Exchanging IDF Data

You can exchange data between Circuit Board Design and ECAD tools by using export, import, compare, and update IDF commands. IDF (Intermediate Data Format) is a standard format used to interoperate between electronic design automation software and Circuit Board Design.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin:
  • A functioning ECAD program is required to complete the import, export, compare, and update of IDF files.
  • Knowledge of ECAD is required to interoperate between the platforms.
See Also
Pushing, Pulling, and Importing IDX Files

Import IDF Data

You can import IDF data from an ECAD program into a Circuit Board Design session. IDF files contain the full data of a board.

  1. From an ECAD program, Create and Save an IDF file.
    A dialog window appears for you to configure the version, units, exported sections, drilled holes, file compatibility, and various other properties. Configure the properties according to your specifications.
  2. Return to your Circuit Board Design session and click Import IDF .
  3. Locate the IDF file in the file explorer and click Open.
    An IDF Import Changes dialog box appears and lists the types of features to be imported.
  4. Click More options to select a .lib file and the data source mode.
    1. From the Library Option section, select a .lib file from your file explorer.
    2. From the Data Source Mode section, choose one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    Database The query is performed in the database. If no objects are found, the query is done in the library.

    By default, this option is activated.

    Catalog The query is performed in the catalog. If no objects are found, the query is done in the library.

    You can declare your electrical catalog in Data Setup. For more information, see Administration: About Data Setup for Circuit Board Design.

    To be compliant with Circuit Board Design, the PartNumber keyword is mandatory in the catalog.

    Recommendation: Avoid empty spaces before and after the Item and 3DShape names in the Catalog for Circuit Board Design.
    Library

    The query is performed in the library. You can import the component contained in the library and the IDF with a library as data source.

    The option can be chosen in the Board Assembly tab of Me > Preferences. See Board Assembly.

    The import command searches for a component in the defined library from the part number of this component. When this option is selected under Data Source, the Library dialog box opens. When you click Select From Database, the PLM chooser appears.
    Collaborative Spaces

    The option can be chosen in the Board Assembly tab of Me > Preferences only. See Board Assembly.

    When the Imposed Data Source in idf import command option is activated in Preferences:

    • The search in the Compare and Update commands is made in the data source that is pre-selected Preferences.
    • The Catalog, Database and None options within the Compare and Update command are deactivated.

    The list of Collab Spaces is visible in the Available Projects panel. The restricted list corresponds to the list in the Top bar: 3DS Collab Space, 3DS Private Collab Space and 3DS Protected Collab Space. A larger list is available when you enter a part or all the string you are looking for, and press Search.

    By default or without any text in the window, the list is empty.
    None The query is performed in the library.
  5. Click Import.
    A new board and its imported features are created.

Export IDF Data

You can export a board in IDF.

  1. From the ECAD Collaboration section of the action bar, click Export IDF .
    A file browser opens for you to select the directory to store the IDF file.
  2. Select the IDF file to export and click Open.
    A dialog window opens and lists the details of the exported objects.
    Notes:
    • The cutout is part of the board outline.
    • IDF does not support slots or rectangular holes. They are exported as circular.
    • IDF does not support offset for the constraints. The offset value is not exported.
  3. Click More options to select one of the following:
    • Local directory: to export an IDF file on a local disk.
    • Attached document: to export the IDF file in a PLM Document attached under the root Board assembly. The window contains the name of one or more PLM documents already attached under the Board assembly. You can save the PLM Document As New Version in the database if you select the option. It is available for a future Export (in the list under the PLM Document attached to current assembly option).
    • New document: to export an IDF file in a new PLM document. In the empty field, enter a name for your PLM document. You can attach the PLM document to the Board assembly if you select the option, but the link is saved only when you save the Board assembly.
  4. Click Export.
    A notification informs you that the export is successful.
  5. Retrieve the IDF file and open it as a text file.
    The IDF file contains details about your board.
  6. From the ECAD software, create a new layout and import the IDF file.
    All of the board features created in Circuit Board Design are imported into the new ECAD layout.

Compare and Update IDF Data

You can compare and update IDF data to assess the differences between IDF files.

  1. From the ECAD Collaboration section of the action bar, click Compare and update IDF .
    The IDF Compare and Update dialog box appears and lists each board type and its new status such as added, removed, or modified.
  2. Select one or all types and click Update.