IPC 2516A

Abstract

This standard specifies data formats used to describe printed circuit board assembly product manufacturing methodologies. These formats may be used for transmitting information between a printed circuit board designers, board fabricators, and assembly manufacturers. The formats are also useful when the manufacturing cycle includes computer-aided processes and numerical control machines. <br>The information can be used for both manual and for digital interpretations. The data may be defined in either English or SI units. <br><strong>Interpretation</strong> <br><strong>"Shall",</strong> the emphatic form of the verb, is used throughout this standard whenever a requirement is intended to express a provision that is mandatory. Deviation from a <strong>shall</strong> requirement is not permitted, and compliance test modules (CTMs) developed to check syntax and semantics, will prompt the user to correct the ambiguity, or to insert missing information. <br>The words "should" and "may" are used whenever it is necessary to express non-mandatory provisions. <br>"Will" is used to express a declaration of purpose. <br>To assist the reader, the word <strong>shall</strong> is presented in bold characters. <br><strong>Assembled Board Product Manufacturing Focus</strong> <br>The GenCAM format requirements are provided in a series of standards focused on printed circuit board manufacturing, assembly, inspection, and testing. This standard (IPC-2516) provides information on assembled board manufacturing requirements. The generic standard (IPC-2511) contains general requirements and is a mandatory part of the requirements of this standard, and provides general information necessary to completely understand the GenCAM structure.