Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1163814
SEPTEMBER 2019 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 47 BOM, netlist, and the list goes on). Each file re- quires a separate output that then also requires its own set of instructions. This takes time to set up and send from the design and engineering end. It also requires setup by the CMs to ensure all of their machines are aligned and can work in concert with each other through the entire board manufacturing and assembly process. Since much of this involves manual effort, it is more prone to errors on both sides. Further, a lot of time is required to pull together the differ- ent specifications based on which manufactur- er the data is going to or modify the data if you need to change fabrication houses (Figure 2). The main goal of IPC-2581 is to eliminate all of that risk and at the push of a button from your CAD tools, generate a single file that you can send to your downstream sup- pliers, enabling them to do their work more efficiently without the need for any manu- al intervention. All of the files and instruc- tions are electronically embedded and machine-readable within the IPC-2581 file itself. "IPC-2581 moves multiple e- paper file intelligence (i.e., PDF, DXF, etc.) into a single, specific CAD feature with associated requirements," says Dana Korf, senior consultant with Korf Consultancy, formerly with Multek and Huawei. "For example, connec- tor pads may show that they require thicker electrolytic gold and a specific finished hole tolerance. Both can now be embedded, eliminating the need for a fabrication drawing, additional CAD layers and drawing notes, which can be conflicting or misread." Korf con- cludes, "Reduced data transfer time and im- proved quality are the results." Mapping the Way In the pioneering days, it was an arduous task to try to explore and map new frontiers and territories. However, getting the process started for adopting IPC-2581 is easier than you may think. Most major ECAD vendors already have an "easy button" that will enable you to export your designs to IPC-2581, thereby pro- viding that first step in your path to adoption. The resulting file contains all of the ECAD-re- lated information for both your bare board and assembly supply chain partners. In addition, to help maintain IP security, the file can be con- trolled so that your bare board and assembly houses only see the data that they need to do their individual jobs, as the source data is fully protected, reducing the chances of reverse-en- gineering (Figure 3). Figure 2: A comparison of the three design data transfer standards. Figure 3: Flowchart showing IPC-2581 connected to IPC's Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) manufacturing format.