.PHO File Extension
What is an PHO file?
The .PHO file extension is associated with Gerber Photoplot files, a standard format used in the electronics industry primarily for printed circuit board (PCB) design and manufacturing.
Gerber files are ASCII (text) instructions that guide the creation of the physical layers of a PCB, including copper layers, solder mask, and silkscreen.
The .PHO extension specifically denotes an image output from the Gerber data, intended for photoplotters or laser photo plotters used in PCB fabrication.
More Information.
The Gerber format has been around since the 1960s. It was designed to provide a universal method for PCB designers to convey design information to manufacturing facilities.
The initial purpose was to create a file format that photoplotters could use to produce accurate and precise images of PCB layers for manufacturing.
Over the years, the format has undergone several revisions to accommodate the increasing complexity of PCB designs and the need for more detailed manufacturing instructions.
Origin Of This File.
The Gerber format, from which the .PHO file originates, was developed by Gerber Systems Corp, now part of Ucamco. It was initially created as a proprietary format for the company’s photoplotters.
Due to its wide adoption and practicality in the PCB design process, it evolved into a de facto industry standard.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.PHO files, like other Gerber files, are composed of a series of ASCII text instructions. These instructions include commands for drawing lines, circles, and other shapes, as well as codes that specify apertures (the size and shape of the points where the photoplotter’s light hits the film or other media).
The file structure is designed to be both compact and expressive, enabling a high degree of precision in the resulting photo plot.
The latest version of the format, known as Extended Gerber or RS-274X, includes metadata that allows the file to specify more complex features such as layer function, pad shapes, and more.
This metadata also makes the files self-contained, meaning they carry all the necessary information for image creation without needing separate aperture lists or tool tables.
How to Convert the File?
To convert a .PHO file (Gerber Photoplot File), typically used in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design and manufacturing, you can follow these generalized steps.
This process assumes you are using a software application that can handle Gerber files, such as a PCB design tool or a dedicated Gerber viewer and converter. Step-by-Step Process to Convert a .PHO File:
Choose the Right Software:
- Ensure you have software capable of handling .PHO files. Common options include PCB design software like Altium Designer, Autodesk Eagle, KiCad, or dedicated Gerber viewers and converters like ViewMate or Gerbv.
Open the .PHO File:
- Launch your chosen software.
- Use the software’s ‘Open’ or ‘Import’ function to load the .PHO file. This is typically found under the ‘File’ menu.
Inspect the .PHO File (Optional):
- If your software has viewing capabilities, inspect the .PHO file to ensure it’s the correct file and that it contains the expected data.
Prepare for Conversion:
- Check if there are any specific settings or configurations needed in your software for conversion. This might include setting output resolutions, choosing layers, or defining other parameters relevant to the conversion process.
Select the Output Format:
- Determine the format you want to convert the .PHO file into. Common formats may include PDF, DXF, SVG, or various image formats (e.g., PNG, JPG).
- Navigate to the ‘Export’ or ‘Save As’ function in your software.
Configure Export Options:
- Configure any available options for the output file. This could include setting line weights, color options, layer selection, or other format-specific settings.
Convert the File:
- Proceed with the conversion process by clicking the ‘Export’ or ‘Save’ button in your software.
- Wait for the software to process the .PHO file and convert it into the desired format.
Save and Name Your File:
- Choose a destination on your computer where you want to save the converted file.
- Enter a filename for the new file.
- Confirm the save.
Verify the Output:
- After conversion, it’s good practice to open and inspect the converted file in an appropriate viewer or software to ensure that the conversion was successful and that the output meets your expectations.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantage:
- Universality: The Gerber format is widely supported across PCB design software and manufacturing facilities, making .PHO files and other Gerber files extremely portable and versatile.
- Precision: The format allows for high precision and detail, essential for the accurate manufacturing of PCBs.
- Compactness: Despite their ability to convey complex information, .PHO files are relatively compact and efficient.
Disadvantage:
- Complexity for Beginners: The format can be complex and intimidating for beginners, requiring a steep learning curve to understand the file structure and commands.
- Potential for Errors: If not properly managed, the detailed and specific nature of the instructions can lead to errors in the manufacturing process if the files are not generated or interpreted correctly.
How to Open PHO?
Open In Windows
- Altium Designer: A popular PCB design software that can open and manipulate .PHO files.
- Autodesk Eagle: Another widely-used PCB design tool that can handle .PHO files.
- ViewMate: A dedicated software for viewing and converting Gerber files, including .PHO.
- Gerbv: An open-source Gerber file viewer part of the gEDA project, suitable for viewing .PHO files.
Open In Linux
- KiCad: An open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA) that can handle .PHO files.
- Gerbv: An open-source viewer for Gerber files that runs on Linux.
- EasyEDA: A web-based EDA tool that works on Linux browsers and can open .PHO files.
Open In MAC
- KiCad: Available for macOS, KiCad can open and work with .PHO files.
- Autodesk Eagle: Runs on macOS and can handle .PHO files.
- Gerbv: Can be installed on macOS to view Gerber files.
Open In Android
- GerbView: An Android app available in the Google Play Store that can open Gerber files, including .PHO.
- ZofzPCB: Another app that allows viewing of Gerber files, though functionality might be limited compared to desktop software.
Open In IOS
- PCB Viewer: An app available on the App Store that can open and view Gerber files.
- GerbLook: A web-based tool that can open Gerber files from a browser on iOS devices.
Open in Others
For other systems or when specific software is not available, web-based tools can be a solution. They run in a browser and are not dependent on the operating system.
- EasyEDA: A powerful web-based PCB design tool that can open .PHO files.
- GerbLook: An online service where you can upload your .PHO files and view them in your web browser.
