Background Theory > PCB Design > Automated Pick and Place > Pick and Place Machine File Format Standards

When it comes to the file formats used by pick and place machines, there isn't a universal standard across all manufacturers. The file format used often depends on the specific machine or software used to generate the file. However, there are some widely used formats that are generally accepted across many machines.

CSV (Comma Separated Values)

This is a simple, widely used format that can be read by many machines and software. The file typically includes data such as the component designator, X and Y coordinates, rotation, layer (top or bottom), and other details. The exact format can vary, so it may need to be customized to match the requirements of the specific machine.

TXT (Text)

Similar to CSV, but the data fields are usually separated by spaces or tabs instead of commas. Again, the format can vary depending on the machine.

Excel (XLS or XLSX)

Some machines can read data directly from Excel files. However, this is less common due to the complexities of the Excel file format.

EIA-481-D (Electronic Industries Alliance Standard)

This standard defines a format for component feeder data, which can be used by pick and place machines to set up the component feeders. It doesn't contain the placement data, but is often used in conjunction with another file that does.

EIA-481-D is a standard published by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), which is now part of the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA). The "D" in the name represents the latest revision of the standard.

EIA-481-D specifies the standard for the embossed carrier taping of surface-mount components for automatic handling. This includes the tape that holds the components, the reel that the tape is wound onto, and the leader and trailer tape sections. The standard defines the physical properties of these tapes, including dimensions, materials, and mechanical characteristics.

Surface mount components are typically supplied on these tapes and are fed into automated pick-and-place machines for assembly onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). By adhering to this standard, component manufacturers ensure their products can be easily used by a variety of automated machinery in electronics manufacturing processes around the world.

Please note, however, that EIA-481-D doesn't directly relate to the data files used by pick and place machines to place components on a PCB. Those files, which may be in CSV, TXT, or other formats, contain information about the position, orientation, and type of each component on the board.

Gerber (RS-274X)

While not strictly a pick and place file format, Gerber files are often used in conjunction with pick and place data. The Gerber files provide a graphical representation of the PCB layout, including the copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, and drill holes. This data can be useful for setting up the machine and verifying the placement data.

CAD Files (e.g., ODB++, IPC-2581)

Some machines can work directly with data from CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems. These file formats include much more information than a simple pick and place file, including the complete PCB layout and sometimes even the 3D models of the components. However, working with these formats usually requires more complex software and hardware.

In practice, you would typically generate the pick and place file from the same CAD software that you used to design the PCB. This ensures that the data matches exactly with your design. You may need to customize the output format to match the requirements of your specific pick and place machine.