Data Sheet

PCB Layout
165
Select the required slotting layer
The Bitmap/Font Rasterizer option controls the thickness of trace used to render bitmaps and,
more importantly, power planes. The higher the resolution the better tonality of the resulting
bitmaps but the larger the files. It is also possible that some manufacturers have a minimum
width requirement and in such cases it may be necessary to reduce the DPI settings to conform
with this. Generally speaking however, the default settings are fine.
The option at the bottom left allows you to automatically load your output into either the
Labcenter Gerber Viewer (CADCAM Output) or the Valor ODB++ Viewer (ODB++ Output). This
is useful if you want to verify the output fileset before passing to your manufacturing house.
If you intend to panelize the board you should use the Gerber X2 output in the
CADCAM Output command, then close the project, open the gerber module and
import your CADCAM files, selecting Panelization Mode from the resulting dialogue
form. Panelization is only available with Gerber X2 output - you cannot create
panels from RS274X Gerber.
Finally, the Notes tab allows us to insert any relevant information or special considerations for
the manufacturer. This is very important when we have specified a slotting layer as there is no
standard way to pass this information through. A simple note that the information on MECH1 is
for slotting will suffice.
Having configured the necessary option we can generate the files and send for manufacture.