.brd File

[n_a_gokul]

Hi,

Would it be possible to share with us the .brd file for the carrier board. The application is for to blend a Line scan sensor into the board and we would have to modify the board design. Would be easier if the .brd file is available and we dont have to design the board from scratch.

Thanks in Advance.

Regards,

N A Gokul

[tannerite]

Hello N A Gokul,

We provide the schematics and GERBER files, here. It looks like BRD files are specific to certain EDA toolchain(s). We do not have any EDA toolchain-specific starting projects; however, you can use our schematics and GERBER files to generate a subset of the Reference Carrier Board circuitry.

It is also possible someone on this community already did some of this legwork and might be willing to share a starting project in the toolchain you are using, such as Cadence.

- Tanner

[n_a_gokul]

Hi Tanner,

Thanks for the reply. But as to my understanding gerber files (correct me if I'm wrong) are the final layout format files used for photo plotters usually fed before manufacturing. They are not the Deisgn files. The Gerber file must have been cretaed out of some design file like .outjob, .pcb, .asc, .brd, etc depending on various tool chains.

Now the issue is that we had to blend a few other designs with our SOM and gerber is useful only if we are layout the same design with some components removed but cannot add or modify it and perform sanity tests. Because of which the EDA designer is proposing that he had to make the design file from the scratch with the Gerber as the reference. In case, if you can check for the design file internally and share with us you can save us an additional 3 weeks of development time.

- Gokul

[Spex]

Hi Gokul,

You are correct that Gerber files are the final files delivered to PCB

manufacturers to print out the layers of PCB copper and drill vias, etc.

They are not design files that can be readily modifed or migrated to a

new design.

Tanner's point is the design tools we used for designing the Reference

Carrier do not use the .brd format.  The reference carrier was designed in

Mentor Graphics Expedition PCB eCAD software.  This is an enterprise

design suite that is tied into a large backend library of NI created

components (symbols, footprints, constraints, etc.).  This makes it

impractical to export and distribute the original design files.  I don't

think you can do much with a .pcb file if it isn't linked to real

components and a schematic. 

Per Tanner's previous note, we also documented the schematic as a PDF at

his previously mentioned link.  The schematic documentation is how we

recommend customer's reuse portions of the reference design.  The Gerbers

are provided in case a customer wants to investigate any more details

specific to the layout of the board. 

Regards,

spex