Designate Pin 1 for manufacturing

Question

I've got a few custom devices on my PCB where I laid out the package (footprint) and schematic symbol myself. On the footprint I have clearly numbered each pin to match the manufacturer's datasheets using the convention P$1 etc. However when I generate the Gerber files and P & P files I have had 2 different manufacturers tell me they cannot tell where Pin 1 is on my footprints.

Should I be using something besides P$1 as a convention? Is there somewhere else I should be designating a P1 so it is clear in the manufacturing files?

dukepro · Answer

On 05/22/2018 12:27 PM, Joshua Jackson wrote: I've got a few custom devices on my PCB where I laid out the package (footprint) and schematic symbol myself. On the footprint I have clearly numbered each pin to match the manufacturer's datasheets using the convention P$1 etc. However when I generate the Gerber files and P & P files I have had 2 different manufacturers tell me they cannot tell where Pin 1 is on my footprints. Should I be using something besides P$1 as a convention? Is there somewhere else I should be designating a P1 so it is clear in the manufacturing files? -- To view any images and attachments in this post, visit: https://www.element14.com/community/message/239733 Joshua, In addition to the prior advice from Eagle experts, there are other ways of marking pin 1. Already mentioned by Eagle experts: - a dot or dimple in one corner - a square through-hole pad There are other methods worth mentioning as well: - a bar on the top surface near the end of a rectangular package - an angled corner - a beveled edge Take a look at the various packages in ipc-smd.lbr. The packages publishes in that library//should be IPC standard and have IPC markings for pin 1. And they're right - get rid of the P$x crap that Eagle puts in there by default and number them properly. Remember that BGA's will have both letters digits in their pad names. HTH, - Chuck On another unrelated note, I would eagerly welcome perpetual licenses. 
 Attachments: 8664.att1.html.zip

autodeskguest · Answer

Am 22.05.2018 um 18:27 schrieb Joshua Jackson: I've got a few custom devices on my PCB where I laid out the package (footprint) and schematic symbol myself. On the footprint I have clearly numbered each pin to match the manufacturer's datasheets using the convention P$1 etc. However when I generate the Gerber files and P & P files I have had 2 different manufacturers tell me they cannot tell where Pin 1 is on my footprints. Should I be using something besides P$1 as a convention? Is there somewhere else I should be designating a P1 so it is clear in the manufacturing files? -- To view any images and attachments in this post, visit: https://www.element14.com/community/message/239733 If you had a look at the delivered eagle libraries you would see that no SMD/PAD in the packages have something like P$1. (These Numbers are generated by default from eagle.) They have Numbers from 1 to... what ever So just use the NAME command in the package editor to rename your smd/pads correctly. Then check in the device editor that the symbol pins are correctly connected to the package pads. -- Mit freundlichen Grüßen / With best regards Joern Paschedag

autodeskguest · Answer

On 22/05/18 17:27, Joshua Jackson wrote: However when I generate the Gerber files and P & P files I have had 2 different manufacturers tell me they cannot tell where Pin 1 is on my footprints. Should I be using something besides P$1 as a convention? Is there somewhere else I should be designating a P1 so it is clear in the manufacturing files? In addition to what Joern says, the manufacturer is probably not expecting pin numbers on the silk screen (even if you're actually getting them). Check the datasheet for each of your ICs and you will see that there is a "pin 1 marker" somewhere on the chip, normally in the form of a dot or a dimple. You need to show that, or something like it, on the silk screen (or an accompanying assembly guide if the silk can't accommodate it).

rachaelp · Answer

As others have said, name your pins properly (It wont help the manufacturer determine orientation in the Gerbers though) and for THT you can optionally set the pin 1 location to a different shape. But you should be providing this indication on your silk screen and in your assembly drawings. I wrote a library creation tutorial a while back. You can find the section on creating packages here: EAGLE Tutorial: Library Part Creation Part 1 - Creating Packages Best Regards, Rachael

Designate Pin 1 for manufacturing

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