.ROU File Extension

Gerber Route File

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Category	Data Files
Format	.ROU
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an ROU file?

The .ROU file extension is associated with Gerber Route files, which are primarily used in the field of printed circuit board (PCB) design. These files contain information related to the routing or traces on a PCB, representing the paths that electrical signals will follow. Gerber Route files play a crucial role in the manufacturing process of PCBs, providing a standardized format for conveying routing data to fabrication equipment.

More Information.

Gerber files were initially created to streamline the process of translating PCB designs from computer-aided design (CAD) software to the machines used in PCB fabrication. The Gerber format has evolved over the years, with additional features and extensions like .ROU being introduced to accommodate the increasing complexity of PCB designs.

Origin Of This File.

The Gerber format, named after the Gerber Scientific Instrument Company, was originally developed in the 1960s. Initially, it was used for numerical control of drafting machines, but it eventually became the de facto standard for PCB manufacturing. The .ROU extension specifically refers to the routing information within the Gerber format, focusing on the paths that connect different components on a PCB.

File Structure Technical Specification.

The structure of a .ROU file adheres to the Gerber format standards. It typically includes information about the coordinates, shapes, and layers of the PCB traces. The technical specifications follow the Gerber RS-274X standard, which defines the commands and parameters used in the file to describe the routing information accurately.

How to Convert the File?

Windows:

To convert a .ROU (Gerber Route) file on Windows, you can use PCB design software that supports Gerber file export. Here are general steps using popular software like Altium Designer or Eagle:

Open your PCB design in the respective software.
Look for an option like “Export” or “Generate Gerber Files” in the menu.
Choose the layers you want to include in the Gerber export, ensuring the .ROU layer is selected.
Follow the prompts to export the files, and the .ROU file will be included in the generated Gerber files.

Linux:

For Linux users, you can use a PCB design tool compatible with Linux, such as KiCad. Here’s a general guide:

Open your PCB design in KiCad.
Navigate to the “Plot” menu.
Choose the layers you want to include, ensuring the .ROU layer is selected.
Click on “Plot” to generate the Gerber files.
Verify that the .ROU file is included in the exported files.

Mac:

On a Mac, you can use PCB design software like KiCad to convert .ROU files:

Open your PCB design in KiCad.
Access the “Plot” menu.
Select the desired layers, ensuring the .ROU layer is included.
Click on “Plot” to export the Gerber files, and confirm the presence of the .ROU file.

Android:

To convert .ROU files on Android, you can use Gerber file viewer apps available on the Google Play Store. Here’s a general approach:

Download and install a Gerber viewer app (e.g., Gerber Viewer) from the Google Play Store.
Open the app and import the .ROU file.
The app will display the PCB layout, allowing you to view the routing information.

iOS:

On iOS, you can use Gerber file viewer apps available on the App Store. Here’s a general guide:

Download and install a Gerber viewer app (e.g., Gerber Viewer) from the App Store.
Open the app and import the .ROU file.
The app will visualize the PCB layout, including the routing information.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Standardization: The Gerber format, including .ROU files, provides a standardized way to communicate PCB design data, ensuring compatibility across different software and manufacturing equipment.
Accuracy: Gerber files offer precise information about the PCB layout, helping manufacturers accurately reproduce the design.
Widely Accepted: The Gerber format is widely accepted in the PCB manufacturing industry, making it a reliable choice for design data interchange.

Disadvantages:

Limited Information: Gerber files primarily focus on the visual representation of the PCB, and they may lack certain information about the electrical characteristics of the design.
Not Native to CAD: Gerber files are not native to CAD software, requiring an additional step to generate them for manufacturing.