Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1535183
62 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2025 ment into the industry. We're working to draw the attention of policymakers to make sure all these different supply chain programs include electronics, but there is always more that needs to be done. Matties: What should we say to members to bet- ter help the industry and the association overall? Every time I speak on the topic or do an interview, I mention that the participation of members is critical to the success of advocacy because when we walk into a congressional office to discuss tariffs or taxes, they want to know, "How will this impact the businesses in my constituency?" e most persuasive examples are those that show how, for example, the bonus depreciation will enable you to buy new equipment, add this capability, or hire more employees. ose examples have to come from business owners and member leader- ship. at means participating in surveys like we had recently on our advocacy page on ipc. org and signing up for our action alerts. We've taken IPC members to Capitol Hill in January and February. We're planning another visit in early summer, and multiple visits throughout the year. When business leaders come to Washington and meet with their members of Congress, it is very impact- ful. We need more members to become involved, share their stories, and help these important business incentives become law for the good of the whole domestic electron- ics manufacturing industry. Matties: Thank you, Rich. ank you for the invitation. SMT007 There are many common data formats in use, depending on the design provider's software and preferences. PCB fabricators need to be able to work with all of the formats; however, the preferred formats at ASC are IPC-2581 and ODB++ because they provide a unified/consistent data format for all data—layers, drill, netlist, etc.—between the designer and the fabricator. Common data formats: • IPC-2581 • ODB++ • 247-D Gerber • 274X Gerber • 274X2 Gerber • 274X3 Gerber • IPC-D-356 Netlist • Mentor Neutral Netlist • HPGL • DXF • DWG • NC Drill (Excellon file) • PDF (for notes, specifications, and stackups) • Excel (for stackups) Part Drawing/Data Package Requirements Drawing media includes paper, or any of the elec- tronic data files listed above plus customer specifi- cations, readme files, etc. Refer to IPC-D-325 and IPC-2610 for the requirements of different drawings. The drawing/data package should include: • Profile dimensions and tolerance for the board • Hole-to-board edge dimension in two axes • List of finished hole sizes and hole size tolerance • Material type, thickness, and finished copper weight • Applicable acceptability specifications as required • Solder mask color, type, and number of sides • Surface finish: SMOBC, white tin, electroless nickel/gold, etc. • Nomenclature/legend color and number of sides Continue reading this book. The Printed Circuit Designer's Guide to... DFM Essentials, Chapter 9: Data Formats BOOK EXCERPT by Anaya Vardya, American Standard Circuits / ASC Sunstone Circuits