File Submission Checklist. Print this guide and pass to the person setting up your pcb files.

FILES:

• I am sending a single ZIP file containing only the REQUIRED FILES for my board.
• The ZIP file is smaller than 2 Mbyte (if not I could have used a wrong setup for thermal planes. Very small lines and very small spaces between lines). Typical Zipped Gerber files are 100 or 200 Kbytes.
• If I don't know how to make a zip file of my files I can read the file compression guide.
• Usually my PCB will be processed for manufacturing when file is received, no changes can be made after sending my file.

GERBER LAYER FILE PREPARATION:

• I have previewed my design using a GERBER VIEWER like "GC-PREVIEW" (free download from the Graphicode website at www.graphicode.com)
• My design requirements fall within the standard DESIGN RULES
• Files are in one of the following format:
  
  • Gerber RS274-X (Extended Gerber)
  • Gerber RS274-D (Non Extended Gerber) and they includes a separate aperture list (Please do all effort to avoid using RS274D format, always prefer RS274X format)
  • Cadsoft Eagle .brd format (if I have a shareware version of Eagle I have not tried to bypass the ìsize limitî imposed by Eagle otherwise my files will not be readable from other installation of Eagle)
• All holes have proper pads for through-hole connections from top to bottom layer. Any NON PLATED hole is without any PAD or it has a PAD smaller than the drill diameter.
• My board is viewed as looking through from topside (component side). Any TEXT placed on topside (component side) is seen from left to right, instead, back side text should be seen as 'wrong reading' (from right to left). See picture

SINGLE SIDED BOARD (1 LAYER):

• I have only one Gerber file (Top or Bottom copper layer) and it has some text on it to understand the correct orientation of the layer. Even if not required (pcb without solder and silkscreen) or applicable the SILKSCREEN layer can help.
• I understand that single sided board has no PLATED holes.

BOARD SHAPE OUTLINE:

• Shape of board is indicated in some layer in some way.

NCDRILL FILE - ASCII TEXT FILE SHOWING X&Y COORDINATES FOR HOLES:

• Drill diameter are FINISHED SIZE
• I have opened the NCDRILL file with notepad (or any other text editor) and it looks like the following
• I have a tool size list or the tool sizes are listed within the NCDRILL file.
• The file format is either EXCELLON or Sieb & Meyer
• I have verified and I'm sure that NCDRILL file is NOT a Gerber Layer, drawing, or map of the hole placement by opening the file with notepad (or any other text editor) and it doesn't contain "G01, G54", or "D" code references.
• The smallest drill size I have used is compatible with the requirements of the standard DESIGN RULES
• The copper pad around the holes is compatible with the requirements of the standard DESIGN RULES to prevent holes void of copper.
• Holes do not go thru traces without a copper pad in place

SOLDERMASK (ONLY "PLUS PCB"):

• I have included both top and bottom Solder Mask files (Is the image of the areas you don't want the green solder on (tipically PADS). It is ONLY required for "PLUS" pcbs).
• Solder mask swell is at least 8 mils (0,20 mm) larger than copper surfaces to keep mask off pads.

SILKSCREEN (ONLY "PLUS PCB"):

• I included a top Silkscreen file (Is the image of the white marking ink to identify components during later assembly. It is ONLY required for "PLUS" pcbs).
• Silkscreen does not cover solder surfaces or copper pads. Otherwise I can have solderability problem due to a lack of tin on the copper surfaces.
• Silkscreen traces are drawn with a 7 mil (0,18 mm) or larger line width.