Important Note about net names and netlists:
The IPC-D-356 specification limits net names signal names to a maximum of 14 characters, for example a net name of RESET‑IODATA22 would be the longest allowed. If the net names in the imported input file have net names greater then 14 characters they will be truncated to 14 characters. When net names are truncated there is a high possibility that the netlist connections will not be correct.
If you have net names over 14 characters and require a valid netlist in your exported IPC-D-356 file then to correct this click here.
The Unisoft software can import all types of CAD and Gerber files and export out various CAD or CAD type format such as GENCAD, IPC-2581, Fabmaster FATF, IPC-D-356, MENTOR Neutral, PADS Ascii, Unisoft .xml format, Unisoft .FBA format, XY center & rotation, etc.
The standardized file in IPC-D-356 format exported from the Unisoft software is used by production equipment vendors, customers and other software systems that import this format into their environment.
This allows manufacturing equipment vendors, our customers or other software systems to import the multitude of ever changing and new CAD and Gerber systems on the market via the Unisoft software and export out a single standardized IPC-D-356 file that they then import into their equipment or software system.
So the benefit is having to import only a single simple IPC-D-356 format by having the Unisoft software support the multitude of ever changing and new CAD and Gerber systems.
The IPC-D-356 file exported normally contains component reference designator names, pin numbers, part numbers, netlists, net names, pin x/y, via x/y, board layers, device type SMD/THD, etc.
Also, there is a Unisoft .xml format export that is available. The .xml export is often a preferred stable output that equipment vendors and software suppliers adopt — details https://www.unisoft-cim.com/exports_xml-definition.html.
Equipment vendors, software suppliers, customers, etc. contact Unisoft for assistance.
