PCB Production File Guide (how to use the files you receive)
Zhixin Heng Electronics - PCB Solution Design

[What you receive]
Production files
  - Gerber (per layer, including solder mask, silkscreen and outline)
  - Drill files (Excellon, plated and non-plated)
  - Pick-and-place coordinates
  - Stencil files
  - Panelisation files (if panelised)
  - Impedance coupon documentation

Assembly data
  - Assembly drawings (top and bottom, with polarity and pin-1 marks)
  - Silkscreen reference list
  - BOM (reference, footprint, part number, parameters, alternate suggestions)
  - 3D models (STEP)

Design source files
  - Schematic source files
  - PCB source files (with stackup settings and rules)
  - Component symbol and footprint libraries
  - Output Job configuration

Verification reports
  - DRC report
  - DFM report
  - Impedance checklist
  - SI / PI / thermal simulation results (where performed)

[When you send files to the fabricator]
- Upload the complete package, not part of the Gerber set only
- Attach the impedance checklist, stating which net pairs need measurement
- Write a separate page for any special process (impedance, half holes, ENIG, panel process edges)

[When you send files to the assembler]
- Send BOM, coordinates, assembly drawings and stencil as one set
- State the assembly side (TOP / BOTTOM)
- Mark polarity parts, diodes and electrolytic capacitors clearly on the assembly drawing
- For BGAs, state whether X-ray inspection is required

[Archive the source files]
Keep one copy of the source files. For later revisions, a change of fabricator, or a
production issue, the difference between owning the source data and not owning it is large.