Community PCB Design & IC Packaging (Allegro X) Allegro X Capture CIS Mapping a STEP-file to a footprint (symbol) breaks the CIS...

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Mapping a STEP-file to a footprint (symbol) breaks the CIS explorer footprint preview when using a local database...

Ulf K

Forum.

Using 23.1 S003

Having set up a local database previously used for years using MS Access now with 23.1 I tried to verify that all tables were correctly configured.

Opened a schematic and selected "Place Part". Amongst the options was the CIS ODBC source.

When selecting this option, the database opened and all tables, (resistors, capacitors, etc) displayed.

Further on, when placing the mouse cursor on one of the entries, the symbol and its footprint was displayed in the upper right corner.

The schematic symbol was successfully placed in the blank schematic. The CIS properties was present in the (properties) spreadsheet of the schematic.

But when selecting another one, there was no footprint visible although the footprint did exist in the same library as the previous entry.

I went on and selected a CPU configured with a LQFP100 footprint but without a STEP-file mapped. Both the symbol and the footprint was displayed.

Then I mapped a STEP-File for 3D data with the .DRA file, compiled it ino a .PSM and went back to the CIS explorer.

The foot print view was gone.

Bug or am I (again) missing something?

  • 0

    I am also using 23.1 S003 and issue can't be seen at my end. I tried mapping 3D step model with DRA in Allegro PCB Editor and still footprint was visible in CIS Explorer without any issue. I tried it with multiple DRA files.

    Is this issue reproducible with any sample footprint present at C:\Cadence\SPB_23.1\share\pcb\pcb_lib\symbols  at your end?

  • 0 in reply to rg13

    Those files are not useable at my end because of the different standard used.

    Setting up a database using them and also map some of them would take too much time.

    I am inclined to beleive that this problem is related to the database format.
    I use CIS with Microsoft Access via ODBC 64Bit. The way in which the symbols are mapped to a 3D
    model is unknown to me but I wonder if this data when linked/compiled inside the .DRA or .PSM
    somehow prevents the CIS explorer from recognizing the foot print.

    Debugging this at a deep level would require setting up a structural copy of the library system
    with its definition as well as submitting an amount of symbols together with their STEP-files.

    At one time, I converted the Access database to SQL but refrained from using it since I

    could nor find an easy to use SQL front end for adding entries in a similar way that Access can be used.

  • 0 in reply to Ulf K

    Are you using sample database which comes with shipment or you are using your own DB?

    I tried mapping 3D step file with footprint at two different systems while using same MS access database but could not see the any issue with footprint viewer in CIS Explorer.

  • 0 in reply to rg13

    No I am not using any of Cadence supplied sample databases.

    The database is a local created using Cadence tutorial/sample file as a template. The structure is essentially the same but with added required fields.

    I have raised the issue with my Channel Partner and submitted several files for further debugging.

    Have been using CIS a long time w/o problem from v. 17.2 but it is only now when I have started mapping 3D files that the problem have occurred.

  • +1 in reply to Ulf K

    There may be an issue with 23.1 symbols that may be causing this issue so if you still have 22.1 installed, try running the qvupdate from <install_dir>\tools\bin on the footprint and then restart Capture and see if that helps.( CCR 2961600). You can also look at OrCAD CIP as a great interface for SQL (amongst other advantages).

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