Technical support

On this page (as well as on our company’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages), we publish information about the latest versions and issues that have arisen in use
Of course, we also send emails if you are part of the distribution.

In case of technical issues, you can contact us directly at tuki[at]designsystems.fi or by calling any one of us .
Here are some quick guides for PADS, CAM350, and BluePrint software programs. Some of the links require a Support Center user account.

Layout

Save the script in an appropriate folder and add it to the script list in PADS.

  • The Variant Reports script extends the part list output to allow for the generation of part lists and centroids in addition to PDF outputs of the Logic circuit diagram for each variant. It also semi-automatically generates Step files from Layout, excluding unrouted ones. Watch video. User manual.
  • The Assembly Steps script is a quick way to select a few components for separate presentation in documents. It uses attributes, providing the opportunity to control documentation even during the library phase. User Manual
  • The Text Checker script allows you to quickly check the text in the PCB file without turning on layers and colors. It sorts them by layers, and you can select texts by clicking on the list. Editing can be done in Layout using the RMB-Properties function. User Manual
  • CAM printing settings (gerber and ncdrill).
  • IPC-D-365A script. Compared to the standard export function in PADS, the script checks the offsets of Gerber and Excellon printing specifications (the standard always uses a 0,0 offset). If all documents have the same offset, it uses the same offset for the IPC component list. If they have different offsets, it prompts the user to choose which one to use. Of course, the most logical choice is to use the same offset for all, so at this stage, it’s easy to correct the document specifications.
  • With the Stacked Via Tool, you can easily create layer-to-layer via combinations. When the layout is complete, you can use the software to print layer-specific drilling files for vias. The software saves you from defining even dozens of vias and combining numerous NC files. Newest version 1.38. (11.3.2020).
  • Center Point Printing (Script), SMD Identification based on Pin 1 Drilling.
  • PADS Layout Script Wizard Quick help. As an example, part list output with placement coordinates in Excel format. The wizard generates a new VB script that can be run directly in the future.
  • With the Bi-directional Excel Link script, you can export the coordinates of decals from the PCB to Excel and then bring them back into Layout, for example, updating test point pads with new coordinates. Tip: When returning coordinates from Excel to Layout, only include the rows in the Excel coordinate list that have changed. This speeds up the execution of the script.

Designer

  • DxDBTweaker is a utility that facilitates the maintenance of the Databook database (MsAccess).
  • How to connect multiple decal pins to a single part pin in Designer (Mapping Multiple Physical Pins to a Single Logical Pin) (video 7:28)

Translating from Allegro to PADS

  • To translate Allegro files into PADS, you typically require a script file obtainable from Allegro. On the front page, you can find the contact information for a Danish PCB Design company. Henrik Gottlieb performs translation work from Allegro to PADS at a reasonable cost.

Installation, FlexNet & Licensing:

Logic

  • Script for converting a bitmap into a 2D vector object, such as logos.
  • The ConnectSlavepins script simplifies situations where one logical pin in the schematic corresponds to multiple physical pins on the PCB. In one component attribute, the root pin number is written, along with a list of pins to which it is connected but are not shown in the schematic. There can be multiple of these groups. When the script is executed, the connected pins are connected to the root pin with the signal pin definition, and the information is transferred to Layout as usual. The script just needs to be remembered to run before Layout synchronization.

Importing graphic objects into PADS.

  • The 2D objects are compatible between Logic and Layout. In Layout, there are versatile 2D object editing tools and extensive import filters. So, for example, importing a logo is often easiest as follows: Open it as a bitmap in a graphics program (such as CorelDraw) and run Trace. It creates an outline between the colors, and it can be exported as a DXF file. It’s advisable to choose an older format (V10 or even older), so that there are no bspline definitions in it. You can import DXF into Layout, combine, modify, close polygons (join, close), scale, convert to copper areas, board outlines, keep-out areas, etc., and save it in the 2D library, from where you can import it into Logic.

WWW-links:

  • You can find 3D models of decals and mechanical parts on the website www.3dcontentcentral.com, which can be utilized in PADS.
  • On the website www.nxp.com, there is a comprehensive collection of documents for component packages, including package dimensions, pad sizes, solder mask openings, and various soldering-related documents.
  • You can find numerous pre-made components for PADS Designer/Layout, PADS Professional, and Xpedition on the website www.partquest.com.
  • Siemens Support Center

Videos:

  • A Keepout created based on a trace that can be copied to another layer. (video 3:34)

Router

  • Router- basic settings. These settings make the interactive use of the router work most comfortably. A good starting point for usage.

The use of ODA Central Library in projects

Getting started with ODA Central Library in PADS Standard Plus (Integrated Flow) and PADS Professional projects:

  • WDIR Configuration for Designer’s Settings Files (video 1:35)
  • Downloading and configuring the ODA Central Library
  • Download links for PADS Standard Plus and PADS Professional ODA libraries (requires Support Center credentials).
  • Installation of ODA Central Library on your computer (video).
  • ODBC configuration (video)
  • Project template configuration (video)

CONTACTS:

  • Phone: +358 40 520 3854
  • Email: toimisto@dsys.fi