WHAT IS p2m?
p2m is a GIMP plug-in
for converting image files into formats that are
compatible with integrated circuit and printed circuit board layout
tools. This allows the user to include pictures, signatures, logos,
etc., on the fabricated chip or board. Some users have used p2m to
implement actual circuit elements such as spiral inductors and antennas.
p2m can generate native layout files for the Cadence, Magic and Mentor
layout packages in addition to CIF, which most, if not all, major
layout editors can handle. Of course, as a GIMP plug-in, it can handle
virtually any sort of image file format.
The latest version of p2m includes support for implementing color
images. Thus given a palette of the colors of different
layers or combinations of layers in the process, p2m can dither the
image using the color palette and approximate the colors in the
original image. Depending on the colors available in the palette
and the colors that make up the image, the approximation can be very
close.
MORE INFORMATION
For more detailed information please see the
p2m tutorial or the
on line documentation .
HOW TO GET p2m
p2m is available at
the GIMP Plug-In Registry
Of course, you will need to have
GIMP available to use it. A fairly
recent, but not bleeding edge version of GIMP is required. p2m should
work with GIMP versions later than 1.1.27, but you will have trouble
using any of the unstable 1.3 versions because the plug-in interface
was, well, unstable. For best results use the most recent stable
version, at least 2.0.0.