The global PCB design market is evolving faster than ever. High labor costs in Europe and the U.S., pressure to shorten time-to-market cycles, and increasing demands on electronics are pushing companies to look for partners who can not only draw schematics and prepare layouts. They also need to take responsibility for the integrity of the entire system.
According to an IPC Market Research report, more than 62% of customers expect PCB providers to deliver not only design but also support in testing and certification. At the same time, 45% of manufacturing companies indicate that shortening the product development cycle is the most important factor in choosing a partner.
Based on this, we have prepared an overview of PCB design companies that stand out from the competition. The list includes both large organizations with global reach and extensive R&D departments, as well as smaller firms that have secured strong positions in technological niches thanks to their specialized expertise. This ranking is not a list of the “cheapest providers,” but rather a selection of partners capable of delivering high value-added projects – from medical and automotive electronics to IoT systems and consumer devices.
In the ranking of the best PCB design companies, several criteria were taken into account to objectively assess their position in the market. Both technical capabilities and customer collaboration models were evaluated. The most important factors included:
Complex projects require PCBs that meet not only functional but also regulatory and environmental requirements. The right manufacturer must therefore handle EMC testing, durability in harsh conditions, and preparation of full certification documentation. This makes the selection process less about price and more about proven engineering procedures and compliance expertise.
IntechHouse operates as a research and engineering center where PCB design is treated as an integral part of broader embedded systems. The company develops boards for IoT devices, industrial systems, and automation solutions, focusing on hardware and software integration. Its scope covers not only schematics and layout but also electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and preparation of documentation for certification processes. In practice, this means clients receive boards ready for deployment in products that must comply with CE or FCC standards.
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If you want to discover the best providers of EMC certification services, be sure to check out our ranking:
Essential Guide to EMC Testing CE Certification for Compliance Success
Würth Elektronik combines PCB design and manufacturing with a broad portfolio of passive components, enabling comprehensive customer support. The company specializes in multilayer, HDI, and rigid-flex boards, which are used in automotive, medical, and aerospace electronics. Its facilities operate in compliance with IPC and ISO standards, with regular audits, which is crucial for regulated industries. Another strength of Würth is the development of new materials and PCB technologies, helping customers shorten product launch cycles.
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More information about flexible PCBs and rigid-flex circuits, you can read in our article:
Flexible PCBs and Rigid- Flex Circuits: Key Trends Defining the Future of This Technology
Asia Pacific Circuits primarily acts as a production partner but also has a design team focused on preparing PCBs to meet manufacturing requirements. The company is valued for rapid prototyping and seamless transition to large-scale production, which is critical in consumer electronics. Its facilities are equipped with SMT assembly lines and handle multilayer and high-density interconnect (HDI) boards. Clients often choose Asia Pacific Circuits to shorten product development cycles while keeping costs competitive.
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Cicor Group specializes in PCB projects for industries requiring the highest precision and reliability. It serves the medical, aerospace, and defense sectors, providing multilayer, HDI, and boards designed for harsh operating environments. The company operates R&D centers and pcb manufacturing facilities in both Europe and Asia, which gives it flexibility to manage projects of different scales. Cicor is also active in testing and validation, including qualifications in line with strict IPC and ISO standards.
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Comarch is best known for IT solutions but has also been developing electronics and IoT projects for years. In PCB design, the company works on boards for telecom equipment, smart city systems, and industrial applications. Its main advantage is the integration of hardware with software platforms, allowing delivery of complete solutions for operators, municipalities, and large enterprises. Comarch uses its own R&D labs and testing facilities to support design processes.
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Softeq Development Corp. provides end-to-end engineering services covering both electronics and software. In PCB design, it focuses on IoT devices, consumer electronics, and embedded systems with low power requirements. Its projects include schematic preparation, PCB layout, functional testing, and integration with firmware and applications. Softeq works with startups needing prototypes as well as larger companies developing complex systems.
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Siemens EDA, formerly Mentor Graphics, is one of the largest providers of software for PCB and electronic system design. Its CAD tools are used for multilayer, high-frequency, and HDI board projects. The company focuses on design automation, error reduction, and simulation integration. Siemens EDA solutions are used by global electronics manufacturers working on highly complex systems.
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Integra Sources is an engineering firm delivering electronics projects from the ground up, including PCB design. It specializes in IoT devices, medical electronics, and industrial hardware, combining hardware and software expertise. Services include schematic design, PCB layout, prototyping, and functional testing. The company is often chosen for custom projects requiring integration with non-standard systems.
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Lanars operates in the Scandinavian and Eastern European markets, specializing in PCB design for embedded and IoT systems. Its engineers design boards for industrial equipment and consumer devices, often integrating them with mobile applications. The company supports clients through the entire cycle, from concept and prototyping to market deployment. Most projects are carried out for international partners, giving Lanars strong experience in cross-border collaboration.
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Wizlogix is a Singapore-based company providing PCB design and electronics assembly services. It specializes in rapid prototyping and medium-scale production for communication, industrial, and medical markets. The company’s offering includes PCB design, SMT assembly, and functional testing. Wizlogix is regarded as a trusted partner for Asian firms seeking local design-to-production support.
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The analysis of global PCB design companies demonstrates that there is no universal solution in this industry. Each organization brings a different set of capabilities to the market – from large corporations with their own R&D and production facilities to smaller, specialized firms distinguished by their flexibility and niche expertise. “If you don’t change, eventually it won’t work,” reminds Chris Young, PCB design expert, stressing the need for also continuous adaptation in the electronics industry. This diversity means that selecting a PCB design partner should be treated as a strategic decision rather than a purely operational one.
InTechHouse is a technology partner for companies that demand the highest quality in PCB design and embedded systems integration. The team of specialists provides comprehensive engineering support. This includes requirements analysis and documentation through design and prototyping. They also handle compliance testing and preparation for international certifications. With its R&D facilities and experience in projects for the industrial, IoT, and aerospace sectors, InTechHouse delivers solutions tailored to the most demanding environments. Partnering with the company ensures that your PCB project will not only meet all standards but also be ready for scalable deployment in global markets.
What should you consider when choosing a PCB design company?
When selecting a company, it is worth checking its experience, the technologies it specializes in (e.g., HDI, rigid-flex), the quality of engineering support, and compliance with industry standards. Costs, lead times, and the availability of additional services such as testing or certification are also important factors.
How long does it take to complete a PCB design?
The timeline depends on project complexity – simple boards can be designed within a few days, while more advanced multilayer layouts may take several weeks. Companies offering rapid prototyping can deliver a finished design within as little as 5–7 days.
What does the term “HDI PCB” mean?
HDI (High Density Interconnect) refers to printed circuit boards with a high density of interconnections. They enable the miniaturization of electronic devices while increasing functionality. HDI boards are widely used in smartphones, laptops, and medical equipment.
Can small startups work with large PCB design companies?
Yes, many companies also provide services for startups, although some large corporations prefer big contracts. For young businesses, Asian providers or smaller engineering firms in Europe may be a better choice due to their greater flexibility.
What are the current trends in PCB design?
Key trends include miniaturization, the development of HDI and rigid-flex technologies, the use of eco-friendly materials, and integration with IoT and AI systems. Increasingly, automation and simulation tools are also gaining importance, as they help reduce design errors.