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IPC-2581 is a generic standard for printed circuit board assembly products' manufacturing description data and transfer methodology. It was developed by the IPC association, which is an international trade association for the electronics industry.

This standard was created to address the modern complexities of PCB design and manufacturing processes, which were not sufficiently addressed by older formats like Gerber and Excellon. It's a single, comprehensive file format that encapsulates all necessary data to manufacture and inspect a PCB assembly.

The IPC-2581 standard aims to improve efficiency, reduce data re-entry and transcription errors, and enhance traceability. It's a robust format that includes detailed information about:

PCB Stackup and Material Details

Information about the layers in the PCB, including copper, dielectric, and other types of layers.

Netlist

A list of the electrical connections between the different components on the PCB.

Components Information

Data about all the components to be assembled onto the PCB, including values, part numbers, package types, and positions.

Drill and Route Information

Data about all the holes to be drilled and the paths to be routed on the PCB.

Test Points and Probe Information

Details about the test points used for testing the PCB after assembly.

Manufacturing Notes and Assembly Instructions

Any additional notes or instructions required for manufacturing or assembling the PCB.

 

IPC-2581 files are XML-based, making them easy to generate and read with a variety of software tools. The IPC-2581 standard is gaining increasing acceptance in the industry, and more and more EDA tools and PCB manufacturers are starting to support it.