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IDF out problems to Solidworks 2016

stevegauvin

I am having strange problems when I output an IDF file out of Allergro PCB Designer and send to our mechanical group using Solidworks. Sometimes the component height goes through, in the IDF file, and sometimes it doesn't. I assume this value is derived in the IDF translator from the PLACE_BOUND_TOP > PACKAGE_HEIGHT_MAX attribute??? Sometimes mounting holes show up in solidworks and sometimes they do not. I add a PLACE_BOUND_TOP  > PACKAGE_HEIGHT_MAX shape, with a low height value. I can't find any literature on IDF in Cadence to indicate what properties the IDF export tool uses when it does the translation out of Allegro into IDF? Any ideas?

 

  • Soundman99

    Yes, it uses the PACKAGE_HEIGHT_MAX attribute to draw the height of the package.

    IDF has two components to it.  I'm used to the PTC version, which gives two files of *.emn and *.emp.  For Solidworks, you should have files with the extention .bdf and ldf. The first contains the bare-board outline, including holes and vias and location of parts on the board (just x-y side of board and rotation).  Make sure that if you are using a filter in the IDF out dialog box, that you have the filter selected correctly.  If you filter out plated through holes, then it will filter them out no matter what (plated or not).  It also will fail if any of your cutouts aren't fully "closed".  That's because when it brings it into the MCAD world, it creates a 2D sketch and then extrudes that to the height of your board.  If there's an open sketch, then it can't figure out how to draw the 3D shape from that. The second file contains all the information about your parts.  It again draws a sketch, pulled from the placebound outline and extrudes those shapes to the Z-height of PACKAGE_HEIGHT_MAX and places them at the locations specified in the first file.

    I hope that helps a little.  If you want, the IDF standard should be a text file.  I just opened it up and started to figure stuff out one day because I was having problems. 

  • redwire

    I run Solidworks on the back end and use the EMN EMP format 'cause that's my normal export.  SW does not have an issue with this format.  Have you tried it?

  • stevegauvin

    Thanks, that is helpful... Can't explain why some component height comes in and some does not even though I have the proper property... I will play with the filter...

  • redwire

    It is the PTC format (Choose File->Export->IDF, then choose PTC in the pulldown box)

    It is the most requested format that I get for 3D export

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