What is a .GTL file?
A .GTL file is a type of data file specifically used in the creation and manufacturing of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), which are the boards that hold and connect the components of many electronic devices. This file contains important information about the top layer of the PCB, such as where the electrical connections need to be made. It's created by computer-aided design (CAD) tools that are used by engineers to design PCBs, like Altium Designer.
The .GTL file is part of a group of files that are used together to provide a complete blueprint of a PCB. These files are in a format called RS-274X, which is a standard way to describe the various layers and elements of a PCB. The .GTL file focuses on the top copper layer of the board, showing how and where to lay out the copper that makes up the electrical connections. There's a similar file for the bottom layer, which is usually given the extension .GBL.
To view or use a .GTL file, you would need specific software that can understand and process this type of file. Some of the programs that can open .GTL files include Autodesk EAGLE, gEDA, Gerbv, Altium Designer, and Viewplot. These programs are used by PCB designers and manufacturers to check the designs before making the actual boards.
It's interesting to note that .GTL files, and other files in the Gerber format, work a bit like .PDF files for PCBs. They show how the PCB should be made but aren't meant to be edited directly. Instead, any changes to the design should be made in the CAD software, and then a new .GTL file can be generated.
The name of a .GTL file usually reflects the name of the PCB project it's associated with. So, if your project is named "MyProject," the .GTL file for the top layer would be named "MyProject.gtl." Originally, the Gerber format, which includes the .GTL file extension, was developed by a company called Gerber Systems. However, it's now maintained by a company named Ucamco, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of modern PCB design and manufacturing.
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