Scribd
Upload
76 views

Generating Output Files For Copper Layers in PCB Design

This document discusses different file formats for outputting copper layer data from PCB design CAD software to manufacturers. It describes the common formats of Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581. Gerber files use 2D vectors to define copper shapes and are widely supported. ODB++ stores design data in a database and maintains connectivity. IPC-2581 uses XML to precisely define layer stackups and copper geometries. The document provides recommendations for generating output files in each format to maximize data quality and accuracy.

Uploaded by

jack
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
76 views

Generating Output Files For Copper Layers in PCB Design

This document discusses different file formats for outputting copper layer data from PCB design CAD software to manufacturers. It describes the common formats of Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581. Gerber files use 2D vectors to define copper shapes and are widely supported. ODB++ stores design data in a database and maintains connectivity. IPC-2581 uses XML to precisely define layer stackups and copper geometries. The document provides recommendations for generating output files in each format to maximize data quality and accuracy.

Uploaded by

jack
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 9

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Generating Output Files for Copper


Layers in PCB Design

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) contain multiple copper layers that are used to

route electrical connections between components. The copper layer layouts

are designed using CAD software and then output as files that can be used by

PCB manufacturers to fabricate the boards. Choosing the right output file

format is essential for ensuring the design data is accurately transferred from

the CAD tool to the manufacturing process. This article provides an overview of

the common PCB output file formats focusing on the copper layer data

specifically Gerber, ODB++, and IPC-2581 and discusses recommendations for

generating copper layer output files.

Gerber Files

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Gerber is the most common PCB output file format used today. It was

developed by Gerber Systems in the 1960s and adopted as an industry

standard RS-274X in 1998. Gerber files use 2D vector graphics to define copper

layer shapes like traces, pads, and drill holes. Here are some key facts about

Gerber files:

 Each copper layer has a separate Gerber file.


 Files use the .gbr extension (e.g. top_copper.gbr)
 2D coordinates define start and end points of vectors.
 Apertures are used to define line widths and pad shapes.
 Text is defined using vector fonts.
 Excellent support in PCB CAD tools and manufacturing processes.

To generate Gerber files for copper layers:

 Enable output of one Gerber file per copper layer in the CAD tool settings.
 Specify unique file names for each layer, usually indicating the layer name.
 Include all copper features like traces, pads, and copper pours.
 Set the output scale to 1:1.
 Output data in metric units (mm preferred).
 Enable output of aperture definitions and net attributes.
 Generate accompanying drill files.

Here are some tips for maximizing quality of Gerber copper layer data:

 Use smaller apertures to improve resolution of traces and spaces.


 Limit use of flashed/filled polygons which can cause issues.
 Avoid relying on annotations or text for critical information.
 Enable generation of auxiliary "job" files to verify layers.
 Optimize data to minimize file sizes for faster transfers.

ODB++ Files

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

ODB++ is an alternative format for transferring PCB data to manufacturers. It

was created by Valor and adopted by the IPC in 2009. ODB++ uses a

hierarchical database structure to represent all aspects of PCB designs. For

copper layers, ODB++ provides the following benefits:

 Stores graphical objects and their attributes in a centralized database.


 Maintains complete design connectivity information.
 References library component models.
 Includes assembly data.
 Easier validation of transferred data.

To generate ODB++ files for copper layers:

 Enable ODB++ as the output option in the CAD tool settings.


 Choose a .zip compression for the file.
 Select options to output copper layer data.
 Set units to metric (mm preferred).
 Output all copper layer objects and attributes.
 Output accompanying drill and netlist files.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Here are some tips for improving copper layer data quality in ODB++ files:

 Use latest ODB++ version to utilize advanced constructs.


 Limit custom attributes and properties as needed.
 Reference minimum component models to reduce file size.
 Verify copper layer counts match boards before output.
 Check inclusion of unused layers to avoid errors.
 Review ODB++ logs for warnings before releasing files.

IPC-2581 Files

IPC-2581 is the newest PCB design data exchange format, ratified as a

standard by the IPC in 2004. It utilizes an XML schema to fully describe PCB

assembly products. For copper layers, IPC-2581 provides:

 Detailed definition of layer stackups and materials.


 Complete representation of 2D/3D geometry and attributes.
 Flexible mechanism for intelligent grouping of data.
 Creates full manufacturing and assembly data package.
 XML-based data can integrate with databases and processes.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

To generate IPC-2581 files containing copper layers:

 Select IPC-2581 as the output file type in CAD settings.


 Define stackup details like layer materials and thicknesses.
 Specify accurate 2D/3D geometry for all copper features.
 Maintain associated netlist and attribution details.
 Group data chunks into logical assemblies.
 Output any artwork illustrations needed.
 Compress file using standard zip or gzip tools.

Here are some recommendations for maximizing copper layer quality in

IPC-2581 files:

 Take advantage of 3D data constructs if available.


 Utilize layer span constructs to optimize data.
 Keep illustrations simple and only if required.
 Confirm presence of data for inner signal layers.
 Verify matching layer count across stackup and copper definitions.
 Include minimum attributes and properties to optimize file size.

Comparison of File Formats

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Conclusion

 Gerber files are the most prevalent output files used to transfer copper layer data to PCB
manufacturers due to excellent CAD tool support and process integration.
 ODB++ files provide a more robust database-driven representation of the full PCB design
including copper layers. The validation and organizational capabilities are advantageous.
 IPC-2581 utilizes cutting edge XML data modeling to precisely define copper layer
geometries and integrate with broader product manufacturing processes. The overhead
is higher but so is data accuracy.

In summary, Gerber files are the common output format for copper layers

today due to their simplicity and widespread tooling support. However, both

ODB++ and IPC-2581 formats offer enhanced data validation, organization,

and integration capabilities. As CAD tools and manufacturing processes evolve,

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

output standards like ODB++ and IPC-2581 will likely grow in adoption for

more accurate and complete PCB design data transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended copper layer file format to use?

The recommended format is the Gerber (RS-274X) file standard, as it has the

widest support in PCB CAD tools and manufacturing processes. For simpler

PCB designs, Gerber provides an efficient way to transfer copper layer data.

Should different naming conventions be used for external vs

internal copper layers?

Yes, it is recommended to use a naming convention that differentiates

between external and internal copper layers for clarity. For example,

"Top_Copper", "Bottom_Copper", "Internal1_Copper", "Internal2_Copper".

How can you validate copper layer data in Gerber files?

Use PCB viewer tools to visually inspect layers or use validation tools like

GerbView that can identify potential manufacturing issues. Checking the image

polarity and doing a visual overlay verification of adjacent layers is

recommended.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com


RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What are the main advantages of ODB++ for copper layer

output?

ODB++ stores complete PCB design data in a centralized database,

maintaining all object attributes, connectivity, and relationships. This facilitates

validation of the copper layer data completeness and accuracy.

How does IPC-2581 represent copper layer data?

IPC-2581 utilizes an XML schema to fully define the layer stackup materials,

thicknesses, and sequences. The 2D/3D copper layer geometries and net

attributes are precisely defined within this layer context.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services www.raypcb.com

You might also like