The Different Types of Gerber Files: A Comprehensive Guide

Gerber files are the standard file format used in the PCB manufacturing industry.

23:52 28 September 2023

Introduction

Gerber files are the standard file format used in the PCB manufacturing industry. They contain all of the information needed to fabricate a PCB, including the copper layers, solder mask, and drill data. Gerber files are typically generated by PCB design software and then sent to a PCB manufacturer.

There are many different types of Gerber files, each of which represents a different layer or aspect of the PCB. The most common types of Gerber files are:

• Copper layers: These files represent the copper traces on the PCB. There will be one copper layer file for each copper layer on the PCB.
• Solder mask: This file represents the solder mask on the PCB. The solder mask is a green coating that protects the copper traces from oxidation and shorts.
• Drill data: This file contains the information needed to drill the holes in the PCB. The drill data file includes the location, diameter, and depth of each hole.

Other types of Gerber files include:

• Silk screen: This file represents the text and symbols that are printed on the PCB.
• Mechanical layers: These files represent the outline of the PCB and the location of any mounting holes or other mechanical features.
• Cutouts: This file represents the outline of the PCB, including any cutouts or slots.

Different Types of Gerber Files in Detail

Copper Layers

Copper layers are the most important type of Gerber file. They represent the copper traces on the PCB, which are the electrical pathways that connect the components on the PCB. Copper layers are typically generated by PCB design software, and they are typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GTL or .GTO.

Solder Mask

The solder mask is a green coating that protects the copper traces on the PCB from oxidation and shorts. The solder mask is also used to define the areas of the PCB where solder is allowed to flow. The solder mask is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GTS or .GTSO.

Drill Data

The drill data file contains the information needed to drill the holes in the PCB. The drill data file includes the location, diameter, and depth of each hole. The drill data file is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .DRL.

Silk Screen

The silk screen is the text and symbols that are printed on the PCB. The silk screen is used to identify the components on the PCB and to provide other information, such as the PCB revision number and the manufacturer's logo. The silk screen is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GTS or .GTSO.

Mechanical Layers

Mechanical layers represent the outline of the PCB and the location of any mounting holes or other mechanical features. Mechanical layers are typically generated by PCB design software, and they are typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GML or .GMLO.

Cutouts

The cutouts file represents the outline of the PCB, including any cutouts or slots. Cutouts are typically used to create space for components or to allow access to connectors. The cutouts file is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GKO or .GKSO.

How to View Gerber Files

There are many different Gerber viewers available, both free and commercial. Some of the most popular Gerber viewers include:

• GerberView
• GerbEdit
• GC-Prevue
• PCB Visualizer

To view a Gerber file, simply open it in the Gerber viewer of your choice. The Gerber viewer will display the file in a graphical format, so that you can see the copper traces, solder mask, and other features of the PCB.

Conclusion

Gerber files are the standard file format used in the PCB manufacturing industry. They contain all of the information needed to fabricate a PCB, including the copper layers, solder mask, and drill data. There are many different types of Gerber files, each of which represents a different layer or aspect of the PCB.

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Additional Information

Here is some additional information on the different types of Gerber files:

• Copper layers: Copper layers are the most important type of Gerber file. They represent the copper traces on the PCB, which are the electrical pathways that connect the components on the PCB. Copper layers are typically generated by PCB design software, and they are typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GTL or .GTO.
• Solder mask: The solder mask is a green coating that protects the copper traces on the PCB from oxidation and shorts. The solder mask is also used to define the areas of the PCB where solder is allowed to flow. The solder mask is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GTS or .GTSO.
• Drill data: The drill data file contains the information needed to drill the holes in the PCB. The drill data file includes the location, diameter, and depth of each hole. The drill data file is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .DRL.
• Silk screen: The silk screen is the text and symbols that are printed on the PCB. The silk screen is used to identify the components on the PCB and to provide other information, such as the PCB revision number and the manufacturer's logo. The silk screen is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GTS or .GTSO.
• Mechanical layers: Mechanical layers represent the outline of the PCB and the location of any mounting holes or other mechanical features. Mechanical layers are typically generated by PCB design software, and they are typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GML or .GMLO.
• Cutouts: The cutouts file represents the outline of the PCB, including any cutouts or slots. Cutouts are typically used to create space for components or to allow access to connectors. The cutouts file is typically generated by PCB design software, and it is typically saved in a Gerber file with the extension .GKO or .GKSO.

Common Gerber File Errors

Here are some common Gerber file errors:

• Incorrect layer information: The layer information in the Gerber file may be incorrect. This can cause the PCB manufacturer to produce a PCB that does not match the design.
• Missing files: Some of the Gerber files may be missing. This can prevent the PCB manufacturer from producing the PCB.
• Invalid file format: The Gerber files may be in an invalid file format. This can prevent the PCB manufacturer from opening the files.
• Incorrect drill data: The drill data in the Gerber file may be incorrect. This can cause the PCB manufacturer to drill the holes in the PCB in the wrong locations.

How to Avoid Gerber File Errors

Here are some tips on how to avoid Gerber file errors:

• Carefully review your Gerber files before sending them to the PCB manufacturer.
• Make sure that all of the required Gerber files are included.
• Use a Gerber viewer to verify that the Gerber files are in a valid file format.
• Make sure that the drill data in the Gerber file is correct.

Advanced Gerber File Topics

In addition to the basic types of Gerber files, there are a number of more advanced topics that you may need to be aware of. These include:

• Gerber X2: Gerber X2 is a newer version of the Gerber format that includes additional features, such as support for layers and objects. Gerber X2 is becoming increasingly popular in the PCB industry.
• Gerber attributes: Gerber attributes can be used to add additional information to Gerber files, such as the layer name, object type, and net name. This information can be used by the PCB manufacturer to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the manufacturing process.
• Gerber nesting: Gerber nesting is a technique that can be used to reduce the amount of material used in the PCB manufacturing process. Gerber nesting works by arranging the Gerber files on a single sheet of material in a way that minimizes the amount of wasted space.

Conclusion

Gerber files are the standard file format used in the PCB manufacturing industry. They contain all of the information needed to fabricate a PCB, including the copper layers, solder mask, and drill data. There are many different types of Gerber files, each of which represents a different layer or aspect of the PCB.By understanding the different types of Gerber files and how to use them, you can ensure that your PCBs are manufactured correctly and efficiently.