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Generating Gerber files for boards with external modules

markusbass

I'm looking for a way to generate Gerber files for PC boards that use external modules (like e.g. LCD display module). The problem is that the external module shape may be printed on pads on the main board (which causes problems when soldering the board).

In KiCAD there is an option "Subtract soldermask from silkscreen" that solves the problem. Is there a similar option in Eagle, or a script that can "fix" generated Gerber files?

 

Mark

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  • Hi Mark,

     

    Do you mean that for the external modules you are using module vendor supplied or community sourced library parts for the modules? Or is it a part you have created yourself? In either case then just fix the library part so the shape doesn't overlay the pads. Maybe in the library part copy the whole module outline to tDocu so you can put it on an assembly drawing but then on the tPlace layer just put enough info so you can easily identify the correct orientation for the module when you attach it to the board.

     

    Best Regards,

     

    Rachael

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  • Hi Mark,

     

    Do you mean that for the external modules you are using module vendor supplied or community sourced library parts for the modules? Or is it a part you have created yourself? In either case then just fix the library part so the shape doesn't overlay the pads. Maybe in the library part copy the whole module outline to tDocu so you can put it on an assembly drawing but then on the tPlace layer just put enough info so you can easily identify the correct orientation for the module when you attach it to the board.

     

    Best Regards,

     

    Rachael

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  • in reply to rachaelp

     

    rachaelp wrote:

    Do you mean that for the external modules you are using module vendor supplied or community sourced library parts for the modules? Or is it a part you have created yourself? In either case then just fix the library part so the shape doesn't overlay the pads. Maybe in the library part copy the whole module outline to tDocu so you can put it on an assembly drawing but then on the tPlace layer just put enough info so you can easily identify the correct orientation for the module when you attach it to the board.

    This is module created by me. But I'm afraid that in general case it is not possible to modify the library in the way that the module shape does not overlay the pads on the main board (which I even don't have when creating the library). Even if I leave the shape of the module, it can overlay the pads on the main board (because I don't know the board in advance). This would force me to modify the library element each time I use it with a different main board. Instead, I'm looking for a method of "fixing" the Gerber files (possibly with a script), or creating them correctly (in the same way as KiCAD does). The existence of this solution in KiCAD proves that it is possible. The only question is how difficult is to implement the same solution in Eagle.

     

    Mark