4) Exporting an IDF file with CircuitWorks

1. 4) Exporting an IDF file with CircuitWorks

2. CircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assemblies as IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems

3. CircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assemblies as IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems This is an example of an assembly created by processing an IDF file with CircuitWorks

4. These two components are in a position that’s going to cause a problem in our SolidWorks assembly This is an example of an assembly created by processing an IDF file with CircuitWorks

5. The two components are moved in SolidWorks

6. We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF file, so the Electrical Engineers can update their system

7. To save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menu We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF file, so the Electrical Engineers can update their system

8. To save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menu …or click the ‘Save As IDF’ icon

9. CircuitWorks will display the IDF Export Wizard with two Options: Express export or Full export

10. Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved

11. Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved Full export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made

12. Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved Full export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made As we’ve only moved two components, Express export has been selected

13. Click Next > to continue the export process

14. CircuitWorks prompts for a filename and location for the newly created IDF file

15. Type a filename

16. Type a filename and click Save

17. CircuitWorks reports that the file has been successfully exported

18. Click ‘Cancel’ to close the export wizard

20. CircuitWorks can also write out IDF data when more major changes have been made to the board or assembly

22. Here the sketch profile has been modified, additional holes added and components moved

23. Click ‘Save As IDF…’ to save the assembly to an IDF file

24. CircuitWorks displays the export wizard again

25. This time full export is selected CircuitWorks displays the export wizard again

26. Click Next > to continue the export process

27. The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for board options

28. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for board options

29. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 Set an alternative board thickness if required

30. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 Set an alternative board thickness if required If holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set here

31. Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 Set an alternative board thickness if required If holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set here Click Next > to continue the export process

32. The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for other features to export

33. Select which features to export from the list The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for other features to export

34. If you’re exporting the file in IDF 3.0 format, the owner of the features can be set here The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for other features to export

35. Click Next > to continue the export process

36. The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

37. The name of the exporting system can be set here The name of the exporting system can be set here The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

38. The name of the exporting system can be set here The name of the exporting system can be set here Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

39. The other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems The name of the exporting system can be set here The name of the exporting system can be set here Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

40. The other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems The name of the exporting system can be set here The name of the exporting system can be set here Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators Click Next > to start the export process

41. CircuitWorks will prompt for a filename and location for the IDF file

42. Click Save to save the IDF file and start the export process

43. CircuitWorks reports its progress as the board and components are exported

44. CircuitWorks will display a message when export is complete

45. Click OK to close the Export Wizard

46. If you want to check your assembly has exported correctly, you can open the newly created IDF file in CircuitWorks

47. Browse to and open the IDF file CircuitWorks has just exported

48. The Import wizard shows the new board outline profile

49. The exported assembly re-imported into SolidWorks

50. For more information or to download an evaluation copy of CircuitWorks, visit www.circuitworks.netor email info@circuitworks.net