Guide on Exporting Gerber and Design Files from Allegro PCB Software
In the realm of printed circuit board (PCB) design, it is crucial to have the right files for manufacturing and documentation purposes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to export Gerber files, NC drill files, Netlist, Bill of Materials (BOM), and PDF from Cadence Allegro PCB Editor.
**1. Exporting Gerber Files**
Gerber files contain layer-by-layer information essential for PCB manufacturing, including copper layers, silkscreen, and solder mask.
- Open your PCB layout in Allegro PCB Editor. - Go to the File menu, choose Fabrication Outputs > Gerber... (sometimes under Manufacturing Outputs). - In the Gerber setup dialog: - Select the layers to be exported (e.g., Top Copper, Bottom Copper, Solder Mask, Silkscreen). - Set the Format: Commonly 2:5 or 2:6 (digits before/after decimal) - check with your manufacturer. - Choose Output Options: RS-274X is the standard Gerber format to use. - Define any Aperture settings if not using standard apertures. - Set the File naming and output directory. - Click Generate to produce the Gerber files.
**2. Exporting NC Drill Files**
NC Drill files specify all drill hole locations, sizes, and types for vias and through-holes.
- In Allegro PCB Editor, go to File > Fabrication Outputs > NC Drill. - Configure drill properties: - Check or uncheck options like Plated Through Holes, Non-Plated Holes, etc. - Set Units to either inches or millimeters. - Specify Drill Format (commonly 2:4 or 2:5). - Confirm if the drill map file is needed (some manufacturers request this). - Specify output directory and file name. - Generate the drill file.
**3. Exporting Netlist**
The Netlist shows logical connectivity defined in your schematic or PCB and is often used for simulation or verification.
- From the PCB Editor or Capture (schematic tool), go to Tools > Export Netlist or File > Export > Netlist. - Choose the desired netlist format compatible with downstream tools (e.g., Allegro ASCII netlist, PADS, IPC-D-356). - Select the output location and filename. - Confirm and export.
**4. Exporting Bill of Materials (BOM)**
BOM lists all components with designators, quantities, values, and possibly suppliers.
- Go to Tools > Reports > Bill of Materials or File > Export > Bill of Materials. - Select columns/information to include: Designator, Part Number, Value, Manufacturer, Quantity. - Choose the output format: Excel (.xls, .xlsx), CSV, or tab-delimited text. - Select the output directory. - Generate the BOM.
**5. Exporting PDF of PCB Layers**
PDF exports are useful for visual review or sharing with mechanical teams.
- Open File > Fabrication Outputs > Plot (Plotter). - Configure the plot settings: - Select the layers you want (copper, silkscreen, drill layer overlays). - Choose PDF as the output format. - Set plot scale and orientation. - Plot to file generating multi-layer or single-layer PDF outputs. - Save the PDFs for documentation or review.
**Important Settings and Notes**
| Output Type | Key Settings to Check | Notes | |----------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Gerber | Layer selection, Format (2:5 or 2:6), RS-274X | Use RS-274X for compatibility; confirm apertures | | NC Drill | Units, Drill format, Plated vs Non-plated | Confirm drill map file with manufacturer if required | | Netlist | Output format matching downstream tools | Usually exported from schematic but sometimes PCB editor | | BOM | Fields included, Output file format | Can customize columns as per procurement needs | | PDF | Layers, Scale, Orientation | Useful for documentation and mechanical integration review |
This workflow covers the typical output files required for manufacturing and documentation of PCB designs from Allegro PCB Editor. Always verify with your PCB manufacturer their preferred formats and coordinate file content accordingly.
This summary is based on standard Allegro PCB Editor functionality and best PCB industry practices. Since the search results did not directly contain step-by-step instructions specific to Allegro PCB Editor for these exports, the answer reflects authoritative knowledge commonly used in PCB design workflows. If you need details on newer software versions or GUI changes, refer to the official Cadence Allegro documentation for the version you are using.
For further reading, consult the PDF Design Handbook and the IPC Class 3 Design Guide for valuable insights on PCB design best practices.
- Technology advancements have led to the increased use of gadgets that often require printed circuit boards (PCBs).
- In order to produce functional gadgets, it is necessary to have technology like the Gerber files for manufacturing PCBs, which contain layer-by-layer information essential for PCB manufacturing.
