Gerber Format - Related Formats

Related Formats

Over the years there have been several attempts to replace Gerber by formats containing more information than just the layer image, e.g. netlist or component information. None of these attempts have been widely accepted within the electronics manufacturing industry, probably because the formats are complex. Gerber remains the most widely used data transfer format.

• IPC-D-350 C Printed Board Description in Digital Format, 1989. This specification was standardized as IEC 61182-1 in 1992 and withdrawn in 2001. Rarely, if ever, used.
• DXF Sometimes used. These are typically constructed as drawings, PCB objects (tracks and pads) are lost, which makes them very difficult to use in CAM.
• PDF Rarely used. Very impractical to work with because PCB objects (tracks and pads) are lost.
• DPF Format, now at v7, a CAM from Ucamco. Sometimes used.
• The Electronic Design Interchange Format, EDIF. Rarely, if ever, used.
• ODB++, a CAM format from Mentor Graphics. Sometimes used, the prevalent non-Gerber format.
• GenCAM: IPC-2511A Generic Requirements for Implementation of Product Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer Methodology, 2000. Rarely, if ever, used.
• GenCAM: IPC-2511B Generic Requirements for Implementation of Product Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer XML Schema Methodology, 2002. Rarely, if ever, used.
• Offspring: IPC-2581 Generic Requirements for Printed Board Assembly Products Manufacturing Description Data and Transfer Methodology, 2004. Rarely, if ever, used, but receiving more attention recently.
• STEP AP210: ISO 10303-210, Electronic assembly interconnect and packaging design, first edition 2001, second edition 2008 (to be published)
• Fujiko: JPCA-EB02, based on work by Prof. Tomokage of Fukuoka University. Rarely, if ever used, but emerging as a new standard in Japan.