where to produce?

For all of my projects I do provide Gerber Data, so you can let produce the PCBs from the PCB manufacturer of your choice.

I do order all of my PCBs at https://jlcpcb.com/. JLCPCB is located in China (Shenzhen). Very good quality, low prices, fast shipping. You need to order at least five PCBs.

For some of my projects (the ones with SMD components) I do also provide special formatted BOM files and CPL (component placement list). These files are intended to use for ordering pre assembled PCBs ( so called 'SMT  Assembly) at JLCPCB and cannot be used by other manufacturers.

PCB only

You only need my Gerber Data (Zip File) which you upload to JLC. For the options  go with the default parameters and you are fine although you may want to choose more than 5 PCBs ( five is the minmum order at JLC) or want to have your PCB in another color. 

See documentation on the right which will guide you through the order process.

PCB plus assembly

Here you need in addition to the Gerber Data (ZIP File) also a special formatted BOM and a CPL file provided with my project.

The BOM list the SMD components which will be assembled by JLC and refer to their component library.

The CPL file (component placement list) will tell JLC where to place the components on the PCB.

See documentation on the right which will guide you through the order process.

in case of 'inventory shortage'

Sometimes it happens that the parts I have listed in the BOM are not available at JLCPCB anymore. Have a look at this doc to see what are your possibilities now.

Gerber Data

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Gerber format is an open ASCII vector format for printed circuit board (PCB) designs. It is the de facto standard used by PCB industry software to describe the printed circuit board images: copper layers, solder mask, legend, drill data, etc.