Gerber RS-274X Format
User’s Guide
Part Number 414 100 014 Rev D March, 2001
Copyright
© Copyright 1998 Barco Graphics N.V., Gent, Belgium
All rights reserved. This material, information and instructions for use contained herein are the property of Barco Graphics
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Barco Graphics N.V.
This document supersedes all previous dated versions.
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Preface
The information in this Guide was published previously as the Gerber Format
Guide, which documented RS-274X format, also called Gerber Format, for both
vector and raster devices. Acknowledging that vector plotting is rapidly becoming
an outdated technology, this Guide describes use of RS-274X only in raster
applications and eliminates codes that pertain to vector applications. This does
not imply that existing files that include codes and parameters not described in
this edition of the Guide will not work. The intent of this Guide is to describe and
document uses of RS-274X format.
Contents
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Who should use this Guide? ..................................................................................................................................... 1
How to use this Guide............................................................................................................................................... 2
Related documentation.............................................................................................................................................. 2
Additional copies of the Guide ................................................................................................................................. 2
Where to go for help................................................................................................................................................. 2
RULES AND GUIDELINES.................................................................................................................................. 3
File structure ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Data blocks........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Layers................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Data types............................................................................................................................................................. 4
RS-274X parameters................................................................................................................................................. 4
Directive parameters............................................................................................................................................. 5
Image parameters.................................................................................................................................................. 5
Aperture parameters ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Layer-specific parameters..................................................................................................................................... 6
Miscellaneous parameters..................................................................................................................................... 6
Standard RS-274D Codes and Coordinate Data ....................................................................................................... 7
General File Preparation Guidelines......................................................................................................................... 8
RS-274X Parameter Guidelines............................................................................................................................ 8
Table 1 RS-274X Parameter Order of Entry ........................................................................................................ 9
RS-274D Data Guidelines .................................................................................................................................. 10
Table 2 RS-274D Code Order of Entry.............................................................................................................. 10
Sample Files............................................................................................................................................................ 10
Example 1........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Example 2........................................................................................................................................................... 11
REFERENCE........................................................................................................................................................ 15
RS-274X parameters............................................................................................................................................... 15
AD - Aperture Definition ................................................................................................................................... 16
AM - Aperture Macro......................................................................................................................................... 19
AS - Axis Select ................................................................................................................................................. 25
FS - Format Statement........................................................................................................................................ 26
IF - Include File.................................................................................................................................................. 28
IJ - Image Justify ................................................................................................................................................ 29
IN - Image Name................................................................................................................................................ 30
IO - Image Offset................................................................................................................................................ 31
IP - Image Polarity ............................................................................................................................................. 32
IR - Image Rotate ............................................................................................................................................... 33
KO - Knockout ................................................................................................................................................... 34
LN - Layer Name................................................................................................................................................ 36
LP - Layer Polarity............................................................................................................................................. 37
MI - Mirror Image .............................................................................................................................................. 38
MO - Mode......................................................................................................................................................... 39
OF - Offset.......................................................................................................................................................... 40
PF - Plot Film ..................................................................................................................................................... 41
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SF - Scale Factor................................................................................................................................................. 42
SR - Step and Repeat .......................................................................................................................................... 43
STANDARD RS-274D CODES............................................................................................................................ 45
D Codes................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Table 4 D Codes ................................................................................................................................................ 45
G Codes................................................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 5 G Codes ................................................................................................................................................ 46
Linear Interpolation (G01, G10, G11, G12) ....................................................................................................... 47
Circular Interpolation (G02, G03, G74, G75) .................................................................................................... 47
Multiquadrant (360°) Circular Interpolation (G74, G75) ................................................................................... 48
Polygon Area Fill (G36, G37) ............................................................................................................................ 49
M Codes.................................................................................................................................................................. 50
GLOSSARY........................................................................................................................................................... 51
INDEX.................................................................................................................................................................... 53
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Introduction
Gerber data is a simple, generic means of transferring printed circuit board
information to a wide variety of devices that convert the electronic PCB data to
artwork produced by a photoplotter. Virtually every PCB CAD system generates
Gerber data because all photoplotters read it. It is a software structure consisting
of X,Y coordinates supplemented by commands that define where the PCB image
starts, what shape it will take, and where it ends. In addition to the coordinates,
Gerber data contains aperture information, which defines the shapes and sizes of
lines, holes, and other features.
Gerber Format, which is the format in which Gerber data is expressed, actually is
a family of data formats that are subsets of EIA Standard RS-274D. Extended
Gerber Format, which is also called RS-274X, provides enhancements that handle
polygon fill codes, positive/negative image compositing, and custom apertures,
and other features. RS-274X also encapsulates the aperture list in the header of
the Gerber data file and therefore allows files to pass from one system to another
without the need to re-input the aperture table. RS-274X produces a variety of
Gerber data called X data.
RS-274X is a superset of the EIA Standard RS-274D format. RS-274X supports
some of the parameter data codes (G codes) and aperture codes (D codes)
contained in RS-274D, as well as codes referred to as mass parameters. Mass
parameters are plot parameters that define characteristics that can affect an entire
plot, or only specific parts of the plot, called layers. Mass parameters extend the
capabilities of Gerber Format. Their presence makes the Gerber data X data.
Who should use this Guide?
In order to use this Guide, you should have a fundamental understanding of PCB
fabrication or PCB design and laser plotting concepts. This Guide is intended for
use by:
• PCB designers preparing data for conversion to RS-274X
• PCB fabricators creating or using Gerber data files
• Developers of software applications using RS-274X data
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How to use this Guide
You will find the following sections in this Guide:
Rules and Guidelines explain file content and structure and outlines rules and
guidelines for creating a correct RS-274X file. It also contains a sample file.
Reference defines use and constraints on use of every RS-274X parameter and
data code currently supported. Parameters and data codes are described
separately. Both are presented in alphanumerical order.
You will also find a Glossary and Index at the end of the Guide.
Related documentation
This Guide assumes you are familiar with Electronic Industries Association EIA
Standard RS-274D. You can obtain a copy of this standard from the Electronic
Industries Association, Engineering Department, 2001 Eye Street NW,
Washington, DC 20006 USA.
Where to go for help
Should you need assistance, contact the Barco Graphics ETS North American
Technical Assistance Center by telephone during normal business hours (eastern
time) at (888) 727-9972, by fax at (860) 291-7021.
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