PCBA File Package Checklist

Fabrication data

Include Gerber or another agreed manufacturing format, drill files, board outline, layer description where needed, and notes that affect material or finish. Do not mix exports from different revisions.

Assembly data

A BOM identifies components; placement data identifies locations; assembly drawings clarify orientation, polarity, special handling, and items that data alone does not explain.

Programming and test references

If programmed devices or functional checks are part of the request, include the firmware version, programming method, connector information, procedure, and expected result.

Open questions

A short issue list is better than silent assumptions. State missing parts, unconfirmed alternatives, ambiguous drawings, or areas where the supplier must ask before proceeding.

Working checklist

Gerber layers
Drill files
Board outline
BOM
Placement data
Assembly drawings
Polarity and variant notes
Firmware reference
Test reference
Revision identifier

Use as preparation, not as a universal specification

The final technical, sourcing, testing, timing, and handover requirements depend on the submitted project and responsible approvals.

Prepared for PCBLaunch project reviews. Reviewed by Li Can. Updated 2026-10-13.

PCBA file package guide

A usable package lets the next person understand the build.

Fabrication files, assembly data, component identity, placement, programming references, and revision ownership must agree before a supplier can build with confidence.

Fabrication data

Gerber outputs, stack-up, finish, dimensions, drill data, and the released board revision.

Assembly data

BOM, placement files, polarity, assembly notes, approved alternatives, and quantity.

Test references

Programming method, expected behavior, fixtures, acceptance checks, and the open questions that still need an answer.

Why package completeness matters

The supplier should not have to invent the missing parts of your release.

A consistent package reduces wrong assumptions about polarity, placement, approved alternatives, revision, and assembly intent before they become cost or schedule problems.

One package, one owner

Someone must be able to answer which files are current and which decisions are still open. That ownership is part of readiness.

Files should agree with each other

A complete-looking folder can still describe four different boards.

The useful check is not whether a file exists. It is whether fabrication, assembly, sourcing and test information point to the same revision and expected result.

Fabrication

Confirm layer count, outline, stack-up, finishes, drill data and the revision represented by the Gerber package.

Assembly

Confirm BOM references, placement coordinates, polarity, side, orientation and assembly notes.

Sourcing

Mark approved manufacturer parts, alternates, lifecycle risks, customer-supplied items and quantities.

Test

Define programming, functional checks, fixture or setup, expected results and failure disposition.

File-package questions

What should happen when two files disagree?

Should the newest file always win?

Not automatically. The revision owner should confirm which file represents the intended build before a supplier chooses an assumption.

Can I send only Gerbers?

Gerbers may start a fabrication review, but assembly and test need the corresponding BOM, placement and acceptance information.

What if I have no test procedure?

State the product behavior and risk first. A practical test boundary can then be defined before the pilot is released.

Fabrication data

Assembly data

Programming and test references

Open questions

Working checklist

A usable package lets the next person understand the build.

Fabrication data

Assembly data

Test references

The supplier should not have to invent the missing parts of your release.

A complete-looking folder can still describe four different boards.

Fabrication

Assembly

Sourcing

Test

What should happen when two files disagree?

Start with the files, board, or prototype you already have.