Intelligent Gerber Import Option
Using this powerful option, you can reverse engineer Gerber data from any original source and create an Easy-PC
design. Load existing Gerber files intelligently into Easy-PC and rebuild them into our design format.
Using the intelligence within this option you can build and reuse components, fully rebuild track paths
with vias and layer changes and regain full component placement. The result is a layout that looks and feels
like it was originally created in Easy-PC from scratch. From this you can even rebuild
the PCB back into an original Schematic using the Reverse Engineer option in Easy-PC.
Two Options in one - Viewer and Rebuild
Both Gerber and Intelligent Gerber import option licenses are supplied for viewer and design
rebuild. You can use the basic Gerber Import option for viewing and verifying Gerber plots
before sending them away for manufacture. The advanced option allows you to intelligently
rebuild the Gerber files where the original design doesn't exist.
Easy Import
All Gerber files used for plotting the design are imported at the same time. A single dialog
allows you choose multiple files and select their usage before displaying the file names.
You can add, edit and manage files in this dialog. You can import Gerber files, NC Drill
files and bill of materials (BOMs).
Nothing is lost
This option imports electrical and non-electrical (silkscreen type) layers fully
retaining all design information.
Intelligent Import
During the process, 'flat' artwork pads are rebuilt into their pad stacks and
given appropriate style names based on their size. Drawn shapes in the Gerber
files are rebuilt into tracks and automatically assigned net names. Connectivity
is reconstructed through pads acting as vias at this point and to terminating pads.
The full track path is rebuilt.
Component Rebuild
Component details are rebuilt in two ways depending on what is available to you.
You can use existing components from your library and using a selection of areas
within the design, can identify then replace components. Alternatively, you can
select areas of the design (usually around identifiable components), then use the
Generate Component option to recreate the component and footprint in the design.
Using this facility enables the original placement position of the components to
be fully retained.
Via Rebuild
Pads within the design acting as vias on tracks can be turned into vias using the
Pad to Via option. Multiple selection of pads enables this task to be completed quickly.
Use of Original Bill Of Materials
If the original bill of materials (BOM) is available, this can also be used during
import. You can apply the existing BOM to recreate the original parts list. Where
components match those in the existing library, they are added to the component bin
for the subsequent replacement of imported pads and shapes.
Looks like an Easy-PC Originated Design
Designs are rebuilt as though they were originally created in Easy-PC, all items fully
connected and maintaining full component/net integrity, all from Gerber files.
Schematics Rebuild
Once the PCB design is fully rebuilt, using the Reverse Engineer option, you can then
rebuild the Schematic design as well. So, from original Gerber files, you can completely
rebuild your Project in Easy-PC format, this fully rebuilds your design and library IP
in a reusable format.
Prerequisites For Using Gerber Import
The Intelligent Gerber Import option works with and requires any Easy-PC V13 or a later version.
Features
- Both Gerber and Intelligent Gerber import options supplied for viewer and rebuild options
- Imports electrical and non-electrical (silkscreen type) layers
- Rebuild pad stacks from 'flat' artworks
- Rebuild shapes back into tracks and connect to pads/vias
- Rebuild framed areas into components
- Swap framed areas to replace with existing components from your library
- Rebuilds components back in their original placement locations, no placement data is lost
- Optionally apply an existing bill of materials (BOM) during import to recreate original parts list
- Design rebuilt as though originally created in Easy-PC
- All items fully connected and maintaining full component/net integrity
- Use Reverse Engineer feature on new design to rebuild SCM design for front-to-back design, fully synchronised
Gerber Import Option
view the Gerber Import web page
