PCB layout file format

Skywise711

I suggest that any PCB layout files be in a format that everyone can open. I suggest PDF.

Specifically, I am working with the WizNet quickstart board and wanted to reference the PCB layout to help me clarify the connections on the ethernet jack. But the file on the product page is a ".PCB" file and from what I can tell that's something from Altium, which is an expensive commercial piece of software.

Personally, I use KiCad (free and open source) and could import gerbers. But even that isn't something accessible to everyone.

But, I think it would be hard pressed to find anyone who can't open a PDF.

Brian

WBA Consulting

From a "document availability" standpoint, I would agree that a PDF set of all docs would be a wise idea. However, gerbers are the simplest way to share board designs since anyone can open them, just need to download the software. Here's what I use:

GC Prevue is my default:
http://www.graphicode.com/GC-Prevue

I also have used Pentalogix Viewmate
http://www.pentalogix.com/pcb-software.php

I played around with a 3D gerber viewer that helps visualize your vias and PTHs.
http://www.zofzpcb.com/

On my phone, I use an app called Android Gerber, but I don't see it on Google Play anymore. There is a thread on Sparkfun's site about the development of the app.
https://forum.sparkfun.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=31696



I would also like to see ASCii formats available for any open source designs. All CAD programs are capable of exporting the CAD files in an ASCii format that is usable by other software. Here are the CAD formats I deal with frequently:

Altium: Altium PCB ASCII (*.PcbDoc)
Eagle: Use a ULP available from Cadsoft for Gencad (gencad.ulp) or FabMaster (fabmst12.ulp) exports
DipTrace: Export as P-CAD ASCii (*.pcb) or PADS PCB ASCii (*.asc)
OrCAD: Export as GenCAD format with a *.cad extension
PADS: Export as ASCii Output in PADS-2000 or PADS-3000 format with a *.asc extensions
P-CAD: Save design as ASCII.pcb, then export as a PDIF format with a *.pdf extension (these files cause confusion due to the PDF extension)

Electrodude

I'll use PDFs for PCB layouts as soon as you make me a program that can convert PDFs of schematics to gerber files (or to anything that can be automatically converted to gerber files). While PDFs are wonderful because they're so standard, there are so many wierd details about them that exporting tables or even text from them is often hard, if not almost impossible.

Actually, the best format would probably be a zip file containing a PDF for those who just want to look, the original design files from whatever program the original author used (to avoid import problems, but I don't know if that's a problem for gerber imports), and gerber files in case someone wants to use a different program.

Skywise711

Electrodude wrote: »

I'll use PDFs for PCB layouts as soon as you make me a program that can convert PDFs of schematics to gerber files (or to anything that can be automatically converted to gerber files).

Why would you need that? Are you planning on etching your own exact copies of Parallax's boards?

It seems to me that the reason for publishing the schematics and board layout is as a design reference, not to be used for production. (in the case of Parallax's products)

I just need to see the layout to verify something I'm finding a little confusing when I compare the WizNet Quickstart schematic (a PDF file) to the manufacturer spec sheet (also a PDF) for the ethernet jack. Obviously the board itself works so it's design will clarify what I need to understand.

BTW, in my limited experience of having PCB's made, some fab houses require a PDF of what the board is supposed to look like as a verification check against their interpretation of your gerbers.

Further, I have downloaded app notes and reference designs in PDF from part manufacturers. Again, it's for reference, not production.

Brian