Automatic Repair Function.

From July 2015 PCB Checker also includes automatic repair functions.

When we prepare a job for production we run a number of routine automated procedures on our front-end engineering CAM systems (more). These procedures adjust the design data to our manufacturing tolerances.

They are described in our data preparation BLOGS Eurocircuits Data Preparation – Single Image 1 and Eurocircuits Data Preparation – Single Image 2. We are now gradually introducing them as automated repair functions into PCB Checker.

The first automated repair function is now available to use. It repairs annular rings (outer and inner) on via holes where the copper ring remaining after drilling is below the minimum value for your chosen service. The repair function automatically reduces the via hole size, for example from 0.40 mm to 0.25 mm, so that the copper ring around the drill tool is sufficient.

Settings

Although the repair function is automatic, the user retains control. He can set the parameters within which it works to suit the needs of his job.

  • Set the via hole size. Eurocircuits’ default specification sees all holes with diameter 0.45 mm or less as via holes. Under IPC rules via holes have no negative tolerance, so we can reduce their size, whether as here to increase the annular ring, or elsewhere to reduce the number of drill changes on a production panel and cut the cost of the PCB.Set the largest finished hole size which can be treated as a via hole in the box “Holes <= may be reduced" (in Figure 1).TIPS.(1). If you use components with leads which need a finished hole size of 0.45 mm or less, make sure that you enter here a value for via holes less than that required by the lead.(2). If you upload an EAGLE BRD file, PCB Visualizer takes over the identification of the via holes automatically. There is no need to change the value in the “Holes <= may be reduced" box.
  • Set the smallest finished hole size allowed. Enter the value in the box “Smallest final hole” (in Figure 1).TIP.Set this parameter to default 0.25 mm to meet the lowest cost pooling service specifications. Smallest final hole size 0.15 mm will increase the board price slightly. We can produce PCBs with 0.10 mm finished hole size but these are non-poolable so more expensive. A more cost-effective option is to accept a smaller annular ring of 0.10 mm by changing the PCB classification to 8C or 8D.
    Figure 1
    Figure 1

PCB Checker highlights on screen the design rule (DRC) and manufacturability (DFM) issues which have been found by the underlying PCB Visualizer data analysis. It lists the DRC values of the PCB and provides some manufacturing data.

Get support

If anything is unclear or you have any questions contact our online support team by clicking the green Support tab on every page of our website or email us at euro@eurocircuits.com.