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Aperture Information
This is a text file describing the size and shape of each element on
the board. These are also known as D-code lists. These lists are not
necessary if your files are saved as Extended Gerber with embedded Apertures
(RS274X).
Aspect Ratio
Our standard aspect ratio of 6:1 has been figured
into our quote forms. This equals the smallest hole size that
can support plating. It is calculated by taking the board thickness divided by the smallest drill diameter.
Board Thickness
Our standard base thickness is 1/16 inch, which is also called out
as 0.062" or 0.059". We also offer the following thickness
on PCBpro: 0.031", 0.047", 0.093", and 0.125".
A typical tolerance is within 10% of the given thickness.
If you require a thickness other than those listed above, please go
to our contact
us page.
Technical information on our laminates can be found at: ISOLA
Build time
PCBpro operates on a 24-hour clock, 5-day week (weekends
and posted holidays are not counted). The cutoff time for receiving
orders and files is 2:00p.m. (PST). Some files have been known to
take 45 minuets to navigate the web, so please allow for this.
Clearances
A clearance (or isolation) is a term we use to describe the space from power
/ ground layer copper to through hole.
To prevent shorting, ground and power layer clearances need to be .025”
larger than the finish hole size for the inner layers. This allows
for registration, drilling, and plating tolerances.
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Component Side
In order to prevent building a board inside out, we must be able to
identify the correct orientation of your design. Component, layer 1,
or 'top' layer should read in facing up. All other layers should line
up as though looking through the board. Please use layer designators,
pass through marks, or correct reading layer text.
Copper (Finished Copper)
This is how much copper your board will have on
its surface. It is the copper foil thickness, plus plated copper,
minus surface preparation. It is given in oz / per sq foot. 1 oz
= a minimum of 0.0012”- 0.0014” thickness.
We offer finished copper of 1-oz., 1.5-oz., and 2.5-oz. If you need
a different finished copper amount, please complete our pcb
request for quote.
Cut lines
The cut line is going to be used to program the router path and it
represents the board outside edge. Our route tolerance is +/- 0.010".
It is recommended to keep outer layer copper 0.01” and inner copper
0.025” from the cut line to avoid contact with the board edge.
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Date Code
This selection will have us place the year and week of
manufacture on your board. It can be etched on the board or part of
the Silkscreen.
Drawing or Print
These usually include an outline of the board, dimensions, fabrication notes, a drill chart with legend.
The outline is used to program the router. The dimensions are used to insure proper scale and board measurement. The fabrication notes include other pertinent information (copper weight, board thickness, stack-up specifics, etc.). The drill chart contains symbols inside the outline that are used to mark individual drill sizes and corresponding board locations. The drill legend has the drill sizes, the needed tolerance, and if they are to be Plated or Non-plated (see “Plated through holes (PTH) – Non-Plated through holes (NPTH)).
PCBpro orders do not require drawings or prints. Many received by PCBpro are out of date, or have “Canned” notes that do not apply. Our order form is the governing document for orders placed on our web site. For our “Non-Design Review” orders we dismiss any notes that are in conflict with the order form, or outside our stated process capabilities. In the event that a drawing is not sent, we will generate an in-house drill/fab drawing using the NC drill file for hole location and the center of the Gerber file outline ( or crop marks) to obtain overall board dimensions. If the board dimension listed on order form varies significantly from the Gerber outline, you will be notified.
Drill File (Excellon Drill File)
This is an example of an Excellon drill file. It will have X & Y
coordinates with tool sizes viewable in any text editor. It is this
file that governs your finished hole sizes.
Sample:
M48
INCH,LZ
T01C0.015
T02C0.031
T03C0.034
T04C0.037
T05C0.052
T06C0.058
T07C0.062
T08C0.065
T09C0.11
T10C0.068
T11C0.11
T12C0.12
T13C0.051
T14C0.04
T15C0.058
T16C0.054
T17C0.042
%
T01
X00165Y-03805
X0018Y-03235
X00265Y-00704
X00281Y-01349
X00302Y-03816
Drill Tool Description
This is a text file describing drill tool number, corresponding size, quantity, and
if the holes are to be plated or non- plated.
(see “Plated through holes (PTH) – Non-Plated through holes (NPTH))
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Electrical Test
(1-sided / 2-sided)
Testing is used primarily to test for opens and shorts. PCBpro recommends testing
for all surface mount boards and multi-layer orders (3 layers & up).
The quoted price is accurate up to 1000 test points for a one-sided
test fixture, and up to 600 points for a double-sided surface mount
test fixture. If the number of test points exceeds these numbers, then
additional costs may incur and you will be notified of the new test
fixture cost.
Excellon Drill File
This is a type of drill file that we accept. For more information, see
drill file.
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Files: Gerber
Our Industry standard format for files used to generate artwork necessary
for circuit board imaging. PCBpro's preferred Gerber format is RS274X, which
embeds the apertures within the specific files (see Aperture information).
If files are not saved in RS274X, PCBpro will need “One” aperture list sent
with the files.
When your software outputs more than one list, there is a risk of
the wrong d-codes being applied, or risk of an added cost to you if
we need to hand enter the values. It is recommended you download Viewmate. It
is file viewer that will allow you to preview your Gerber files as
interpreted by our plotting software. Files: Ivex
You can output the Gerber RS274X and Excellon Drill files from your
Ivex .brd file. It is recommended you download Viewmate. It
is a viewer that will allow you to preview the production files as
interpreted by our plotting software.
Files: Eagle
You can output the Gerber RS274X and Excellon Drill files
from your Eagle.brd file. It is recommended you download Viewmate.
It is a viewer that will allow you to preview the production files
as interpreted by our plotting software.
Files: Protel
You can output the Gerber RS274X and Excellon Drill
files from your Protel file. It is recommended you download Viewmate.
It is a viewer that will allow you to preview the production files
as interpreted by our plotting software.
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Gold Fingers (Linear Inches)
We can plate your edge connectors with
Gold. (Approx. Ni / Min.
30 Au). The input here needs to be the distance between the outside
edges of the outermost tabs.
With your gold selection, a standard 30-degree
bevel will be added to your edge connector. We can also bevel
at 15 or 45 degrees upon request. For multi-layer boards please insure adequate
back set for the bevels. Please mention this in the special instructions
when placing your order.
Due to the nature of gold tipping and unique board designs, we require
the design review on all orders with gold fingers. Also note that pricing
adjustments might be made based upon review of your files. We will
notify you immediately if this is the case.
HAL
Acronym HAL, which is the process of putting solder on exposed copper of the
circuit board. Approx. 60/40 Tin/Lead mix is used.
Also known as a SMOBC which is an acronym for Solder Mask Over Bare
Copper.
Internal Power and Ground Layers
We will remove any pads that are not
connected to traces on your internal signal layers in order to expedite
the touch up process. Many customers send their files to us with this
step already done, which helps to speed up the tooling process. If
for any reason you do not wish us to remove the extraneous pads, please
use our design review option and clarify this by listing it as a drawing
note, or in a readme file.
Internal Signal Layers
We will remove any pads that are not connected
to traces on your internal signal layers in order to expedite the imaging
process. Many customers send their files to us with this step already
done, which helps to speed up the tooling process. If for any reason,
you do not wish us to remove the extraneous pads, please
use our design review option and
clarify this by listing it as a drawing note, or in a readme file.
Inspection Guidelines
Our inspections are based upon a pictorial guide “IPC-A-600” that
we use for our defect determinations. To see the steps we take to insure
the quality of our boards, see our PCBpro IPC
inspection page.
Internal Power and Ground Layers
These are usually solid copper plains of a multi-layer board that carry
power or are ground. Please generate these layers as negatives. Make
any clearances on these layers .035” over the drill / tool size.
This will prevent shorting from occurring with layer shifting on inner
layers.
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Internal Signal Layers
These are the inner layers . We will remove any pads that are not connected
to traces on your internal signal layers in order to expedite the touch
up process. Many customers send their files to us with this step already
done, which helps to speed up the tooling process. If for any reason,
you do not wish us to remove the extraneous pads, please clarify this
in your readme file or special requirement note.
Layers
The plains of copper connected by the plated through holes.
On board text such as company name, logo, or part number that is
correct reading on the top layer will insure the layers are placed
correctly.
The pcb quote form can quote up to 8-layers. If your board has a higher
layer count, please complete our pcb request
for quote. Layer Sequence
Please include a layer sequence or pass through marks so that we are
able to build your order with the correct stack up.
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Lot Code
Some Customers require a manufacturer's lot code to be placed
on the board for future tracking purposes. Your order form is how you
select it. A drawing can specify the location, what layer and if it
is to be in copper, mask opening, or silkscreen
Minimum Traces & Spacing
Traces are the “Wires” of the Printed Circuit Board (also known as
tracks). Spaces are the distances between traces, the distances between
pads, or the distances between a pad and a trace. How wide is the smallest
trace (line, track, wire), or space between traces or pads? Whichever
is less of the two governs the order form selection.
We offer widths down to 0.006". If you need 0.005" traces/spaces,
please complete our pcb request for quote.
Number of Holes
This is the total number of holes in the board. It has an influence
on price if it increases the total drilling time. Please be aware that
prices might change if there is a significant difference in the number
of holes.
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Pad Sizes
Your outer layer pads need to be 0.017" larger than the finish tool size (0.010” for vias).
Your inner layer pads need to be 0.018" larger than your finished tool size. If your design has any pad to trace junction minimum requirement, add that to the above numbers [0.017" pad + 0.002" junction should have 0.019" pad].
Part Number
The name or number associated with your printed circuit board. We use your
part number throughout the entire order process for your convenience.
Plated through holes (PTH) / Non-Plated through holes (NPTH) (2-8 layer boards)
Holes that have copper plating in the hole barrels are defined as PTH’s.
Holes that do not have copper in the hole barrels are defined as NPTH’s
All drill sizes will be treated as PTH unless NPTH is specified in the Drawing, Print, Drill file, drill tool description text file, or identified with a special note i.e. “ .125 holes to be non plated”. In addition, unsupported holes identified in Gerber files in the following ways will be treated as non plated: holes without pads, holes designated with a cross hair target, or holes with a significantly smaller pad (i.e. .125 holes with .050 unsupported pads).
If drawing or tool description is different than the size specified within the drill file, we will use the drill file to determine finished hole size (For “Design Review” these errors are reported for customer clarification before manufacturing can begin).
Plated through holes (PTH) – Non-Plated through holes (NPTH) ( 1 layer boards)
All orders placed as “1 layer” will be treated as single sided and the holes barrels will be non-plated.
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Quantity
Enter in the number of boards you need. If you do not know your desired
quantity, enter in an approximate amount for pricing. At any time,
you can choose any of the other prices in the Price Matrix for your
desired needs.
The pcb quote form allows quoting for all quantities
up to 15,000 pieces. If you need larger quantities or would like
to schedule out shipments, please complete our pcb request for quote.
Readme File
A text file included in the zip file, which provides necessary information
needed to manufacture your order. Phone numbers or email addresses of
designer or engineer contacts for this project should be included to
expedite resolution of any potential manufacturing problems that could
delay your order.
Below is a sample Readme (view our readme
page):
PCBpro Order # (insert order number)
ABC Company
P/N AB C125 Rev A
Please build a quantity of 100 pieces of this 6-layer board. We are
requesting 1/2-oz. base copper weight, 0.062" thick on FR4 material,
green solder mask, and white legend.
The Gerber files included in this zip:
File Name (description):
SR125.CMP Layer 1 (component side)
SR125.gnd Layer 2 (ground layer)
SR125.IN1 Layer 3 (internal signal)
SR125.IN2 Layer 4 internal signal)
SR125.VCC Layer 5 (power layer)
SR125.SLD Layer 6 (solder side)
SR125.CSM (Component-side solder mask)
SR125.SSM (Solder-side solder mask)
SR125.TSK (Component-side silkscreen/nomenclature)
SR125.BSK (Solder-side silkscreen)
SR125.DRL (Excellon drill file)
SR125.TOL (Drill tool description)
SR125.APT (Aperture information)
SR125.DWG (Drawing or print)
Any technical questions can be referred to johndoe@abc.com (your
email address).
My contact number is 555-555-1234 (your number).
Revision
If you have the same drawing number but updated revisions, please enter
it here. This will avoid any confusion for manufacturing your desired
boards. Please make sure that your revision number is included with
your drawings in your Readme file.
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Silk Screen, Nomenclature, or Legend (Artwork)
Marking ink is used to identify components during later assembly and troubleshooting
processes. This can be placed on one or two sides (in yellow or white), depending on the board
design and application. We can include your company logo if it is provided
on the drawing specs.
Minimum line width for legible printing is 0.007". Anything
smaller may result in missing or illegible marking on your boards. White
is our standard color but we also offer yellow.
Size X & Y
All dimensions are in inches. If your board is in metric, please convert
to inches. Please note, our maximum X & Y configuration is 14"
x 18". This means if the width (X) is 14", then the maximum
length (Y) is 18".
If your require greater dimensions, please use our feed back form on our contact
us page and explain your needs in more detail. This will help to
expedite your request.
Smallest Hole
This is the final size of the hole. We will select a drill larger than
the specified hole size to allow for plating thickness. Hole sizes
greater than 0.020" do not incur special costs. However, we
can provide a hole down to 0.010" if desired, but this affects
the overall price. See our pcb capabilities page for more details.
Please make sure that all of your holes are defined and included with
your drawings in your Readme file.
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SMOBC
Acronym for Solder Mask Over Bare Copper. After boards have been coated
with solder mask, the process of Hot Air Leveling will distribute solder
to all areas of copper that are not covered by mask. (See HAL)
Solder Mask
Used to protect the board and circuitry during the assembly and packaging
operations. Among other things, the solder mask helps prevent solder
bridges between adjacent pads and traces during the wave soldering
process.
Liquid Photo-imageable (LPI) is our default process and
the color is green. However, we also offer additional colors of
red, blue & black.
Solder Mask (Artwork)
To generate your solder mask artwork, add your smallest space measurement
to the pad size. For boards with 0.006" spaces, use a pad size up
to +0.006" up to 0.010" for 0.010". Spaces larger
than 0.010" should have a pad size of +0.010".
Please note: While we make every attempt to leave a mask "dam" between
surface mounts, fine pitch areas will be relieved in strips. Our manufacturing
process needs at least 0.005" mask "dam" between pads in order
to adhere to the board. Pad-to-pad spacing less than 0.013" will
not have solder mask between them.
Solder Mask Color
LPI Green is our default solder mask color. We have options on the
PCBpro Web site for additional colors of blue and black. Please note
that there is an added charge for these other colors, and they can
add an extra day to your build time due to the additional processes
needed for the non-standard colors.
If you require a color other than green, blue, or black, please use the contact form on our contact us page and explain your
needs in more detail. This will help to expedite your request.
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Surface Mount
The pitch of the surface mount is defined as the dimension in inches
from center to center of surface mount pads. Standard pitch is >0.025",
fine pitch is 0.011"-0.025", and ultra fine pitch is <0.011".
As boards contain finer pitch, processing and test fixture costs
increase. Please note: the ultra fine pitch is not suited for
the PCBpro instant quote.
Tooling and test costs are influenced
by the number of surface mount sides. If there is no surface
mount, the same solder mask film can be used on both sides of the board.
If there are surface mounts, we need to produce different films
for top and bottom side, as well as potentially require electrical
testing on both sides.
If testing is required on a two-sided surface mount, then please note
the parameters for the test fixtures that we can quote on PCBpro. View
our Electrical Test explanation.
Tab Routing (with & without perforation holes)
Rather that completing the route path around the board edge, “Tabs” are left
so as to leave boards attached in pallets for ease in assembly.
When this is selected on the order form “We” will take your one up
board files, and step and repeat as many images as will fit into a
12"x14” (approximately) pallet. These Pallets will have a standard
space of 0.1” apart, with 4 (0.1”) tabs positioned at our discretion
along the edges, and surrounded by a 0.5" boarder.
If you have any directions as to how many boards across and down,
or have special requirements like “Perf” holes, Fiducials, or tooling
holes you will need to send in a detailed pallet drawing of what you
need along with your other files, and select “Design Review” on the
order form.
Tab Routing with Perforation Holes
Same as tab routing above with the exception that we add perforation holes
along the tabs to make it easier to break apart your boards at a later date.
We recommend tab routing if you plan to have your boards assembled.
Top Side
In order to prevent building a board inside out, we must be able to
identify the correct orientation of your design. Component, layer
1, or 'top' layer should read in facing up. All other layers should
line up as though looking through the top side of the board. See
example below:
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Traces (& Spaces)
These can also be called lines or tracks. These are the conductors of the circuit board. PCBpro online quotes can process down to 0.006” trace/space. For 0.005” trace/space we ask that you complete our pcb request for quote .
Due to processing considerations, for our customers design files that use cross hatching, our limit for online orders is .010” line/ .010” space cross-hatch pattern.
UL (design review only)
Identified as a recognized component for Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
UL File Number E58527. Approved down to 0.005" trace width, minimum
board thickness is 0.025" with LPISM, 0.062" with DFSM. Maximum
3-oz. copper weight on inner layers is used. We will mark your boards
with our UL identification.
Because we do not archive Plot & Go's
tooling / documentation, we are not able to offer UL for the Plot &
Go service.
V-Scoring
Rather than completing a route path around the board edge, the edges
are "scored" to allow breaking boards apart after assembly.
This is another way to palletize / panelized the boards (see Tab
Routing).
This method creates two beveled scoring lines along the perimeter
of your boards. This makes it easier to break apart the boards at a
later date. You would receive your boards in panel form like tab routing
(see Tab Routing).
Zip File
All files needed for the processing of your order must be compressed
in a zip file. Due to the large amount of orders received, we are
not able to accept individual layer files sent to us. Winzip or
Pkzip can be downloaded from our pcb links page.
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Index
: PCB Library : PCB Glossary
