Begin with identity and scope

Record the purchase order, board identifier, revision, lot and approved engineering exceptions. Compare the received quantity and physical markings with the report package. If identity is unclear, resolve it before spending time interpreting measurements that may belong to another construction.

Specify whether first article refers to bare boards, assembled boards or a complete product. These boundaries affect the responsible reviewers and evidence. A successful assembled prototype does not automatically confirm every bare board requirement, and a bare board report does not demonstrate application functionality.

Build the checklist from actual requirements

Create one row for each requirement, with its drawing reference, expected evidence and disposition. Include critical mechanical features, approved stackup, special via treatments, electrical tests and requested coupon reports. Do not make an unreviewed template the source of new acceptance criteria after the boards arrive.

IPC's standards overview distinguishes performance requirements for rigid printed boards from visual acceptability guidance. Use the project's specified documents and revisions to determine acceptance rather than treating a photograph or a broad class label as the complete requirement.

Investigate discrepancies before generalizing

Classify each discrepancy as a documentation mismatch, measurement question, agreed exception or nonconforming feature. Request the relevant original record or clarification. Preserve the evidence and decision rather than editing the report until it looks consistent.

  • Match hardware identity to the approved release archive.
  • Verify critical dimensions against their stated datums.
  • Review construction and test evidence with named owners.
  • Document acceptance, rejection or conditional disposition explicitly.

Use the result to prepare repeat production

Close recurring engineering questions by updating the controlled drawing or specification. A first build often exposes unclear wording even when the physical boards are usable. Correct the baseline so subsequent lots do not depend on the same informal explanation.

Retain representative records and the final disposition with the revision history. Before scaling quantity, confirm that open issues have owners and that any conditional approval has a clear scope. A prototype exception should not silently become permanent production permission.

DESIGN NOTE / SCHEMATIC

Adjacent-layer access, one connection at a time

Signal copper

Dielectric · geometry + material

Reference copper

Core or build-up dielectric

Signal copper

Illustrative only. Copper thickness, dielectric construction and via spans require a reviewed stackup.

Common questions

Is first article inspection the same as qualification?

No. First article review checks a defined initial build against requirements. Qualification may address broader construction, process or product behavior through a separate plan.

Can missing reports be replaced by a supplier assurance email?

Only if the responsible parties formally revise the requirement. Otherwise request the agreed evidence and document the disposition of the missing record.

References & further reading

Method & assumptions · General design guidance. Validate the proposed construction and acceptance criteria for your project.