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What Is Gerber Data

The Gerber format is the standard for producing printed circuit boards. It consists of vector files exported at the end of a project containing descriptions of electrical connections, tracks, vias and pads. The current standard format is RS-274X, which includes configuration parameters, openings, coordinates and drawing commands. Files sent to production companies should include multiple levels such as top and bottom copper, silkscreen, soldermask and more.

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ch Muzammal
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32 views

What Is Gerber Data

The Gerber format is the standard for producing printed circuit boards. It consists of vector files exported at the end of a project containing descriptions of electrical connections, tracks, vias and pads. The current standard format is RS-274X, which includes configuration parameters, openings, coordinates and drawing commands. Files sent to production companies should include multiple levels such as top and bottom copper, silkscreen, soldermask and more.

Uploaded by

ch Muzammal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Gerber Data

The Gerber Format:

This format does not identify a single document but constitutes the standard for the production of printed circuit
boards. The different files, exported at the end of a project, contain descriptions of the electrical connections, the
tracks, the vias and the pads. These are vector documents made up of a set of commands that generate a flow of
graphic objects. They also include the instructions for the holes to be made on the PCB. Nowadays, the companies
that produce the printed circuit boards only require customers for this type of documentation, nothing else.

Currently the standard format used is RS-274X. It is an extremely powerful version as it includes, in the same
document:

 The configuration parameters;


 The openings;
 The xy coordinates;
 The draw and flash commands.

The files to be sent to the production companies should include the following elements:

 Top Assembly;
 Top Silk;
 Top Mask;
 Top Paste;
 Top (also called Top Copper);
 Bottom (also called Bottom Copper);
 Bottom Paste;
 Bottom Mask;
 Bottom Silk;
 Bottom Assembly;
 Board Outline;
 Dimensions.

Example wiring diagram:

Figure 1 shows the wiring diagram of a transistor amplifier, together with the 3D assembly. It is a promiscuous
realization, with discrete components and some in SMT. The project includes the following levels, which contain
elements, texts, graphics, components and more:

Top Silk: contains the texts, labels, patterns, dimensions and references of the electronic components, on the upper
side;

Top Mask: this is the "solder mask" level and is generated on the basis of the pads;

Top Paste: it is a level usually used for SMT pads;

Top (signal): contains the copper tracks of the upper side;

Board Cutout: defines the physical shape of the PCB outline. It is also used to create the 3D shape of the printed
circuit board.
Top Silk:

The contents of this paragraph are also equivalent to the "Bottom Silk" level. As mentioned above, this level shows
the elements related to the texts, labels, patterns and dimensions of the components and the screen printing in
general, on the upper side of the board (see figure 2). The exported file will have the extension ".gbr", for example
TopSilk.gbr. The content of the exported file contains a particular encoding that perfectly describes the elements of
the upper level. The portion of the content of the file has been deliberately divided into several columns, for visibility
and readability reasons.
Top Mask:

The export function creates the "TopMask.gbr" file. Refers to any protective paint to be applied. Obviously it is
possible to change the name of the target document, but it is recommended to keep the one proposed by the
system. The content of the exported file (see figure 3) contains an encoding of the selected level.
Top Paste:

It refers to the use of SMT components. The export function creates the "TopPaste.gbr" file. Obviously it is possible
to change the name of the target document, but it is recommended to keep the one proposed by the system. The
content of the exported file (see figure 4) contains an encoding of the selected level.
Top (or Top Copper):

This is one of the most useful and interesting levels because it contains the PCB track layout, generated by automatic
or manual routing (see figure 5). The same procedure is followed on the Bottom level. As can be seen on the pitches
there are no holes, as they are exported to a different file and machined or not by the company, at the customer's
request. The name of the file in question is "Top.gbr"
Drill:

This is the document for the description of the drilling specifications (figure 6). An example of a file name would be
"Plated Through.gbr". Not all holes are characterized by the same diameter and some can be metallized. Depending
on the type of hole, the marks on the preview also change. Even if the elements are not numerous, Gerber encoding
is equally complex. PCB drilling is carried out on customer’s request, professional and fast CNC mediance.
Board Outline:

It is probably the simplest Gerber file as it only contains the PCB outline (see figure 7). The printed circuit doesn’t
necessarily always have to be rectangular or squared. It could also be characterized by a different shape and could
even be circular.
Use of texts and fonts for Gerber export:

Texts and writings are a fundamental element for your PCBs. They are intended to show labels, brands, terminal
functions, various directives and, moreover, give a touch of class to the printed circuit board (see figure 9). Many
PCB manufacturers advise their customers to follow some strategies for the

best result. Some recommend the use of "VECTOR" fonts, since they are directly exported to the Gerber file, without
tampering and modifications. The "True Type" characters, on the other hand, could cause some incompatibility
problems. Even Some manufacturers do not accept textual objects on the "copper Layers". Companies must always
be consulted, perhaps by phone or by email, to clarify the problem related to these aspects.
Layer Purpose

Top Solder Paste Assembly

Top Silk Silkscreen

Top Soldermask Solder Masking

Top Copper Electrical Connections

Substrate Base Substrate

Bottom Copper Electrical Connections

Bottom Soldermask Solder Masking

Bottom Silk Silkscreen

Bottom Solder Paste Assembly

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