Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1496727
56 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2023 data received. It is not intended as an approval of line widths, pad sizes, etc. e intent is to ensure that all layers are present, requested merges are properly interpreted, acceptable logo and date code location, etc. is approval does not exempt the fabricator from responsi- bility for properly processing the data but pro- vides a check and balance of the working data. Common Data Issues Two types of data issues are frequently encountered. Minimization of these issues will decrease tool generation time. e following lists present the most common errors: CRITICAL: Can be substantial enough to stop the tooling process. • Bad compression (cannot unzip) • Missing FAB prints of files • Formats not recognized • FAB prints are not legible • No README.TXT file • Information does not match • Missing Gerber files • Outside ASC manufacturing capabilities • Missing drill files • Missing aperture list • Missing "D" codes • Unclear aperture list • Revisions do not match NON-CRITICAL: Simply result in additional edits that need to be performed. • Netlist not supplied • No README.TXT • Design, as supplied, violates the OEM provided specifications/documentation • Design, as supplied, violates the contract manufacturer provided specifications • Violations on rules that improve yield Understanding the cost drivers in PCB fab- rication and early engagement between the designer and the fabricator are crucial ele- ments that lead to cost-effective design suc- cess. Following your fabricator's DFM guide- lines is the first place to start. DESIGN007 Anaya Vardya is president and CEO of American Standard Circuits; co-author of The Printed Circuit Designer's Guide to… Fundamentals of RF/ Microwave PCBs and Flex and Rigid-Flex Fundamentals; and author of Thermal Management: A Fabricator's Perspective. Visit I-007eBooks.com to download these and other educational titles. He also co-authored "Fundamentals of Printed Circuit Board Technologies" and provides a discussion of flex and rigid flex PCBs at RealTime with… American Standard Circuits.