Netex-G web page header

NETEX-G Links

Overview
• Introduction
• Applications
• User Interface
 
Inputs
• Gerber File Requirements
• Vias from Drill Data
• Layer Stackup
• Wire Bond Data
 
Assigning Nets and Nodes
• From ASCII Table
• From AIF
• From IPC356
• From GBRVU

Outputs
• ASCII Output
• Ansoft ANF
• Geometry Options
• GDSII
• DXF
 
Proximity Effect
• What is a Proximity Net?
• What is a Neighbor Net?
 
 
Extractions
• Extracting Nets
 
 
Netex Engine
• Program Flow
• Job File Syntax
• Command Line Syntax
• drl2gbr engine
• generating wire coords

Introduction

For a variety of purposes, package designers would like to take a stack of Gerber files (or an ODB++ file), and identify and extract all of the metal associated with a particular net or group of nets. Members of the net should be generated by detecting touching or overlapping conductors and vias to build connectivity. Gerber/ODB++ file sets routinely have multiple layers of metal; metal layers are interconnected vertically by vias; small "openings" in the dielectric between the metal layers.

3D view of package nets

Artwork's NETEX-G program uses Boolean operations to merge connected traces, flashes and polygons into an "electrically" connected set. In addition to the actual Gerber file, NETEX-G requires a technology file that defines the "stackup" i.e. the conductors and vias.

NETEX-G is extremely fast because Artwork is using advanced algorithms developed for the IC world where file sizes are two orders of magnitude larger.


OEM Library Version

OEM partners who wish to incorporate Netex-G's functionality into their own programs (to support import of Gerber/ODB++ data files) can take advantage of the library version of Netex-G. Special support is supplied to such partners. Contact Artwork for more details.



Application Notes


Describes where in NETEX-G's ASCII output you can find netlist and pin information.

Describes how to extract a netlist from an IC package design (flip chip). The pin labels are imported from an AIF file.

Converting Gerber to clean DXF for import into Ansys/Ansoft HFSS. Includes support for top and bottom solder mask layers. Video link to Vimeo. 05:23 mm:ss