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Connecting symbol shapes to internal layer

TH Designs

On the connector shown below I want to connect the shapes around the perimeter to the internal gnd layer. I have selected each shape and assigned the net "gnd" to each but I get no ratsnest showing a connection needs to be made. The status command does not show them as unconnected either.

Previously I would have edited the copper area to assign the net, then placed a "free via" to connect to the gnd plane. I don't see a method to get a small hole into the shape.

I tried to add pins to the library part, but that requires adding additional pins to the schematic symbol. Plus, can you even have a pin inside a shape?

Tom

(I sure picked the right avatar........)

  • budnoel

    It looks like your shapes may be static shapes.  You may need to change them to dynamic shapes before you can associate them with nets.  Select the shape and RMB - Change shape type

     

  • TH Designs

    Tried that. When I try to change the shape type I get "A shape that is part of a symbol cannot be changed".

    When I try to edit it in the symbol editor, the option to change the shape is greyed out and only the defer dynamic fill is available. (Don't know what that does........)

    Tom

  • budnoel

    It sounds like you may have simply drawn the shapes in symbol editor.  I believe you need to create padstacks for those odd shapes if that is indeed what you want your lands to look like.  If you do a File - New  and choose "shape symbol" you will be able to create the shape in editor.  You then need to create a new padstack in padstack designer.  You can associate the shape you created by choosing under the Layers tab "Geometry - Shape" and then browse to the shape.  Let me know how you make out.

  • fxffxf

     In the board editor:

    • Menu Shape->Select Shap....
    • Pick the shape you want to have a net assignment made
    • RMB Assign Net
    • Then either pick an object like a pin,via,shape or cline whose net you want to have the shape adopt or in the "Options" panel assign the net by name. 
    Shapes that are part of symbols cannot be changed to dynamic shapes.

     

  • TH Designs

    I did exactly what you suggested by selecting the shape then assigning the net from the options box where the list of nets are available. If I hover ofer the shape it tells me that the net I chose is what the shape is associated with BUT, there is no rats nest and no way to route the net to the inner layer.

    I have experimented with modifying the library symbol to have a pin in each of the shape areas. I then edited the schematic symbol to add these pins as power pins, named GND with no length so they don't show on the part.

    When I load the netlist, the symbol is updated, but it is no longer placed or routed. I then tried refreshing the symbol on the board without loading the new netlist, but it won't let me because the number of pins don't match the netlist. Thought if I could get the part loaded, then bring the netlist over everybody would be happy. No can do.........

    There has to be an easy way to connect shapes of a symbol to a net without having to reload the parts and re-route everything.

    Tom

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