1.Core Design Files (Mandatory)

These files are absolutely essential for manufacturing and quotation.

Gerber Files:

Format: Please send in RS-274X (Extended Gerber) format.

Must Include: All layers (e.g., .GTL (Top Layer), .GBL (Bottom Layer), .GTS (Top Solder Mask), .GBS (Bottom Solder Mask), .GTO (Top Silkscreen), .GBO (Bottom Silkscreen), .GML or .GKO (Board Outline), and all internal layers).

❗ Important: Please double-check your files using a Gerber viewer (like GC-Prevue or online viewers) before sending to ensure they are correct and complete.

Drill File:

Format: Excellon format is standard.

❗ Important: Ensure the drill file matches the holes in your Gerber files. This is a common source of errors.

IPC-356 Netlist File (Highly Recommended):

Purpose: This file allows us to perform an Electrical Rule Check (ERC) to verify your design for opens and shorts before production, preventing costly mistakes.

2.PCB Specifications & Requirements

These details determine the manufacturing process and cost.

Quantity: Number of boards required (e.g., 5 pcs, 100 pcs, 1000 pcs).

Layers: Number of layers (e.g., 2-layer, 4-layer, 6-layer).

Dimensions: Finished board size (Length x Width in mm or inches).

Board Thickness: Standard is 1.6mm. Specify if different (e.g., 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 2.0mm) and tolerance (e.g., ±10% or ±0.1mm).

Material: Base material type (e.g., FR-4 Standard, FR-4 High Tg, Rogers, Aluminum Core). If no preference, we will use standard FR-4.

Copper Weight: Finished copper thickness (e.g., 1 oz (35μm), 2 oz (70μm) for inner and outer layers.

Surface Finish: (Select one)

HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling): Leaded or Lead-Free (LF-HASL). Lowest cost, but less flat.

ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold): Most common. Flat surface, good for soldering and gold fingers.

Immersion Silver , Immersion Tin : Good for high-frequency, but can oxidize.

ENEPIG: For advanced packaging and wire bonding.

OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative): Low cost, but shelf life is limited.

Solder Mask Color: (e.g., Green, Black, Blue, White, Red). Green is standard.

Silkscreen Color: (e.g., White, Black, Yellow). White is standard.

Special Requirements:

Impedance Control: Yes / No. If yes, you MUST provide the impedance control table/requirements.

Gold Fingers: Yes / No. If yes, specify beveling (chamfering) requirements.

Via Plugging / Tenting: Are vias to be tented (covered with solder mask) or plugged (filled with epoxy)?

Board Outline: Any special routing, slots, or internal cutouts?

Electrical Testing: Flying Probe Test (standard for prototypes) or Test Fixture (for mass production). Flying probe is usually included.