Why you should supply us with Gerber X2 files.

What are Gerber X2 Files?

Gerber X2 is an enhanced version of the standard Gerber format used to describe the printed circuit board (PCB) layers electronically. It was developed by Ucamco and introduced in September 2013. The Gerber X2 format adds new features and attributes to the Gerber X1 format that provide additional information about the PCB design, making it more intelligent and descriptive.

The key features of Gerber X2 include:

These additional features make the Gerber X2 format more descriptive and reduce the chances of misinterpretation during PCB Fabrication.

Why Use Gerber X2?

There are several reasons why PCB designers should use Gerber X2 files when supplying data to PCB manufacturers:

1. Clear Communication

Gerber X2 files provide clear and unambiguous communication between the PCB designer and the manufacturer. The additional attributes and features in Gerber X2 make the design intent more explicit, reducing the chances of misinterpretation or assumptions.

For example, in Gerber X1, the manufacturer has to guess or assume the function of each layer based on the file name extension. In Gerber X2, each file includes a FileFunction attribute that explicitly states the function of the layer, such as copper, solder mask, silkscreen, etc.

2. Improved Automation

The intelligent features in Gerber X2 enable improved automation in the PCB fabrication process. The additional information provided in the files can be used by CAM software to automate tasks such as:

• Layer stackup creation
• Drill and rout file generation
• Netlist compare
• Design rule checking (DRC)

This automation reduces the chances of human error and speeds up the fabrication process.

3. Reduced Errors and Scrap

By providing clear and explicit design data, Gerber X2 files help reduce errors and scrap in PCB fabrication. The additional intelligence in the files makes it easier for the manufacturer to identify potential issues early in the process, such as:

• Missing or incorrect layers
• Incorrect pad sizes or shapes
• Mismatched drill holes
• Netlist errors

Catching these issues early reduces the chances of producing faulty boards that need to be scrapped or reworked.

4. Faster Turnaround Time

The improved automation and reduced errors enabled by Gerber X2 files can lead to faster turnaround times for PCB fabrication. When the manufacturer receives clear and complete design data, they can proceed with fabrication more quickly and confidently, without the need for back-and-forth communication with the designer to clarify ambiguities.

5. Future-Proof

Gerber X2 is a modern and future-proof format that is actively maintained and enhanced by Ucamco. By adopting Gerber X2, PCB designers can ensure that their design data will be compatible with the latest fabrication technologies and processes.

How to Generate Gerber X2 Files

Most modern PCB Design Software tools support exporting Gerber X2 files. The exact steps may vary depending on the software, but the general process is as follows:

1. Complete your PCB design and perform final checks.
2. Go to the File menu and select “Fabrication Outputs” or “Manufacturing Outputs”.
3. In the output settings, select “Gerber” as the format and “Gerber X2” as the version.
4. Choose the layers to export and specify the output directory.
5. Click “Export” or “Generate” to create the Gerber X2 files.

Some software tools may have additional settings or options for Gerber X2 export, such as the coordinate format, aperture size, or file naming conventions. Consult your software’s documentation or support resources for specific guidance.

FAQ

1. Is Gerber X2 compatible with older PCB fabrication equipment?

Yes, Gerber X2 is fully backward compatible with older PCB fabrication equipment that supports Gerber X1 or RS-274X formats. The additional attributes and features in Gerber X2 are optional and can be ignored by older equipment if necessary.

2. Do I need to modify my PCB design to use Gerber X2?

No, you do not need to modify your PCB design to use Gerber X2. The format is designed to work with existing PCB designs without requiring any changes. You only need to select Gerber X2 as the output format when generating manufacturing files.

3. Are there any disadvantages to using Gerber X2?

There are no significant disadvantages to using Gerber X2. The only potential issue is that some older PCB fabrication shops may not be familiar with the format or may not have updated their software to support it fully. However, this is becoming less common as Gerber X2 adoption increases.

4. Can I use Gerber X2 for flexible or Rigid-Flex PCBs?

Yes, Gerber X2 can be used for flexible and rigid-flex PCBs. The format includes attributes for specifying the material type and thickness of each layer, which is important for designing and fabricating flexible circuits.

5. Is Gerber X2 an open standard?

Yes, Gerber X2 is an open standard that is freely available for anyone to use and implement. Ucamco, the company that develops and maintains the Gerber format, provides comprehensive documentation and resources for implementing Gerber X2 in software tools and fabrication processes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, supplying Gerber X2 files for PCB fabrication offers significant benefits for both PCB designers and manufacturers. The enhanced intelligence and descriptive power of Gerber X2 enable clearer communication, improved automation, reduced errors, faster turnaround times, and future-proofing of design data.

By adopting Gerber X2 as their standard output format, PCB designers can ensure that their design intent is accurately conveyed to the manufacturer, leading to higher quality boards and fewer manufacturing issues. As the electronics industry continues to evolve and advance, Gerber X2 provides a robust and reliable foundation for PCB design and fabrication.