Gerber View

Gerber files are the industry-standard file format used in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) production to convey design information to manufacturers. These files serve as blueprints, detailing the layout of copper traces, vias, drill holes, solder masks, and silkscreens across various layers of a PCB. Named after its originator, the Gerber Scientific Instrument Company, this format ensures that manufacturers can precisely replicate the designer’s intent. Gerber files are essential for turning electronic circuit designs into tangible PCBs, bridging the gap between digital schematics and physical hardware.

Gerber code, is a standardized set of instructions embedded in Gerber files. These codes define how each element of a PCB should be rendered, including copper traces, pads, and component placements. At its core, Gerber code is a vector-based format that uses commands to describe geometric shapes, such as lines, circles, and polygons, along with aperture definitions and coordinate data. The precision and clarity of Gerber code ensure that automated machines can interpret the design accurately, facilitating error-free PCB fabrication. By understanding and leveraging these codes, designers can achieve greater control over the manufacturing process and ensure compatibility with various fabrication tools.

1G04 GerberGPT File*
2%FSLAX25Y25*%
3%MOIN*%
4%ADD10C,0.050*%
5%ADD11R,0.100X0.100*%
6%ADD12C,0.010*%
7%LPD*%
8G36*
9D10*
10X100000Y100000D02*
11X150000Y100000D01*
12X150000Y150000D01*
13X100000Y150000D01*
14X100000Y100000D01*
15G37*
16D11*
17X200000Y200000D03*
18D12*
19X100000Y200000D02*
20X150000Y200000D01*
21M02*

This Gerber code describes a PCB layout with specific features, including geometric shapes and drill holes. Here’s a breakdown of the code:

Header and Settings:

G04 GerberGPT File*: A comment line (ignored by machines) identifying the file’s purpose or origin.
%FSLAX25Y25*%: Specifies the format for coordinates, with 2 digits for the integer part and 5 digits for the decimal part (e.g., X12345 = 1.2345 inches).
%MOIN*%: Indicates that the units used are in inches.
%ADD10C,0.050*%: Defines aperture 10 as a circular shape (C) with a diameter of 0.050 inches.
%ADD11R,0.100X0.100*%: Defines aperture 11 as a rectangular shape (R) with dimensions 0.100 inches by 0.100 inches.
%ADD12C,0.010*%: Defines aperture 12 as a circular shape with a diameter of 0.010 inches.
%LPD*%: Sets the layer polarity to dark, meaning the shapes are additive.

Shapes and Features

Rectangle

G36*: Begins a polygon boundary definition.
D10*: Selects aperture 10 (circle, 0.050 inches diameter).
X100000Y100000D02*: Moves to the coordinate (1.00000, 1.00000 inches) without drawing (D02 = move).
X150000Y100000D01*: Draws to (1.50000, 1.00000 inches) (D01 = draw).
X150000Y150000D01*: Draws to (1.50000, 1.50000 inches).
X100000Y150000D01*: Draws to (1.00000, 1.50000 inches).
X100000Y100000D01*: Closes the rectangle by drawing back to the starting point.
G37*: Ends the polygon definition.

Drill Hole (Using Aperature 11)

D11*: Selects aperture 11 (rectangle, 0.100x0.100 inches).
X200000Y200000D03*: Places a drill hit (flash) at (2.00000, 2.00000 inches) (D03 = flash).

Trace

D12*: Selects aperture 12 (circle, 0.010 inches diameter).
X100000Y200000D02*: Moves to the coordinate (1.00000, 2.00000 inches).
X150000Y200000D01*: Draws a line to (1.50000, 2.00000 inches).

Footer

M02*: End-of-file marker indicating the end of the Gerber data.

KiCad Gerber Viewer