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Design Guidelines
PCB Design Tips – Expert Guidelines for Better Boards
Good PCB design is not just about getting the traces to connect. It's about ensuring
your board can be manufactured reliably, performs as expected, and doesn't cost more than it should.
Here are practical guidelines to help you avoid common pitfalls and get better results — from your first prototype to full production.
Data Package Requirements – What to Send for PCB Fabrication
Format: Gerber RS-274-X (extended Gerber). This is the standard for modern PCB manufacturing.
* Supported formats: .gbr, .pho, .art, .zip
Drill File (Holes & Vias)
Format: Excellon-1 or Excellon-2 (with tool list).
Include:
- Drill sizes
- Plated vs. non-plated holes (PTH / NPTH)
- Tool list (required)
* Supported formats: .drl, .txt, .xln, .zip
Additional Files (Optional – Do Not Send Unless Requested)
We do not recommend sending the following unless absolutely necessary:
- Original CAD data (Altium, Eagle, KiCad, Allegro)
- Graphicode GWK files
- Word documents (.doc, .docx)
- PDF files
- Excel BOM sheets (for fabrication – assembly BOM is separate)
We do not use these for fabrication. Gerber + Excellon is all we need to build your boards.
Quick Checklist – Before You Upload
How to Send Your Data Package
PCB Design Tips – Expert Guidelines for Better Boards
Naming convention (recommended):
projectname_layer_function.gbr
Example: power_v1_copper_top.gbr, power_v1_drill.drl
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