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Idea for improvement with file-import-logo feature

gvellet

The file-import-logo feature is accessible in the symbol editor of Allegro/Orcad PCB editor. It is old and improvements would be appreciated.

The feature accepts only bmp file. It convert the logo shapes into lines that can be assigned to a layer such as silkscreen. The problem is that when it converts bitmap shapes into lines, it often destroys the the logo. When Orcad tries to figure out the outline of complex shapes in the bitmap file, it creates self intersecting lines. My request is that the logo import feature should offer the option to directly convert the bitmap into shape without going through line first. As an example, I was trying to convert a QR code into a mechanical symbol using the import logo, but it destroys the code with self-intersecting lines preventing the use of shape-compose function.

  • Hi  ,  

    Thanks for sharing your suggestion. This request has already been raised with the Cadence R&D team, and your feedback has been noted.

  • Hi.

    I have had good success with logos if they are in DXF format. Perhaps that may be worth trying as an option for import.

    Best regards.

  • in reply to Gowtham P

    Since DXF is mentioned, I would like to add some comments. In the past, I have been using AutoCAD for editing .DXF's of not only logotypes rceived from the mech. department but also complex board designs to be imported as Board geometry/design outlines. I have also been using it for the creation of more complex outlines used for eg. Assembly_TOP layer. This using incremental import.

    One thing that I find odd is that although I tried my best to limit the extents of the DXF's , carefully assigning the origin, the PCB editor often 1: Extends the existing (blank or partial) .DRA or .BRD drawing extents area considerably and 2: imports the .DXF into an extreme offset in regard to the PCB Editorl 0,0 ignoring the assigned 0,0 in the .DXF.

    It also seems that the PCB Editor often also has a problems when importing objects that within themselfes has curvatures not being circular. Even if the object is a closed polyline and that there are no hidden or duplicate object in the :DXF.

  • in reply to Ulf K

    Hi ULF,

    I had seen some strangeness too while importing DXF's.

    Typically I take the approach of a 2 step processes. Normally I import the DXF into an existing blank board file, like a B size
    or D size sheet size. I use Inch Format typically.

    Sometimes cleanup of the DFX will be needed such as filling shapes etc. When that is complete I export the file out as a
    sub drawing - Clip file. The advantage is the sub-drawing format can be used either in an existing board or a dedicated
    symbol can also be created from it. The Sub-Drawing is kind of neutral across both .BRD files and dra's.

    It can be handy for unusual board-outlines etc in that if you have a standard board template file that has all your DRC rules
    etc that you would want to use as a starter board. Your just basically importing a sub-drawing into it so no surprises that may
    disturb things vs just importing a DXF directly.

    I had not seen any oddities with respect to curves etc with DXF import... Might just be getting lucky there .. :)

    Maybe see if the Dub Drawing would help... Works great here.

    Best regards.

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