PADS-PowerPCB to AutoCAD - Boston University



From PADS to AutoCAD - Fabrication & Assembly Drawings

Chapter Description Page

1) General 2

2) Define Drill Symbols 5

3) Create HPGL Pen Plot Files 22

4) Convert HPGL Files to DXF Files 24

5) Convert DXF Files to DWG Files 28

6) Create a FAB Drawing Sheet One of Two 34

7) Create a FAB Drawing Sheet Two of Two 47

8) Create a Assembly Drawing Sheet One of Two (Top) 53

9) Create a Assembly Drawing Sheet Two of Two (Bottom) 59

10) Editing AutoCAD Drawings 60

11) Printing/Plotting from AutoCAD 66

12) Deleting Temporary Files 70

13) Creating a Custom Tool Box 71

Appendix 73

Chapter 1 - General

About this Tutorial

Q. Why bother creating an AutoCAD drawing and when it would seem all the documentation could be accomplished entirely within the PADS database?

A. The purpose of the PCB database is to produce a PCB (printed circuit board). This is often at odds with the purpose of a drawing database, which is to produce a graphic document (drawing) that conveys process information. This process information is often irrelevant to, and sometimes unattainable solely within, the PCB database. AutoCAD provides the most universally accepted and versatile platform for creating composite drawings. Templates, title blocks, notes and details can be easily added and manipulated into a single, readable, print or plottable, use-specific document.

All Drawings will consist of at least a template plus some combination of artwork, notes, charts, details, and any number of other elements required to document whatever process the drawing is being created to illustrate.

The purpose of this tutorial is to demonstrate the process of generating the fabrication and assembly documentation drawings and suggest methods to help you along the way.

Definitions

For this tutorial, “Demoa.***” will be used as an example for the design output file names. Job names are defined by combining the job number (for example 1234), the revision level (for example A), an additional 1 or 2 character descriptors (for example TA as in Top Assembly), and a file extention (for example .DWG as in AutoCAD drawing) – 1234ATA.DWG.

A Template is the boarder that surrounds the drawing. It also contains certain default settings for things like drawing limits, text style, etc. An integral part of the template is the Title Block which, as the name implies, provides a place for the drawing title plus other fields for documentation text. Templates come in five sizes A (8 ½ X 11), B (11 X 17), C (17 X 22) D (22 X 34), and the seldom used E (34 X 44).

Artwork is the graphic part of the drawing.

HPGL refers to Hewlett Packard Graphic Language - a standard format for communicating with printers and plotters.

DXF refers to Data Transfer File: a standard file format for exchanging computer files between different programs.

An Element is any individual line, shape or text string.

A Block is a combined group of elements that can only be modified as a whole.

Tag means to select a block, group or element for the purpose of applying a modifying command.

Attributes are definitions that can be assigned to the text elements of a block. Attributes are edited using a special “edit attribute” command instead of the “edit text” or “edit properties” commands.

Fabrication Drawings usually consist of a set of 2 drawings – 1 for the instructions and another for the drill drawing. Some applications may require that these two pages be combined into a single drawing.

Sheet 1 may be considered the instruction page and usually consists of 3 drawing parts (exclusive of the template): notes, layup details and the drill chart. It may also include artwork illustrating any panelization instructions.

The Notes are a list of instructions to the fabricator explaining, among other things: materials to be used, standards or exceptions to be observed, special processes required, and a general or specific description of the PCB to be manufactured.

The Layup Detail shows, graphically, a cross section of PCB.

The Drill Chart lists all drill sizes required, their quantity, tolerance, and plating options. The drill chart refers specifically to the drill drawing by the use of graphic symbols, which appear in both the drill chart and drill drawing.

Sheet 2 may be considered the Drill Drawing. It consists of a graphic top view of the PCB with symbols for the various drill sizes placed in their respective locations plus key locating dimensions referenced to both a vertical and horizontal PCB edge.

Assembly Drawings usually consists of 1 or 2 pages, depending on whether there are components installed on 1 or 2 sides of the PCB, but may have both top and bottom views on the same page if space permits. The purpose of the assembly drawing is to show the location and orientation of all components, installed or not, and provide instruction notes pertinent to the assembly process. These notes may include (but aren’t limited to) instructions for installing mounting hardware, cleaning, standards to be applied, or to call attention to unusual or special assembly processes.

AutoCAD hints

When selecting a template size for your drawing remember that your goal should be to have all your artwork fitting comfortably and readably within the drawing area of the template. Sometimes there will be a policy in place for determining templates to use (for instance all fabrication drawings may be required to be on a size D template). If this is the case all the various elements of the drawing must be scaled (or not) to fit within the template. When it is strictly a matter of choice - use the following rule of thumb to determine a suitable template size (until experience shows you a better way):

If you have to scale any element up more than 3 times to fit in the drawing area go to a smaller template size if you can. If you have to scale any element down more than 3 times go to a bigger template size if you can. Remember, you can always scale the final print to fit any page size.

Caution: When working with 1:1 scale drawings that contain objects, which have been dimensioned using AutoCAD, the template and other non-scale-critical elements should be scaled to fit the dimensioned objects. Doing otherwise risks scaling the dimensions along with the object. All this scaling is ultimately reconciled in the print/plot process by “fitting” the print to the media. For this reason, the “scale” field of most templates should be “none”

When using the cursor to form a box enclosing, or tagging a group of drawing elements (as you might do for a group move, mirror, copy, etc.) if you drag the cursor from right to left the group will include any elements enclosed or touched by the box. If you drag the cursor from left to right the group will include only those elements enclosed within the box.

If you’ve tagged a group but want to deselect a subgroup or individual elements, type and then tag or group-select the elements to remove. To add more elements (after removing some) type and tag or group-select the elements to add.

To re-select the previous group, initiate the command (move, copy, etc.) then type . The previous selection will be highlighted. Note that you can still add or remove additional elements.

To create special characters for degrees, diameter, and +/- use the string %%d, %%c and %%p respectively in your line of type:

45( = 45%%d; (.125 = %%c.125; .050 (.003 = .050 %%p.003.

(Almost) never explode blocks containing attributes.

The function key F8 toggles the ability the move objects a.) at right angles either vertically or horizontally, or b.) at any angle.

The function key F9 toggles the ability to snap to a grid.

Chapter 2 - Define Drill Symbols

1 LMB [Select – Start]

1 [pic]

2 LMB [Select – Programs – AutoCAD R14 – AutoCAD R14]

3 [pic]

4 LMB [Select – Start]

5 [pic]

6 LMB [Select – Programs – PADS-PowerPCB – PowerPCB]

7 [pic]

8 LMB [MB – File/Open]

9 [pic]

10 LMB [Select – Demo19.pcb]

11 [pic]

12 LMB [MB – File/CAM]

13 [pic]

14 LMB [Select - CAM Directory: - Scroll arrow]

15 LMB [Select - ]

16 [pic]

17 Demoa

18 [pic]

19 LMB [Select - OK]

20 LMB [Select – NC DRILL DATA]

21 [pic]

22 LMB [Select – Run]

23 [pic]

24 LMB [Select – Yes]

25 LMB [Select – Close]

26 Note: (This will create three files: JobnameNC.drl, JobnameNC.lst, JobnameNC.rep in the C:\padspwr\CAM\Jobname folder)

27 LMB [Select – Window – Start]

28 [pic]

29 LMB [Select – Programs]

30 LMB [Select – Accessories]

31 LMB [Select – WordPad]

32 [pic]

33 LMB [Select File/Open]

34 [pic]

35 LMB [Select – Look in: (click through directories) – C:\padspwr\Cam\Demoa]

36 [pic]

37 LMB [Select Files of type: - All Documents (*.*)]

38 [pic]

39 LMB [Select – DEMOANC.rep]

40 [pic]

41 LMB [Select – Open]

42 [pic]

43 LMB [Select – File/Print] (you will use this printout later to edit the FAB Drawing Drill Chart)

44 [pic]

45 [pic]

46 LMB [Select – OK]

47 MB [Select – File/Exit]

48 [pic]

49 The NC Drill Report (C:\PADSPWR\CAM\Jobname\JobnameNC.REP) report always lists drill symbols in the same order (shown below). On the printout sketch the drill symbol next to the drill diameter.

Sample Drill Sizes Report:

Tool Size (You sketch)

1 14 +

2 20 X

3 30 Rectangle

4 32 Diamond

5 37 Hour Glass

6 47 Bow Tie

7 53 +A

8 67 +B

9 91 + (and so on alphabetically)

50 Note: Before proceeding go to Setup/Padstack/Vias & delete any unused vias if the via hole size does not appear in the drill report.

51 LMB [MB – Setup/Pad Stacks…]

52 [pic]

53 [pic]

54 LMB [Select – Pad Stack Type – Via]

55 LMB [Select – MICROVIA]

56 LMB [Select – Delete Via]

57 [pic]

58 [pic]

59 LMB [Select – Yes]

60 LMB [MB – File/Cam…]

61 [pic]

62 LMB [Select – CAM Directory - DEMOA]

63 [pic]

64 LMB [Select – Document Name: scroll bar – Scroll to – PHOTO, DRILL DRAWING]

65 LMB [Select – Edit]

66 [pic]

67 LMB [Select – Customize Document – Options]

68 [pic]

69 LMB [Select – Drill Symbols…]

70 [pic]

71 LMB [Select – Regenerate]

72 [pic]

73 [pic]

74 LMB [Select – Yes]

75 Note: We are now going to remap the Drill Symbols. Reassign all drill sizes to a different drill symbol by first selecting the size and then selecting the next available drill symbol to use up all the drill symbols. Rreassign all drill sizes to the “correct” drill symbols that were drawn on NC Drill Report.

76 LMB [Select – Symbol Z]

77 [pic]

78 LMB [Select – Size 125]

79 LMB [Select – Symbol Y]

80 [pic]

81 LMB [Select – Size 37]

82 LMB [Select – Symbol X]

83 [pic]

84 LMB [Select – Size 47]

85 LMB [Select – Symbol W]

86 [pic]

87 LMB [Select – Size 14]

88 LMB [Select – Symbol +]

89 [pic]

90 LMB [Select – Size 20]

91 LMB [Select – Symbol X]

92 [pic]

93 LMB [Select – Size 37]

94 LMB [Select – Symbol Rectangle]

95 [pic]

96 LMB [Select – Size 47]

97 LMB [Select – Symbol Diamond]

98 [pic]

99 LMB [Select – Size 125]

100 LMB [Select – Symbol Hour Glass]

101 [pic]

102 LMB [Select – OK]

103 [pic]

104 LMB [Select – Drill Symbols]

105 [pic]

106 [pic]

107 LMB [Select – OK]

108 [pic]

109 LMB [Select – OK]

110 [pic]

111 LMB [Select – Print Preview]

112 LMB CD [Select – Center of Drill Chart area and make a box around chart]

113 [pic]

114 Note: Click on picture of drill chart to zoom in. (Make sure Size, Qty and Drill Symbols match the NC Drill Report symbols that you previously edited and appear in ascending order.) If a symbol and marker appear for a size 37, plated with quantity = 0, go back and manually delete it from the list in Drill Drawing options. PADS reserves this symbol for jumpers and will insert the symbol even if it doesn’t exist in the design.

115 [pic]

116 LMB [Select – Close]

117 [pic]

118 LMB [Select – OK]

119 [pic]

120 LMB [Select – Close]

121 [pic]

122 LMB [Select – Yes]

Chapter 3 - Create HPGL Pen Plot Files

1. Select PEN 1X, ASSEMBLY (TOP)

PEN 1X, ASSEMBLY (BOTTOM) (Note: Bottom Assembly only if required.)

PEN 1X, DRILL DRAWING

Note that the CAM Directory path is set to the correct Jobname.

2. LMB [Select – Document Name: - PEN 1X, ASSEMBLY (TOP) - CTRL - PEN 1X, DRILL DRAWING]

3. [pic]

4. LMB [Select – Run]

5. [pic]

6. LMB [Select – Yes]

7. Note: If the following message appears: “Unhatched copper pour exists on layer 2 – Continus plot Y/N?” Select Yes - Assembly Drawings are not affected by unhatched copper pour.

8. [pic]

9. LMB [Select – Close]

10. [pic]

11. LMB [Select – Yes]

12. HOME

13. LMB [MTB - SAVE]

14. [pic]

Chapter 4 - Convert HPGL Files to DXF Files

1. Start

2. [pic]

3. LMB [Select – Programs – Hp2dxfw – Hp2dxfw]

4. [pic]

5. [pic]

6. LMB [MB – File\Open]

7. [pic]

8. LMB [Select – Look in – C:\padspwr\Cam\Demoa]

9. [pic]

10. LMB [Select – Files of type: - All Files (*.*)]

11. [pic]

12. LMB [Select – Demoata.pe1]

13. [pic]

14. LMB [Select – Open]

15. [pic]

16. LMB [MB – Translate]

17. LMB [Select – Save]

18. [pic]

19. [pic]

20. LMB [MB – File\Open]

21. [pic]

22. LMB [Select – Files of type: - All Files (*.*)]

23. [pic]

24. [pic]

25. LMB [Select – Open]

26. [pic]

27. LMB [MB – Translate]

28. [pic]

29. LMB [Select – Save]

30. LMB [MB – File\Exit]

31. [pic]

32. Use your current CAD Software to process a Drill & Assembly drawing using the .DXF file created here.

Chapter 5 – Convert DXF Files to DWG Files

Create an AutoCAD\Job Directory

1. LMB [Select – Start]

2. [pic]

3. LMB [Select – Programs – Windows Explorer]

4. [pic]

5. LMB [Select the ‘+’ to the left of - Programs Files, AutoCAD R14 & Drawings.]

6. [pic]

7. LMB [Select the Folder – Drawings]

8. [pic]

9. LMB [Select – File – New – Folder]

10. [pic]

11. Type - DemoA

12. [pic]

13. LMB [Select – padspwr, CAM & demoa]

14. [pic]

15. LMB [Select – Demoadd.dxf Demoata.dxf]

16. LMB [Select – Cut]

17. [pic]

18. LMB [Select – Program Files, AutoCAD R14, Drawings & DemoA

19. [pic]

20. LMB [Select – Paste]

21. [pic]

22. [pic]

23. LMB [Select – Start]

24. [pic]

25. LMB [Select – Programs – AutoCAD R14 – AutoCAD R14]

26. [pic]

27. [pic]

28. DXFIN

29. LMB [Select – Drawings]

30. [pic]

31. LMB [Select – Open]

32. LMB [Select – DemoA]

33. [pic]

34. LMB [Select – Open]

35. LMB [Select – Demoadd.dxf]

36. [pic]

37. LMB [Select – Open]

38. Note: For the Top Assembly only trim the board edge where it crosses beneath components that overhang the edge in order to give a more realistic view.

39. LMB [Select – Zoom Window Button]

40. Note: Zoom in to an area were a connector overlaps the board edge.

41. [pic] or Type Z then W

42. LMB [Select – Trim Button]

43. [pic] or Type TRIM

44. The system will prompt Select objects:

45. LMB [Select the crossing connector lines]

46. RMB

47. The system will now prompt Select the Object to TRIM>/Project/Edge/Undo:

48. LMB [Select – The line to be removed]

49. RMB This finishes the command.

50. LMB [MB – File/Save As]

51. [pic]

52. LMB [Select – Drawings]

53. [pic]

54. LMB [Select – Open]

55. LMB [Select – DemoA]

56. [pic]

57. LMB [Select – Open]

58. LMB [Select – File name window]

59. DemoaDD.dwg

60. [pic]

61. LMB [Select – Save]

62. Note; Repeat previous steps for BA.dwg and TA.dwg.

Chapter 6 – Create FAB Drawing Sheet One of Two

1. LMB [MB – File/New]

2. [pic]

3. LMB [Select – Use a Template]

4. [pic]

5. LMB [Select – Ansi_b-sizesht1.dwt]

6. LMB [Select – OK]

7. [pic]

8. LMB [Select – Edit Attribute Button]

9. [pic]

10. LMB [Select – Title Block]

11. [pic]

12. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

13. LMB [Select – Next]

14. [pic]

15. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

16. LMB [Select – Next]

17. [pic]

18. LMB [Select – OK]

19. LMB [Select – Insert Block Button]

20. [pic] or

21. LMB [MB – Insert/Block]

22. [pic]

23. [pic]

24. LMB [Select – File]

25. [pic]

26. LMB DC [Select - Drawings]

27. [pic]

28. LMB DC [Select – Drill_Charts]

29. [pic]

30. .LMB DC [Select – Drill_Chart-06]

31. [pic]

32. LMB [Select – OK]

33. LMB [Select Location to place Drill Chart]

34. RMB or ENTER

35. RMB or ENTER

36. RMB or ENTER

37. [pic]

38. LMB [Select each field and edit them appropriately]

39. LMB [Select – Next]

40. LMB [Select each field and edit them appropriately]

41. LMB [Select – Next]

42. LMB [Select each field and edit them appropriately]

43. LMB [Select – OK]

44. LMB [Select – Insert Block Button]

45. [pic]

46. [pic]

47. [pic]

48. LMB [select – Up One Level Icon]

49. [pic]

50. [pic]

51. LMB DC [Select – Layup_Details]

52. [pic]

53. LMB [Select – Layup_Detail-04.Dwg]

54. LMB [Select – Open]

55. [pic]

56. LMB [Select – Place block in best location]

57. RMB

58. RMB

59. RMB

60. [pic]

61. Note: Match this detail with the appropriate films required for this board. If necessary delete an unused item.

62. [pic]

63. LMB [Select – Next]

64. LMB [Edit remaining items]

65. LMB [Select OK]

66. [pic]

67. LMB [Select – Insert Block Button]

68. [pic]

69. [pic]

70. LMB [select – Up One Level Icon]

71. [pic]

72. [pic]

73. LMB DC [Select – Fab_Notes]

74. [pic]

75. LMB [Select – STD_Notes_Down.Dwg]

76. LMB [Select –Open]

77. [pic]

78. LMB [Select –OK]

79. LMB [Select – Place Block]

80. RMB

81. RMB

82. RMB

83. [pic]

84. LMB [Select – Explode]

85. [pic]

86. LMB [Select – Notes Text]

87. RMB

88. LMB [Select – Zoom Window]

89. [pic]

90. LMB [Select – upper left corner of zoom area]

91. LMB [Select – Lower right corner of zoom area]

92. LMB [Select – Erase Button]

93. [pic]

94. LMB [Select – Text to Erase]

95. RMB

96. LMB [Select – Edit Text]

97. [pic]

98. LMB [Select – Text to Edit]

99. [pic]

100. LMB [Select – Text window – Edit text]

101. LMB [Select OK]

102. LMB ]Select – Zoom Extents]

103. [pic]

104. LMB [MB – File/Save As]

105. [pic]

106. [pic]

107. LMB DC [Select – Drawings]

108. [pic]

109. LMB DC [Select – DemoA]

110. [pic]

111. LMB [Select – File Name: Window and Type – DemoaD1.dwg]

112. LMB [Select – Save]

Chapter 7 - Create FAB Drawing Sheet Two of Two

1. LMB [MB – File/New]

2. [pic]

3. LMB [Select – Use a Template]

4. [pic]

5. LMB [Select – Ansi_b-size_sht2.dwt]

6. LMB [Select – OK]

7. LMB [Select – Zoom Extents]

8. [pic]

9. [pic]

10. LMB [Select –Edit Attribute]

11. [pic]

12. LMB [Select – Title Block]

13. [pic]

14. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

15. LMB [Select – Next]

16. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

17. LMB [Select – OK]

18. LMB [Select – Insert Block]

19. [pic]

20. [pic]

21. LMB [Select - File…]

22. [pic]

23. LMB DC [Select – Drawings]

24. [pic]

25. LMB DC [Select – DemoA]

26. [pic]

27. LMB [Select – DemoaDD.dwg]

28. LMB [Select – Open]

29. [pic]

30. LMB [Select – OK]

31. LMB [ Select the best placement location]

32. 1.5 (select the scaling that will fill the drawing)

33. RMB

34. RMB

35. RMB

36. Note: You can later scale the drawing by using the scale button. [pic]

37. Note: If you need to move the block use the move button. [pic]

38. [pic]

39. LMB [MB – File/Save As]

40. [pic]

41. [pic]

42. LMB [Select – File Name:]

43. DemoaD2

44. LMB [Select – Save]

Chapter 8 - Create Top Assembly Drawing

1. LMB [MB – File/New]

2. [pic]

3. LMB [Select – Use a Template]

4. [pic]

5. LMB [Select – Ansi_b-sizesht1.dwg]

6. LMB [Select – OK]

7. LMB [Select – Zoom Extents]

8. [pic]

9. [pic]

10. LMB [Select – Edit Attribute Button]

11. [pic]

12. LMB [Select – Title Block]

13. [pic]

14. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

15. LMB [Select – Next]

16. [pic]

17. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

18. LMB [Select – Next]

19. [pic]

20. LMB [Select – OK]

21. LMB [Select – Insert Block Button]

22. [pic]

23. [pic]

24. LMB [Select - File…]

25. [pic]

26. LMB DC [Select – Drawings]

27. [pic]

28. LMB DC [Select – DemoA]

29. [pic]

30. LMB [Select – DemoaAA.dwg]

31. LMB [Select – Open]

32. [pic]

33. LMB [Select – OK]

34. LMB [ Select the best placement location]

35. 1.5 (select the scaling that will fill the drawing)

36. .RMB

37. RMB

38. RMB

39. Note: You can later scale the drawing by using the scale button. [pic]

40. Note: If you need to move the block use the move button. [pic]

41. [pic]

Chapter 9 - Create Bottom Assembly Drawing

1. Follow the same steps for page 2 of the drill drawing (Chapter 7) with the exception of the mirror command.

2. LMB [MB – File/New]

3. LMB [Select – Use a Template]

4. LMB [Select – Ansi_b-size_sht2.dwt]

5. LMB [Select – OK]

6. LMB [Select – Zoom Extents]

7. LMB [Select –Edit Attribute]

8. LMB [Select – Title Block]

9. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

10. LMB [Select – Next]

11. LMB [Select each line and update with current info]

12. LMB [Select – OK]

13. LMB [Select – Insert Block]

14. LMB [Select - File…]

15. LMB DC [Select – Drawings]

16. LMB DC [Select – DemoA]

17. LMB [Select – DemoaBA.dwg]

18. LMB [Select – Open]

19. LMB [Select – OK]

20. LMB [ Select the best placement location]

21. 1.5 (select the scaling that will fill the drawing)

22. RMB

23. RMB

24. RMB

25. LMB [Select – Mirror]

26. [pic]

27. LMB [Select – The Board]

28. RMB

29. LMB [Select the point to mirror from]

30. F8 (Function Key – To turn Ortho On)

31. LMB [Select a point below the board – watch the board mirror 180 degrees]

32. Y (Yes to delete old objects)

33. RMB

34. Note: You can later scale the drawing by using the scale button.

35. Note: If you need to move the block use the move button.

36. LMB [MB – File/Save As]

37. LMB [Select – File Name:]

38. DemoaBA

39. LMB [Select – Save]

Chapter 10 – Editing AutoCAD Drawings

Note: As a general rule drawings should be purged before saving.

Editing Title Blocks

1. LMB [Select MB – File/Open]

2. [pic]

3. [pic]

4. LMB [Select – DemoaD1.dwg]

5. LMB [Select – Open]

6. LMB [Select – Edit Attribute]

7. [pic]

8. LMB [Select – Title Block]

9. [pic]

10. LMB [Select and edit information to be updates]

11. LMB [Select Next to continue to editing}

12. LMB [Select - OK]

13. Editing Revision Blocks

14. LMB [Select MB – File/Open]

15. [pic]

16. [pic]

17. LMB [Select – DemoaD1.dwg]

18. LMB [Select – Open]

19. LMB [Select – Insert Block]

20. [pic]

21. [pic]

22. LMB [Select – File]

23. [pic]

24. LMB DC [Select – Drawings]

25. [pic]

26. LMB DC [Select – Title_Blocks]

27. [pic]

28. LMB [Select – Rvblk-bc.Dwg]

29. LMB [Select Open]

30. [pic]

31. LMB [Select – OK]

32. MMB [Select – Endpoint]

33. [pic]

34. LMB [Select – Bottom Left corner of existing revision block]

35. RMB

36. RMB

37. RMB

38. [pic]

39. LMB [Select Edit the information as required]

40. LMB [Select – OK]

41. Editing Drill Charts

42. Note: If the number of drills has changed, erase the current drill chart and get a new chart as described in step 6.19.

43. LMB [Select – Edit Attributes]

44. [pic]

45. LMB [Select part of the existing drill chart]

46. LMB [Select – line to be edited]

47. LMB [Select – Next ]

48. LMB [Select – OK]

Chapter 11 – Printing/Plotting from AutoCAD

Select a Printer, Plotter or Driver

1. LMB [Select – Zoom Extents]

2. [pic]

3. LMB [MB – File/Print]

4. [pic] or [pic]

5. [pic]

6. LMB [Select – Window]

7. [pic]

8. LMB [Select –Pick]

9. MMB [Select Endpoint]

10. [pic]

11. LMB [Select – upper left corner of title block]

12. MMB [Select Endpoint]

13. [pic]

14. LMB [Select – lower right corner of title block]

15. [pic]

16. LMB [Select – OK]

17. LMB [Select – Rotation and Origin]

18. [pic]

19. LMB [Select –OK]

20. LMB [Select –Preview]

21. [pic]

22. RMB [Select – Exit

23. [pic]

24. LMB [Select –OK]

25. [pic]

Chapter 12 - Deleting Temporary Files

1. Select Start/Windows Explorer:

2. Go to C:\Program Files\AutoCAD R14\Drawing\Jobname and delete all .BAK and .DXF files.

3. Go to C:\padspwr\CAM\Jobname directory and delete all .PE1 files.

Chapter 13 – Creating a Custom Toolbox in AutoCAD

1. LMB [MB – View/Toolbars]

2. [pic]

3. [pic]

4. LMB [Select – New]

5. [pic]

6. LMB [Select – Toolbar Name:]

7. PCB Editing (or any name you want)

8. LMB [Select – OK]

9. [pic]

10. [pic]

11. LMB [Select – Customize…]

12. [pic]

13. LMB [Select – Edit Attribute]

14. LMB [Drag Edit Attribute to new toolbar]

15. [pic]

16. Note: Continue adding buttons to new toolbar until all the necessary buttons are added.

17. LMB [Select – New Toolbars – Move to side]

18. [pic]

19. Note: While the Customize Toolbars dialog box is open, you can rearrange your new toolbox by simply moving the icons to the order you want by clicking and dragging them to the desired order with the (LMB).

Appendix

Load the ISDC AutoCAD Tools from the ISDC CD-ROM or the ISDC 3½” Master Diskette. The following is an example of the directory structure for AutoCAD R14 after the ISDC AutoCAD Tools have been installed:

C:\Program Files\AutoCAD R14\Drawings\Fab_Notes = Fabrication and Assembly notes.

C:\Program Files\AutoCAD R14\Drawings\Drill_Charts = All the different Drill Charts.

C:\Program Files\AutoCAD R14\Drawings\Layup_Details = All the different Lay-up Details

C:\Program Files\AutoCAD R14\Drawings\Title_Blocks = B, C & D size Drawing Formats

C:\Program Files\AutoCAD R14\Drawings\Drafting_Details = Drafting details for edge connector

Note: When using ISDC’s automated START.PCB and START.CAM files, use assigned ISDC part number for all database names. The letter after the jobname is used to represent the revision level. After the revision level, alphanumeric characters represent the description of the plot. Example L1 = Layer 1, TM = Top Mask, TS = Top Silk. After those letters and a period, three more characters are used to represent the type of file. For example JobnameATA.PE1 would be the first revision (A) of the printed circuit board “Jobname”, TA would represent the plot description “Top Assembly”, the .PE1 extension would represent HPGL plot language. In the following examples Jobname will be used as the design filename.

Example: C:\PADSPWR\CAM\Jobname> JobnameTA.PE1 = Top Assembly for CPU Board

JobnameBA.PE1 = Bottom Assembly

JobnameDD.PE1 = Drill Drawing

( HP2DXF*

[pic]

This is a windows program used to convert a HPGL file into a .DXF file.

To use the program, double-click the HP2DXF icon on desktop. Select file/open, then browse for file you wish to translate. Then select translate button. For example:

This will produce a file called JobnameTA.DXF in the C:\PADSPWR\CAM\Jobname> directory.

AutoCAD Keyboard Command Usage for ACAD Versions 10-14:

( DXFIN (command line only)

This is used to bring the .DXF file created by the HP2DXF program into AutoCAD. For Drill Drawing File/Save-as DD.DWG, for Top Assembly, File/Save-as TA.DWG or BA.DWG for Bottom Assembly. These will be stored in the Jobname directory:

Example for AutoCAD R14: C:\Program Files\AutoCAD R14\Drawings\Jobname>

( ATTDIA (command line only)

This is used prior to using the DDINSERT command to set whether the attribute questions will be asked at the command line or whether the questions will appear in an editable dialog box. Example:

ATTDIA 1 = blocks entered with attributes will have a dialog box.

ATTDIA 0 = blocks entered with attributes will have questions on the command line.

To allow the ATTDIA system variable to always be on:

a. Open the AutoCAD PROTO drawing. IE: ACAD.DWG.

b. Type the AutoCAD system variable ATTDIA 1 and press ENTER.

c. Save the file ACAD.DWG.

( LIMITS

This is used to set the working/plotting/printing window. The following is a list of some Standard Limits:

11.00,8.50 = A Size, 17.00,11.00 = B Size, 22.00,17.00 = C Size, 34.00,22.00 = D size Example: LIMITS ON/OFF//MULTIPLE: and you select anywhere inside the selected objects. The system prompts you with SECOND POINT OF DISPLACEMENT: and you move the cursor down and click to locate the copied lines and text.

( TRIM (Modify)

[pic]

This command is used primarily on Top Assembly Drawings to remove a section of a board outline where a connector hangs over it.

Note: Use the ZOOM WINDOW command to blow up the connector that hangs over the board edge.

Note: You must first EXPLODE the Assembly Picture that you are trimming.

Example: Type TRIM or use the TRIM icon. The system will prompt you with SELECT OBJECTS: You select each of the connector lines that hang over the board edge and . The system will prompt you SELECT THE OBJECT TO TRIM>/Project/Edge/Undo. You now select the board outline edge that is between the two connector edges and when finished.

( ERASE (Modify)

[pic]

This command is used to delete unwanted items – lines, text, blocks, etc. Items to be erased can be either individually tagged using the cursor, or by rectangular areas defined by dragging the cursor.

( ZOOM WINDOW (Standard)

[pic]

This is used for getting up close to your work and then moves back out to see the entire picture.

Example of some Zooms: Z W = Zoom Window, Z A = Zoom All

Sample: All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Left/Previous/Vmax/Window/: ................
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