Eagle .brd to Gerber Conversion Guidelines

Introduction to PCB-Conversion

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design is a critical step in the electronic product development process. Eagle is a popular PCB Design Software that allows engineers to create schematics and board layouts. Once the design is complete, it needs to be converted into a format that can be used by PCB Manufacturers to fabricate the board. One of the most common formats for PCB Manufacturing is Gerber.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to convert Eagle .brd files to Gerber format for PCB-Conversion. We will cover the following topics:

• What is Gerber format and why is it important?
• How to set up Eagle for Gerber output
• Step-by-step guide to convert Eagle .brd to Gerber
• Common mistakes to avoid during Eagle to Gerber conversion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eagle to Gerber conversion

What is Gerber Format and Why is it Important?

Gerber format is a standard file format used in PCB manufacturing. It was developed by Gerber Systems Corp. in the 1960s and has since become the de facto standard for PCB Fabrication. Gerber Files contain all the necessary information required to manufacture a PCB, including the copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, and drill data.

Here are some reasons why Gerber format is important in PCB-Conversion:

1. Universally accepted: Gerber format is widely accepted by PCB manufacturers worldwide. Almost all PCB fabrication houses accept Gerber files as input.

2. Accurate and precise: Gerber files contain precise information about the PCB design, including the exact location and size of each component, trace, and pad. This ensures that the manufactured PCB matches the original design intent.

3. Easy to verify: Gerber files can be easily viewed and verified using Gerber viewers. This allows designers to check for any errors or issues before sending the files for manufacturing.

4. Supports multiple layers: Gerber format supports multiple layers, including copper, solder mask, and silkscreen layers. This allows for the creation of complex PCB designs with multiple layers.

How to Set Up Eagle for Gerber Output

Before converting your Eagle .brd file to Gerber, you need to ensure that your Eagle software is set up correctly for Gerber output. Here are the steps to set up Eagle for Gerber output:

1. Open your Eagle .brd file in the Eagle software.

2. Go to File > CAM Processor.

3. In the CAM Processor window, select “File > Open > Job”.

4. Select the “gerb274x.cam” job file from the Eagle installation directory. This job file contains the necessary settings for Gerber output.

5. Click on the “Process Job” button to run the CAM Processor.

6. Select the output directory where you want to save the Gerber files.

7. Click on “OK” to generate the Gerber files.

Here is a table that summarizes the important settings in the “gerb274x.cam” job file:

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Eagle .brd to Gerber

Now that you have set up Eagle for Gerber output, let’s go through the step-by-step process of converting an Eagle .brd file to Gerber format:

1. Open your Eagle .brd file in the Eagle software.

2. Go to File > CAM Processor.

3. In the CAM Processor window, select “File > Open > Job”.

4. Select the “gerb274x.cam” job file from the Eagle installation directory.

5. Click on the “Process Job” button to run the CAM Processor.

6. In the “CAM Processor” window, you will see a list of Gerber files that will be generated. Make sure that all the necessary layers are selected, including Top Copper, Bottom Copper, Top Soldermask, Bottom Soldermask, Top Silkscreen, Bottom Silkscreen, and Drill Data.

7. Click on the “File” button next to each layer to specify the output filename and directory. Use the recommended filename extensions for each layer as shown in the table above.

8. Once you have specified the output filenames and directories for all layers, click on the “Process Job” button to generate the Gerber files.

9. After the Gerber files are generated, you can use a Gerber viewer to verify that the files are correct and complete. Some popular Gerber viewers include GerbView and Pentalogix ViewMate.

10. If everything looks good, you can send the Gerber files to your PCB manufacturer for fabrication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Eagle to Gerber Conversion

Converting Eagle .brd files to Gerber format is a straightforward process, but there are some common mistakes that can cause issues during PCB manufacturing. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Incorrect layer selection: Make sure that you select all the necessary layers for Gerber output, including Top Copper, Bottom Copper, Top Soldermask, Bottom Soldermask, Top Silkscreen, Bottom Silkscreen, and Drill Data. Missing layers can result in incomplete or incorrect PCBs.

2. Incorrect filename extensions: Use the recommended filename extensions for each layer as shown in the table above. Incorrect filename extensions can cause confusion and delays during PCB manufacturing.

3. Incorrect drill data: Make sure that your drill data is correct and complete. This includes the hole sizes, locations, and quantities. Incorrect drill data can result in missing or misaligned holes in the PCB.

4. Incorrect units: Make sure that your Eagle design uses the correct units (inches or millimeters) and that your Gerber files use the same units. Mixing units can result in incorrect PCB dimensions and component placement.

5. Incorrect aperture settings: Make sure that your aperture settings in the CAM Processor are correct for your PCB design. Incorrect aperture settings can result in missing or incorrect traces and pads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eagle to Gerber Conversion

Q1: What is the difference between Eagle .brd and Gerber files?

A1: Eagle .brd files are the native board layout files used in Eagle software. They contain all the design information, including component placement, routing, and layer settings. Gerber files, on the other hand, are the industry-standard format used for PCB manufacturing. They contain the final output data required to fabricate the PCB, including the copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, and drill data.

Q2: Can I use other CAM Processor job files besides “gerb274x.cam”?

A2: Yes, you can use other CAM Processor job files besides “gerb274x.cam”. However, “gerb274x.cam” is the recommended job file for Gerber output in Eagle. It contains the necessary settings and layer mappings for generating Gerber files that are compatible with most PCB manufacturers.

Q3: How do I check if my Gerber files are correct?

A3: You can use a Gerber viewer to check if your Gerber files are correct. A Gerber viewer allows you to visually inspect the Gerber files and verify that all the layers and features are present and correct. Some popular Gerber viewers include GerbView and Pentalogix ViewMate.

Q4: What should I do if my PCB manufacturer reports issues with my Gerber files?

A4: If your PCB manufacturer reports issues with your Gerber files, the first step is to verify that you have generated the files correctly using the steps outlined in this guide. Double-check your layer selection, filename extensions, drill data, units, and aperture settings. If everything looks correct on your end, contact your PCB manufacturer for further guidance. They may be able to provide specific instructions or requirements for their manufacturing process.

Q5: Can I use Eagle to generate other manufacturing files besides Gerber?

A5: Yes, Eagle can generate other manufacturing files besides Gerber, such as drill files, pick-and-place files, and bill of materials (BOM). These files are often required by PCB manufacturers and assembly houses to fabricate and assemble the PCB. However, Gerber files are the most important and widely used files for PCB manufacturing.

Conclusion

Converting Eagle .brd files to Gerber format is a critical step in the PCB manufacturing process. By following the guidelines and steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your Gerber files are accurate, complete, and compatible with your PCB manufacturer’s requirements.

Remember to set up your Eagle software correctly for Gerber output, select all the necessary layers, use the recommended filename extensions, and verify your Gerber files using a Gerber viewer. By avoiding common mistakes and double-checking your files, you can minimize delays and issues during PCB manufacturing.

We hope that this comprehensive guide on Eagle .brd to Gerber conversion has been helpful for your PCB-Conversion needs. If you have any further questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to us.