking to receive the boards (I payed for DHL).- Another 4 days went by with nothing turning up. Something's gone wrong I thought, DHL have always delivered in 2-3days from Itead's shipment notification. So I went looking for the tracking information. They provided some long tracking number that didn't work with DHL (although they linked it to the DHL website.) So I emailed them again, they gave me a different tracking number for DHL.- So, now's the real kicker, I looked up the DHL tracking detail, it appears what Seeed are doing is to forward the boards to a separate shipper who then process it on to DHL. So despite the boards taking one week turn around, they then took another 5 days to get to DHL. Not much point paying $40 for DHL express shipping when they're going to sit around in someone's warehouse for 5 days.So yeah. Quality of the boards is fine I think, and the different options available are great, but the order information flow and shipping are quite half arsed compared to Itead.

author: JJalling
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2013, 08:37:20 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on October 21, 2013, 03:38:16 pmI'm very interested in the DRC template as well.BR Jonas

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2013, 06:27:36 am
content: Check elecrow, they offer 10pcs of 4-layer 5x5cm for $23.99, whereas itead charges $65.

author: Lizerd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2013, 08:44:43 am
content: have anyone testedelecrow?? because that is really cheap for 4-layers

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2013, 11:38:59 am
content: I've had several 2-layer boards made by Elecrow and been happy with the results. They also offer v-score for a slight up-charge based on the total number of boards on the panel.I shipped my last order via DHL. Unfortunately, although the boards were finished before "National Day" – a week-long holiday and shutdown, they apparently didn't get into DHL's hands in time to escape the country in time.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2013, 08:06:29 am
content: I've ordered from Elecrow a few times. I've always been happy with the service.