IDF Export problems

[jilvonenJXYK7]

Hi,

I am trying to export an IDF file from my PCB layout in Eagle 9.3.1. I keep getting this error dialog:

"An error was found in your board outline that cannot be automatically repaired. Outlines must be enclosed loops. Defects will be shown in layer 113 with red circles."

The board outline IS a closed loop made from lines and arcs in layer 20 as it should (board outline is drawn manually, not part of a package), but I still keep getting the error.

The layer 113 has one red circle, but I can't see any problem with the object  (typically a point between an arc and a line or an arc) it points to... If I remove the arc that is allegedly problematic  and replace it with a straight line the on the next IDF export attempt I get the same error in a different place.

Any ideas what is the problem?

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @jilvonenJXYK7,

I hope you're doing well. Outline discontinuities can't generally be detected by the naked eye so even if something looks like a closed loop it might not be. The way to check is to use the INFO command on the two segments. Upon doing this, you'll probably see there is a discrepancy on the point they connect at. That point needs to be the same for both segments. That's what the red circle is trying to indicate.

The ULP may assume there is only one discontinuity since this is typically the case. You may have multiple but the ULP may only show one at a time. Without knowing which ULP you used I can't confirm that's the case.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[jilvonenJXYK7]

I managed to get the IDF export to work by replacing the existing board outline on layer 20 with the IDF export ulp generated (that was on layer 113). This approximated the curves with straight line segments and did generate an extra very short line segment that was connected only at one end. After I removed that extra line segment the ulp worked OK.

The original board outline on layer 20 was continuous, I did check the coordinates of every single spot where the lines connected.

Perhaps the ulp had problems because of floating point rounding errors? The ulp used was the one that is in the File/Export menu.