Meaning
Version control systems store and track changes to hardware schematics, printed circuit board layouts and mechanical files. A design repository provides a single source of truth for the development team, ensuring that all revisions are logged and traceable. It holds the primary source files that are compiled into production-ready manufacturing files.
Release Procedure
Manufacturing files are generated directly from the master branch of the system after a design review is completed. The design repository maintains the associated gerber and drill files, preventing old versions from being sent to the board manufacturer. This control ensures that only verified files are used for assembly.
Collaboration Protocol
Engineering teams must coordinate their changes to prevent overwriting each other’s work. Using a design repository allows multiple engineers to work on different subsystems simultaneously and merge their modifications back into the main project file. This parallel workflow shortens the development cycle for complex products.
It also logs the author of each change to make troubleshooting easier if a board design fails during prototype testing.
Data Integrity
Security controls are needed to prevent unauthorized alterations to the board files. Protecting the design repository involves setting access permissions so that only certified engineers can approve changes to the master files. This safeguard is vital for meeting quality certification standards.
