File Formats for Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

The IPC-2581 and OBD++ file formats can handle most of the information needed to manufacture a PCB. For generating a geometry for simulation, the import functionality can read some of this information, such as the layout of copper layers, the layout for the vias, the board outline, and layer stackup information.

Importing PCBs - Generating Shell Traces Application Library path: ECAD_Import_Module/Tutorials/pcb_import_shell Importing PCBs - Creating Component Domains Application Library path: ECAD_Import_Module/Tutorials/pcb_import_components Importing PCBs - Working with Nets Application Library path: ECAD_Import_Module/Tutorials/pcb_import_nets

An ECAD file for PCBs may also include layers with 2D layouts that specify, for example, the component outlines on the board. You can also import these layers. In a file, the 2D layouts consist of shapes, also called symbols, which build the geometry of copper traces and pads. A large number of symbols are specified by the supported PCB formats — lines, circles, rectangles, and surfaces to name a few.