Only version RS-274X Gerber designs are supported. Assume the files are contained in either a directory or a directory that has been tar’ed and gzip’ed. On linux use “tar -cvzf gerber.tgz /home/user/gerber”, where "gerber" is the name of the directory that contains the design. Support is also included for NC-Drill files (circular holes and drawn slots only).
The window is initialized with the name of the files identified as RS-274X or NC-Drill files. Only the files in the topmost directory are looked at. NC-Drill files are processed separately and their type cannot be changed.
- Import stackup and options allows you to import information from an xml control file or a layer mapping file into the window.
- Export control file creates an xml control file using the information imported to the window to the location specified.
Layers Pane
- File Layer Name is name of the file in the directory; it does not include the path.
- Import check box specifies which layers to import.
- Import layer name is the name of the new layer. Note the information contained in the control file is exported on the Layer Stackup window and is not directly usable by the translator — if layer names are changed. One can, however, combine the records for renaming layers with the control file exported on the stackup window; for more information see Control File Usage with Renaming. The Electronics Desktop also supports reading .tech and .layermap files.
- Type can be changed and identifies the layer type that are used to place each layer in the file. Via and wirebond types are special and allows users to select the start and stop layers by expanding the window’s width.
Options Pane (NC Drill)
If your drill holes appear to be out of whack, you need to expressly describe the format of the NC Drill file. Many cad systems include a comment in the NC Drill file that are automatically processed, but if this does not work the parameters can be set explicitly. Typically, both fields need to be set.
- Format(digit.digit) – Unit type is always defined but typically decimal points are not used in the file and you need to know how many digits are before the decimal and how many are after (e.g., “2.4”). The period is required and the format is "digit period digit".
- Omit Zeroes – Zeroes can be omitted on the leading or trailing side of numbers.
Via and Wirebond Types
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Via – By “_Default_”, Start Layer is the top-most signal layer and Stop Layer is the bottom-most layer. To set up blind and buried vias it is best to start by setting the layer types for all layers , then reorder by dragging the rows by selecting the filled-in cell on the left.
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Wirebond – By “_Default_”, Start Layer” and “Stop Layer” are set to the signal layer directly underneath the Wirebond. If no signal layer lies underneath the Wirebond the “Start Layer” and “Stop Layer” are set to the bottom-most layer. Wirebond layer rows can be moved up and down by dragging and dropping.