Numerical Matrix Format
User Reference
Automate PCB Manufacturing and Assembly

Learn more about the PCB Matrix Fomat

What is the Numerical Matrix Format?
No it's not based off a '90s movie, but rather the Matrix format is simply a collection of all possible commands and capabilities arrayed into an organized text file. Yes, the PCB Matrix format is simply a text file that can be edited with any text editor. We decided to use text files for the Matrix format, because text files are easy for everyone to understand, and portable across every OS platform.

The Numerical Matrix format (developed by Numerical Innovations, Inc) allows companies to easily automate and prepare their electronic designs for manufacturing. This format is very customizable and you can make it do just about any PCB Manufacturing related task including: DFM Checks, Panelization, Editing, Conversion to other EDA formats, and much more. A matrix file is basically a text file with structured arrays. Each Matrix Array contains specific commands and capabilities - separated into 4 Levels >

Numerical Matrix files should be formatted as: XML or JSON

Note
XML: Must end with extension *.xml; Must be contained within the element <NumericalMatrix>...</NumericalMatrix>
JSON: Must end with extension *.json; Must be contained within the object "NumericalMatrix": {...}
TEXT: Must end with extension: *.fm6 Important: Text matrix files are for LEGACY SUPPORT.
Matrix files are read and processed in sequence from Top-to-Bottom. Thus Layers must be defined before Jobs, Jobs must be defined before Panel, etc.
Matrix files are compatible with leading manufacturing tools FAB 3000, ACE Translator 3000, PCB Preflight, and CAM Library.
Matrix files can be Inserted into other Matrix files using the INLINE_MATRIX array
When Exporting files, RELATIVE paths are always preferred and much safer.


Important: The PCB Preflight API requires the primary Matrix file to be named:

  • matrix.xml (XML name)
  • matrix.json (JSON name)
  • matrix.fm6 (Text name)

Sample Numerical Matrix files


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