Gerber RS-274X Format User's Guide
Contents
1. Begin and end RS 274X parameter data with a parameter delimiter typically The parameter delimiter must immediately follow the end of block without intervening spaces For example SASAXBY Parameters may be entered singly or grouped between delimiters up to a maximum of 4096 characters between delimiters A maximum of 80 characters between delimiters is recommended Always consider readability For example SFA1 0B1 0 ASAXBY Line breaks are permitted between parameters to improve readability For example SFA1 0B1 0 ASAXBY Use an explicit decimal point with all numerical values associated with a parameter If the decimal point is omitted an integer value is assumed Express numerical values in the units defined by the MO code in the file inches or millimeters Table 1 Rules and Guidelines e In general enter RS 274X parameters at the beginning of the file or at the beginning of the layer for layer specific parameters Enter them in the order shown in Table 1 Note When RS 274X parameters are embedded in the RS 274D data all data preceding the parameter will be processed before the data blocks affected by the embedded parameters are interpreted RS 274X Parameter Order of Entry Parameter Function Comments Default Required FS IN AD con F ormat statement Single use recommended No mirror dG Mode inch or When used more than Inch millimeter units once enter these parameters2. Lee Eer EE 34 EN Laver E EE 36 EP Layer Polarity EE 37 ML Mirror Tima ge selte ee Eeer See SE 38 E e 39 OF Offset EE 40 PES Plot E 41 SIE E TEE 42 SR Step and UE EE 43 STANDARD RS 274D CODES visvssccstivsosticsiccssstsvneetscsevsssesesenstecntsckeatsootedededeestetessosbecntsebeotsesdtssoceassdeteesesseonseseecs 45 RE 45 Mable A sD Codes ee RI E T Note oe StS eee 45 O e dd e do o e dd Add 46 Table Cd ia 46 Linear Interpolation GO1 G10 G11 G12 eee cc cccccceecessceeeeeeceseceaecnaecnaecaaeceeceneessecnseeesecaeenaesaeeaeenaeenaeenaes 47 Circular Interpolation G02 G03 G74 GI 47 Multiquadrant 360 Circular Interpolation G74 G75 eccceccceesceseceseceeceseceecseecseeeseesaeeseeeeeessenseenseenaeenaeenaes 48 Polygon Area ll G36 o 49 Ne bettel ee Ait E o ca A aie sata nate thet bat 50 GE OSSAR Y E 51 TIN DEX EE 53 11 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
3. 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 EE 1 Kee BE EE 1 Howto Use this G de a s 2 Related documentations A A A eee idas 2 Additional copies of the Guide 2 Wher to go for Help EE 2 RULES AND GUIDELINES sisi sestenccevced ege EE 3 Bile StruC EE 3 Data DlOCkKS eege See EE clean dese eid Act AE 3 EE 3 Data EE 4 RS 274X EECH 4 Directive NEE 5 TMA SE PAUTA A A e EEN ANE 5 CHE Parameters cee ds loss ees E eseu ees 5 EE 6 Miscellan ous parameters ii Recs eee ates eee eeh ee 6 Standard RS 274D Codes and Coordinate Data 7 General File Preparation Guidelines 0 ccccesecscesseesseescecseeeseeeseeseceseeeseeneceeeseecesecsecsaeeaeceaeesaeecaeeeaeseseeneeeereeereeatens 8 RS 274X Parameter Guides ut canes exe isch tte See EES dee aes ane o 8 Table T RS 274X Parameter Order of Entry eeschte ie 9 RS 274D Data e EE 10 Table 2 RS 274D Code Order of Entre 10 A A OR 10 Example NN 10 E ide e 11 ANN NN 15 SEA A NN 15 AD Aperture Definition addict 16 AM Aperture A A SR EE ee Ee 19 AS Axis Selected it aha een ie aan Aho Aah o e ea Rah at Rae aia ARN 25 FS Format Statement co cc cto AEN SEENEN E i EA ENEE E E E ee 26 TE Include EE 28 Ls Image Justin E E EE EE 29 ET un Eeee Aae E E 30 TO Image E EE 31 IP Image Polarity ias 32 TRE TIA EE 33
4. See also FS parameter 46 Linear Interpolation G01 G10 G11 G12 Linear interpolation plots a straight line from the present position to the X Y coordinate specified by the data block Data Block Format G01 X m n Y m n Dnn where G01 Specifies linear interpolation X m n Y m n Defines the line end point Dnn D code exposure on or off Circular Interpolation G02 G03 G74 G75 There are two types of circular interpolation single quadrant 90 and multiquadrant 360 Single quadrant interpolation produces an arc Multiquadrant interpolation can produce arcs that are larger than 90 and also circles Single Quadrant Circular Interpolation G74 G02 and G03 specify single quadrant 90 circular interpolation G74 disables it Single quadrant circular interpolation plots an arc within one quadrant 90 Single quadrant arcs must fit entirely within the quadrant in which they begin A separate data block is required for each quadrant A minimum of four data blocks is required to plot a circle Data Block Format Gnn X m n Y m n Im n Jm n Dnn where Gnn G02 specifies clockwise circular interpolation G03 specifies counterclockwise circular interpolation X m n Y m n Defines the arc end point These variables are in the format defined by the format statement FS parameter A sign is optional Im n Jm n Defines the incremental distance between the arc start point and the center measured parallel to the X
5. aperture Both rectangle and hole will be centered For example ADD22R 0 020X0 040 D code 22 is a 02 x 04 solid rectangle Obround oval May be solid or open If the X dimension is larger than Y the shape will be horizontal If the X dimension is smaller than Y the shape will be vertical To define a solid aperture enter only the X and Y dimensions omit the hole dimensions To define a hole enter one hole dimension for a round hole two for a rectangular or square hole If open the hole must fit within the aperture For example ADD220 0 020X0 04X0 005X0 010 D code 22 is a vertical obround 02 wide x 04 high with a 05 x 01 rectangular hole 17 AD Aperture Definition P lt outside dimension gt X lt number of sides gt X lt degrees of rotation gt X lt X axis hole dimension gt X lt Y axis hole dimension gt Regular polygon May be solid or open To define a solid aperture enter only the outside dimension and number of sides 3 to 12 The first point is located on the X axis May be rotated 360 from the X axis If open the hole must fit within the outside dimension Note Ifyou use the hole dimension modifiers you must enter a rotation even if it is 0 For example ADD17Diamond 030X4X0 0 D code 17 is a polygon within an outside dimension of 03 4 sides with no center hole Examples ADD10C 025 Define D code 10 25 mil round ADD22R 050X 050X 027 Define D code 22 50
6. at the beginning of a layer These codes do not generate a new layer A X B Y Image Justify Image Offset A 0 B 0 A 1 0 B 1 0 No justification A 0 B 0 Positive Use only once at the beginning of the file Image Polarity Layer Polarity May be used singly or Positive may be layer specific Enter these parameters at the beginning of the file or layer Off A 1 B 1 No rotation Step and Repeat TO Rules and Guidelines RS 274D Data Guidelines Follow these guidelines when preparing RS 274D data Enter functions codes and coordinate data following the RS 274X parameters Function codes apply to coordinate data in the same block as well as to subsequent coordinate data They do not affect coordinate data preceding the block in which they occur Enter function codes in the file in the order shown in Table 2 Table 2 RS 274D Code Order of Entry Code Function Comments N Optional G General functions Once encountered linear interpolation remains in effect until circular interpolation countermanded polygon area fill etc D Aperture or tool Once encountered assignment line flash remains in effect until control countermanded M Miscellaneous Every file must end Sample Files with M00 or M02 function program stop or end The examples on these pages illustrate the use of both mass parameters and standard RS 274D codes Examp
7. circular rectangular obround or polygonal and size diameter if round height and width if rectangular or obround outside dimension and number of sides if polygonal Apertures may be solid or open that is with a hole and are always centered Special apertures The AD parameter is also used to assign a D code to a file containing an aperture description The aperture description file may be a mac file created by the AM Aperture Macro parameter or a des file created by an Aperture Editor such as the Gerber GPC Aperture Editor See the AM parameter description for further information on aperture macros AD parameter syntax rules e Like other mass parameters begin and end each parameter block with a parameter delimiter typically e Within the AD parameter block separate each modifier by an X e Dimensions must be positive and will be rounded to the resolution of the output device e The various plotters and output devices may permit different D code ranges but the range must not exceed 10 to 999 Data Block Format ADD lt D code number gt lt aperture type gt lt modifier gt X lt modifer gt where ADD the AD parameter and D for D code lt D code number gt the D code number being defined 10 999 lt aperture type gt lt modifier gt X lt modifier gt the aperture descriptions lt aperture type gt may be one of the following ea standard aperture C R O P or T with modifiers see below Modifiers dep
8. e E Ee 6 34 L E EE 52 generated by mass D rameterg eee 4 6 Layer Name dee EE 6 36 Layer Polata 6 37 EE 3 LAYER SPECIFIC PARAMETER c0oooconiccconono 6 52 Leading Zero OMISSION c cooonncnocnnononinncnnnonnnnnnonnnonos 26 Line Center EE 6 21 Line lower jet 6 22 Lime Vector is deed 6 21 Linear Interpolapon seese seses 47 52 EN EE 6 36 Pia 6 37 M M COdES ni eege 7 26 50 M00 or MO ici ii 8 Mass parameters coconcccnnocinnnacnnnnonnnannnanonnnncnnnnnnn 4 52 Metric units Specifying See aN a wi hee we 39 M eet dee 5 38 Millimeters SPECIFYING cti 39 Mirror Ima 86 scarce coed cr a 5 38 Miscellaneous parameters cccceseecceeeeeseeeteeees 6 M EE 5 39 MO A E EEEN 7 Modernidad 39 Mode of units iii 5 ee 6 23 Multiquadrant 360 Circular Interpolation 48 52 N leger ege ee T Name Men 30 NEGATIVE aea o 52 NO ZEROES OMITTED cccceceeseeseeteeteeteenees 26 e EE 26 Numerical precision cceccesceesseesseeeeeseeereees 8 52 O Obround oval cee ceceeeeesceeeceeseeeeeeeeeeeeesseeeseenaes 17 OF hac anita Sha RH ees 5 40 9 CT EE 5 40 Offset Ma Ge ee seh sales E OR 31 Order of entry RS E E 10 O era EATEN EREN NA 9 Ordering mformaton 2 QUITE an ea E EEA 6 22 P Parameter delimiter ooonooccononoccconnncncnonnncnonnnnnons 4 8 Parameters placement ui id 5 LN EC 5 41 Plot EE 5 41 Polarity E 34 52 Uu 32 EE 37 Pol GON sd 6 22 polygon area DI 1 49 52 OI 19
9. 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 e PCB designers preparing data for conversion to RS 274X e PCB fabricators creating or using Gerber data files e Developers of software applications using RS 274X data How to use this Guide You will fin
10. is used to specify the positive or negative polarity of the entire file image This image polarity differs from ayer polarity which is specified by the LP parameter and which applies only to one or more data layers of the entire image Data Block Format IP lt POS or NEG gt where IP the IP parameter lt POS or NEG gt Use POS for positive polarity NEG for negative polarity Default IPPOS Example IPNEG Output the entire image with negative polarity 32 IR Image Rotation The IR parameter is used to rotate the entire image counterclockwise in 90 increments about the 0 0 coordinate All apertures follow the rotation If you do not use the IR parameter 0 rotation is assumed Data Block Format IR lt 90 or 180 or 270 gt where IR the IR parameter lt 90 or 180 or 270 gt Enter the desired value Default IRO Example IRI0 Rotate the entire image 90 counterclockwise 33 The KO parameter is used to specify that a rectangular region of the image will have the opposite polarity of the image or layer in which it occurs either clear or dark making it a knockout from the surrounding region Knockout Positive image polarity Negative image polarity Dark layer polarity Clear layer polarity Clear knockout Dark knockout KO is typically used to set the initial background polarity of the final image set travel extent along the Y axis knock out a region around a component disable knockout
11. lt 0 or 1 gt B lt 0 or 1 gt Default MIA0B0 Example the MI parameter To invert A axis data flipping the image about the B axis enter A1 To disable enter AO To invert B axis data flipping the image about the A axis enter B1 To disable enter BO MIA0B1 Disable mirroring of A axis data Invert B axis data flipping the image about the A 38 axis MO Mode The MO parameter specifies that dimension data should be interpreted as inches or millimeters Integer and decimal place format is specified by the FS parameter Inches are assumed if units are not specified Data Block Format MOK lt IN or MM gt where MO the MO parameter lt IN or MM gt Enter IN to specify inches Enter MM to specify millimeters Default MOIN Example MOIN Dimension data will be expressed in inches The OF parameter is used to offset the final image up to 99999 99999 units from the imaging device 0 0 point The data may be offset along the imaging device A or B axis or both Values used with the OF parameter are expressed in units specified by the MO parameter are always absolute and are used primarily with absolute coordinate data Incremental coordinate data may be offset simply by moving the imaging device to the desired offset position before starting the plot The FS parameter specifies whether the data is absolute or incremental If an embedded FS parameter changes the format from absolute to increment
12. on the current data layer A knockout can be defined in one of two ways e lower left point and height and width e border width around a component When a knockout is defined around a component the knockout is applied to all data following the KO parameter until the knockout is disabled To disable a previously defined knockout enter KO with no modifiers Data Block Format KO the KO parameter CorD Enter C for clear or D for dark To create a knockout defined by the data extents do not enter modifiers To disable a previously enabled knockout enter neither C nor D X lt lower left X coordinate gt Y lt lower left Y coordinate gt I lt width gt J lt height gt Use this modifier to define the knockout by a lower left point width and height 34 K lt border dimension gt Examples KODXO0I0120J26 KOCK 050 KOD Y KO Use this modifier to define the knockout as a border around a component Express the dimension in units specified by the MO parameter Create a dark knockout that extends from 0 0 to 20 26 This in effect sets the Y travel extent Create a clear knockout 050 units around all sides of the data that follows the KO parameter until the knockout is disabled Make the region defined by the extents of the data following the command dark Disable a previously enabled knockout 35 LN Layer Name The LN parameter is used to assign a name of up to 77 alphanumeric characters to the informati
13. up Additional X Y coordinate data positions following this code will also cause motion with the light source off until a different code is encountered Absolute versus relative data Depending on the preceding FS parameter in the file coordinate data may be defined either relative to the plot origin that is as absolute values or relative to the last coordinate position that is as incremental data Rules and Guidelines Numerical precision Coordinate data may be expressed in inches or millimeters to 6 6 decimal places that is up to six integer digits and six fractional digits Unless preceded by a co 99 Axis assignment the direction is assumed to be The coordinate axes may be assigned to any physical plotter axes using the AS parameter but typically the A plotter axis is assigned to X and the B axis to Y General File Preparation Guidelines Follow these guidelines when preparing RS 274X data Use data blocks in a way that organizes the file visually for easy reading Enter all codes and parameters in upper case Use file names that comply with the system file naming conventions DOS and therefore Windows 3 1 files names are limited to eight characters UNIX systems are case sensitive End every data block with an end of block character typically For example X0000Y5000D02 Do not break a line within a block End every file with an end of program code M00 or M02 RS 274X Parameter Guidelines
14. whether the feature described should be imaged as a line or flashed Table 4 lists supported D codes Table 4 D Codes Code Function Comments D01 Draw line exposure on You cannot draw using an D1 aperture defined by an aperture macro AM parameter These apertures can only be flashed D2 D03 Flash aperture D03 remains in effect until a D3 new layer is encountered D10 D999 Select an aperture defined by an AD parameter 45 G Codes G codes are general function codes They specify how the coordinate data should be interpolated linear or circular turn the Polygon Area Fill feature on and off see page 49 for more information on Polygon Area Fill and can also be used to specify absolute or incremental format Table 5 lists supported G codes Table 5 G Codes Code Function Comments G00 Affected by Polygon Area Fill see page 49 1X scale G02 Clockwise circular See page 47 G03 Counterclockwise circular G04 10X scale 0 1X scale 0 01X scale G36 See page 49 G37 See page 49 G54 Tool prepare Usually precedes an aperture D code G70 Specify inches See also MO parameter G71 Specify millimeters See also MO parameter G74 Disable 360 circular See Circular Interpolation page 47 interpolation single quadrant G75 Enable 360 circular See Circular Interpolation page 47 interpolation multiquadrant G90 Specify absolute format See also FS parameter G91 Specify incremental format
15. 2 3 1 0 4 2 3 Define an aperture macro named DONUT consisting of two concentric circles 1 1 1 2 3 Circle 1 exposure on 1 diameter 1 X center 2 Y center 3 all to be supplied by AD parameter 1 0 4 2 3 Circle 1 exposure off 0 diameter 4 different from first circle X center and Y center 2 and 3 same as first circle Example 1 23 AM Aperture Macro The AD parameter using this macro might look like the following ADD32DONUT 0 100X0X0X0 080 Define D code 32 to be aperture macro DONUT The diameter of the first circle will be 0 100 The center of both circles will be at 0 0 The diameter of the second circle will be 0 080 1 0 100 2 0 3 0 4 0 080 Example 2 AMDONUT 1 1 1 2 3 1 2 0 030 1 0 1 4 2 3 Define an aperture macro named DONUT consisting of two concentric circles with diameter of the second circle defined as a function of the diameter and center point of the first 1 1 1 2 3 Circle 1 exposure on 1 diameter 1 and center point X Y 2 3 to be defined in the AD parameter 1 2 0 030 Define a variable to be used to calculate the diameter of second circle to be a function of the diameter and center point X coordinate of the first 1 0 1 4 2 3 Circle 1 exposure off 0 diameter 1 4 and center point X Y 2 3 same as the first circle The ADD parameter using this aperture macro might look like ADD33DONUT 0 020X0X0X0 014
16. 3 below for a description of the primitives e primitive modifiers that describe the primitive in terms of exposure position dimensions etc e variable primitive modifiers to be supplied by the AD parameter e optional embedded comment blocks e numerical operators AM parameter syntax rules e Like other mass parameters begin and end each parameter block with a parameter delimiter typically e Within the AM parameter block separate each primitive and modifier group by an end of block character typically e Within each primitive group separate modifiers by commas e Modifiers may be absolute values such as 0 1 2 or 9 05 or they may be variable modifiers to be supplied by the AD parameter when it refers to the aperture macro e Identify variable modifiers to be supplied by the AD parameter as n where n indicates the order in which the modifier is expected in the AD parameter 1 would be the first variable modifier expected in the AD parameter 2 the 19 AM Aperture Macro Data Block Format second and so on numbering sequentially from left to right If an absolute value is entered instead of a variable the variables shift right For example if an absolute value is entered for the first variable the next variable becomes 1 even though it is the second modifier of the primitive The interpretation of each modifier differs for each primitive See Table 3 on the next page for a full explanation of aperture m
17. A method by which successive exposures of a single image are made to produce a multiple image production master STROKE FILL An inefficient means of creating solid filled polygons by painting the area X DATA Gerber data that includes mass parameters 52 Index A absolute data coordinates override by Jick eee BAe Ae 29 Absolute potapon nono nccnncinos 26 ABSOLUTE POSITION occcoonccnconnnincnancnnnconacanocnosa 51 absolute values 7 AD e OS 6 16 AM RE 6 16 19 APERTURE E AE 51 Aperture Defimtion ooooncnincnoonnonoconcnanconoconoconononoo 16 Aperture Description eesseseesseeeeseesersesseeeesseeeesse 6 Aperture Editor seiniin narice 16 Aperture Macro 6 19 51 APERTURE DARAMEIER 51 Aperture Datrameterg 5 APOT ita A EEN 5 Special eee Mie ts E AN TA 16 standard blind 16 MA eee eee ee ee 47 BERENS NEE EEN H ee ee een 5 25 ASSISTACO geesde e ee 2 AXIS ASSIQMMEMNE coccoccccoocooncoononnnconoc nooo nooo nnon nono non cnn 8 AXIS Sly E Bee oes 5325 B Bulletin Board Service BBS 2 C Center ima TE ss pipis e in e 29 Eine RNE NENE EANO 6 17 47 48 circular mterpolaton 4 47 51 COMPOSITE IMAGE 51 coordinate data 4 7 51 EE 26 D D COGS titi EN 7 16 26 45 51 data block aas da 3 7 8 OM Ad e de E O 15 maximum length oooooonncnnncnnnnncnnncnoonconnconocanccnnnos 8 Data td EE 4 Decimal point programming cccooccccocinnnoncnnnonannninnon 26 DELTIMITER ni 51 DIRECTIVE PARAMETER cooooco
18. D codes N Sequence number G General function D Plot function M Miscellaneous function These codes are described starting on page 45 Data Block Format FS lt L or T gt lt A or I gt Nn Gn lt Xn gt lt Yn gt Dn Mn where FS The FS parameter lt L or T gt Use L to omit leading zeroes Use T to omit trailing zeroes lt A or I gt Use A for absolute coordinate values Use I for incremental coordinate values Nn Gn Dn and Mn Enter the code and an integer length limit for example N2 to specify two digit sequence codes lt Xn gt and lt Yn gt Enter X or Y and the number of integer and decimal places in the coordinate data for each axis for example X23 for X axis data with two integer and three decimal places 99 999 6 6 is maximum The X and Y axes may have different values Example FSLAX25Y25 Coordinate data will have leading zeros omitted L and be expressed as absolute A positions with two integer and five decimal places in both axes X25Y25 27 IF Include File The IF parameter is used to identify an external file to be included in the RS 274X file The files referenced by the IF parameter will be interpreted exactly as if they were included at the point of reference in the RS 274X file Included files may also contain IF parameters up to 10 levels of nesting The IF parameter is often used to include an external aperture file containing AD and AM parameters that describe the apertu
19. Define D code 33 to be aperture macro DONUT The diameter of the first circle 0 020 The center of both circles will be 0 0 The diameter of the second circle will be 0 0 030 0 014 Example 3 AMDONUT 1 1 0 100X0X0 1 0 0 080X0X0 Define an aperture macro named DONUT consisting of two concentric circles using primitive modifiers ADD32DONUT The resulting AD command only needs to reference the aperture macro name 24 AS Axis Select The AS parameter is used to assign any two data axes to the output device A or B axes Data Block Format AS A lt X or Y gt B lt X or Y gt where A and B are output device axes X and Y are data axes Default AXBY Example Y ASAYBX Assign the X axis data to the output device B axis and the Y axis data to the output device A axis 25 FS Format Statement The FS parameter is used to define the format of the input coordinate data and to define the allowable N G D and M code lengths It should be the first RS 274X parameter in the file It is recommended that only one be used in the file It is usually the first parameter The FS parameter allows you to specify the following format characteristics Number of integer and decimal places in coordinate data coordinate format Zero omission leading or trailing zeroes omitted Absolute or incremental coordinate notation Sequence number N code length General function code G codes length Draft code D code len
20. 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 N V The material information and instructions are provided on an AS IS basis without warranty of any kind There are no warranties granted or extended by this document Furthermore Barco Graphics N V does not warrant guarantee or make any representations regarding the use or the results of the use of the software or the information contained herein Barco Graphics N V shall not be liable for any direct indirect consequential or incidental damages arising out of the use or inability to use the software or the information contained herein The information contained herein is subject to change without prior notice Revisions may be issued from time to time to advise of such changes and or additions No part of this document may be reproduced stored in a data base or retrieval system or published in any form or in any way electronically mechanically by print photoprint microfilm or any other means without prior written permission from Barco Graphics N V This document supersedes all previous dated versions Trademarks All product names cited are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners Correspondence regarding this publication should be forwa
21. R A Eege deis case 5 Rectangle or square eeceetceesceeseeeseeeeeeteeeeenseeenes 17 Regular polygon nenene 18 RELATIVE POSITION cregos cinien 52 Rotate lu 33 RS 274 E 12 752 code length ocios 27 Data Gudelmes 10 Order Of CNELY se iann n 10 RS ia 1 4 8 15 52 dell iia 9 Order Of CNELY e a Taa E ER R E 9 Parameter Guidelines oooncnnnnninnnincnocnnonnconncnnooos 8 position in le iaa id 9 required and optional 9 A Sample Files cceecceeceescceseeeseceeecseeeeeeeeeeeeneeees 10 SGalevFactor i326 ct Eege 5 42 Sequence number ceeceeseeeeesceeseeeeeeeeeeeeees 7 26 e KEE 5 42 Single Quadrant Circular Interpolation 47 52 Special apertures oooconnnonocnnonnconncnncnnnconnonnnonnos 16 19 ei LE 6 43 Standard apertures ccccsceesceeseeseeeteeeeeees 16 17 Standard RS 210DCodes 4 45 Step and Repeat ccc ceceesseesseseeeeeeereeeeees 6 43 52 STROKE FILE cio ais 52 T Technical Assistance Center 2 heet eeben reese 6 23 Trailing Zero OMISSION ccesceesseeeeeeeeeeeeeereeeees 26 U Un iia weds head ee cane ae 39 upper case required fOr emtrw 8 H Vector plotters comia ege Bed ee ih ie ndh 5 W Web Paperone dias in sa ae 2 word address format 4 X OA A A A R 1 52 AA A E Id e dl 7 Z Zero EE 26 55
22. acro primitives and modifiers Do not begin a variable primitive modifier with a minus sign for example 1 To indicate negative precede the variable with 0 for example 0 1 Start optional comment strings with a leading 0 for example 0 THIS IS A COMMENT Position and dimensions are expressed in the units specified by the MO parameter Decimal points are permitted Use only the following numerical operators with variable modifiers Operator Function add subtract divide x multiply equate n numerical factor Make sure the aperture macro file name matches the aperture macro name and that it has a mac extension AM lt aperture macro name gt lt primitive number gt lt modifier 1 gt lt modifier 2 gt lt gt lt primitive number gt lt modifiers gt where AM the AM parameter lt aperture macro name gt the name to be used in the AD parameter lt primitive the primitive number with modifiers The primitive number gt lt modifier 1 gt lt modifier 2 gt lt modifi number identifies the geometry outline polygon er 3 gt 20 etc The modifiers differ with the various primitive numbers Use either actual values for example 0 050 for a width or a variable placeholder for example 1 for exposure on off AM Aperture Macro Table 3 Aperture macro primitives Primitive Description Variable Description number Modifiers 1 Exposure on off 0 OFF laser off
23. al the OF parameter value is saved and reinstated another FS parameter returns the format to absolute Data Block Format OF A lt offset value gt B offset value gt where OF the OF parameter Atn Offset along the A axis Use 5 5 format B n Offset along the B axis Use 5 5 format Default OFA0B0 Example OFA1 0B1 0 Offsets the plot 1 unit from 0 0 along both the A and B axes 40 The PF parameter is used to indicate to the operator the film or other media to be used to image the data file Data Block Format where PF the PF parameter lt name gt up to 20 alphanumeric characters asterisk is an illegal character 41 SF Scale Factor The SF parameter is used to specify a scale factor of from 0 0001 to 999 99999 for the output device A and or B axis data The factor may be different for each axis All data following the parameter will be multiplied by the factor until another SF parameter is encountered The AS parameter is used to correlate the X and Y data axes with the imaging device A and B axes Data Block Format SF A lt factor gt B lt factor gt where SF the SF parameter A lt factor gt the A axis data factor B lt factor gt the B axis data factor Default A1B1 Example SFA 5B3 Multiply A axis data by 5 B axis data by 3 42 SR Step and Repeat The SR parameter is used to duplicate the data following the parameter a specific number of times repeats at a regular
24. and assigns it to a D code APERTURE PARAMETER A mass parameter AD or AM that assigns an aperture description to a D code CIRCULAR INTERPOLATION Specifies that the data should be interpreted as arcs may be single quadrant or multiquadrant COMPOSITE IMAGE The entire image including all information layers COORDINATE DATA X Y position data that describes placement of features in the image D CODES Draft tool RS 274D codes They specify tool exposure action line draw or flash DELIMITER A character that indicates the beginning and end of a mass parameter DIRECTIVE PARAMETER A mass parameter that controls overall file processing EXTENDED GERBER FORMAT Gerber data that includes mass parameters FUNCTION CODES G codes D codes M codes that are part of RS 274D G CODES General function RS 274D codes They specify interpolation polygon area fill etc GERBER DATA Data expressed in Gerber Format GERBER FORMAT A subset of RS 274D Word Address Format that is the universal plotter language may also contain mass parameters whose presence make it Extended Gerber Format or RS 274X IMAGE PARAMETER A parameter that supplies information about an entire image KNOCKOUT A rectangular region about an information layer whose polarity is the opposite of the layer polarity 51 LAYER A named information component of Gerber data that may be treated as a unit for example rotated or repeated has no relationship to a physi
25. and Y axes respectively Notice that these numbers are unsigned values The direction to the center is determined implicitly Dnn D code exposure on or off 47 Incremental Data Absolute Data B Axis B Axis End point End SR i i i i i i current tgol I 1 L eh Start point Start point current topl position position Y lt H A t Arc center rc center x gt j y 0 0 A Axis 0 0 A Axis D Multiquadrant 3609 Circular Interpolation G74 G75 A data block containing only G75 specifies 360 circular interpolation which plots arcs in more than one quadrant using only one data block Every block following a G75 code will be interpreted as 360 interpolation until a G74 is encountered The I and J variables will be considered signed If no sign is present the circle will be in a positive direction from the start point A G74 code turns 360 multiquadrant circular interpolation off reverting to single quadrant interpolation To turn circular interpolation off and revert to linear interpolation use G01 Data Block Format Gnn X m n Y m n lm n Jm n Dnn where Gnn G74 turns off 360 circular interpolation G75 turns on 360 circular interpolation X m n Y m n Defines the arc end point ltm n Jtm n Defines the distance between the arc start point and the center measured parallel to the X and Y axes respectively These variables are always increm
26. and lower justify in Y Y IJAC Center justify in X lower justify in Y 1JACB 100 IJALB 10 1JB 100 1JA1B1 Center justify in X offset 1 units in Y Left justify in X offset 1 units in Y Same as previous example Offset image 1 unit in X and Y 29 IN Image Name The IN parameter is used to assign a name of up to 77 alphanumeric characters to the entire image of the RS 274X file Information layers may also be named see the LN parameter Data Block Format N lt character string gt where lt character string gt up to 77 alphanumeric characters except the asterisk Examples INSOLDERMASK INPANEL_1 IO Image Offset The IO parameter is used to offset an image from the 0 0 point The offset is expressed as an increment in the units defined by the MO parameter along the output device A and B axis The AS parameter is used to correlate data axes with output device axes The offset may be different for each axis and may be entered for a single axis Data Block Format IOA lt tn gt B lt tn gt where IO the Image Offset parameter A lt n gt the offset along the output device A axis B lt n gt the offset along the output device B axis Default 0A0B0 Examples 10A1 0B1 5 Offset the image 1 0 units along the A axis and 1 5 units along the B axis from 0 0 10B5 0 Offset the image 5 0 units along the B axis from 0 0 31 IP Image Polarity The IP parameter
27. cal PCB layer LAYER SPECIFIC PARAMETER A mass parameter that applies to a single information layer for example KO LN LP and SR LINEAR INTERPOLATION Specifies that the data should be interpreted as straight lines MASS PARAMETERS Commands or codes that may be embedded in Gerber Data that specify how the data should be processed MULTI QUADRANT INTERPOLATION Specifies that the data should be interpreted as arcs that can extend into more than one quadrant up to 360 NEGATIVE An artwork in which the intended conductive pattern is transparent to light and the areas to be free from conductive material are opaque NUMERICAL PRECISION The number of integer and decimal places used to express a number POLARITY Describes whether the circuitry will be imaged as dark on a clear background positive or clear on a dark background negative Polarity may be applied to an entire image or to a single layer POLYGON AREA FILL A feature that provides a more efficient means of creating solid filled polygons than stroke fill RELATIVE POSITION Position expressed as a distance from the last position RS 274D Electronics Industries Association EIA standard data format a superset of Gerber Format RS 274X Extended Gerber Format that is Gerber Format with mass parameters SINGLE QUADRANT INTERPOLATION Specifies that the data should be interpreted as an arc that must fit entire within a single quadrant 90 STEP AND REPEAT
28. cks containing parameters and codes Each data block is delimited by an end of block character typically an asterisk Each data block may contain one or more parameters or codes For example XOYOD02 X50000Y0DO1 Layers One or more data blocks may be grouped into a layer of information that describes part of a graphic image In RS 274X context a layer is a named information component of the image composed of one or more data blocks Each layer may have characteristics such as name polarity and interpolation mode that differ from other layers of information In addition an individual layer may be knocked out of the surrounding graphic image and may be repeated and or rotated individually Note A layer must not be confused with a PCB layer A PCB layer has a physical definition and might be compared to a physical plane An RS 274X layer is simply a group of data blocks that may be manipulated collectively and separately from other layers Rules and Guidelines Data types An RS 274X file may contain the following kinds of data appearing in the following general order 1 RS 274X Parameters RS 274X parameters are also called mass parameters or extended Gerber format The inclusion of these parameters in the file makes the plot file RS 274X or X data instead of standard RS 274D 2 Standard RS 274D Codes Standard RS 274D codes were once called word address format They consist of e one character fu
29. d 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 sa Technical Assistance Center by telephone during normal business hours eastern ei time at 888 727 9972 by fax at 860 291 7021 Rules and Guidelines This section provides background information describes organization and presents guidelines for use of RS 274X For detailed descriptions of use of individual codes and parameters see Reference page 15 File structure An RS 274X plot file is a file consisting of RS 274X parameters and standard RS 274D codes which when correctly interpreted result in an image that may be displayed or plotted Data blocks The file is composed of a number of data blo
30. end on aperture type Use X to separate each modifier All dimensions are positive and will be rounded to the resolution of the output device 16 Standard apertures C lt outside diameter gt X lt X axis hole dimension gt X lt Y axis hole dimension gt 00 lt X axis dimension gt X lt Y axis dimension gt X lt X axis hole dimension gt X lt Y axis hole dimension gt lt X axis dimension gt X lt Y axis dimension gt X lt X axis hole dimension gt X lt Y axis hole dimension gt AD Aperture Definition ea file name containing the aperture description des file e an aperture macro name previously defined by the AM parameter mac file Note Be sure to use the units inches or millimeters specified by the MO parameter for all modifiers Circle To define a solid aperture enter only the diameter To define a hole enter one dimension for a round hole two for a rectangle The hole must fit within the aperture For a square hole X must equal Y Both aperture and hole will be centered For example ADD10C 05X0 025 D code 10 is a 05 circle with a 025 round hole in the center Rectangle or square May be solid or open If the X axis dimension equals the Y dimension the aperture will be square To define a solid aperture enter only the X and Y dimensions omit the hole dimensions To define a hole enter one dimension for a round hole two for a rectangle The hole must fit within the
31. ental values in the format defined by the format statement FS parameter A sign is optional Dnn D code exposure on or off An example of multiquadrant interpolation is shown on the next page 48 FSLAX43Y43 G75 DESIRED PLOT G01X3000Y 2000D02 G03X 3000Y 20001 3000J4000D01 G01 iter 0 2 y End point 3 2 Start point 3 2 Polygon Area Fill G36 G37 G36 and G37 provide a more efficient means of filling closed polygons than stroke fill When these codes are used the filled area is defined simply by its closed outline Stroke fill is an inefficient method of filling a polygon G36 turns on polygon area fill G37 turn it off There are no variables or apertures Following a G36 and before G37 all lines drawn with DO1 are considered edges of the polygon D02 closes and fills the polygon G36 X2Y4D02 X7D01 12 Y2D01 X11Y6D01 X7Y9D01 X7D01 X2D01 Y4D01 G37 D 000004 WPG 49 M Codes M codes identify the end of a file Three M codes are commonly used M00 Program stop M01 Optional stop M02 End of program 50 Glossary ABSOLUTE POSITION Position expressed as a distance from the 0 0 point in the data APERTURE Previously an opening in a wheel through which light passed to expose film Currently a D code assignment and description of geometry that determines the shape of a feature APERTURE MACRO A mass parameter that describes the geometry of a special aperture
32. erated This continuing action is referred to as modal For example G02 specifies clockwise single quadrant circular interpolation and is modal All coordinate data following it will be considered clockwise arc data until another interpolation code is encountered or until a new layer is generated When a new layer is generated interpolation will be reset to linear G01 Like parameters standard RS 274D codes may be grouped according to function They generally appear in the file in the following sequence 1 N codes sequence numbers are similar to line numbers and may be assigned to data blocks to simplify organization Sequence numbers may be 0 to 99999 N codes are not necessary 2 G codes general functions specify how to interpolate and move to the coordinate locations following the code until changed or until a new layer is generated modal 3 D codes plot functions select and control tools specify line type etc 4 M codes miscellaneous functions perform a variety of functions such as program stop and origin specification Standard RS 274D codes are described in detail starting on page 45 Coordinate Data Coordinate data includes e X Y data define linear positions along the X and Y axes e I J data define arcs For example X200Y200D02 This data block directs the plotter to move in a positive direction to coordinate location 0 2 0 2 assuming leading zeroes are omitted with the light source off tool
33. gth Miscellaneous code M code length Note Decimal point programming is not supported Coordinate format Coordinate format specifies how many integer and how many decimal places to expect in the coordinate data For example 2 3 format specifies two integer and three decimal places A maximum of six integer and six decimal places may be specified 999999 999999 Different formats may be defined for the X and Y axes Zero omission Zero omission compresses data by omitting either leading or trailing zeroes from coordinate values Any given string of digits may be interpreted very differently depending on the zero omission specification Coordinate format also affects how zero omission is interpreted Leading zero omission eliminates all zeroes that precede non zero digits but retains following zeroes For example with 2 3 coordinate format 15 would be interpreted as 0 015 Note Use leading zero omission for NO ZEROES OMITTED files Trailing zero omission eliminates all zeroes following non zero digits but retains preceding zeroes For example with 2 3 coordinate format 15 would be interpreted as 15 000 Absolute or incremental notation Coordinate values may be expressed as either absolute distances from a fixed 0 0 point or as relative distances from the preceding coordinate position 26 AM Aperture Macro RS 274D code lengths The FS parameter can be used to specify length limits for the following standard RS 274
34. h light on Linear move with light on Linear move with light off Linear move with light on Notice since D01 is modal it does not need to be repeated Notice since the X amp Y commands are modal Y is not repeated Here X is not repeated and uses its previous value of 2 500 Light off no move New aperture selected G55 prepares for flash It is not necessary DO3 is the flash command Y value does not change This method reduces the size of the file Here X does not change from previous value Flash New aperture select Move to 1 0 1 5 and flash New aperture select Move and flash New aperture select Move and flash New aperture select Move and flash New aperture select Linear move light off Start point of the following arc command Sets the mode to 360 degree circular interpolation Move from start point above to end point drawing a complete circle New aperture select Flash New aperture select Flash New aperture select Start Polygon fill End Polygon fill New aperture select Flash Flash Layer Name Layer Polarity clear Start Polygon fill Quadrant arc Clockwise arc move with radius 25 Complete 90 degree arc 360 degree arc mode G02X3000Y250010J 375D01 G01X1000 X1000Y2500D02 G37 LNXTEST3 LPD G54D10 X1500Y2875D02 X2000D01 D02 G54D11 X1500Y2875D03 X2000D03 G54D19 X2875Y2875D03 M02 Rules and Guidelines Clockwise arc move with radius 375 Linear move light
35. intervals steps The number of times the image is repeated and the space between repeats may be specified independently for X and Y data When entered without parameters it is also used to disable a previous SR parameter Y Step Distance Data X Step Distance Data Block Format SR X lt number of repeats gt Y lt number of repeats gt I lt X axis step gt J lt Y axis step gt where SR the SR parameter X lt number of repeats gt the number of times the data will be repeated along the X axis Y lt number of repeats gt the number of times the data will be repeated along the Y axis I lt X axis step distance gt the distance between the X axis repeats J lt Y axis step distance gt the distance between the Y axis repeats Default SRX1Y110J0 Examples SRX415 052 Repeat the image four times along the X axis with 5 0 units from one step to the next The J modifier will be ignored because no Y repeats were specified 43 SR Step and Repeat SRX2Y312 053 Repeat the image twice along the X axis and three times along the Y axis X axis repeats will be spaced 2 0 units apart Y axis repeats will be spaced three units apart Y SR Disable a previous SR parameter 44 Standard RS 274D Codes This section describes standard RS 274D codes D codes G codes and M codes that are applicable to raster output D Codes D codes draft codes select apertures and determine
36. iption D11 is a circular aperture with 0 06 diameter Aperture Description D12 is a rectangular aperture 0 06 X 0 06 Aperture Description D13 is a rectangular aperture 0 04 X 0 100 Aperture Description D14 is a rectangular aperture 0 100 X 0 04 Aperture Description D15 is a obround aperture 0 04 X 0 100 Aperture Description D16 is a 3 sided polygon 0 100 overall size Aperture Description D17 is a 3 sided polygon 0 100 overall size Aperture Description D18 is a special aperture called TARGET 11 Rules and Guidelines ADD19THERMAL80 LNXTEST1 LPD SRX1Y110J0 G54D10 G01X0Y250D02 X0Y0D01 X250Y0D01 X1000Y1000D02 X1500D01 X2000Y1500 X2500D02 Y1000D01 D02 G54D11 G55X1000Y1000D03 X2000D03 X2500D03 Y1500D03 X2000D03 G54D12 X1000Y1500D03 G54D13 X3000Y1500D03 G54D14 Y1250D03 G54D15 Y1000D03 G54D10 G01X3750Y1000D02 G75 G03X3750Y10001250J0D01 G54D16 G55X3400Y1000D03 G54D17 G55X3500Y900D03 G54D10 G36 G01X500Y2000D02 Y3750D01 X3750 Y2000 X500 X500Y2000D02 G37 G54D18 G55X0Y3875D03 X3875Y3875D03 LNXTEST2 LPC G36 G01X1000Y2500D02 Y3000D01 G74 G02X1250Y32501250J0D01 G01X3000 G75 12 Aperture Description D19 is a special aperture called THERMAL Layer Name XTEST1 Layer Polarity Dark Step and Repeat set to 1 X 1 Not Required Aperture select Linear move with light off Linear move wit
37. le 1 Example illustrates a single layer image G04 EXAMPLE 1 2 BOXES FSLAX23Y23 MOIN OFA0B0 SFA1 0B1 0 ADD10C 0 010 LNBOXES G54D10 X0Y0D02 X5000Y0D01 X5000Y5000D01 X0Y5000D01 X0Y0D01 X6000Y0 X11000Y0D01 10 Format statement leading zeroes omitted absolute coordinates X2 3 Y2 3 Set units to inches No offset Scale factor is Al B1 Define aperture D code 10 10 mil circle Name layer BOXES RS 274D data X11000Y5000D01 X6000Y5000D01 X6000Y0D01 D02 MO2 Example 2 Rules and Guidelines End of data Example 2 illustrates RS 274 X data Y ASAXBY FSLAX23Y23 MIAOBO MOIN OFAOBO SFA1 0B1 0 IJALBL INXTEST IOA0B0 IPPOS IR0 G04 Define Apertures AMTARGET125 6 0 0 0 125 01 0 01 3 0 003 0 150 0 AMTHERMAL80 7 0 0 0 080 0 055 0 0125 45 ADD10C 0 01 ADD11C 0 06 ADD12R 0 06X0 06 ADD13R 0 04X0 100 ADD14R 0 100X0 04 ADD150 0 04X0 100 ADD16P 0 100X3 ADD17P 0 100X3 ADD18TARGET125 Axis Select A X B Y Format Statement Leading zeros omitted absolute data 2 integer digits and 3 fractional digits Mirror about the specified axis 0 no 1 yes Mode inches Offset 0 Scale Factor Image justify Image name Image offset Image Polarity Image Rotation Comment Aperture Macro Moir Description Aperture Macro Thermal Description Aperture Description D10 is a circular aperture with 0 01 diameter Aperture Descr
38. mil square with 27 mil round hole ADD570 030X 040X 015 Define D code 57 obround 30 x 40 mil with 15 mil round hole ADD30P 016X6 Define D code 30 polygon hexagon 16 mil outside dimension with 6 sides ADD15CIRC Define D code 15 a special aperture described by aperture macro CIRC defined previously by an aperture macro 18 AM Aperture Macro The AM parameter is used to define named apertures sometimes called special apertures in aperture macro format consisting of building blocks called primitives The named aperture macros may be used in AD parameter descriptions just like the standard apertures that is circle rectangle obround polygon and thermal Every non standard aperture must be described before the D code associated with it occurs in the file Special apertures offer two advantages over standard apertures e They allow multiple shapes called primitives to be combined in a single aperture which permits creation of unusual or complicated apertures e They need not be centered e Aperture macro modifiers may be variable Variable modifiers are supplied by the AD parameter that references the aperture macro e An aperture macro variable may be a numerical function of another macro variable etc Aperture macro contents An aperture macro contains the following elements o ap erture macro name e one or more of the seven aperture primitives each identified by a primitive number see Table
39. nccccnonncnnonnninocnnos 51 Directive parameters cccceccesceeseeseeeeeeeseeseeeeeens 5 E Electronic Industries Association 2 end of block character 8 end of program code 8 English units SEENA oe cs ees A AN 39 Extended Gerber Format 1 4 51 F file naming CONVENTIONS oooooncoccconconnconcconconnonnninnnnnos 8 File structure EE 3 Format Statement 4 5 26 eene EE ek eee ere teen 5 26 function COAeS ococonnnononnnccnconnnananononncnncnnnns 4 51 functions Godeg coccion iiis 10 G EE 7 26 46 51 GO1 G10 G11 OI 47 602 603 674 GIS inane cated eect e 47 G36 Gi alone ones 49 EE E EE ee EE EE ase 47 Eeer AiR i ack eet eg 48 General File Preparation Guidelines 0 0 0 eee 8 general function codes ooooonoocnocnnonononcnononononnninnnnos 46 general functions oooococononnnonononocononononn nono ronncnnnnnnnnos 7 CA 1 51 Gerber Format tii ta ae 1 51 Gerber GPC Aperture Editor 16 E 51 I A A tent eta SS 7 ILE se Ee EH 6 28 RRE 5 29 Image Justify ices ENEE toes 5 29 Image Name oedied Nees d 5 30 Image Offset 5 31 IMAGE PARAMETER ceccceseeseeteeseeteeseeees 5 51 image placement reinnoire n Re 29 Image Polarity cece eeesesceteeeeteeeeeeeeseeneeees 5 32 Image Rotation cierto 5 33 Niro 5 30 Inches SEU Ee iA 39 Include File enger eebe e aes 6 incremental dit T Incremental notatpon 26 tee 5 31 TP teeing eel ie een 5 32 UE 5 33 J JUST LE 29 K Knockout eege l 6 34 51 KO en
40. nction codes such as G codes D codes M codes etc Function codes were the words of the old terminology They describe how coordinate data associated with them should be interpreted such as linear or circular interpolation how the imaging device should move light source on or off and more e coordinate data define points to which the imaging device must move The coordinate data represented the address of the old terminology X Y coordinate data describe linear positions I J coordinates define arcs RS 274X parameters RS 274X parameters define characteristics that apply to an entire plot or to a single layer depending on the parameter s position in the file and whether it generates a new information layer in the file as for example layer specific parameters do RS 274X parameters consist of two alpha characters followed by one or more optional modifiers RS 274X parameters are delimited by a parameter delimiter typically a percent sign Because parameters are also contained in a data block they are also delimited by an end of block character For example SFSLAX23Y23 This parameter is a Format Statement FS describing how the coordinate data in the file should be interpreted in this case 4 2 format for both X and Y coordinates It is delimited by an end of block character as well as by a parameter delimiter RS 274X parameters may be grouped according to the scope of their function in the file The grou
41. no exposure 1 ON laser on image exposed 2 reverse current exposure state Diameter X center position me Y center position Exposure on off 0 OFF laser off no exposure 1 ON laser on image exposed 2 reverse current exposure state 2or20 Line vector a line defined by width and beginning and end points The line ends are rectangular Line width X start point 4 start point 384 556 EE p X end point 7 Rotation in degrees counterclockwise clockwise 21 Line center a centered Exposure on off rectangle defined by width 0 OFF laser off no exposure height and center point The end E ON laser on image exposed points are rectangular reverse current exposure state 2 Rectangle width 3 E g Rectangle i Y center point 6 Rotation in degrees counterclockwise clockwise LE 21 AM Aperture Macro 22 22 Line lower left a rectangle defined by width height and the lower left point The end points are rectangular Exposure on off 0 OFF laser off no exposure 1 ON laser on image exposed 2 reverse current exposure state Width 4 85 3 X lower left point Y lower left point Rotation in degrees counterclockwise clockwise End of file Must be used to end des files Outline an open or closed shape 1 Exposure on off defined by a start point n 0 OFF laser off no exposure additional poin
42. of predefined aperture shapes to describe an aperture Circle Line vector Line center Line lower left Outline Polygon Moir Thermal See the AM command description page 19 for more information Layer specific parameters Layer specific parameters supply information for the processing of one or more information layers not to be confused with board layers They may be used more than once in a file Layer specific parameters always generate a new layer and should be placed at the beginning of the new layer If not repeated for a given layer the previous layer specific parameters remain in effect The layer specific parameters include KO Knockout LN Layer Name LP Layer Polarity SR Step and Repeat Note Generating a new layer may result in unanticipated results because it causes certain RS 274D values such as interpolation mode to be reset Miscellaneous parameters There is a single miscellaneous parameter IF Include File The IF parameter is used to include nest external files in a file Rules and Guidelines Standard RS 274D Codes and Coordinate Data Standard RS 274D codes D codes G codes M codes etc specify how the coordinate data should be manipulated Each code applies to coordinate data located in the same data block as the code that is between EOB characters It also applies to coordinate data following it until another code of the same type is encountered or until a new layer is gen
43. on Linear move light off End Polygon fill Layer Name Layer Polarity Dark New aperture select New aperture select End of file 13 Rules and Guidelines 14 Reference RS 274X parameters This section describes every RS 274X parameter supported at time of publication They are arranged in alphabetical order Standard RS 274D code descriptions begin on page 45 Each parameter description illustrates the parameter data block format explains each parameter modifier lists restrictions and gives an example The data block format illustration uses the following notation conventions Parameter code lt required modifiers gt optional modifiers where Parameter code is the 2 character code AD AM FS etc lt required modifiers gt must be entered to complete definition optional modifiers may be required depending on the required modifiers 15 AD Aperture Defintion The AD parameter is used to describe apertures D codes used in the RS 274X file All apertures used in an RS 274X file must be described in terms of shape and size for the file to be interpreted correctly The AD parameter must precede use of the associated aperture D code A definition remains in effect until redefined Two kinds of apertures may be used in an RS 274X file standard apertures and special apertures Standard apertures The AD parameter identifies standard apertures by D code number and describes them in terms of shape
44. on layer that follows the parameter in the RS 274X file Entire image files may also be named see the IN parameter Data Block Format LN lt character string gt where lt character string gt up to 77 alphanumeric characters except the asterisk Examples LNSOLDERMASK LNINTERNAL_VCC LP Layer Polarity The LP parameter is used to specify the positive or negative polarity of the information layer or layers following it This ayer polarity differs from image polarity which is specified by the IP parameter and which applies to the entire image The layer polarity applies to all data following the LP parameter until another LP parameter is encountered Data Block Format LP lt C or D gt where LP the IP parameter lt C or D gt Use C for clear polarity D for dark polarity Default LPD Example LPC Make all succeeding data clear MI Mirror Image The MI parameter is used to turn mirror imaging either on or off When on all A and or B axis data following the parameter will be mirrored that is inverted or multiplied by 1 until another MI command is used Notice that mirroring A axis data flips the image about the B axis Mirroring B axis data flips the image about the A axis Note MI does not mirror special apertures The AS parameter is used to correlate the X and Y axes with the output device A and B axes Data Block Format MI A lt 0 or 1 gt B lt 0 or 1 gt where MI A
45. ps should appear in the file in the following order 1 Directive parameters control overall file processing 2 Image parameters supply information about an entire image 3 Aperture parameters describe the shape of lines and components throughout the file 4 Layer specific parameters describe processing of one or more data layers 5 Miscellaneous parameters provide capabilities that do not fall into the above groups Rules and Guidelines RS 274X parameters are generally placed at the beginning of the file in the order shown above Certain parameters such as the layer specific parameters may be embedded within the file The next sections describe each parameter type Directive parameters Directive parameters control overall file processing They include AS Axis Select FS Format Statement MI Mirror Image MO Mode of units OF Offset SF Scale Factor As a general rule directive parameters should be placed at the beginning of the file For simplicity sake you should use each directive parameter only once in a file although it is not illegal to use a directive parameter more than once Each directive parameter controls processing until another like it is encountered When used more than once in a file subsequent directive parameters may be embedded anywhere in the standard RS 274D code data or grouped with other layer specific parameters Directive parameters do not generate a new layer Image parameters Image pa
46. rameters supply information about the entire composite image Image parameters include J Image Justify IN Image Name IO Image Offset IP Image Polarity IR Image Rotation PF Plotter Film Image parameters should be used only once in a file and should be placed at the beginning of the file If an image parameter occurs more than once in a file the last one encountered will be the operative parameter Aperture parameters Vector plotters control the width and shape of features by projecting light through a series of openings or apertures in a rotating wheel Each position on the wheel is identified by a unique D code When the D code appears in the data the wheel rotates to the referenced position for exposure Unlike a vector device a raster device has no apertures and therefore requires a description of the aperture geometry to create the required lines and other features The aperture parameters provide the description Rules and Guidelines The aperture parameters include AD Aperture Description AM Aperture Macro In general aperture parameters apply to an entire file An exception is an embedded AD parameter which will generate a new layer if it redefines a D code previously used in the image data Note Generating a new layer may result in unanticipated results because it causes certain RS 274D values such as interpolation mode to be reset The AM parameter describes a special aperture by using the following set
47. rded to Barco ETS Tramstraat 69 B 9052 Gent For more information Barco ETS web site www barco com ets E mail etsinfo barco com Helpdesk Europe Middle East Africa Latin America Monday Thursday 09 00 AM 17 00 PM MET Friday 09 00 AM 16 00 PM MET OQ 32 9 21 69 366 General support issues etssupport eur barco com Asia Pacific Contact your local dealer during support working hours General support issues etssupport asp barco com North America Monday Friday 08 00 AM 5 00 PM PST O 1 888 727 9972 General support issues etssupport usa barco com License issues etslicense cur barco com License issues etslicense asp barco com License issues etslicense usa barco com Java HYPERTOOL issues etshypertool barco com Java HYPERTOOL issues etshypertool barco com Java HYPERTOOL issues etshypertool barco com General information etsinfo barco com General information etsinfo barco com General information etsinfo barco com 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
48. res used in the RS 274X file sometimes referred to as an external aperture list The IF parameter can also be used to include external data files which allows you to merge multiple data files Included files simplify the creation of standard plot sequences such as title blocks and coupons Data Block Format IF lt filename ext gt Examples IFCOUPON3 GBR Include file COUPON3 GBR IFCIRCL mac Include aperture macro file CIRCL mac IFAPTO04 des Include aperture description file APT004 des 28 lJ Image Justify The IJ parameter is used to override the absolute data coordinates for final placement of the image on the output device The image may be centered or may be placed at an absolute position relative to the lower left of the platen Note When centered the pixel coordinates for the platen reside in the first quadrant X and Y X and Y are positive numbers greater than zero and less than the platen size When more than one IJ parameter appear in the data the final entry encountered is the one used Data Block Format where lJ the Image Justify parameter A the plotter A axis justification lt parameter gt L left or lower justification default Cc center justification B The plotter B axis justification lt parameter gt L left or lower justification default Cc center justification lt offset gt the starting position offset relative to 0 0 Default None Examples 1J Left justify in X
49. ts up to 50 and 1 ON laser on image exposed the X Y coordinates that define 2 reverse current exposure state them For a closed shape the first and last points must be identical n the number of points in the outline X start point Y start point X point 1 Y point 1 EA X point 2 Y point 2 Continue as needed 5 6 9 or the last Rotation in degrees number used counterclockwise clockwise Polygon a closed symmetrical Exposure on off centered shape defined by n 0 OFF laser off no exposure vertices 3 to 10 inclusive a 1 ON laser on image exposed center point diameter and 2 reverse current exposure state rotation 3 number of vertices integer X center point Y center point Diameter 6 Rotation in degrees counterclockwise clockwise AM Aperture Macro 6 Moir a cross hair centered on n X center point concentric circles defined by the E Y center point center point outside diameter line thickness and gap between Outside diameter aid 1 2 Circle line thickness Gap between circles number of circles Cross hair thickness Cross hair length 9 Rotation in degrees counterclockwise clockwise 7 Thermal a cross hair centered on X center point a circle defined by outside and o inside diameter Outside diameter Inside diameter Cross hair thickness 6 Rotation in degrees counterclockwise clockwise AMDONUT 1 1 1
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