BANNOCKBURN, IL – IPC has updated its global standard for PCB design through manufacturing data flow.

IPC-2581C, Generic Requirement for Printed Board Assembly Product Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer Methodology introduces new features, automation supporting Industry 4.0, and bidirectional DFX intelligence capability that eliminates the back and forth between design house and manufacturers before production begins.

The IPC-2581 committee has introduced support for the latest technologies, representing every aspect of modern PCB design. Updates include overhauled support for rigid flex, embedded components, cavities, coins, attenuation parameters, connector ports, pin polarities, edge plating, countersink/counterbore, square drill, and intended net-shorts.

Revision C includes the bidirectional DFX data exchange through which feedback between design and manufacturing is conveyed and tracked before manufacturing begins.

“DFM checking and resolution can be a frustrating and time-consuming process that poses little overall benefit for our customers,” said Greg Link, FAE manager for WUS Printed Circuits. “IPC-2581 revision C addresses the need for a collaborative, executable exchange for DFM issues eliminating spreadsheets, PowerPoints and emails, accelerating new product introduction for our customers."

“As the industry continues to move toward digital data exchange, the timing is right for the technology behind IPC-2581C to bring the opportunity for critical savings and efficiencies in engineering workload. The update benefits both design and manufacturing, supporting agility and responsiveness within the holistic electronics manufacturing process,” said Matt Kelly, IPC chief technologist.

“IPC-2581C is also a major component of the digital twin architecture and strategy, setting the standard for interoperability between different digital twin solutions, bringing maximum value from data. IPC-2581 revision C is much more than an incremental update, providing the industry’s only fully digitalized and automated data exchange. It is ready to be a critical part of any PCB fabrication and assembly manufacturing smart factory strategy.”

Read Hemant Shah’s latest feature article at PCD&F: https://pcdandf.com/pcdesign/index.php/editorial/menu-features/15219-new-dfx-module-for-ipc-2581-slices-design-manufacturing-time-errors.