Exporting from an EM structure, only sowing GDS as an option, no DXF or Gerber visible

Hi,

We looked into this on our side and noticed that the available export options can vary depending on which window is currently active and the design's content.

For example, if we open the 18GHz_LPF.emp example project, and follow these steps:

1. Make EM Structure the active window.
2. Layout Menu > Export > Layout...
3. We can see the "Save as type" options available:
   • .gds (both flat and hierarchical)
   • .dxf (both flat and hierarchical)
   • .txt (NC drill files)

If we start from a new project, and create an EM structure (blank), and follow these steps:

1. Make EM Structure the active window.
2. Layout Menu > Export > Layout...
3. We can only see the "Save as type" options available:
   • .gds (both flat and hierarchical)
   • .txt (NC drill files)

Because of this, it seems the behavior may depend on what's included in the design. To better understand what may be causing this in your case, could you please share more details about your workflow and design? For example:

• The steps you're following when attempting the export
• What window is active when you try to export?
• Please describe what's in your design (Elements, ports, etc.)

One other thing to consider is to make sure you have DXF export mapping defined. If the mapping isn't defined, it can't be exported. Please refer to the "AWR Microwave Office Layout Guide," section 5.4 "Exporting the Layout."

If this issue persists, you're also welcome to open a support case and attach the project file so we can take a closer look. We'll be happy to help further once we have a bit more detail. Thank you!

I concur with the statement in the previous answer that the lack of a DXF or Gerber mapping definition may be the issue here.

Below is a screenshot showing typical Export Mappings that may appear when first opening a new project.  As you can see, a MMIC GDSII (GDSII/OA) export map exists, but DXF and Gerber export maps have not yet been defined.  In this case, the user would need to create one.

To do so, you can right-click on the File Export Mappings node and select one of the options (see below):

Thanks for the response. Can I please ask that the software is improved so that a simple map is available to be modified without having to create a new one.

I did search the help files for export dxf and this solution wasn't found.

Thanks for the response. Can I please ask that the software is improved so that a simple map is available to be modified without having to create a new one.

I did search the help files for export dxf and this solution wasn't found.

Just a few points:

• If you go to "AWR Microwave Office Layout Guide," section 4.4 "Exporting the Layout," this subject is covered.

• While the DXF map (in this case) is not provided from the beginning, the process of creating the map (and accepting the automatically-generated defaults) is very simple, and takes only a few seconds.  Most users have no problem with the process.

• In some cases (such as the following), DXF maps are generated automatically:

  • Foundry-provided PDKs often have DXF mappings provided.

  • If you start your project with any of the AWR Example Processes (with the exception of AWR MESFET), a DXF export map is provided.

  • If you use the Create New Process tool (Tools > Create New Process), the resulting LPF includes a DXF export map.