• Excellon File (Format 1 or 2)
• Gerber
• Sieb and Meyer

The files supplied should contain X Y co-ordinates of all the relevant tools separately defined. If tools of equal size exist in the program (ie 2.00mm (.079") plated, 2.00mm (.079") non-plated) they should be separated in the file with unique tool numbers. Hole sizes stated should be finished hole requirements.

The drill information should also be accompanied by a drill drawing (or identifier). This should contain a graphic representation of the drill positions (ie each tool size depicted as a letter or symbol) along with information on hole tolerance (positional and dimensional) and classification (ie plated or non-plated). This information ensures efficient, accurate generation of drill programs and provides a valuable tool for inspecting the finished boards to ensure customer requirements are met.

Accepted Formats :

• Gerber RS274X
• ODB ++ Only through the Valor (Enterprise) verification Tool
• Orbotech Backup Format
• MDA

• GC CAM
• Gerber RS274D (+ Aperture List )

• Copper Layers
• Solder Mask
• Legend

• Peelable Resist
• Carbon Ink

ARRAYS -Any PCB's required in an array layout by the customer should be supplied in an array format. This should include array dimensions, internal step and repeats, array border tooling including fiducials and should appear on every layer of the CAD data.

MERGE LAYERS - The use of merge data (i.e. combining of design files to produce one working layer) should be avoided. This is because problems arise with 'sliver' conditions, substitution of drawn pads, and the general testability of the design (in particular with regards to 'negative' layers

• HPGL
• Gerber
• Post Script

• Any Windows Supported Drawing
  (JPEG, PDF, .DFX, .DWG, TIFF etc)
• Customer Original Drawings

• Legibility
• Accuracy
• Easily scaled

• Eliminates delays
• Storage of data is more efficient if whole kit is in the same format
  

• Layer names and build-up order
• Board thickness
• Finish required
• Any special instructions
  

• Issue level information of artwork supplied
• Copper thickness
• Tolerances on holes and board profile clearly defined

If the PCBs are to be supplied in a frame or as part of an array then the array layout must be specified on the drawing. The array size and array datum to board datum must be specified. The step and repeat of any boards within the array must be dimensioned. If there are any 'break-out' features then these must be defined geometrically and their positions clearly indicated.

The fabrication drawing must contain all the necessary dimensions to be able to produce the board profile. This will probably be done by most designers if the finished item is a single board. However, if the finished item is an array or a single board with a very complex profile then it may be desirable or simply good drawing practice to produce a separate profile drawing to avoid high density information on one drawing. It is also helpful if this profile drawing is sent as an actual artwork layer as well.

Profile Drawings

The single board drawing, whether part of the fabrication drawing or separate, should contain all the necessary dimensions to produce the required board geometry. This should include the board length and width, edge cuts dimensioned (position and size), critical tooling holes, internal radii (rout cannot produce right angled corners), and hole to edge or datum point. One hole in the drill layer must be dimensioned to the PCB edges to locate circuitry accurately on the products.

The outline file must be a representation of the true board edge (uncompensated). Providing this information graphically has two major benefits:

• Assists Design-For-Manufacture checks which use the profile as reference points.
• Reduces the lead time on program generation by using graphic comparisons.