matlab-read-pcb-layout
Import Gerber, ODB++, Allegro .brd, .mcm files for PCB boards and IC packages. Inspect nets, layers, shapes, and stackups. TRIGGER: user asks to import, read, or open a PCB layout file. Gerber files use gerberRead or PCBReader; ODB++, Allegro .brd, .mcm, and native formats use pcbFileRead. Also when inspecting nets, layers, components, or stackups from an imported board. Invoke BEFORE writing import code — the query API (cadnet, cadnetList, componentList) is specialized. SKIP: EM analysis or S-parameter extraction (use matlab-analyze-em), PDN/IR-drop analysis (use matlab-analyze-pcb-pdn), buil
npx skills add matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit --skill matlab-read-pcb-layout --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
# Reading PCB and Package Layouts **Scope:** `pcbFileRead` handles both PCB boards and IC/SiP packages. ODB++ and Allegro files may contain package-level designs (BGA substrates, interposers, embedded passives). The workflow is identical — the format determines what's inside, not the function name. ## When to Use - Importing Gerber files (`.gtl`, `.gbl`, `.gbr`, etc.) into MATLAB for visualization or EM analysis - Reading ODB++ archives (zipped or unzipped) to inspect board or package layouts - Importing Cadence Allegro `.brd` files - Inspecting cadnets, components, layers, pins, or shapes from imported layouts - Extracting metal layer polygons from Gerber files for use in custom designs - Building a `pcbComponent` from externally designed layouts for S-parameter analysis ## When NOT to Use - Exporting designs to Gerber files — use `matlab-write-pcb-layout` - Building PCB structures from scratch with shape primitives — use `matlab-assemble-pcb-layout` - Running EM analysis after import — use `matlab-analyze-em` - Defining substrates or stackup materials — use `matlab-manage-pcb-material` ## Typical Workflow 1. **This skill:** Import the PCB layout from Gerber, ODB++, or Allegro 2.
- When to Use
- When NOT to Use
- Typical Workflow
- Quick Reference
- gerberRead — Simple Import
- Basic Usage
- Centering Imported Geometry
- Supported Gerber File Extensions
- stackUp — Multi-Layer Definition
- Default stackUp
- Assigning Gerber Files to Layers
- Multi-Layer Stackup
- PCBReader — Full Board Import
- Basic Workflow
What does the matlab-read-pcb-layout skill do?
Import Gerber, ODB++, Allegro .brd, .mcm files for PCB boards and IC packages. Inspect nets, layers, shapes, and stackups. TRIGGER: user asks to import, read, or open a PCB layout file. Gerber files use gerberRead or PCBReader; ODB++, Allegro .brd, .mcm, and native formats use pcbFileRead. Also when inspecting nets, layers, components, or stackups from an imported board. Invoke BEFORE writing import code — the query API (cadnet, cadnetList, componentList) is specialized. SKIP: EM analysis or S-parameter extraction (use matlab-analyze-em), PDN/IR-drop analysis (use matlab-analyze-pcb-pdn), buil
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit --skill matlab-read-pcb-layout --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From matlab/matlab-agentic-toolkit, a repository with 868 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.