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  3. Dynamically Update PCB Outline Based on Component Placement...

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Dynamically Update PCB Outline Based on Component Placement?

JFuoco
JFuoco over 7 years ago

I want to use an RJ45 connector which requires a board cutout like this one Molex 1116503-2. It requires a board cutout like this:

I am playing around with some preliminary planning of component placement on my PCB. Is there a way to set up the dra/psm file of the component so that the PCB outline will be updated based on its placement? Right now the PCB is basically rectangular. My only plan as of now is to play around until I am happy with the placement, and then cut out at the end... But given the somewhat complex shape, it would make changing anything a nightmare.

Thanks.

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  • Dale Peterson
    Dale Peterson over 7 years ago

    All you need to do is to add a rectangle to your component in the library editor.  At the top of your editor window- Add /Board Geometry/Cutout.  Update your library part on your design and turn on the Board Geometry/Cutout layer to see it when you move your part around. Also, it would be good as well for you to add a -route keepout  rectangle around your cutout. This will light up etch DRC's if you try to add copper under your part. Otherwise you may forget that there is a cutout under your part especially if you have the cutout layer turned off.

    Cheers

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  • Dale Peterson
    Dale Peterson over 7 years ago

    Me again. Sorry I did not notice the complex shape until I made your view larger to see what you were trying to do. But, for this complex shape you need to just click on the add "L" shape icon to draw the shape you like. Also while in the draw mode, you need to change the segment line type to arc to add the curves. .

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  • steve
    steve over 7 years ago in reply to Dale Peterson

    I'd also consider the Shape Edit Mode to add the radius corners after you have drawn the shape, much quicker to do all in one go. 

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  • JFuoco
    JFuoco over 7 years ago in reply to steve

    Thanks a lot guys, thats what I did. Regarding fabrication, will board houses have an issue that the cutout (green) overlaps with the outline (yellow) as shown below? To me its obvious, but figured Id ask.

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  • Dale Peterson
    Dale Peterson over 7 years ago in reply to JFuoco

    Not really, Because the supplier will would add a scrap section between your boards in their fabrication array to cut out your board. They would do this to allow their mill bit to hog out your cut out cleanly. By the way you could also add the mill route to your part as well. Add it to board Geometry/NC route path They will use this to reduce their setup time. Time is money. Plus, you'll be able see clearly yourself what you will get. If they did not add scrap the mill route would cut directly into the adjacent board. If you don't care about this. Then, just  add a fab note for the supplier telling them that this would be fine. Scrap costs money. So, if you penalize your design yourself, one of your goals should be to keep your cost down.

    Cheers again      

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