What is a .GBL file?
A .GBL file is a type of data file specifically used in the creation and manufacturing of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), which are essential components in electronic devices. This file contains important information about the bottom layer of a PCB, including how the electrical connections should be laid out. It's created by computer-aided design (CAD) tools that are specialized for designing PCBs, such as Altium Designer.
The .GBL file is part of a group of files that represent different layers and aspects of the PCB. For the bottom copper layers of a PCB, which are crucial for the circuit's functionality, the .GBL file provides a detailed layout. This is similar to another type of file called .GTL, which does the same thing for the top layer of the PCB. The information in a .GBL file is written in a format known as RS-274X, the most modern and widely used version of the Gerber format.
To view or use a .GBL file, you would need specific software programs that can open and interpret Gerber files. Some of these programs include Autodesk EAGLE, gEDA, Gerbv, Altium Designer, and Viewplot. These tools allow you to see the design laid out in the .GBL file as it would appear on the actual PCB.
It's important to note that Gerber files, including .GBL files, are generally not meant to be edited once they are created. They serve as a final output from the PCB design process, similar to how a .PDF file represents a final document. Instead, these files are used for viewing, sharing, and manufacturing the PCBs. The name of a .GBL file usually reflects the name of the PCB project it's associated with. So, if your PCB design is named "MyProject," the corresponding .GBL file would be named "MyProject.gbl." Originally developed by Gerber Systems, the Gerber format is now maintained by Ucamco. This ensures that the format stays up-to-date with the latest needs of PCB design and manufacturing, making .GBL files a standard component in the industry.
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