The first accepted standard for the format of a PCB file was the Gerber file (RS-274D), which was an ASCII file with information for board fabrication. Not providing your CM with complete and accurate information for your design may lead to extended turnaround times due to the required back-and-forth to correct PCB layout or stackup specifications that fall outside the tolerances of your CM’s equipment. Altogether, the PCB layout, PCB stackup and BOM should provide all the data, information and imagery needed for your CM to manufacture your boards. If your CM performs the PCB assembly, an accurate and complete BOM is required and your PCB file should incorporate design for assembly (DFA) specifications derived from information and consultations with the CM. The above design for manufacturing (DFM) essentials should be based on your CM’s capabilities. Silkscreen information for component footprints, reference indicators, polarity and pin 1 markings.Clearances for solder mask, board edge, drill holes.X-Y data - locations for component pads, drill holes, traces.
The information that should be provided for each category is presented below: Essentials to include in your PCB file fall into three categories: PCB materials, PCB layout and PCB stackup. PCB File Essentialsįor the PCB development process (which includes design, manufacturing and prototyping) to proceed efficiently, you must furnish your CM with all essential data and information about your design. Let’s discuss what your PCB file should include and compare some of the more common formats to see which ones meet or exceed the requirements to ensure a smooth transition from your design to your CM’s manufacturing process. Therefore, your design is not complete until you complete the manufacturing stage of the PCB design tasks. However, your contract manufacturer’s (CM’s) ability to build your board rests entirely on the completeness and accuracy of the PCB file you provide. For a PCB designer, these lessons are invaluable.Īfter spending a tremendous amount of time getting your design just right, it can be tempting to simply crank out the PCB file just to be finished with the process once and for all. First, that no job is finished until the paperwork is complete, and more importantly, the paperwork must be accurate. I have since come to realize that he was actually teaching us two things. At the time, I thought this was a ridiculous idea as it forced me to rewrite many reports due to spelling or grammatical errors. Once, in an electrical circuits class, I had a laboratory professor who forced his students to write their reports in ink.
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