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Selecting Classes and Subclasses in Dimension Environment

mvonahnen

 How do you configure 16.5 to select the specific classes and subclasses are availabe in the Dimension Environment?  I originally thought it was a fixed set of classes, but every BRD file seems to pick different ones.

  • As far as I can tell it works the same way as in previous releases, dimensions by default are added on Class Board Geometry / Subclass Dimension unless you set the environment variable draft_retain_class_subclass (Setup > User Preferences under the Manufacture > Draft Category).  Once you set this preference it will use the active Class and Subclass when going into the Dimension Environment and not automatically change it to Board Geometry / Dimension.

    Hope this helps,
    Mike Catrambone
    Plexus Engineering Solutions

  •  Maybe it is my level of license, but the dimensioning is nothing like the previous releases.  Now there is the Dimension Environment.  My previous release had none of this and did not restrict what class you use for things like leader lines and dimensions.

     I will try the setup change you indicated.


  • The Allegro dimensioning capabilities have been enhanced in 16.5 so that when a dimension is created involving one or more design database objects the dimension will subsequently remain internally ‘associated’ with those objects as well. Subsequent editing operations such as the moving of an object can then appropriately and automatically update as required any dimensions that are associated with that object.
    Command Access

    Menu Path: Manufacturing – Dimension Environment
     

    Command: Dimension Edit
     

    ** Once in the Dimension Edit Environment, use the RMB to access all commands and parameter setup associated with dimensioning.

    Frequently Asked Questions (Dimensioning) Do dimensions become associative when a database is up-revved to 16.5?

    No - they remain non associative and essential static in place. They cannot be moved or edited but the PCB Designer may elect to delete and re-add the dimensions to leverage the new associative behavior.
     What happens to associative dimensions when a database is down-revved?

    The dimensions remain but the association is removed.

                                                                                                            
    How do I delete associative dimensioning?

    You must use the “delete dimensions” command associated with the dimension edit environment.
     What happens if I delete the object the dimension is attached to?

    The dimension would be deleted as a result.
     How do I move dimension leader lines and text?

    Use the “move text” or “edit leaders” commands associated with the dimension edit environment.
     After moving a component in the y-direction, the dimension text does not maintain its former y position. What can be done to maintain the former y location?

    Consider using the “Lock dimensions” command to lock the text in place prior to moving the component.
     Can dimension text be moved to another subclass?

    Yes – use the z-move command but there are some limitations.

    Available Class-Subclasses:

    Board Geometry

    -          Dimension

    -          Assembly Notes

    -          Any user defined subclass

    Drawing Format

    -          Any user defined subclass

    Manufacturing

    -          Any user defined subclass
     What does the color blue represent in the parameter forms?

    Parameter form – changes apply to future dimensions that are added. They do not apply to existing dimensions.
     

    Instance Parameter form – changes apply only to the dimension you select in the canvas.

     

  • I realize that dimensioning has been enhanced in 16.5 but I thought your question was controlling which subclass the dimension is placed on by default which hasn’t changed in 16.5.  Sorry I misunderstood the question but the environment variable draft_retain_class_subclass still works the same way as it did in previous releases.

    I see your point about subclasses where you could place dimensions but I haven't really noticed that the Class/Subclasses have been limited in 16.5 where it was all open in previous releases.   I didn't notice it because I would always create a new subclass under Board Geometry or Drawing Format to add any special dimensions (Panel Outline, Fab Drawing detailed, etc.) and use Board Geometry / Dimension for standard board outline dimensions.  It looks like, by default, Allegro only allows dimensions to be added to Board Geometry / Dimension and Assembly Notes Subclasses or any user defined Subclass under Board Geometry, Drawing Format and Manufacturing inside of the design (.brd) which makes it less noticeable to me.

    In symbol databases (.dra) it is immediately noticeable to me, I would create a special Subclass under Package Geometry for reference part dimensions but in 16.5 you can no longer add dimensions to any Subclass under Package Geometry.  Actually, inside of the symbols you can only add dimensions to Board Geometry Subclasses only.  I will probably submit a support ticket to see if there is a way to add dimensions to user defined Subclasses under Package Geometry as it has been very useful to have the reference dimensions inside of the symbols.

    Mike Catrambone
    Plexus Engineering Solutions

  • Dimensions put on the 'Dimension' subclass of the 'Board Geometry' class in the symbol editor will now transfer to that class and subclass in the board file.
    Once the dimension is in the board file, it can then be moved (z-move) to a different class/subclass of the board file using the new Dimension Environment.

    As noted, with the new dimensioning environment the dimensions on the symbol are now "associated" with the symbol (both in the symbol editor and the board editor), such that if the symbol is (e.g.) moved, the dimension will move with it. The classes and subclasses in a board file that a dimension can be on are now more limited. The 'Dimension', 'Assembly_Notes', and user-defined subclasses of the 'Board Geometry' class, and any user-defined subclasses of the 'Manufacturing' class.
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