Definition

Fiducials are copper marks on a PCB that provide reference points for automated assembly equipment. Pick-and-place machines use camera systems to locate fiducials and calculate the precise position and rotation of the board or panel. Global fiducials (typically 3 per panel, in an L-pattern) align the entire panel, while local fiducials near fine-pitch components (BGAs, QFPs <0.5mm pitch) improve placement accuracy for those specific parts. Standard fiducial design: 1mm diameter copper circle with 2mm solder mask opening, no silkscreen. Place fiducials on the same layer as the components they reference. Asymmetric placement prevents 180° orientation errors.