Learn Guides > Translate: DXF to GDSII

Convert a circuit in AutoCAD to GDSII using ACE Translator 3000

Command Sequence

1. Select "DXF" from the Import Format drop down list. The ACE Translator will display options for you to assign DXF units and scale.

Note: DXF files are unit-less, and it is important that you are aware of the imported DXF file units & scale. ACE needs to know what physical unit and scale to use for 1 DXF unit.

2. Select a DXF Scale of 1.0, and Units "micron". For more information review: DXF Import Options

3. Select "GDSII" from the Export Format drop down list

3. Click the 'Next' button to proceed. You will be prompted to select the DXF file (for importing)

4. Select the example DXF file "Opamp.dxf" (located in the ACE examples folder - /examples/dxf ). The DXF Import options page will now be displayed.

5. Review DXF Import Options. Click the 'Next' button to proceed to export options.

Note: When converting DXF to GDSII all DXF layers are assumed to be filled, so there is no need to display the Layers page.

6. Verify Export GDSII options, and Click the 'Next' button to proceed to begin translation.

7. Review the "Export Layers Map". Click 'Next' to select the GDSII file location.

Note: Using the check boxes in the Export column, select the layers you want to export or deselect the layers you don't want exported. To Select All, right-click within the Export column. You may map the Layer Numbers and Data Types used in the exported file.

8. You will be prompted to select the location for the GDSII file. Once you have selected a GDSII file to export, ACE will begin to write the GDSII file.

Note: If you choose a folder that does not exist, ACE will create a new folder automatically.

9. When the Finish Log is displayed, you may do the following:

(A) View the GDSII file by clicking the button 'View File(s)'.

(B) Restart ACE for another conversion, by clicking the button 'Re-Start'.

Note: The file location of the exported GDSII file is displayed in the Finish Log. These Gerber can now be used with any GDSII program such as Visual Chip, Mentor Calibre, Cadence - K2, etc.

Note: Press 'F4' at anytime to review the ACE translation log.