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Copyright © Desktop EDA 2009

SolidWorksModeler for

Altium Designer

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Printed: July 2013 in Australia

SolidWorks Modeler for Altium Designer


SolidWorks Modeler for Altium DesignerI


Table of Contents

Foreword I

Part I SolidWorks Modeler 2

................................................................................................................................... 21 Introduction

................................................................................................................................... 22 Command Summary

................................................................................................................................... 83 Using the Panel

................................................................................................................................... 154 Create Assembly

................................................................................................................................... 155 Create Board Outline Part

................................................................................................................................... 156 Setting Up For Export

................................................................................................................................... 167 Check Outline

................................................................................................................................... 178 Height Editor

................................................................................................................................... 189 SolidWorks Document Viewer

................................................................................................................................... 1910 Stop Button

................................................................................................................................... 1911 SolidWorks Parts

................................................................................................................................... 2012 Parts Library

......................................................................................................................................................... 20IC Naming Convention

......................................................................................................................................................... 21IC Listing

......................................................................................................................................................... 23Part Origin Convention

................................................................................................................................... 2313 Managing Parts

......................................................................................................................................................... 24Parts in Folders

......................................................................................................................................................... 26Using Cross Reference (Xref) Files

................................................................................................................................... 2814 Importing Data From SolidWorks

......................................................................................................................................................... 29Import From SolidWorks

......................................................................................................................................................... 29Import Board Outline From SolidWorks

......................................................................................................................................................... 29Synchronise PCB Components With SolidWorks Parts

................................................................................................................................... 2915 Defining the Board Outline in SolidWorks

................................................................................................................................... 2916 Synchronise SolidWorks Parts With PCB Components

................................................................................................................................... 3017 New PCB from SolidWorks

................................................................................................................................... 3018 Check Component Outlines

................................................................................................................................... 3019 Guidelines on Exporting Tracks Polygons and Overlays

................................................................................................................................... 3220 Check For Outlining Problems

................................................................................................................................... 3421 Setting Colors

................................................................................................................................... 3422 Update PCB Part

................................................................................................................................... 3623 Working With Step Models

......................................................................................................................................................... 36Converting SolidWorks Parts to Step Models

......................................................................................................................................................... 36Converting Step Model to SolidWorks Parts

......................................................................................................................................................... 37Assigning Step Models to Components

......................................................................................................................................................... 37Guidelines for Adding Step Models

................................................................................................................................... 3824 PCB Library Commands

................................................................................................................................... 3925 Check Outline (PCB Library Editor)

IIContents


................................................................................................................................... 3926 Working With Height Rules

................................................................................................................................... 4127 Working With Keepouts

................................................................................................................................... 4228 Using Altium Designer Variants

................................................................................................................................... 4229 Set Mounting Hole

................................................................................................................................... 4230 Guidlines For Starting Designs In SolidWorks

................................................................................................................................... 4331 SolidWorks PCB Tools

................................................................................................................................... 5032 Set Configurations

................................................................................................................................... 5033 Show Part Usage

................................................................................................................................... 5034 View SolidWorks Part

................................................................................................................................... 5135 PDM Support

................................................................................................................................... 5336 Running SolidWorks in Background Mode

................................................................................................................................... 5337 Possible Causes of Outlining Problems

Index 54


SolidWorks Modeler for Altium DesignerI

2 SolidWorks Modeler for Altium Designer


1 SolidWorks Modeler

1.1 Introduction

This product enables Altium Designer users to model their PCB designs in SolidWorks. Inaddition, it allows you to make changes to the Board Outline and component locations in theSolidWorks assembly and synchronize these changes with the Altium Designer PCB.

The product are invoked from Panels in both the PCB Editor and the PCB Library editor.

The PCB is modeled by exporting the board outline to a SolidWorks sketch and extruding it.

PCB Components are represented in the SolidWorks assembly by either:Placing a corresponding SolidWorks part if one exists, or The program automatically creates a part using geometry extracted from the PCB component.

The program can use either SolidWorks Parts or Assemblies as Parts.

Options are available to include tracks, polygons and the silk screen in the PCB part.

The board outline is defined in Altium using either the Board Shape or a mechanical layer.

This product requires a SolidWorks license to be available. When the Create Assembly commandis invoked, the SolidWorks application is launched and the program interacts with SolidWorks tobuild the SolidWorks Assembly.

If SolidWorks is running, the program connects to that instance of SolidWorks. If SolidWorks isnot running, the program launches SolidWorks in Background mode. (I.e. the SolidWorksapplication runs but is not visible).

The product also has some commands in the PCB Library editor to allow to automatically createComponent bodies from extrusions in a SolidWorks part and to create s SolidWorks part fromBodies in a component.

1.2 Command Summary

Below is a summary of the product commands and where to access them:

PCB Editor Panel

While a PCB document is open, this panel can be displayed by pressing the PCB button in theStatus bar to display the list of panels available on the PCB editor. Choose SolidWorks Sw201* as shown:

3SolidWorks Modeler


This displays the Panel shown below:



The image below shows the functions of each button:

5SolidWorks Modeler


PCB Library Editor Panel

While a PCB Library document is open, this panel can be displayed by pressing the PCB buttonin the Status bar to display the list of panels available on the PCB editor. Choose SolidWorks as shown:

This displays the Panel as shown below:



PCB Editor Menus

File Menu

7SolidWorks Modeler


Tools Menu

Help Menu



File>New menu

The New PCB from SolidWorks command is added to the File>New menu.

1.3 Using the Panel

The SolidWorks Modeler Panel provides access to most of the product commands.

When you change any of the settings on the Settings, Options or PCB Features tab, they are savedwhen you change tabs (ie If you were to exit Altium Designer without changing tabs, the settingswould not be saved).

In the Panel, for any field that displays a folder name, double clicking on the field opens that folder inExplorer.

Most elements in the Panels have tool tips to explain their function.

Commands Tab

9SolidWorks Modeler


Settings tab



Options tab

11SolidWorks Modeler


PCB Features tab



Utilities tab



PCB Tools tab



About tab



1.4 Create Assembly

This command creates a SolidWorks assembly from the current PCB.

This can be invoked from the Panel, toolbar or from the entry in the SolidWorks Modeler submenu in the File menu.

If any objects are selected, only these and the PCB outline are exported. If no objects areselected, all are exported.

Settings in the Panel determine if any options are invoked.

The Stop button on the Panel is active during this command.

1.5 Create Board Outline Part

This command creates the Board Outline part without creating an assembly.

This can be invoked from the Panel, toolbar or from the entry in the SolidWorks Modeler submenu in the File menu.

If any objects are selected, only these and the PCB outline are exported. If no objects areselected, all are exported.

Settings in the Panel determine if any options are invoked.

The Stop button on the Panel is active during this command.

1.6 Setting Up For Export

You need to do the following in the PCB document:

To define the board outline that will be created in SolidWorks, you can use either the BoardShape or an enclosed shape of tracks and arcs on a Mechanical layer. You can specify this inthe Outline Layer field in the Options tab of the Panel.

To export mounting holes on the PCB, place Pads with a designator prefix. (e.g. MH1, MH2, MH3...) to represent mounting holes on the PCB. The Designator Prefix is specified on the in theOptions tab of the Panel .(See Set Mounting Hole)

To set the thickness of the PCB, enter an appropriate value in the PCB Thickness field in the inthe PCB Features tab of the Panel. The units of this value determined by the current units setting.Options are mils (i.e. thousandths of an inch) or mm (millimeters).

If there is no SolidWorks part corresponding to components on the PCB, the programautomatically creates a Part. These are referred to as Auto-Parts. It does this by extractinggeometry from the PCB in the following order:

1. If the Component contains Bodies and the Use Bodies check box is checked, the Bodies are



used.2. If there is an enclosed shape on the Mechanical Layer nominated the the Component Outline

Layer in the Options tab of the Panel, (and you have checked the Use Component Outlinescheck box) then this shape is used to created the part.

3. If there is an enclosed shape on the Silk-screen Layer, this is used to create the Part.4. If none of the above exist, a shape is created from the bounding rectangle of the Component

(ignoring the Designator and Comment).

If a shape is used, the program also looks for height information in the Component. You setcomponent heights using the Height Editor which is invoked from the product toolbar. This heightis used to determine the height of the extrusion that forms the Auto-Part. (This height value isstored in the Height property of the Component).

You can set the color of the PCB Part and Auto-Parts, by pressing the Colors button in theOptions tab of the Panel.

Note If you name a mechanical layer 3DOutline, then the shape on this layer defines the BoardOutline in 3D - overriding the Component Outline Layer setting.

1.7 Check Outline

For SolidWorks to successfully extrude the board outline, all shapes defining the board outline andcut-outs must be perfectly enclosed. (I.e. the end points of adjacent objects making up the shapesmust be co-incident).

If you are using the Board Shape:

The Check Outline command will check the elements in the board shape for gap errors. If no errorsare found it will report this in the Messages Panel. If errors are found, it will attempt to correct themand the result is displayed in the Messages Panel.

If this command does not correct errors in the Board Shape, re-define the board outline on amechanical layer, use Check Outline to check it, then re-create the Board Shape from theelements on the Mechanical Layer. (The Desktop EDA PCB Utilities provides commands to assistin this task).

If you are using a Mechanical Layer to define the Board Outline:

The Check Outline command checks the board outline layer for gaps between the objects. If anygaps are found, an attempt is made to fix them. The types of breaks that can be fixed aredescribed below. Check Outline also deletes duplicate objects and zero length objects.

After Check Outline has run, any two objects that are not perfectly joined are selected. You canuse Jump to Selection command (JT) in the Jump sub menu in the Edit menu. Also, an entry isadded to the Messages Panel. Double-click on this entry to zoom to the object.

Use this command before running the Export To SolidWorks command to ensure that SolidWorkscan extrude the Board Outline.

The following outline errors are corrected during Check Outline:



1. Tracks that have a gap of 0.5 mil or less to other Tracks or Arcs at their end point are modifiedso that their end point joins with the other object.

2. Arcs with a 0.5 mil or less gap to other arcs have their angles modified such that they join attheir intersection.

3. Zero length lines are deleted.

1.8 Height Editor

This command displays the Height Editor dialog box that lists the components in the current PCBwith their heights. The Height value is obtained from the Height property of each component.

This list can be sorted by Designator or Footprint. There is also an option to list only componentsthat do not have corresponding SolidWorks parts.

To edit the height of components, click on the height text and edit it. The column widths can bechanged.



Component Heights can be exported to an ASCII file using the Export button and imported usingthe Import button.

The format of this ASCII file is as follows:

units=mmAXIAL0.4=3.81DB37RA/F=11.43DIODE0.4=3.81DIP14=5.08DIPSW16=6.35

If the first line is omitted or the unit string is not mm, the units are assumed to be mils.

1.9 SolidWorks Document Viewer

The Document Viewer allows to to display SolidWorks documents in the Panel.

Clicking on the Browse button allows you to display SolidWorks Parts or Assemblies.

Clicking on the Selected Component button displays the part associated with the selectedcomponent. If no part exists, a message is displayed in the messages panel.

The clear button clears the viewer.



1.10 Stop Button

The Stop Button is located on the Commands tab of the Panel.

This is active when the Create Assembly or Create Board Outline Part commands are invoked.

This will not necessarily cause an immediate stop. When the Stop button is pressed, the programwaits for the next convenient opportunity to stop. For example, if an extrusion is in progress, theprogram will stop when the extrusion is finished.

1.11 SolidWorks Parts

The program uses the coordinates of the origin of each PCB component as the placement point forthe SolidWorks part. The origin of the SolidWorks part must be the same as the origin of the PCBcomponent. Also, the program assumes parts are created in the orientation defined in theOrientation radio buttons in the Options tab.

Orientation DetailDefault When the SolidWorks Front view is selected, you see the Part in

plan view Classic When the SolidWorks Top view is selected, you see the Part in

plan view

Note: If you are a new user, it is recommended that you use the Default Orientation. The Classic



option is provided to allow users of earlier versions to use their existing Parts libraries.

If a PCB Footprint name contains any characters that are not allowable in a file name, they arereplaced with an underscore in the name of the SolidWorks part that is searched for or created

These characters are: \ / "*

If possible, avoid using characters in Footprint names that are not allowable in a Windows filename.

Hint1: When you are looking down on the SolidWorks Part, it should look the same (ie sameorigin, same orientation) as the corresponding Altium Component when it is viewed in the AltiumPCB Library editor.

Hint2: If you have a SolidWorks Part that does not have the same orientation or origin as the PCBComponent, the SolidWorks Part editor command : Insert>Features>Move/Copy is very useful inthat it allows you add a default origin and orientation to the Part.

1.12 Parts Library

There are a number of SolidWorks parts libraries that are available for download when you purchasethis product. These are detailed is the table below.

Library DetailFront Orientation IC JEDEC Parts Contains parts for common ICs based on the JEDEC standard.

Each category of IC is modeled in a part with configurations foreach IC with different numbers of pins. See the next section forthe naming conventions These are constructed using the FrontPlane as the reference plane

Front Orientation General Parts Contains various common parts such as resistors, capacitors,connectors etc. Some parts contain multiple configurations,other categories are arranged in directories. These areconstructed using the Front Plane as the reference plane

Top Orientation Parts Contains various common parts constructed using the TopPlane as the reference plane. These parts are arranged inappropriate directories.

1.12.1 IC Naming Convention

The table below describes the naming convention used for the various types of IC packages.

Package Type DetailSOJ, LSOJ,SOT, SOP, SSOP,TSOP,

These all follow the same convention. For this typical part name: SOP127P600.SLDPRTSOP identifies the type of package.127P denotes the center to center distance between adjacent pins in mm (ie 1.27mm) 600 denotes the tip to tip distance between the two rows of pins in mm (ie 6 mm)

This part contains 3 configurations named 08, 14 and 16 for the 8 pin, 14 pin and 16



pin variations for this package.

DIP For this typical part name: PDIP254P762.SLDPRT:254P denotes the center to center distance between adjacent pins in mm (ie 2.54mm)762 denotes the center to center distance between the two rows of pins whenconstrained in mm (7.62mm)

This part contains 4 configurations named 08, 14, 16, 20 for the 8 pin, 14 pin, 16pin and 20 pin variations for this package.

BGA For this typical part name: TBGA127P.SLDPRT:TBGA denotes the JEDEC package designator127P denotes pitch between row in mm (ie 127mm)

The part contains configurations - for this typical configuration name 12X12X160-144:12X12 denotes the array of solder balls vertically and horizontallyX160 denotes the height of the device measured from the top of the ball to the topof the substrate-144 denotes the number of pins (balls)

PLCC For this typical part name: PLCC127P-SQ.SLDPRT:127P denotes the pitch in mm (ie 1.27 mm)SQ denotes a square package (REC for rectangular)

QFP For this typical part name : PQFP080P.SLDPRTPQFP denotes the JEDEC package designator080P denotes the center to center distance between adjacent pins in mm (ie 0.8mm)

The part contains configurations - for this typical configuration name1790X1790X230-64:1790X1790 denotes the tip to tip dimension horizontally and verticallyX230 denotes height-64 denotes the number of pins

1.12.2 IC Listing

The table below lists the parts in the IC Library

IC Family Part Name Configurations

BGA LF-XBGA080P.SLDPRTR-LBGA-B100P.SLDPRTT-XBGA100P.SLDPRTTBGA100P.SLDPRTTBGA127P.SLDPRTTBGA150P.SLDPRTTFR-XBGA065P.SLDPRT



TX-XBGA050P.SLDPRT

DIP PDIP178P1524.SLDPRTPDIP178P1905.SLDPRTPDIP178P762.SLDPRTPDIP254P1016.SLDPRTPDIP254P1270.SLDPRTPDIP254P1524.SLDPRTPDIP254P2286.SLDPRTPDIP254P762.SLDPRT

LSOJ LSOJ065P1120.SLDPRTLSOJ080P1120.SLDPRTLSOJ127P1120.SLDPRT

PLCC PLCC127P-REC.SLDPRTPLCC127P-SQ.SLDPRT

QFP LQFP063P.SLDPRTPQFP065P.SLDPRTPQFP080P.SLDPRTPQFP100P.SLDPRTQFP063P.SLDPRTQFP127P.SLDPRTT-PQFP065P.SLDPRT

SOJ SOJ080P1120.SLDPRTSOJ080P1300.SLDPRTSOJ127P1372.SLDPRTSOJ127P850.SLDPRTSOJ127P864.SLDPRTSOJ127P866.SLDPRTSOJ127P935.SLDPRTSOJ127P978.SLDPRT

SOP SOP050P1700.SLDPRTSOP080P1425.SLDPRTSOP127P1030.SLDPRTSOP127P1046.SLDPRTSOP127P1200.SLDPRTSOP127P1210.SLDPRTSOP127P1410.SLDPRTSOP127P1605.SLDPRTSOP127P600.SLDPRTSOP127P700.SLDPRTSOP127P780.SLDPRT

SOT SOT065210.SLDPRTSOT095P280.SLDPRT

SSOP SSOP040P600.SLDPRTSSOP050P1190.SLDPRTSSOP050P600.SLDPRT



SSOP063P1036.SLDPRTSSOP063P600.SLDPRTSSOP065P780.SLDPRTSSOP080P1590.SLDPRTSSOP100P1190.SLDPRT

TSOP TSOP040P640.SLDPRTTSOP040P810.SLDPRTTSOP050P1800.SLDPRTTSOP055P1340.SLDPRTTSOP065P1430.SLDPRTTSOP065P1800.SLDPRTTSOP080P1430.SLDPRTTSOP080P1800.SLDPRTTSOP125P1800.SLDPRTTSOP127P1430.SLDPRTTSOP127P922.SLDPRT

1.12.3 Part Origin Convention

The section details the conventions used for setting the origin of parts.

The table below lists how origins are set.

Type of Part Location of OriginThrough Hole Pin 1Surface Mount Centroid

1.13 Managing Parts

The Part Selection radio buttons on the Settings tab allow you to determine how parts areselected.

There are two methods for managing Parts as follows:

1. Name parts with the same name as their corresponding footprints and arrange them in folders.



The program then searches these folders for parts.2. Set up a Cross reference file (Xref). This is an ascii file with two columns that relates the

Footprint name to a Part name.

Setting DetailFootprint The program searches for a part with the same name as the FootprintXref. File The program uses a mapping file to relate the Footprints to Parts. The set the

name of the Xref file in the Part Xref field below the radio button group. (see

Using Cross Reference (Xref) Files)Lib. Ref The part name is read from the Library Ref field of the PCB component3D Model Field The part name is read from the 3D Model field of the PCB component (do use

this - it will be phased out)Comment The Xref function using the Comment field instead of the Footprint field of the

PCB component.Parameter The program uses a parameter assigned to the corresponding Schematic

component to obtain the part name. When this option is selected, the Parameterfield is displayed to allow you to set the name of the parameter that holds thepart name.

1.13.1 Parts in Folders

The program searches the Folders listed in the Part Folders field in the Settings tab of the Panel asshown.

If you have arranged your parts into sub-folders within one folder, then you only need enter the top



level folder. The program searches all sub-folders until it finds a Part.

Otherwise, you should enter each folder.

To enter Folders into the Parts Folders field, click on the Browse button above the Part Folders field.This displays the 3D Part Search Path dialog.

Click on the Browse button towards the bottom right of this dialog, browse to the required Folder,then press the Add button. repeat this for each required folder.

Once you have folders listed, you change change the order in which they are searched by selectinga folder, then press the Up or Down buttons.

To remove a folder from the list, select it then press the Remove button.

You can save and load this list of folders to/from an ascii file using the Save To and Load Frombuttons.



1.13.2 Using Cross Reference (Xref) Files

Cross Referencing enables you to create a "mapping file" to relate a Footprint Name to aSolidWorks Part filename and Configuration. This can simplify the management of parts as italleviates the need to name SolidWorks Parts with the same name as the Footprint Name.

To activate using Xref files, choose the Xref File radio button as shown below.

You set up the Xref file using the Edit button above the Part Xref field. Clicking on the Edit buttondisplays the Part Cross Reference dialog box.



The Footprint column lists the Components from the PCB document. The Part column is providedto list the corresponding Part for the Footprint. To fill in the entry in this column, double click onthe required line to display a file browse dialog box. This allows you to browse to the part.

The options on this dialog box are described in the table below.

Option TableInclude Path check box When checked, the Folder is included in the filename listed in

the Part column. When this is checked, the ordered foldersearching is overridden during part placement.

Clear Entry button This clears the Part column entry on the selected lineCopy to Clipboard button Selected lines are copied to the windows clipboardSave As Button Allows you to save the Cross Reference data to an ASCII file.OK Button Exits the dialog box and saves the Cross Reference data to an

ASCII fileCancel Button Exits the dialog box and discards any changesHelp button Displays help on this dialog box

If the Use Part Configurations check box is checked, a third column is added to the Xref data toallow you to specify a configuration of the Part to use.

If Use Part Configurations is checked and you browse to a Part with configurations, a drop-downlist of configurations appears to allow you to choose which configuration to use.



1.14 Importing Data From SolidWorks

There are a number of commands that allow you to Import data from SolidWorks to update your PCBdocument.

These are located on the commands tab of the Panel as shown:

These commands are described below:

Command DescriptionImport From Assembly Updates the PCB from SolidWorks - this

includes board shape, Mounting Holes andcomponent locations

Board Outline from Assembly Updates the Board Shape from the BoardOutline in SolidWorks

Mounting Holes from Assembly Adds pads assigned as Mounting Holes. Ifthere are any Mounting Holes, you areprompted to deleted them.

Height Rules from Assembly Creates Height rules from features defining



component keepout areas in the AssemblyRoute Keepouts fromAssembly Creates Fills or Regions defined as

keepouts from features defining routingkeepout areas in the Assembly

1.14.1 Import From SolidWorks

This command performs the Import Board Outline from SolidWorks command and then the ImportComponent Locations from SolidWorks command as one operation.

1.14.2 Import Board Outline From SolidWorks

This command allows you to modify the board outline in SolidWorks and then update the PCB withthe changes made in SolidWorks.

This command finds the sketch defining the Board Outline in the SolidWorks Board Outline Partand extracts co-ordinates from Lines and Arcs placed in this sketch. These lines and arcs areplaced on the PCB Outline Layer as PCB Track and Arc objects.

If there are already objects on that layer, you are prompted as to whether to exit. If you chooseYes, the process stops. If you choose No, all objects on the current board outline layer are deletedand new objects are placed.

1.14.3 Synchronise PCB Components With SolidWorks Parts

This command opens a SolidWorks assembly with the same name as the current PCB documentif it is not already open. It then compares the location of parts in SolidWorks with correspondingcomponents in the current PCB. If the locations are different, the locations of the PCB componentsare updated.

1.15 Defining the Board Outline in SolidWorks

If you are starting the PCB design in SolidWorks, use the PCB Tools application to assign attributesto features in SolidWorks.

Contact Desktop EDA if you do not have the PCB Tools.

1.16 Synchronise SolidWorks Parts With PCB Components

This command opens a SolidWorks assembly with the same name as the current PCB documentif it is not already open. It then compares the location of parts in SolidWorks with correspondingcomponents in the current PCB. If the locations are different, the locations of the SolidWorks Partsare updated.

If the board thickness has changed (ie bottom placed parts are not co-incident with the bottom ofthe PCB) bottom placed parts are moved to be co-incident with the bottom face of the PCB.



1.17 New PCB from SolidWorks

This command creates a New PCB document from an Assembly or Part that is currently open. Thiscommand can be accessed from the File>SolidWorks 3D Modeler menu or the File>New menu.

1.18 Check Component Outlines

This command checks the component outline layer of each component for an enclosed shape oftracks and arcs. If one is not found, the component overlay layer is checked. If no enclosed shapeis located, the component is selected. Use this command to check that the program can createAuto-parts from the Component Outline data or from the Silk-screen layer .

1.19 Guidelines on Exporting Tracks Polygons and Overlays

To export tracks, polygons and silk Screen elements to SolidWorks, the program creates anoutline shape of lines in a temporary PCB and outputs this outline to SolidWorks. Once all theoutline shapes are drawn in SolidWorks, they are extruded. This process can involve transferring alarge number of lines and arcs to SolidWorks so it can be time consuming.

If you check the Use Sketch Text check box, Altium text is matched to a windows text font andplaced into the sketch as text elements - otherwise text is represented in SolidWorks as extrudedshapes. Using Sketch Text creates a much simpler feature in SolidWorks.

These options are activated by checking the appropriate check boxes on the PCB Features tab ofthe Panel as shown below.



The outlining process is much faster if SolidWorks is running in Background mode.

Selection is supported so if not all objects are required in SolidWorks, select the objects that arerequired and only these are outlined and transferred to SolidWorks.

The method by which outlines are generated is described below:1) The objects to be exported to SolidWorks are copied to a temporary PCB document2) A polygon with a zero clearance is poured around these objects3) The objects to be export are deleted4) The polygons are "exploded" to lines and arcs5) The lines and arcs are automatically edited to create perfect outlines6) The lines are transferred to SolidWorks7) The resulting shapes in SolidWorks are extruded

In some cases, the outlining process does not produce a perfectly enclosed shape. In thesecases, the shape is not transferred to SolidWorks. Instead, the temporary PCB document is leftopen so that the user can manually correct the problems and then send the shape toSolidWorks. This temporary PCB is named to identify the layer it represents eg TopTrackOutline.pcb for the outline of the Top Layer tracks.



For examples for the causes of outlining errors, see this topic : Possible Causes of OutliningErrors

The outline shape consists of Tracks and Arcs on the Board Outline mechanical layer (orMechanical Layer 1 if you are using the Board Shape). The Tracks and Arcs are placed on thismechanical layer so that you can use the Check Outline command to locate problem objects.

Once you have fixed the outlining problems, you can choose the command Outline To Assemblycommand. This creates the feature in SolidWorks

Choosing Draft mode and using the electrical grid will help in correcting the outlining problems.

The Check For Outlining command checks the Layers selected, for outlining errors. If you havethe Keep Temp PCB checkbox, then the temporary PCB's created during outlining are left open.

Desktop EDA considers that if there are less that ten error objects, then it would be reasonable tofix these errors and use the Outline to Assembly command to create the Extrusion inSolidWorks.

If you get a large number of errors, contact Desktop EDA for advice.

1.20 Check For Outlining Problems

These commands perform the outlining function on the selected layer and check for possibleextrusion problems.

These commands are accessed by clicking on the Outlining Checks button on the PCB Featurestab.



Choosing the All Selected command invokes the Check for outlining on all the Outlining optionschecked in the PCB Features tab of the Panel.

Choosing any other command invokes a single check on that layer only - for example, Top Tracksdoes an Outline check on the Top Layer.

Use these commands before outputting the Tracks, Polygons, Overlays or Overlay Text to theAssembly. If any problems are located, a PCB document containing the outline is created and leftopen.

This document is named as follows:

Top Tracks TopTrackOutline.pcbBottom Tracks BottonTrackOutline.pcbTop Polygons TopPolygonsOutline.pcbBottom Polygons BottomPolygonsOutline.pcbTop Overlays TopOverlayOutline.pcbBottom Overlays BottomOverlayOutline.pcbTop Overlay Text TopOverlayTextOutline.pcbBottom Overlay Text BottomOverlayTextOutline.pcb

You can find the location outlining problems by running the Check Outline command. This selectsany two objects that have a gap between them. You can locate these objects by choosing theJump to Selection command (JT). You can then put the cursor over a particular location where agap exists, then choose the Jump to PCB Doc command in the Jump menu (JD). This switches



documents to the original PCB document and locates the cursor over the source of the outliningproblem.

Usually you will be able to see the cause of the problem and you can correct it. Then re-run theoutlining command to check that it has been corrected

if you cannot correct the problem in the source PCB document, you can fix the gaps in thedocument containing the outline. Once the gaps have been closed, you can use the Outline ToAssembly command, this sends the shape to SolidWorks and extrudes it.

1.21 Setting Colors

You have the option of using the colors set in the Altium View Configurations dialog (Press the Lkey while in the PCB editor) or defining them in this product.

To use colors set in Altium, check the Colors from Altium check box on the Options tab of thePanel.

To define your own colors uncheck the Colors from Altium check box and press the Colors buttonon the Options tab of the Panel.

This displays the Color Settings dialog box.

This allows you to set the colors of the following elements:

PCB Sets the color of the extruded PCBCopper Sets the color of tracks and pads added to the PCB Part using the Pads,

Vias, Tracks and Polygons optionsOverlay Sets the color of the component overlay added to the PCB PartKeepouts Sets the color of features representing route keepout shapesRules Sets the color of features representing Height rulesC, D … This lists the prefixes of components used on the PCB. This allows you to

set the color of Auto-parts based on their Designator prefix

1.22 Update PCB Part

This command allows you to add or update elements to the PCB part.

You invoke this command using the button on the Commands tab of the panel as shown below.



When you invoke this command the dialog box below is displayed.

You can select multiple check boxes and click on the OK button.



The outline part is then opened (if not already open) and the sketch related to the optionsselected have all entities deleted and replaced. If a feature does not exist, a new Feature iscreated.

1.23 Working With Step Models

The Step Model commands are on the Settings tab of the Panel. these are described in the followingtopics.

1.23.1 Converting SolidWorks Parts to Step Models

To save SolidWorks parts as Step files, choose the Convert To button.

SolidWorks parts for components in the current PCB are saved as Step files. Selection is supported.

The Step files are saved in the folder shown in the Step Model Folder field.

1.23.2 Converting Step Model to SolidWorks Parts

To convert Step models to SolidWorks parts, add the folder containing your Step files to the StepModel Folder field.

You can either enter the name or use the Browse button.

Then choose the Convert From button. The Step files are saved as SolidWorks parts in the Foldershown in the Part Folders field on the Settings tab.

If there is already a SolidWorks part in that folder, the Step file is not saved.



1.23.3 Assigning Step Models to Components

You can automatically assign step models to components in the current PCB using the Add StepModels button on the Settings tab. If any components are selected, only Selected components areacted upon, otherwise all components are acted upon.

This command assumes that the Step model was created from a SolidWorks part that has the sameorigin and orientation as the Component it is modeling.

If this not not the case, you can save the Step model as a SolidWorks part then add a SolidWorksMove/Copy feature to adjust the orientation and origin to match the component. Then save the Partas a Step file.

You can remove Step files using the Remove Step Models button.

1.23.4 Guidelines for Adding Step Models

When a Step Model is added to a component, Altium places the bottom left corner of the Stepmodel at the origin of the component. The SolidWorks Modeler then attempts to reposition the Stepmodel to its correct location.

There are some circumstances where this position will be incorrect as follows:

1) If the origin of the component is not at the centroid and the Step model is not the same size asthe Altium component.2) If the origin of the component is at the centroid of the component but this point is not the centroidof the Step model.

To work around these issues, you can:

a) Add lines to a mechanical layer to make the size of the component the same as the Step Modelb) Make the origin of the component the same location at the centroid of the Step Model



1.24 PCB Library Commands

This topic describes the commands available on the PCB Library editor Panel.

Misc Section

Check Outline

This command checks the objects on a layer for gaps between them. This can be used to checkthat the enclosed shape on that layer will extrude in SolidWorks. When invoked, if theMechanical Layer defined as the Component Outline Layer is enabled, this is checked.Otherwise, the Silks Screen layer is checked.



View SolidWorks Part

This command opens the SolidWorks part for the current Footprint. To find the SolidWorks part,the current Part Selection is used. This is, if Footprint is the Part Selection setting, the PartFolders are searched for a Part with the same name as the Footprint. If Xref is the current setting,this Cross Reference file is used.

Bodies Section

Bodies To Part

This command creates a SolidWorks part from Bodies in the current Footprint.

Part To Bodies

This command creates a new Component and adds Bodies created from the extrusions in theactive Part in SolidWorks. You can then select these and copy them to the appropriatecomponent. Base Extrudes, Boss Extrudes and Revolve Extrudes are supported

Update Bodies

This command Updates existing bodies in the current Component from Extrusions in the activeSolidWorks part. This command uses names to relate Extrusions to Bodes. That is, the programreads the Feature name of the Extrusion in SolidWorks then searches for a Body whose Identifierfield is the same.

Currently the command supports Body Height and Color.

Body Grid

The grid on the Panel lists the Bodies in the current Component. To populate the grid, doubleclick on the grey area at the top of the Grid. Clicking on a row in the Grid hi-lights thecorresponding body using Object Filtering.

1.25 Check Outline (PCB Library Editor)

This command is located in the Tools menu in the PCB Library editor. It checks the ComponentOutline Layer of the currently selected part for an enclosed shape. Any objects that will causeproblems in transferring that shape to SolidWorks for extrusion are selected.

1.26 Working With Height Rules

Altium Designer provides the capability of defining an area of the PCB using a Room Definition ruleand associating a maximum component height with that area. This is achieved using Height rulesthat are defined the the Placement section of the PCB Rules and Constraints dialog box.

The definition of a Height Rule is shown below.



This rule is created after the Room Definition rule called 'PlaceOutline_1' has been created.

To create a feature in the Assembly that represents Height rules, check the Height check box in theRules section of the Options tab of the Panel box as shown below.

You can also add Height rules to an existing assembly using the Update Outline Part command.

To create Height rules from Features in the assembly, use the Height Rules from Assemblycommand on Commands tab of the Panel as shown.



See the PCB Tools topic from details on how to create Height rule features in the Assembly.

1.27 Working With Keepouts

Atlium Designer provides to capability to define areas on routing layers as Keepout areas. These aredefined using the commands in Place>Keepout. This product supports Keepout Fills and Regions.

This product provides bi-directional support for these Keepout shapes.

To create a Features in the Assembly that represent the Keepouts, check the Keepouts check boxin the Commands tab of the Panel as shown below.

You can also add Keepouts to an existing assembly using the Update Outline Part command.

To create Keepouts from Keepout features in the Assembly, use the Keepouts from Assemblycommand on the command tab of the Panel as shown.



See the PCB Tools topic for details on how to create Keepout features in the Assembly.

1.28 Using Altium Designer Variants

If you have Variants defined in your PCB, a command is provided to create a SolidWorks Assemblyconfiguration for each Variant defined in the PCB Project. Any PCB Components that are designatedas not fitted, are suppressed in the configuration for that Variant.

To create Configurations for Variants, choose the Command in the Sw Modeler Tools sub-menunamed Create Variant Configurations.

1.29 Set Mounting Hole

This command sets the Designator of any selected multi layer pads to the Mounting Hole Prefixdefined in the Options tab of the Panel plus a unique number. Any Mounting Holes alreadyassigned are preserved.

1.30 Guidlines For Starting Designs In SolidWorks

The PCB must first be created as a SolidWorks Part. The profile of the PCB should drawn in asketch and extruded by the thickness of the PCB. The Base-Extrude created by the extrusionmust have appropriate attributes assigned to it. This can be achieved either by using the AssignPCB Features in the PCB Tools or creating an assembly using the Export to SolidWorkscommand. Mounting Holes can be defined using the Set Hole Features command in the PCBTools.

This part should then be placed into the assembly in the either the Front or Top orientation asappropriate, at the co-ordinate of 0,0,0 and given the name PCB in the Feature Tree. This partshould have appropriate attributes assigned to it using the PCB Tools.

Each electronic component on the PCB must have a SolidWorks Part. The profile of thecomponent must be drawn in a Sketch and extruded by the height of the component. These parts can then be placed in the assembly. These parts can then be assigned as PCB parts



using the Assign Part Names command in the PCB Tools.E.g. C1, C2, R1, U1 etc.

To see an example of how the assembly should be set up, export one of the example PCB'sinstalled with the product.

1.31 SolidWorks PCB Tools

The PCB Tools allows you to prepare a PCB assembly created in SolidWorks for import into Altium.

The PCB Tools commands are available on the PCB Tools tab on the Panel or they can be installedinto the SolidWorks application as an "Add-in" (32-bit only). Contact Desktop EDA for the install file.

These tools allow you to assign SolidWorks features as specific PCB features.

PCB Tools Panel tab



When the Add-in is installed, commands are added to both the SolidWorks Part editor and theAssembly editor.

Part Editor Commands

In the Part editor, an item is added to the Tools menu as shown:



An entry is also added to the Help menu as shown:

A toolbar is also added.

The Part Editor commands as described below:

Assign PCB Features

This allows you to nominate which Extrusion in the current part is to be used to define the BoardOutline. When you choose this command, a dialog box displays as shown:



In the right hand field, you click on the down arrow to list the Extrusions in the Part. Once youselected the required extrusion and click OK, appropriate attributes are added to the Sketch andExtrusion features so that the Import commands can identify these features. Also, a plane is addedwhich is used as the reference for defining PCB Hole features.

Set Hole Features

When you are creating Cut Extrudes that define PCB holes, you must align the Sketch with theplane named HolePlane that is added by the Assign PCB Features command.

The Set Hole Features command allows you to nominate which Cut Extrudes are to be use to definePCB Holes. When you choose this command, a dialog box displays as shown:

In the right hand fields, you click on the down arrows to list the Cut Extrude features in the Part.Once you have made these selections and click OK, appropriate attributes are added to the Sketchand Cut Extrude features so that the Import commands can identify these features.

Assign Part Outline Extrude

The Assign Part Outline Extrude command allows you to nominate which Extrusion in the currentPart will be used to define the part outline. When you choose this command, a dialog box displays



as shown:

In the right hand field, you click on the down arrow to list the Extrusions in the Part. Once youselected the required extrusion and click OK, appropriate attributes are added to the Sketch andExtrusion features so that the Import commands can identify these features.

Assembly editor Commands

In the Assembly Editor, an Item is added to the Tools menu as shown:

An entry is also added to the Help menu as shown:



A toolbar is also added.

The Assembly Editor commands are described below:

Set PCB Part

This command allows you to nominate a part in the assembly as the Board Outline. When thiscommand is invoked, a dialog box displays. In the PCB Outline Part field, you click on the downarrow to display a list of Parts in the assembly. If a part is chosen, this is set as the Board OutlinePart.

Assign Part Names

This command allow s you to set the Designator of Parts placed in the assembly as show n.



Check PCB Assembly

When this command is selected, a summary of PCB features in the assembly is displayed asshown:

Show Part Data

This command allows you to view data assigned to PCB Parts in the assembly. Before invoking thiscommand, select a Part in the Feature Tree. When you choose the command, information about thepart is displayed as shown:



1.32 Set Configurations

This command sets some standard configurations in the PCB assembly.

1.33 Show Part Usage

This command shows the Part that will be used for each Footprint. This displays in the MessagePanel.

1.34 View SolidWorks Part

This command is invoked from the SolidWorks Modeler Library editor Panel.

When invoked, the SolidWorks part associated with the current component in the Library editor isopened in SolidWorks.

The assembly should be closed when using this command.



1.35 PDM Support

When the PDM Support checkbox in the Options tab of the Panel, the PDM Support functions areenabled as shown below.

The PDM Support functions allow data assigned to parameters in the PCB Project schematic to beloaded into SolidWorks when the Assembly is created.

Choose the Set Params button to display the dialog box below.

Choosing the Component radio button results in the names of all Schematic components in theproject parameters being listed. Choosing the Document Radio button results in all Documentparameters in all schematics in the project being listed.

The Un-Check All button, un-checks any checked checked boxes.



For Document Parameters:

Any document parameters whose check boxes are check are added to the SolidWorks assemblyas Custom Properties assigned to the Default configuration.

For Schematic Parameters:

A configuration is automatically added to each SolidWorks part. The name of the configuration isdetermined by the Library Ref property of the PCB component. For each parameter checked in theParameters dialog box (see Set Params button) a Custom Property is added to this configurationof the SolidWorks part. The name of the Custom Property in the Parameter name and the Value isthe parameter Value.

Once the Assembly is created with the PDM Support option enabled, you can use the BOMfunctions in the SolidWorks Drawing editor. If you set up a BOM template with each customproperty added, these custom property vales are automatically added to the BOM.



1.36 Running SolidWorks in Background Mode

If you ensure that SolidWorks is not running when you invoke the Export to SolidWorks command,then SolidWorks runs in Background mode. That is, the SolidWorks application is running without awindow displaying.

In general, all SolidWorks Modeler function run faster with SolidWorks running in Background mode,particularly the outlining functions. Typically, it is ten times faster that when the SolidWorksapplication window is not displayed.

1.37 Possible Causes of Outlining Problems

Below are some typical situations that can cause Outlining errors:

Tracks not finishing on Pad centersTracks that are not orthogonal or at 45 degree anglesTracks entering Pads that are the same width as the tracksText placed at angles other than 0, 90, 180 or 270 degreesZero length TracksDuplicated Tracks, Pads or Vias

When there is an Outlining error, zoom in on the area where the error occurred and look for anything"unusual" for good PCB layout.

SolidWorks Modeler for Altium Designer54


Index

- C -Check 3D Outline (Library Editor) 39

Check Component Outlines 30

Check For Outlining Problems 32

Check Outline 16

- D -Defining the Board Outline in SolidWorks 29

- E -Export To SolidWorks 15

- G -Guidelines on Exporting Tracks and Overlays 30

Guidlines For Starting Designs In SolidWorks 42

- I -Import Board Outline From SolidWorks 29

Import From SolidWorks 29

- M -Managing Library Search Paths 23

- P -PDM Support 51

- R -Review Component Heights 17

- S -Set Configurations 50

Set Mounting Hole 42

Setting Colors 34

Setting Up For Export 15

Show Part Usage 50

SolidWorks 3D Modeler Commands 2

SolidWorks Parts 19

Synchronise SolidWorks Parts With ProtelComponents 29

- U -Update Component Locations From SolidWorks 29

Update PCB Part 34

Using Cross Reference Files 26

- V -View SolidWorks Part 50

- W -Welcome 2

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