PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) serve to physically support and electrically connect electronic components within devices. While ordering PCB, users also need the required electronic components. So, having both Electronic Parts and Boards ordered in One Place will help in streamlining production processes, faster prototyping, and reduced lead times. Given the opportunity to order the PCB and component online can provide a great upper hand in completing the task more efficiently.

In India, Lion Circuits offers its customers integrated PCB manufacturing and parts sourcing to reduce the production cycle and provide high-quality, low-cost solutions. This method can provide quicker turnaround times and improved supply chain management for any electronic assembly requirement.

Key Highlights

  • Ordering PCBs and electronic components together streamlines production, reduces lead times, and ensures component compatibility.
  • Integrated sourcing minimizes production delays common in hardware projects, enhancing efficiency and reducing project risks.
  • LionCircuits offers a unified platform that simplifies the procurement, fabrication, assembly, and delivery processes.
  • Users can easily upload and manage their Bill of Materials (BOM) through LionCircuits’ intuitive interface, improving accuracy and saving time.
  • Common mistakes such as incorrect Gerber files, incompatible components, or inaccurate BOM details can be avoided through integrated sourcing.
  • LionCircuits’ parts platform features over 3 million electronic components across 100+ categories, ensuring comprehensive selection and ease of procurement.
  • Customer testimonials highlight LionCircuits' reliability, transparency, cost efficiency, and exceptional turnaround times.

What does ordering electronic parts and PCBs together mean?

Buying electronic components and PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) in bulk usually means buying both the discrete components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, transistors, microcontrollers, etc.) and the specially designed circuit board on which these components will be mounted. This is done to ensure that the components are specifically selected for compatibility with the PCB design, which makes assembly easier and more efficient. When you order electronic components online in India, nowhere we get to order both PCB and electronic components together. This single-window approach makes it easier for you to manage the project from prototype to finished assembly and lower the risk of mistakes or component-board mismatches.

Why integrated sourcing is essential for hardware teams in India

Over 75% of crowdfunded projects experience delays, with some delays exceeding ten months, from this study it is clear that Integrated sourcing is critical for hardware teams in India since it makes the entire process of product development simpler and more streamlined. Through the integration of PCB and parts sourcing, teams can make sure that all the components are compatible with the design specifications and minimize the possibility of delays or errors that occur when parts are sourced individually. This method is time and cost-saving as it eliminates multiple suppliers, reduces shipping hassles, and ensures that parts and PCBs reach at once, ready for assembly.

Step-by-step guide: How to order parts + boards on one platform

LionCircuits offers a unified platform where you can order both PCB fabrication and component sourcing/assembly in one place for streamlined workflow. Here’s how to do it:

1. Create an Account and Start a Project

  • Visit the LionCircuits website and login or create an account.
  • Go to “My Projects” and click “New Project.”
  • Enter your project name, description (optional), number of layers, and upload your Gerber files for the PCB design.

2. Get an Instant Quote for Fabrication

  • Review the details auto-filled from your Gerber file (layers, dimensions, etc.).
  • Adjust the quantity and specifications as needed.
  • Click “Instant Quote” to view pricing and proceed to the next step.

3. Proceed to Assembly Stage

  • After confirming fabrication details, move to the assembly stage.
  • Here, you’ll be prompted to upload your Bill of Materials (BOM).

4. Upload and Map Your BOM

  • Upload your BOM file in .csv, .xls, or .xlsx format.
  • Map the required fields: Designator, Description, Manufacturer Part Number (MPN), Footprint, and Value.
  • The system will auto-detect and highlight available components.

5. Upload Pick-and-Place File

  • For automated assembly, upload a pick-and-place (Centroid/NYX) file .

6. Choose Assembly Options

  • Select assembly type (automatic or manual), stencil options (framed/frameless), and solder type (lead/lead-free).
  • Prices will update based on your choices.

7. Review and Confirm Order

  • Review the summary page, including costs for fabrication, assembly, and components.
  • Confirm your order and proceed to payment.

8. Track Your Order

  • After payment, track your project status and download details from your dashboard.
  • LionCircuits will handle procurement, fabrication, assembly, testing, and shipping.

The above-mentioned steps provide a guide for PCB prototype ordering in India and BOM uploading in a single window offered by LionCircuits.

Key benefits: Time saving, cost efficiency, reduced complexity

The most important advantages of PCB production and component procurement from the same source, is that:

  • Time Saving:   Saves time through lead time reduction by coordinating the delivery   of electronic components sourcing and PCBs manufacturing, accelerating prototyping and assembly.
  • Cost Efficiency: Saves on shipping and handling due to consolidating orders with one supplier.
  • Reduced Complexity: Lessens supply chain management and vendor communication complexity through dealing with only one source.
  • Enhanced Compatibility: Guarantees components are paired to the PCB layout, reducing errors and rework.

LionCircuits Parts platform

  • Our parts platform has a plethora of over 120+ component categories, which offers users a simplified way to select components.  
  • Search and procure by entering the main part number or just the Keyword from over 3M+ Electronic parts collections available with our inventory.
  • On the Lion Circuits parts platform, you can add components to your custom list by uploading your BOM, reviewing available options, and selecting preferred parts or alternates.
  • Once the components are selected our platform provides a seamless checkout experience by allowing you to review your order details and select payment options within an intuitive dashboard.
  • After payment, you instantly receive order confirmation and tracking information.

This streamlined process ensures quick, transparent, and hassle-free order completion.

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BOM upload process simplified

Uploading a Bill of Materials (BOM) to LionCircuits is a key step in PCB assembly and component sourcing workflow. The process is streamlined through their online platform, requiring a standardized BOM format and a simple upload procedure. LionCircuits offers an easy and user-friendly option for BOM upload in India.

‍1. Prepare Your BOM File

  • Use LionCircuits sample BOM template, which you can download from their website.
  • Accepted file formats: .csv, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls.
  • Mandatory fields in your BOM:
    • Item Description
    • Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)

2. Export BOM from Your CAD Tool

  • If using EasyEDA or KiCad, export the BOM as per their respective instructions, ensuring the file contains all required fields.
  • Edit the exported BOM in a spreadsheet editor if needed, to match LionCircuits' template and requirements.

3. Start the Upload Process on Lioncircuits

  • Log in to your LionCircuits account.
  • Navigate to your project and select the assembly order option.
  • Click on "Instant Quote Generated" under assembly.
  • Specify order details such as number of units, assembly type (manual or automated), and stencil type if needed.
  • Click "ORDER NOW" to proceed.

4. Upload the BOM File

  • A pop-up will prompt you to "Upload BOM".
  • Select your prepared BOM file from your computer and upload it.
  • The system may provide a preview or verification step; check that all details are correct.

5. Complete the Order

  • Review all order details in the next window.
  • Click "Proceed to Payments" and complete the payment process.
  • After payment, you will receive a confirmation and can track your order under "Project Details"

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Following are some mistakes commonly committed when ordering components and PCBs online:

‍1. Missing or Erroneous PCB Design Files:

  • Providing incorrect Gerber files or omitting important layers (such as drill files or silkscreen).
  • Failure to check the design rules of the PCB manufacturer prior to ordering.‍
  • Solution: Double-check your Gerber files before uploading using the Gerber viewer.

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2. Ordering Incompatible Components:

  • Picking components that are not footprint-compatible with the PCB design
  • Selecting components which are out of stock or obsolete.‍
  • Solution: Cross-check each component's footprint and specifications with your PCB design.

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3. Lack of BOM (Bill of Materials) Accuracy:

  • Omitting or inaccurate part numbers, quantities or package types in the BOM.
  • Failing to include alternate parts in the event of shortages.‍
  • Solution: Prepare a detailed BOM with part numbers, quantity, package type, and suggest alternate components to prevent delays if your preferred parts are out of stock.

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4. Not Using Integrated Sourcing:

  • Separately sourcing PCBs and components, which creates compatibility problems and extends lead time..
  • Not considering opportunities for turnkey assembly service where allis done in-house.‍
  • Solution: Use integrated PCB and parts sourcing platforms[Lion Circuits] to ensure compatibility, time saving and simplified logistics.

Real-world success stories from LionCircuits customers

1. Abhimanyu Goyal - CTO , Chalo Mobility Pvt ltd

LionCircuits has supported us end-to-end with unwavering transparency; their rigorous testing protocols ensured the reliability of our automotive project. Their dedication to quality and transparency has made all the difference in our success. We trust Lion Circuits for their commitment to excellence.

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2. Prithvi - Sr. Embedded Engineer at Nunam Technologies Pvt ltd

LionCircuits has impressed us with their exceptional lead times, transparency, and structured approach to complex PCB development and production with multi-layer support. Their patience and precision have resulted in outstanding quality, while their cost optimization strategies have saved us valuable resources. We appreciate their clear project guidance and standard procedures, making our collaboration seamless and successful.