Cut off DNP PCB parts/area?

[nardev]

I never saw somebody doing that, so i'm curious if that has sense.

Basically i have part of circuit (in my case, only few parts there, capacitor and single phase bridge rectifier) which is optional. But, in case it's not needed, i would rather cut it off and put the device in smaller different enclosure.

In general, that part is marked as DNP so it's by default empty... and, it's such a tiny cost difference that i would rather keep it on board than developing different versions of boards.

Also, i want to avoid board-to-board connectors which would make this optional thing as attachable if needed...

Is that something which makes sense and which is ok to do?

Is there any guidelines how to do that properly?


thnx

[floobydust]

This is an example I've seen, I do not know if it worked out. You save a few wires and two mounting holes, and cost of the 2nd PCB I guess.

See many holes/partial slots on PCB where you can break off the PCB.
Wire jumpers can be used to connect the two or you leave copper.

[nardev]

wou, thank you for the example images...

I couldn't find them..

Just wondering, what would i need to make those "dots/holes" on PCB so that manufacturer can make it properly ...

[Pitrsek]

Please note the vias at the separation edge. Highly recommended. They stop pcb track tearing when you separate the parts. Fore example: top trace - via - bottom trace |split area| bottom trace - via - top trace. If you split the part, top traces are intact - the tear will stop at via barrel. 

Just NPTH dirll hole. Spacing might require a bit of trial and error. I'd start with spacing like for mouse bytes.

[nardev]

thnx