Process guide · Network devices · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Electronics manufacturing processes for network devices, from incoming inspection to packaging
The electronics manufacturing process runs in a set order: the product is designed, components are sourced, bare circuit boards are made, components are placed and soldered on them, and the finished boards are built into the device, which is then loaded with firmware, tested, labelled and packed. Different companies often carry out different stages. This guide walks through each stage for a network device such as an ONT, a 5G CPE or a Mesh Wi-Fi unit, and shows which stages take place on IK Semiconductor's line in Riyadh today.
The stages of the electronics manufacturing process
| Stage | What happens | At IK Semiconductor |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Design and specification | The product is designed and its specification, bill of materials and test requirements are set | By the product owner (OEM model). In-house design (ODM) is a long-term aim |
| 2. Component sourcing | Chips, modules, passive parts, enclosures and accessories are bought | Agreed per programme |
| 3. PCB fabrication | Bare printed circuit boards are made | Not offered |
| 4. PCB assembly | Components are placed and soldered on the boards | Planned with CKD in 2028 |
| 5. Board inspection and test | Solder joints and board functions are checked | Planned with CKD in 2028 |
| 6. Incoming inspection | Parts and sub-assemblies are checked before they reach the line | Today |
| 7. Final assembly | Sub-assemblies go into the enclosure with antennas, cables and fasteners | Today, from partly built sub-assemblies (SKD) |
| 8. Testing and firmware loading | Units are tested to the agreed plan (every unit or by sample), and the owner's firmware is loaded | Today |
| 9. Quality control and packaging | Finished devices are checked, branded, labelled and packed | Today |
Stages 1 to 5 decide what the device is. Stages 6 to 9 decide whether each unit that leaves the factory matches it.
The board stages in more detail
At the CKD stage, the circuit boards themselves are assembled in the factory. The board stages usually run in this order:
- Solder paste printing. Paste is applied to the board's pads through a stencil.
- SMT placement. Surface-mount components are placed on the paste.
- Reflow soldering. The board passes through an oven that melts the paste and fixes the components.
- Through-hole (DIP) assembly. Components with leads, such as some connectors, are inserted and soldered.
- Board inspection and test. Solder joints and board functions are checked before the board moves to final assembly.
At IK Semiconductor, these board processes come with the CKD stage, planned for 2028. Until then, boards arrive already assembled as part of the sub-assemblies. SKD vs CKD: what each stage means for network devices
The SKD line in Riyadh, from incoming inspection to packaging
- Incoming inspection. Components and sub-assemblies are quality-checked before they reach the line.
- Final assembly. Partly built sub-assemblies are completed and built into the finished device.
- Testing. Each unit is tested to the test plan agreed with the product owner, on every unit or by sample as the plan states.
- Firmware loading. The product owner's firmware is loaded at the end of the line.
- Finished-device quality control. Finished devices are checked before packing.
- Branding and packaging. Branding, labels and packaging are applied as agreed for the programme.
The sequence of stations and the tests at each one are fixed in the test plan and work instructions agreed for each device before the first build.
Controls that run across the line
- Standard operating procedures. The factory was designed and built to the specification of a partner factory that specialises in network products such as CPE and ONT, and its standard operating procedures were replicated from that factory.
- A trained team. The line is run by Saudi staff working with the partner factory's team, trained under a knowledge-transfer programme.
- ESD and access monitoring. AI-driven vision monitoring on the line supports access and electrostatic discharge (ESD) compliance, safety and operational discipline.
- Management systems. IK Semiconductor's management systems are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
The documents that drive each stage
| Stage | Document that controls it | Usually provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming inspection | Bill of materials and approved parts list | Product owner |
| Final assembly | Assembly drawings and work instructions | Product owner and factory together |
| Testing | Test specification and acceptance criteria | Product owner, agreed with the factory |
| Firmware loading | Firmware image and version record | Product owner |
| Packaging | Label content, packaging specification and box contents | Product owner |
Clear documents are what make the first build match the specification. If one is missing, the factory has to guess, and the first units show it.
Questions buyers ask
What are the main stages of electronics manufacturing?
Design, component sourcing, PCB fabrication, PCB assembly, board inspection and test, then final assembly, testing, firmware loading, quality control and packaging.
What is the difference between SMT and through-hole assembly?
In SMT, components sit on the surface of the board and are soldered in a reflow oven. In through-hole (DIP) assembly, component leads pass through holes in the board and are soldered on the other side.
Which tests do you run on a device?
The tests follow the test plan agreed for each device, based on the product owner's specification. What is tested on every unit and what by sample is agreed before the first build.
Does IK Semiconductor assemble circuit boards?
Not today. SMT and DIP board assembly come with the CKD stage, planned for 2028.
Does IK Semiconductor make chips?
No. It assembles and tests network devices. Chips come from component makers.
Which devices can go through the Riyadh line?
ONT, 5G CPE and Mesh Wi-Fi are listed as the factory's available SKD product lines, ready for manufacturing partnerships, and a 5G MiFi line is planned. Tell us the device and volumes, and we will confirm the fit.
Request a quote for network device assembly
Tell us the device, the documents you already have (bill of materials, test specification, firmware) and the expected volumes. We will reply with which stages the Riyadh line can take on at its current stage.
info@interkey-sc.com.sa · +966-11-2180999 · +966-55-3475469 · Riyadh, Saudi Arabia