Artpath software how to#
Artpath software software#
Artpath software series#

The D format is the older standard and will use two files per layer on your PCB. The standard file extensions youвЂ™ll work within Autodesk EAGLE today include:ДЄnother thing to remember about Gerbers is their available formats вЂ“ Gerber RS-274D and Gerber RS-274X. The trick with Gerbers is that every file you generate will be associated with a particular layer on your board layout, each with its own unique file extension. These days, Gerbers are used to controls a laser plotting machine to make an image of all the traces, holes, vias on your PCB layout. When Gerber artwork was first invented, they were used to provide instructions to a photoplotter machine that would create a picture of your PCB using light on a unexposed piece of film. These files describe the copper of every layer in your PCB in a way that a computer-aided manufacturing system (CAM) can understand. Instead of relying on native file formats, every PCB design tool supports an intermediary manufacturing files, called Gerbers. Imagine if a manufacturer had to keep track of every native file format from each PCB design tool, throughout all time. There are a ton of other offerings, all with their own native file format.

Artpath software software#

As we all know, Autodesk EAGLE isnвЂ™t the only PCB design software out there. After all, canвЂ™t you just send your Autodesk EAGLE schematic and layout files directly to your manufacturer and let them handle the rest? If only it were that easy.

If youвЂ™ve never had a board manufactured, then hearing about Gerbers, Excellon, and NC Drill Files might sound like a foreign language.

YouвЂ™ll have to send them Gerber Files and Excellon Drill Files.

Artpath software how to#

But how does a manufacturer know how to make your PCB? They canвЂ™t use your native EAGLE files. And once they have everything they need, you get to sit back and wait for a package to arrive. ItвЂ™s at this juncture where youвЂ™re tasked with assembling all of the files and documentation that your manufacturer will need to successfully produce your board. Now itвЂ™s time to move on over to the post-design process to get ready for PCB manufacturing.

Artpath software series#

The wait can seem like an eternity when you first hand-off your design files, but when you receive that package on your doorstep, itвЂ™s like an engineerвЂ™s Christmas! In our PCB Basics Series weвЂ™ve gone through the entire design process, starting with a visual representation of your circuit in schematic design, and then moving on to squeezing all of that theory into a physical footprint with components and traces. ThereвЂ™s no greater reward than spending hours designing every last detail of your PCB and then finally getting your board back from your manufacturer. PCB Manufacturing Basics Part 1: How to Generate Your Gerber and Drill Files Gerber & NC Drill: PCB Manufacturing Basics 1