What are PCB Files?
• PCB Structure is generally expressed in the form of multiple layered set of
• Structure
documents. Each of this document is a GERBER (.gbr) file. • GERBER Files
• Copper_bottom.gbr
• Each layer or each file represents a different aspect of the final design. For • Copper_top.gbr
example copper_top.gbr will specify details only for the top copper layer on the • Profile.gbr
PCB. • Silkscreen_bottom.gbr
• Silkscreen_top.gbr
• GERBER file is an exported file format furnishing details of PCB Design. Its • Soldermask_top.gbr
extension is .gbr. • Soldermask_botton.gbr
• Solderpaste_bottom.gbr
• Currently most supported format: RS-274X
• Solderpaste_top.gbr
• What does it entail? • DrillFiles
• Board outline • .xln files
• Mounting holes
Note: Most of the native .gbr viewing
• Cutouts and keep-outs
software either view individual .gbr files or
• Component placement
take in the exported zip and view all the
• PCB design rules
layers present in the zip resulting into total
• Import netlist
board.
• Routing
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What are PCB Files? (Contd)
• Final files are generally exported to a
zip which hosts all the required layers
of individual .gbr files.
• This format is widely used and
generally exported using native PCB
CAD applications like Eagle CAD from
Autodesk.
• This zip is shared with a third party
PCB Manufacturer or an internal team.
• The previously shared structure of files
is optional. Any or all of them can be
present.
Currently these files and reviews are
done on emails or sharing through
servers. This data is generally stored on
orthodox file systems and archives.
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PCB Instrumentation Workflow
•Input Design
Design •Design review
Input and
Review
Schematic
•Constructing Schematic
Constructio •Review Schematic
n and
Review
Board •Creating board files and exporting
Creation
and
Export
Review •Internal review and changes
board
files
•Shared with third party PCB Manufacturer
•Reported back with acknowledgement or change in files if errors
Third party exist
PCB
Manufactu
ring
HIGH LEVEL LOW LEVEL
Native Applications
Targeted for Content Server
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Inside GERBER Files
• The content of a Gerber file is ASCII text (i.e. English letters, digits and a few special characters) and
looks like a human could almost read and understand. Here's an example:
G75* The types of instructions Gerber file instructions are (roughly):
G70* 1.Configuration Parameters ("%...*%" blocks)
%OFA0B0*% 2.Macro and Aperture Definitions (AM and AD parameters)
%FSLAX24Y24*% 3.Drawing Commands
%IPPOS*% 4.X/Y Coordinate information for the locations of features
%LPD*%
%AMOC8*5,1,8,0,0,1.08
239X$1,22.5*%
%ADD10C,0.0080*%
D10*
X000281Y000835D02*
X002472Y006196D01* A JavaScript port can be prepared to be able to extract data
M02* from the files and be able to display on HTML Canvas
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