Exporting Data

You can export an IDF file in a PLM document attached under the root Board assembly or in a PLM document.

You can export data in IDF format.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin:
  • A document is open in Rigid Flexible Circuit Board Design containing at least a board or a panel and optionally components.
  • The root product must be UI-active.

Select File Base

You can select the File Base export mode.

  1. From the ECAD Collaboration section of the action bar, click Export to ECAD .
    The Export ECAD dialog box appears.
  2. Select File Base and click Browse.

    You can load objects in session by running the Content Chooser. See Using the Content Chooser.

  3. Select your IDF file (.brd) and click Open. The file name appears in the Export ECAD window under My File Localization:
  4. Click the Options arrow to see the options' list.
  5. Select the IDF format from the list:
    Three different IDF formats are available:
    • IDF (IDF): the general format
    • IDF (MG-brd): the Mentor Graphics specific format
    • IDF (emn): Pro/ENGINEER
    • IDF (Allegro-bdf): the Allegro specific format
  6. Select the system of units.
    In the Units list, select:
    • MM: millimeters
    • THOU: 1/1000 of inch
  7. Identify the IDF version:
    In the IDF version list, select:
    • IDF 2.0
    • IDF 3.0
  8. In the Decimal Symbol list, select the decimal symbol to be used for the export.
    The decimal symbol makes the export totally independent of the language of the session.
  9. Optional: Select Use a CSV fileAbout to export data that takes the original MCAD or ECAD environment into account and browse to select the CSV file of interest.
    For more information about csv files, see .
  10. Click Export to create the file.
    An information message is displayed: 
    Your document has been successfully exported.

Select Designer Central

You can select the Designer Central export mode.

  1. From the ECAD Collaboration section of the action bar, click Export to ECAD .
    The Export ECAD dialog box appears.
  2. Select Designer Central to export an IDF file in a ENOVIA Designer Central (DEC).
    The Export to Designer Central dialog box appears.
  3. Click Browse and select New DEC Document to export an IDF file in a new PLM Document.
    You can load objects in session by running the Content Chooser. See Using the Content Chooser.
  4. Enter a name for your document in the empty box and click OK.
    The Export to Designer Central dialog box closes and the file name appears in the Export ECAD window under My File Localization.
  5. Click the Options arrow to see the options' list.
    For more information about these options, see .
  6. Click Export to create the file.
    An information message is displayed: 
    Your document has been successfully exported.
  7. Instead of selecting New DEC Document, you can select Existing DEC Document
    The Document Chooser dialog box appears. You can browse your file by selecting the From Search or From File tab.
  8. Click OK when done.
    The file name appears in the Export ECAD window under My File Localization.
  9. Click the Options arrow to see the options' list.
    For more information about these options, see .
  10. Click Export to export the IDF file from CATIA to Designer Central.
    An information message is displayed: 
    Your document has been successfully exported.