Upload PCB Files | Secure Board File Transfer Under NDA

How to Upload PCB Files for Reverse Engineering or Cloning

You can upload PCB files directly through our encrypted submission portal. We accept Gerber archives, ODB++ packages, board photographs, PDF schematics, and even raw scans of legacy documentation. Every upload is covered by a mutual NDA executed before engineering review begins, and files are stored on AES-256-encrypted servers with access limited to the assigned project team. Most submissions receive a preliminary feasibility response within one business day.

Why a Dedicated Upload Portal Matters

Email attachments cap out at 20–25 MB on most providers. A single 12-layer Gerber archive with drill files, pick-and-place data, and high-resolution board photos can easily exceed 200 MB. Generic file-sharing links (Google Drive, WeTransfer) introduce third-party data exposure you cannot audit. Our portal solves both problems: upload limits up to 2 GB per session, TLS 1.3 in transit, and no third-party cloud intermediaries.

For clients in regulated industries—medical devices, defense sub-assemblies, industrial control—this is not a convenience feature. It is a compliance requirement. Our data security practices for reverse engineering projects detail the full chain of custody from upload to final file delivery.

Accepted File Formats and What to Include

File Type	Common Extensions	Max Size per File	Notes
Gerber (RS-274X)	.gbr, .ger, .gtl, .gbl	500 MB	Include all layers + drill files (.drl, .xln)
ODB++	.tgz, .zip	500 MB	Preferred for multi-layer boards with embedded net data
Altium / KiCad / Eagle native	.PcbDoc, .kicad_pcb, .brd	500 MB	We can import directly; include schematic + BOM if available
Board photographs	.jpg, .png, .tiff	100 MB each	Minimum 12 MP; top, bottom, and edge shots; include a ruler for scale
PDF schematics / datasheets	.pdf	200 MB	Useful even if incomplete—speeds BOM reconstruction
Firmware binaries	.hex, .bin, .s19	100 MB	Only accepted with proof of ownership or authorization letter
Physical board (no files)	N/A	Ship to lab	We provide a prepaid shipping label for boards up to 5 kg

If you have nothing digital at all—just a bare board or even high-resolution photos—our team can still work with that. We have recovered full Gerber sets from board photographs alone, though physical board access always yields higher accuracy (trace/space tolerance within ±0.5 mil vs. ±2 mil from photos).

Step-by-Step: Uploading Your Board Files

1. Prepare Your Package

Zip all related files into a single archive. Name the archive with a project identifier (e.g., ProjectX_Rev3_BoardFiles.zip). Include a short README or cover note listing: board name, layer count (if known), reason for the project (clone, recovery, redesign), and any known constraints (specific components obsolete, MCU locked, board damaged).

2. Access the Upload Portal

Navigate to the upload page. No account creation is required for the first submission. You will be prompted for your name, company, email, and a brief project description. All fields are transmitted over TLS 1.3.

3. Upload and Confirm

Drag your archive into the upload zone or click to browse. Progress is displayed in real time. After the upload completes, you receive an automated confirmation email with a unique project reference number. This number tracks your files through every stage of our workflow.

4. NDA Execution

Within 4 business hours, our project coordinator sends a mutual NDA for e-signature. No engineering work begins—and no file is opened beyond a virus scan—until the NDA is countersigned by both parties.

5. Feasibility Assessment

Our engineers review the uploaded files and reply within 1 business day with a feasibility summary: what can be recovered, estimated turnaround (typically 5–15 working days depending on layer count and complexity), and a fixed-price quote. For boards requiring obsolete PCB recovery, we flag any components that need sourcing alternatives.

What Happens to Your Files After Upload?

• Storage: AES-256 encryption at rest on isolated project drives. No shared cloud buckets.
• Access: Only the lead engineer and project coordinator assigned to your job can open the files. Access is logged and auditable.
• Retention: Project files are retained for 90 days after final delivery, then permanently deleted unless you request an extension.
• Backup: One encrypted backup copy is maintained on a separate physical server during the active project window.
• Deletion certificate: Available on request after the 90-day window closes.

These protocols are not optional extras. They apply to every upload, whether the project is a two-layer single-sided clone or a 16-layer HDI impedance-controlled recovery.

Common Scenarios When You Upload PCB Files

Board Cloning for Production Continuity

You have a working board but no original design files. Upload high-resolution photos (top and bottom, minimum 4000 × 3000 px) plus any documentation you have. We reverse-engineer the board to produce a complete Gerber set, BOM, and centroid file ready for your contract manufacturer. Our PCB copy service has handled boards from 1 to 28 layers using this workflow.

Damaged Board Recovery

If your board is partially burned, corroded, or mechanically damaged, upload whatever photos and files you have before shipping the physical board. The photos let our team begin planning the recovery approach during transit, cutting 1–3 days from the overall timeline. Even boards with 30–40% physical damage can often yield a usable file set—see our notes on copying a damaged board.

Legacy Equipment Support

Boards from discontinued equipment often have no surviving documentation. Upload the equipment model, any service manuals, and board photos. If the board includes a locked microcontroller, note that in your project description—authorization documentation will be required before any firmware work begins.

Pre-Quote Feasibility Check

Not sure if your board can be reverse-engineered? Upload a few photos and a brief description. We provide a no-cost feasibility assessment that tells you what is recoverable, what is not, and why—before you commit to anything.

Tips for a Faster, More Accurate Result

Do This	Why It Helps
Include a scale reference (ruler) in photos	Eliminates dimensional ambiguity; critical for pad pitch accuracy
Photograph under diffused light, not flash	Reduces glare on solder mask; makes trace routing visible on inner-layer X-rays
List known component values	Speeds BOM reconstruction by 20–40%
State the target: clone, redesign, or repair file set	Determines deliverable scope and quote structure
Flag any known locked ICs or custom ASICs	Lets us assess firmware/IC feasibility in parallel with PCB work
Provide the original EDA tool name if known	We can output files in native format, not just Gerber

File Upload Size Limits and Workarounds

The portal accepts up to 2 GB per session. If your total package exceeds that—common with multi-board assemblies or full equipment documentation sets—split the upload into labeled parts (Part_1_of_3, etc.) using the same project reference. Alternatively, contact our coordinator for a dedicated SFTP drop folder, which has no practical size limit and supports resume-on-disconnect for unstable connections.

For physical boards with no files at all, we arrange shipping with a prepaid label. Boards arrive at our lab within 3–5 business days (DHL Express) from most countries. Customs documentation is handled on our side for shipments under 5 kg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only have a physical board and no digital files to upload?

Ship the board to our lab using the prepaid label we provide after your initial inquiry. We photograph, scan, and X-ray the board in-house to produce a full digital file set. Many clients start with zero files—this is our standard reverse engineering entry point. Turnaround for a 4-layer board from physical sample is typically 7–10 working days.

Is my upload protected by NDA before I sign anything?

Yes. All uploads are encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256) immediately. However, no engineer opens your files until the mutual NDA is countersigned—usually within 4 business hours of your submission. The NDA covers all project data, deliverables, and communications.

Can I upload files for a board with a locked microcontroller?

You can upload the PCB files and photos. For any firmware-related work on a locked MCU, we require a signed authorization letter confirming you own the IP or have legal rights to the firmware. This is a firm policy—details are explained in our guide to cloning boards with locked MCUs.

How long until I get a quote after uploading?

Most uploads receive a feasibility summary and fixed-price quote within 1 business day. Complex boards (12+ layers, BGA-heavy, or with significant damage) may take up to 2 business days for a detailed assessment.

What deliverable formats will I receive after the project?

Standard deliverables include Gerber RS-274X, Excellon drill files, BOM in Excel/CSV, centroid/pick-and-place file, and a PDF schematic. We can also deliver in native Altium, KiCad, or Eagle format on request at no extra charge.

Related Pages

• Real-world board recovery case studies
• How accurate is a reverse-engineered copy?