SolidWorks IDF Modeler

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SolidWorks IDF Modeler

• This allows you to add electronics assemblies
  designed in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) CAD
  packages to your SolidWorks product assembly.
• It uses the IDF standard which is supported by
  most PCB CAD packages.

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How Does it Work?

• Creates a SolidWorks assembly from IDF files
• Creates IDF files from a SolidWorks assembly

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Toolbar is also added
When this product is installed, these items are
added to the SolidWorks File menu
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Creating An Assembly from IDFFiles

• Use the Import IDF command in the File menu
• The IDF Import dialog box displays

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IDF Board File
IDF Library File
Assembly Directory
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IDF Import Settings Tab
Directory for SolidWorks parts
Color settings for auto created parts
Review IDF part heights
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IDF Import Options Tab
Select PCB hole types to Import
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IDF Import Select Parts Tab
If any boxes checked, only selected parts are
added to the assembly
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IDF Import Feature Names Tab
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IDF Import Status Tab
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IDF Import Board Tab
View the IDF Board file
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IDF Import Library Tab
View the IDF Library file
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Part for PCB is automatically created
Parts from Library
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Non Plated Holes
Vias
Plated Holes
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If no library parts are available, the program
automatically creates parts
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Top Parts
Printed Circuit Board Part
Bottom Parts
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Creating IDF Files from an Assembly

• Use the Export IDF command in the File menu
• The IDF Export dialog box displays

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IDF Export
Set name of IDF files
Choose target ECAD system
Choose IDF version
Choose IDF units
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Export searches for features tagged with
attributes to get PCB geometry
Export uses Part attributes to create IDF file
entries
To get part geometry, Export uses attributes in
Part features if present, otherwise it uses the
bounding cube
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Update Assembly

• During the design process, changes may be made in
  the PCB CAD system
• These changes can be reflected in the PCB
  assembly using the Update Assembly option
• If you choose the Import IDF command and a PCB
  assembly already exists, then an additional
  button labelled Update appears .

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Update Assembly
When pressed, anything that is different between
the IDF files and the Assembly, is updated in the
Assembly
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Strategies for Managing Parts

• Store parts in single directory tree
• Store parts in multiple directory trees and
  control search order
• Cross Reference Files

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Parts in Single Directory Tree
Parts in single directory tree
When checked, program searches all directories in
the Paths directory path
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Multiple directories with Ordered Search
Parts stored in multiple directories
Directories searched starting in directory at
the top of the list
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IDF Package Name Verses Part Name Cross Reference
File
Check to use Look up table file
Click to edit Look up Table file
Look up Table file
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Starting a New PCB Design in SolidWorks

• Use the IDF PCB Tools in the SolidWorks Tools
  menu
• Allows you to create a PCB assembly as you would
  any other assembly

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SolidWorks Parts
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SolidWorks IDF 3D Modeler Features

• Supports IDF versions 2 and 3
• Bi-directional
• Supplied with electronics parts library
• Automatically creates parts if no library parts
  available
• Option to select Parts for import
• Fully supports the IDF Specification route
  outlines, keep-outs, panels etc.
• Works with Allegro, Mentor, ORCAD, PADS, PCAD and
  Protel
• For more information www.desktop-eda.com.au