what does the %ICAS% command in the Gerber 274X files do

[AL0117]

gerber asaxby

Hi all,

Does any1 know what the %ICAS% command in the Gerber 274X files do?
I haven't found any relevant info in the RS274 specs about this command, also my internet search doesn't lead to any usable information.

Your info is welcomed.

regards,
Al

 

[House_Cat]

Re: Gerber %ICAS% Command

The "%" sign on both sides means this is a comment, not a command. My guess is that you are seeing this as one of the first couple of lines in the Gerber file. In which case it is most likely a reference to the software or company that produced the Gerber file.

It is not anything you need to worry about - it doesn't change the Gerber output in any way.

 

[senilicus]

Re: Gerber %ICAS% Command

For all information on the syntax of Gerber27X have a look at **broken link removed**

 

[AL0117]

Re: Gerber %ICAS% Command

Hi fellows,

At the beginning of the file, there are the so called "parameters", each began with % and ends with *%, like %FSLAX23Y23*% or %MOIN*%.
The %ICAS*% is probably a parameter too, but is not documented in any description what I have found till now. I made a gerber viewer for my own use, and I found errors opening some of the gerber files, the reason was the
uninterpreted %ICAS*% statement. For the moment I skip this one, it seems that has no effect on the content, however, I would know what it mean.
The comments begin with *G04 , like "*G04 EXAMPLE".

Anyway, 10x for your input,

Al

 

[House_Cat]

Re: Gerber %ICAS% Command

Yes, G04 is used for remarks. However, some Gerber engines use custom parameters. Those parameters are beyond the definition of RS274D or RS274X.
They are comments specific to a particular developer, and have no meaning to other Gerber interpretations.

An example:
%INC:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ANALOG\PCB\ANALOG.DRD*%
%ICAS*%
%MOIN*%
%IPPOS*%
%ASAXBY*%
%FSLAN2X23Y23*%

Someday you may find someone who knows the significance to the ICAS entry. However, it has no function in a standard Gerber interpreter. It can be ignored or deleted safely. I've been doing it for decades without consequence.