4) Exporting an IDF file with CircuitWorks

CircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assembliesas IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems

This is an example of an assembly created byprocessing an IDF file with CircuitWorksCircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assembliesas IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems

This is an example of an assembly created byprocessing an IDF file with CircuitWorksThese two components are in a position thats going to cause a problem in our SolidWorks assembly

The two components are moved in SolidWorks

We now want to save these changes back out as an IDFfile, so the Electrical Engineers can update their system

We now want to save these changes back out as an IDFfile, so the Electrical Engineers can update their systemTo save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menu

To save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menuor click the Save As IDF icon

CircuitWorks will display the IDF Export Wizard withtwo Options: Express export or Full export

Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved

Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been movedFull export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made

As weve only moved two components,Express export has been selectedExpress export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been movedFull export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made

Click Next > to continue the export process

CircuitWorks prompts for a filename andlocation for the newly created IDF file

Type a filename

Type a filenameand click Save

CircuitWorks reports that the filehas been successfully exported

Click Cancel to close the export wizard

CircuitWorks can also write out IDF data when moremajor changes have been made to the board or assembly

Here the sketch profile has been modified,additional holes added and components moved

Click Save As IDF to save the assembly to an IDF file

CircuitWorks displays the export wizard again

CircuitWorks displays the export wizard againThis time full export is selected

Click Next > to continue the export process

The next page of the Export Wizardprompts for board options

The next page of the Export Wizardprompts for board optionsSet the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0

Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0Set an alternative board thickness if required

Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0Set an alternative board thickness if requiredIf holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set here

Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0Set an alternative board thickness if requiredIf holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set hereClick Next > to continue the export process

The next page of the Export Wizardprompts for other features to export

The next page of the Export Wizardprompts for other features to exportSelect which features to export from the list

The next page of the Export Wizardprompts for other features to exportIf youre exporting the file in IDF 3.0 format, the owner of the features can be set here

Click Next > to continue the export process

The final page of the Export Wizardprompts for advanced export options

The final page of the Export Wizardprompts for advanced export optionsThe name of the exporting system can be set hereThe name of the exporting system can be set here

The final page of the Export Wizardprompts for advanced export optionsThe name of the exporting system can be set hereThe name of the exporting system can be set hereSetting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators

The final page of the Export Wizardprompts for advanced export optionsThe name of the exporting system can be set hereThe name of the exporting system can be set hereSetting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designatorsThe other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems

The name of the exporting system can be set hereThe name of the exporting system can be set hereSetting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designatorsClick Next > to start the export processThe other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems

CircuitWorks will prompt for a filename andlocation for the IDF file

Click Save to save the IDF file and start the export process

CircuitWorks reports its progress as theboard and components are exported

CircuitWorks will display a message when export is complete

Click OK to close the Export Wizard

If you want to check your assembly has exported correctly,you can open the newly created IDF file in CircuitWorks

Browse to and open the IDF fileCircuitWorks has just exported

The Import wizard shows the new board outline profile

The exported assembly re-imported into SolidWorks

For more information or to download an evaluation copy of CircuitWorks, visit www.circuitworks.net or email info@circuitworks.net