I would guess it is to perform more extensive DFM checks on the
Gerber Data than the normal CAD tool can handle, besides the
viewing printing editing features that aren't provided in many CAD
tools.

For example, Big Boy Mentor Graphics has the most amazingly
archaic practically useless Gerber viewing/printing capability
that looks like it was coded in the 60's and never updated again.
It really blows, I can't believe Mentor isn't embarrassed enough
about it to hire an extra programmer with our millions of maintenence
dollars to re-write it, and the UNIX-based module that we bought
for $5000-$6000 does less than the ViewMate shareware that
anyone can get for free.

(okay! THAT was a good rant! I feel SO much better)

Anyway, I take EVERY design into a third-party tool before it goes
out the door.

Also, I'm not sure about this, but even though I stand by my
statement that you can't make Gerber data intelligent on its own,
if you have access to the original CAD database you probably
CAN use these tools to add netlist information (and maybe test-
point data, etc) and output an intelligent ODB++ file





Earl Moon <[log in to unmask]>
6Sep2002 09:09 AM


To:   [log in to unmask]
      "Jack C. Olson" <[log in to unmask]>
cc:

Subject:  Re: XY data
Retain Until: 10/06/2002 Retention Category: G90 - Information and Reports
Caterpillar Confidential:  Green


I agree ODB should be the design output in the first place. Why, though,
are
people paying so much money for Valor and CAM350 to import and translate
Gerber into ODB++? Is this a scam?

Earl

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