RFQ Intake Checklist (Copy/Paste)
- Mechanical
- define: standard/architecture (OpenVPX, VME/VME64x, cPCI, custom) and slot map (payload, switch/control, PSU, RTM)
- define: card size (3U/6U), slot spacing (0.8"/1.0"), total slots, reserved slots and depths
- define: overall dimensions, thickness, mounting pattern, keep-outs
- define: connectors per slot (series, positions), RTM usage, special I/O
- define: guides, inject/eject, retention, EMI gaskets; shock/vibe limits
- Electrical
- define: power rails and max current per rail; connector type/location; hot-swap sequencing; protection/monitoring
- define: fabrics/protocols (PCIe gen, Ethernet rate, Aurora/SRIO), lane counts per slot
- define: clocks/timing (ref clocks, distribution, skew)
- define: impedance targets, loss and crosstalk budgets, length-matching rules
- define: stackup/materials, microstrip vs stripline, via/backdrill, terminations/AC coupling
- Environmental
- define: operating/storage temp, humidity/condensation, altitude/pressure
- define: shock/vibration (e.g., MIL-STD-810), conformal coat
- define: EMI/EMC goals (e.g., MIL-STD-461/DO-160), shielding/grounding strategy
- define: safety certifications (UL/CSA) and ITAR/export controls
- Documentation
- define: required deliverables (schematic, layout, SI reports, drawings, BoM)
- define: test/acceptance (ICT, functional, BIT connectors, fixtures), FAI, traceability/serialization
- define: CM/change control, obsolescence plan, manufacturing location (Made in USA)
- Timeline
- define: design start/reviews, prototype need-by, LRIP/FRP ramp
- define: quantities (proto/LRIP/FRP), budgetary vs firm quote, long-lead parts constraints
- define: ECO process and cost/schedule impact handling
Getting an accurate quote starts with unambiguous requirements. Use the intake list above, then work through the sections below to de-risk scope and schedule.
Mechanical Requirements
- define: standard/architecture and slot map (payload, switch/control, PSU, RTM)
- define: card size (3U/6U), slot spacing (0.8"/1.0"), total slots, reserved positions/depths
- define: overall L/W/T, mounting pattern, keep-outs for cabling/cooling
- define: connector series per slot (DIN 41612, VITA 46/48, etc.), pin fields, RTM usage, special I/O/power connectors
- define: guides, inject/eject hardware, retention/locking, EMI gaskets
- define: shock/vibration limits and any chassis interface constraints
Electrical and Signal Integrity
- define: power rails and max current per rail; connector types/locations; hot-swap sequencing; ORing/protection; power monitoring/telemetry
- define: protocols and rates (PCIe gen, Ethernet speed, Aurora/SRIO), differential vs single‑ended, lane counts per slot
- define: clocks/timing (reference clocks, distribution topology, skew/jitter limits)
- define: impedance targets (e.g., 50Ω/100Ω), loss budget, crosstalk limits, propagation/skew
- define: transmission strategy—microstrip vs stripline, stackup/materials, via/backdrill rules, termination/AC‑coupling caps
Environmental and Compliance
- define: operating/storage temperature range (e.g., -40°C to +85°C), humidity/condensation, altitude/pressure
- define: shock/vibration limits and test methods (e.g., MIL‑STD‑810), conformal coating if required
- define: EMI/EMC objectives (e.g., MIL‑STD‑461/DO‑160), shielding and grounding strategy
- define: standards to meet (VITA 65/48, PICMG), safety certifications (UL/CSA), and ITAR/export controls
Documentation and Manufacturing
- define: required deliverables—schematic, PCB layout, SI reports, fab/assembly drawings, BoM
- define: test artifacts—procedures, acceptance criteria, ICT/functional/BIT connectors, fixtures
- define: production quantities (prototype, LRIP, FRP) and manufacturing location (Made in USA)
- define: quality standards (ISO 9001, AS9100), FAI, serialization/traceability, CM/change control
Timeline and Project Management
- define: design start, review gates, and required design completion date
- define: prototype delivery schedule and production ramp (LRIP/FRP)
- define: critical milestones driving the schedule and any long‑lead risks
- define: ECO/change process, cost/schedule impact evaluation, approval flow
Getting Your Quote Right the First Time
A concise, complete RFQ accelerates accurate pricing and realistic lead times while reducing design churn. Vector has long-standing experience supporting VME/VME64x, OpenVPX, and cPCI programs—Made in USA, ISO 9001 & AS9100 Certified, ITAR Registered.
Send your draft RFQ and we’ll point out missing items that typically delay quoting: https://vectorelect.com/contact