Tips & Tricks – BOM & CPL Data

It has been over a year since we launched our Prototype & Small series Assembly service.

One question that we are often asked is, what information must you our customer supply for the Assemble service.

To answer this question, we need the BOM (Bill of Materials) and CPL (Component Placement List) data.

These files are usually generated by the CAD system and output in an ASCII format, the format varies from one CAD system to another however, it is the information contained within these files that is important.

The BOM must contain the information below:

• MPN (Manufacturers Part Number) or Supplier Part Number.
• Full Description of the Part (including value where applicable)
• Component Reference Designations that use this Part.

Addition information that is also very useful:

• Manufacturer
• Supplier

Below is an example of a BOM file.

It is important that each line that contains a Component Reference Designator also contains the required part information.

Using the CPL we automatically superimpose the components listed in the BOM to the PCB, allowing the verify the component placement on the PCB.

The CPL file must contain the following information:

• Component Reference Designator (e.g. C1, L2, R3 etc).
• X and Y Position of the component Center.
• Orientation
• Side (Top or Bottom).

Great news for KiCAD and Eagle users as the CPL data is already contained within the .BRD or .KiCAD file.

Below is an example of a CPL file.

For more information concern BOM and CPL files please visit the Eurocircuits PCBA Visualizer – user guide and the Eurocircuits Guide on How to Upload or Import BOM & CPL files into the PCBA Visualizer.

Should you have any questions about any of our services, please feel free to get in touch via email, telephone or instantly with our online chat during office hours. We will be more than happy to help.

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