Extend Extended Gerber – Gerber X2

What is Gerber X2?

Gerber X2 is an enhanced version of the standard Gerber format used for defining printed circuit board (PCB) designs. It extends the capabilities of the original Extended Gerber format (RS-274X) by incorporating additional metadata directly within the Gerber file. This metadata includes information about the PCB design such as layer structure, materials, finishes, and more.

The goal of Gerber X2 is to improve the communication of PCB fabrication data and reduce the potential for errors and misinterpretations. By embedding more contextual information within the Gerber file itself, Gerber X2 helps streamline the design to manufacturing process.

Key Features of Gerber X2

Some of the key enhancements and features introduced in Gerber X2 include:

1. Attributes: Gerber X2 allows the inclusion of attributes that provide additional information about the PCB design. These attributes are embedded as human-readable comments within the Gerber file. Examples of attributes include:
2. Layer type and polarity
3. Material type and thickness
4. Copper weights
5. Solder mask color and finish
6. Surface finish
7. Drill tolerances

8. And more

9. Nested Step and Repeat: Gerber X2 introduces the concept of nested step and repeat, which allows for more efficient panelization of PCB designs. It enables the definition of multiple levels of step and repeat, making it easier to create complex panel layouts.

10. Improved Aperture Definition: Gerber X2 provides an improved syntax for defining custom apertures. It allows for more precise control over aperture shapes and sizes, enabling designers to create intricate pad and via geometries.

11. Standardized Metadata: Gerber X2 standardizes the way metadata is included within the Gerber file. It defines a set of standard attributes and their formats, ensuring consistency and compatibility across different CAD tools and manufacturers.

Benefits of Using Gerber X2

Adopting Gerber X2 offers several benefits for both PCB designers and manufacturers:

1. Reduced Ambiguity: By including comprehensive metadata directly within the Gerber file, Gerber X2 reduces the chances of misinterpretation or miscommunication between designers and manufacturers. The additional contextual information helps ensure that the PCB is fabricated as intended.

2. Improved Efficiency: Gerber X2 streamlines the PCB fabrication process by providing manufacturers with all the necessary information upfront. This eliminates the need for back-and-forth communication to clarify design intent, saving time and effort.

3. Enhanced Design Flexibility: With the expanded aperture definition capabilities and nested step and repeat feature, Gerber X2 enables designers to create more complex and intricate PCB designs. It supports advanced manufacturing techniques and allows for greater flexibility in panel layouts.

4. Standardization: Gerber X2 promotes standardization in the PCB industry by defining a common format for exchanging design data. It ensures compatibility between different CAD tools and manufacturing processes, reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies.

Gerber X2 File Structure

A Gerber X2 file follows a similar structure to the standard RS-274X Gerber format, with the addition of embedded attributes. Here’s an overview of the key components of a Gerber X2 file:

1. Header: The header section contains information about the file format, units, and coordinate format. It also includes the %TF.FileFunction attribute to indicate the layer type.

2. Aperture Definitions: This section defines the apertures used in the Gerber file. Gerber X2 allows for custom aperture definitions using the %AD command.

3. Attributes: Attributes are embedded as comments within the Gerber file using the % character followed by the attribute name and value. Attributes provide additional information about the PCB design, such as layer type, material, finish, and more.

4. Graphical Objects: The main body of the Gerber file contains the graphical objects that define the PCB layout. These objects include traces, pads, vias, and polygons. They are represented using standard Gerber commands such as D01, D02, D03, and G36/G37.

5. Nested Step and Repeat: Gerber X2 introduces the %SR command for defining nested step and repeat blocks. This allows for efficient panelization of PCB designs.

6. End of File: The Gerber file ends with the M02* command, indicating the end of the file.

Here’s an example snippet of a Gerber X2 file:

%TF.FileFunction,Copper,L1,Top*%
%TF.FilePolarity,Positive*%
%TF.Part,Single*%
%FSLAX35Y35*%
%MOMM*%
%AD10C,0.1*%
%AD11O,0.2X0.3*%
%ADD10C,0.1*%
%ADD11O,0.2X0.3*%

G01*
D10*
X100Y200D03*
X300Y400D03*

%SR1,2,3,4,0,0,1,1,4,4*%
D11*
X0Y0D03*
X1000Y1000D03*
%SR*%

M02*

In this example, we can see the use of attributes such as %TF.FileFunction and %TF.FilePolarity to provide information about the layer type and polarity. Custom apertures are defined using the %AD command, and the %SR command is used to define a nested step and repeat block.

Implementing Gerber X2 in PCB Design Workflow

To take advantage of Gerber X2 in your PCB design workflow, follow these steps:

1. CAD Tool Support: Ensure that your PCB design software supports the generation of Gerber X2 files. Many popular CAD tools, such as Altium Designer, KiCad, and Eagle, have integrated Gerber X2 export capabilities.

2. Define Attributes: When designing your PCB, specify the relevant attributes for each layer and feature. This includes information such as layer type, material, thickness, copper weight, and surface finish. Consult your CAD tool’s documentation for instructions on how to assign attributes.

3. Generate Gerber X2 Files: Once your PCB design is complete, generate Gerber X2 files for each layer. Make sure to select the appropriate export settings to include the necessary attributes and metadata.

4. Verify and Validate: Before sending the Gerber X2 files to the manufacturer, verify and validate them using a Gerber viewer or DFM (Design for Manufacturability) tool. This helps ensure that the files are correctly formatted and contain all the required information.

5. Communicate with Manufacturer: When sending the Gerber X2 files to your PCB manufacturer, clearly communicate that you are providing Gerber X2 data. This helps the manufacturer understand the format and utilize the embedded metadata effectively.

Gerber X2 Adoption and Future Development

Since its introduction, Gerber X2 has gained significant adoption within the PCB industry. Many CAD tool vendors and PCB manufacturers have embraced the format, recognizing its benefits in improving communication and reducing errors.

The Ucamco consortium, which maintains the Gerber format, continues to develop and enhance Gerber X2. They actively engage with the PCB community to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. Future developments may include the addition of new attributes, extended modeling capabilities, and further standardization efforts.

As the PCB industry evolves and new manufacturing technologies emerge, Gerber X2 is well-positioned to adapt and support these advancements. Its extensible nature allows for the incorporation of new attributes and features as needed.

Conclusion

Gerber X2 represents a significant step forward in the world of PCB design and manufacturing. By extending the capabilities of the standard Gerber format and incorporating comprehensive metadata, Gerber X2 enables better communication, reduces ambiguity, and streamlines the PCB fabrication process.

Adopting Gerber X2 in your PCB design workflow can lead to improved efficiency, enhanced design flexibility, and reduced risk of errors. As the format continues to gain traction and evolve, it is poised to become the de facto standard for exchanging PCB design data.

To fully leverage the benefits of Gerber X2, PCB designers and manufacturers should stay up to date with the latest developments, ensure their tools support the format, and actively participate in the Gerber X2 community. By embracing this enhanced format, the PCB industry can drive innovation, improve collaboration, and deliver high-quality PCBs with greater efficiency.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Gerber X2 and the standard Gerber format?

Gerber X2 is an extension of the standard Gerber format (RS-274X) that incorporates additional metadata directly within the Gerber file. This metadata includes information about the PCB design, such as layer structure, materials, finishes, and more. Gerber X2 aims to improve communication and reduce ambiguity between PCB designers and manufacturers.

2. Is Gerber X2 compatible with existing PCB design tools and manufacturing processes?

Yes, Gerber X2 is designed to be compatible with existing PCB design tools and manufacturing processes. Many popular CAD tools, such as Altium Designer, KiCad, and Eagle, support the generation of Gerber X2 files. PCB manufacturers are also increasingly adopting Gerber X2 and can process the files with their existing equipment.

3. What are the key benefits of using Gerber X2?

The key benefits of using Gerber X2 include reduced ambiguity in PCB design communication, improved efficiency in the fabrication process, enhanced design flexibility with advanced features like nested step and repeat, and standardization of design data exchange. Gerber X2 helps streamline the PCB design to manufacturing workflow and reduces the risk of errors and misinterpretations.

4. How do I generate Gerber X2 files from my PCB design software?

To generate Gerber X2 files from your PCB design software, you need to ensure that your CAD tool supports Gerber X2 export. Consult your software’s documentation or settings to locate the Gerber X2 export options. When exporting, select the appropriate settings to include the necessary attributes and metadata. It’s important to verify and validate the generated Gerber X2 files before sending them to the manufacturer.

5. Is Gerber X2 widely adopted in the PCB industry?

Yes, Gerber X2 has gained significant adoption in the PCB industry since its introduction. Many CAD tool vendors and PCB manufacturers have embraced the format, recognizing its benefits in improving communication and reducing errors. The Ucamco consortium, which maintains the Gerber format, actively promotes and develops Gerber X2 in collaboration with the PCB community. As the format continues to evolve and mature, it is expected to become the standard for PCB design data exchange.