CAM/CAM/CAE

Given the complexity of electronic design, caused by the very fine features used and the need to very precisely align those features during manufacture and assemble, the need for computer aided design (CAD) software is imperative.

Although there are many formats and the industry continue to evolve, the defacto format for PCB design is Gerber files. Gerber is a special format to transfer information, specifically draw patterns from graphic interfaces to the machinery that would actually build the electronic assemblies. This format conveys not only lines and geometrical patterns, but also the order and they way the assemble together to form a coherent design. It was originated as a software program to drive plotters in the 80’s but since it has evolved significantly to capture a lot more information. For the history and evolution of this significant file transfer technology no one better than Wikipedia:

"On 1980-08-27 the first edition of the GERBER FORMAT, Plot Data Format Reference Book was published by Gerber Systems Corporation as a specification to drive the photoplotter of this company. At this time the photoplotter had a limited set of fixed apertures of different shapes (typically round and rectangular and a few others) in different sizes. An aperture could be exposed at a specific coordinate (flash) or the head was moved with open shutter from one coordinate to another to generate line or circular arc segments"

Below are some examples of some Gerber viewers that can be used to decode files in that format. It is important to note that Gerber is not an independent software supplier but rather this is a format that is supported for many commercial design platforms. This has obviously helped to expand its use among the PCB industry.

Free gerber viewer.

Cool Gerber CAM software

Cool Gerber CAM software. You can download limited demo version

Gerber CAM software. You can download limited demo version.

Gerber CAM software. You can download 45 days trial demo version.

PCB CAD/CAM viewer / translator. You can download limited demo versions.

CAD/CAM program. You can download limited demo version.

Program for control of CNC engraving machine. May be used for Gerber/HPGL viewer/convertor. You can download limited demo version.

Gerber viewer and editor

In the industry, the general practice to generate these files is to pay a license to use specific software offerings for PCB design. These programs use an friendly graphic interaface that translates connections into digital data which is then assembled like a database for reconstruction later with a Gerber reader. Among the most widely used are OrCAD layout, Altium Designer, Mentor Expedition, Cadence Allegro, etc. All of them are collectively called Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software. These programs have the testing capabilities that allow designers to check their designs agains the design rules they want the design to comply. After a few iterations the files are then transfered to suppliers that then use Gerber checkers to determine if there are errors or design rule violations. For complex designs these process take about a week per build up layer.