What is Gerber X2?

Gerber X2 is an extension of the Extended Gerber format, which is a widely used data format for printed circuit board (PCB) designs. It was developed by Ucamco, the company that maintains and develops the Gerber format. Gerber X2 adds new features and enhancements to the Extended Gerber format, making it more efficient, accurate, and easy to use for PCB designers and manufacturers.

Key Features of Gerber X2

1. Attribute syntax for embedded metadata
2. Comprehensive support for complex PCB structures
3. Improved aperture definition and management
4. Enhanced support for copper pours and planes
5. Streamlined fabrication and assembly data

Why Use Gerber X2?

Enhanced Design Clarity and Communication

Gerber X2 allows designers to embed critical metadata directly into the Gerber files using attributes. This metadata can include information such as:

• Layer types (copper, solder mask, silk screen, etc.)
• PCB Stackup information
• Drill tolerances and plating requirements
• Impedance control specifications
• Material properties

Embedding this information directly into the Gerber files ensures that it remains associated with the design data throughout the manufacturing process, reducing the risk of errors and miscommunication.

Improved Support for Complex PCB Structures

Gerber X2 introduces new features that simplify the design and fabrication of complex PCB structures, such as:

• Embedded components
• Rigid-flex PCBs
• High-density interconnect (HDI) boards
• Microvias and blind/buried vias

These features allow designers to create more advanced and compact PCB layouts while maintaining the clarity and accuracy of the fabrication data.

Streamlined Aperture Definition and Management

In Gerber X2, apertures are defined using a new syntax that is more concise and easier to understand than the traditional aperture definition syntax. This new syntax includes:

• Aperture templates for common shapes (circles, rectangles, ovals, etc.)
• User-defined aperture macros for custom shapes
• Improved support for rotated and mirrored apertures

These enhancements make it easier for designers to create and manage complex aperture lists, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall efficiency of the design process.

Enhanced Copper Pour and Plane Support

Gerber X2 introduces new commands for defining copper pours and planes, making it easier to create complex copper shapes and manage their connectivity. These commands include:

• “G36” command for defining the outline of a copper pour or plane
• “G37” command for defining the fill pattern and parameters
• “M” attribute for specifying the net name associated with a copper pour or plane

These enhancements simplify the creation and management of copper pours and planes, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall quality of the PCB design.

Streamlined Fabrication and Assembly Data

Gerber X2 includes features that help streamline the generation and management of fabrication and assembly data, such as:

• Netlist information embedded directly into the Gerber files
• Support for generating IPC-D-356A netlist files
• Improved support for generating bill of materials (BOM) and pick-and-place data

These features help ensure that all necessary fabrication and assembly data is generated accurately and efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and delays in the manufacturing process.

Gerber X2 File Structure and Syntax

File Extension and Format

Gerber X2 files use the “.gbr” file extension, which is the same as Extended Gerber files. The file format is ASCII text, with each line terminated by a carriage return and line feed (CR+LF) sequence.

Coordinate Format and Units

Gerber X2 uses the same coordinate format as Extended Gerber, with coordinates expressed in either inches or millimeters. The coordinate format is specified using the “%FSLAX” and “%MOMM” or “%MOIN” directives at the beginning of the file.

Aperture Definition

Apertures in Gerber X2 are defined using a new syntax that includes aperture templates and user-defined macros. Aperture templates are predefined shapes such as circles, rectangles, and ovals, which can be instantiated with specific sizes and parameters. User-defined macros allow designers to create custom aperture shapes using a series of primitive commands.

Example aperture definition using a template:

%AMCIRCLE
1,1,$1$2$3
%
%ADD10CIRCLE,0.50.50*%

Example aperture definition using a user-defined macro:

%AMMYMACRO
0 Rectangle, with rounded corners
0 $1 X-size
0 $2 Y-size
0 $3 Rounding radius
0 $4 Rotation angle
0 Add two overlapping rectangle primitives as box body
20,1,$1,$2-$3-$3,0,0,$4
20,1,$1-$3-$3,$2,0,0,$4
0 Add four circle primitives for the rounded corners
1,1,$3,$3,0
1,1,$3,$2-$3,0
1,1,$1-$3,$3,0
1,1,$1-$3,$2-$3,0%
%ADD11MYMACRO,0.5,0.3,0.05,0*%

Attribute Syntax

Gerber X2 introduces a new attribute syntax for embedding metadata directly into the Gerber files. Attributes are defined using the “%” character followed by the attribute name and value, enclosed in parentheses.

Example attribute definition:

%LN(TopCopper)*%

This attribute specifies that the current layer is the top copper layer of the PCB.

Copper Pour and Plane Definition

Copper pours and planes in Gerber X2 are defined using the “G36” and “G37” commands, along with the “M” attribute for specifying the associated net name.

Example copper pour definition:

G36
X100000Y100000D02
X200000Y100000D01
X200000Y200000D01
X100000Y200000D01
X100000Y100000D01
M(GND)
G37

This example defines a rectangular copper pour with a net name of “GND”.

Advantages of Using Gerber X2

Improved Design Clarity and Communication

By embedding critical metadata directly into the Gerber files, Gerber X2 ensures that all necessary information is communicated clearly and accurately throughout the manufacturing process. This reduces the risk of errors and miscommunication, leading to faster turnaround times and higher-quality PCBs.

Simplified Design and Fabrication of Complex PCBs

Gerber X2’s enhanced support for complex PCB structures, such as embedded components, rigid-flex PCBs, and HDI boards, makes it easier for designers to create advanced PCB layouts while maintaining the clarity and accuracy of the fabrication data. This simplifies the design and fabrication process, reducing the risk of errors and delays.

Improved Efficiency and Productivity

Gerber X2’s streamlined aperture definition syntax, enhanced copper pour and plane support, and improved fabrication and assembly data generation features all contribute to increased efficiency and productivity throughout the PCB design and manufacturing process. By reducing the time and effort required to create and manage complex PCB designs, Gerber X2 helps designers and manufacturers deliver high-quality PCBs faster and more cost-effectively.

Compatibility with Existing Tools and Workflows

Gerber X2 is fully compatible with existing Gerber-based tools and workflows, allowing designers and manufacturers to take advantage of its enhanced features and benefits without requiring significant changes to their existing processes. This compatibility ensures a smooth transition to Gerber X2 and minimizes the risk of disruption to ongoing projects.

Industry Support and Adoption

Gerber X2 has gained widespread support and adoption within the PCB industry, with major CAD software vendors, PCB fabricators, and assembly providers all recognizing its benefits and implementing support for the format. This growing industry adoption ensures that Gerber X2 will continue to evolve and improve, providing designers and manufacturers with a robust and reliable data format for years to come.

Implementing Gerber X2 in Your Workflow

Updating CAD Software and Tools

To start using Gerber X2 in your PCB design workflow, you’ll need to ensure that your CAD software and related tools support the format. Most major PCB design software packages, such as Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, and Mentor Graphics PADS, already support Gerber X2 output.

If you’re using an older version of your CAD software or a less common package, you may need to update to a newer version or check with the software vendor to confirm Gerber X2 support.

Communicating with PCB Fabricators and Assembly Providers

Before transitioning to Gerber X2, it’s essential to communicate with your PCB fabricators and assembly providers to ensure that they support the format and can work with Gerber X2 files. Most major PCB manufacturers and assembly providers already support Gerber X2, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this before sending your files.

Updating Internal Processes and Documentation

To fully integrate Gerber X2 into your workflow, you may need to update your internal processes and documentation to reflect the new format and its associated best practices. This may include:

• Updating design guidelines and checklists to include Gerber X2-specific requirements
• Training design team members on the new format and its features
• Modifying CAM and other post-processing scripts to handle Gerber X2 files
• Updating documentation templates and examples to showcase Gerber X2 features and benefits

By ensuring that your internal processes and documentation are aligned with Gerber X2, you can help ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new format.

Monitoring Industry Developments and Best Practices

As with any evolving technology, it’s important to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices related to Gerber X2. This may include:

• Following industry blogs, forums, and social media channels for updates and discussions
• Attending conferences, webinars, and training sessions focused on PCB design and manufacturing
• Participating in user groups and communities dedicated to Gerber X2 and related technologies

By staying engaged with the Gerber X2 community and keeping abreast of the latest developments, you can ensure that your use of the format remains aligned with industry best practices and that you’re able to take advantage of new features and enhancements as they become available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Gerber X2 compatible with older versions of Gerber?
   Yes, Gerber X2 is backwards compatible with older versions of Gerber, including Extended Gerber (RS-274X). This means that Gerber X2 files can be read and processed by tools and equipment that support older Gerber versions.

2. Do I need to update my CAD software to use Gerber X2?
   Most modern PCB design software packages already support Gerber X2 output. However, if you’re using an older version or a less common package, you may need to update your software or check with the vendor to confirm Gerber X2 support.

3. Will my PCB fabricator and assembly provider be able to work with Gerber X2 files?
   Most major PCB fabricators and assembly providers already support Gerber X2. However, it’s always a good idea to communicate with your suppliers and confirm their ability to work with the format before sending your files.

4. Can I use Gerber X2 for all types of PCBs?
   Yes, Gerber X2 is suitable for all types of PCBs, including simple single-layer boards, complex multi-layer designs, rigid-flex PCBs, and high-density interconnect (HDI) boards. The format’s enhanced features and capabilities make it particularly well-suited for designing and manufacturing advanced PCB structures.

5. What are the main benefits of using Gerber X2 compared to older Gerber versions?
   Gerber X2 offers several key benefits compared to older Gerber versions, including:

6. Improved design clarity and communication through embedded metadata
7. Simplified design and fabrication of complex PCB structures
8. Streamlined aperture definition and management
9. Enhanced copper pour and plane support
10. Improved efficiency and productivity throughout the PCB design and manufacturing process

By leveraging these benefits, designers and manufacturers can create higher-quality PCBs faster and more cost-effectively, while reducing the risk of errors and delays in the process.

Conclusion

Gerber X2 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the Gerber format, offering enhanced features and capabilities that simplify the design and manufacture of complex PCBs while improving clarity, accuracy, and efficiency throughout the process. By embedding critical metadata directly into the Gerber files, providing enhanced support for advanced PCB structures, and streamlining key aspects of the design and fabrication workflow, Gerber X2 enables designers and manufacturers to create higher-quality PCBs faster and more cost-effectively.

As the PCB industry continues to evolve and new technologies emerge, Gerber X2 is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of advanced PCB design and manufacturing. With its widespread industry adoption, robust feature set, and ongoing development and support from Ucamco, Gerber X2 is poised to remain the go-to data format for PCB designers and manufacturers for years to come.

By embracing Gerber X2 and integrating it into their workflows, PCB designers and manufacturers can unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and innovation, ultimately driving the continued growth and success of the industry as a whole.