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52 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2023 Article by Anaya Vardya AMERICAN STANDARD CIRCUITS Introduction One of the biggest challenges facing PCB designers is not understanding the cost drivers in the PCB manufacturing process. A critical cost driver that oen goes unrecognized is the data package that is sent to the PCB fabricator. Costs associated with data packages include engineering delays, data translation issues, and reliability concerns. Data Formats ere are many common data formats in use, depending on the design provider's so- ware and preferences. PCB fabricators need to be able to work with all of the formats; how- ever, the one that is overwhelmingly preferred is ODB++ because it is the purest format between the designer and the fabricator. Common data formats: • ODB++ • 247D Gerber • 274 Gerber • IPCD356 Net List • Mentor Neutered Netlist • HPGL • DXF • DWG • NC Drill • Excellon DFM 101 Data Package Guidelines