To change e.g. the order of layers, you have to open the "Layer Matrix" menu, which can either be directly accessed through right-clicking in the layer panel and selecting "Open Matrix" or selecting "Fabrication » Matrix" in the main menu. There you are able to i.a. add new layers, load predefined standard stack ups, and even print a report of your stack up or export it as CSV.

In addition to the order of the individual layers every other information like default stackup, layer type, hights, layer attributes, material, colour, etc. can also be adjusted to fully fit your needs. Once every configuration is in order the printed curcuit board can thoroughly be inspected by selecting one or more layers (by simply clicking on them) for visual representation. By default, each layer is assigned a specific colour so that it can quickly be identified which parts and layers are belonging together. Related colours and layers can be found between the checkbox and the layer name. Should the colours not meet your preferences, they can also be adjusted either seperately through right-clicking on the concerning layer and selecting "Set Color of Layer" or globally through "Start » Setup Colours".

For example, you can choose a standard stackup for your pcb. To do so, right-click on "File" in the upper left corner of the menu. There, you have the option to choose one of the default stackups.

Component height is an important component property that is deeply attached to it. In earlier versions of ODB++ this property was just a number without unit. Since PCB-Investigator needs a unit for certain features like the 3D visualisation it assumes the unit "mils" by default. The Change Component Heights dialog which can be reached by Developer » Component Heights is a fail-safe that allows you to change the unit if it is falsely assumed by the program. Please note that this option only affects the component height property.

With the Filter option you can handle components only on active layers, only selected components or all components.

The NetGroup Wizard can be used to create net groups and to add or remove nets to them.

Open the NetGroup Wizard with clicking the "Net Groups" button.

The following dialog will show up.

1. The two important tabs contain the following options.

The net groups are always stored within the ODB design. Sometimes, you want to import net groups from another design. Prior to that, export the current net group to have a backup of them. In the import you can select between different file formats (xml, txt, dcf, dcfx, csv, rulf) to add net groups from other software (e.g. Xpedition or Zuken) or if you select xml from other PCB-Investigator exports.

Import Format List:

The "Tools" tab has three important functions.

• Analyse (see next chapter): Clicking the analyse control, a new dialog will open.
• The PCB Stack-up Calculator is a calculator for the PCB stack-up.
• Generate Net Groups: If you want to generate net groups automatically, you can use the "Generate Net Groups" contol. Clicking this option, will open the following dialog.

To create net groups, the net names will be used. The number is the number of letters to be tapped. All nets with the same beginning will then be added to the net group. The net groups names depend on the tapped letters.

2. The summary of controls allow you the following operations:

• Select: The "Select" control can be used to focus the selected net group.
• Unselect: If you selected multiple net groups, you can deselect one or more net groups to isolate the net groups you want to inspect.
• Activate Layer: This allows you to see the layers nets of the net groups when selecting a group.
• Include Components: "Include Components" also shows you the connected components to net nets of the net groups that you are selecting.
• Apply all Colors: If the net group has been colored, the "Apply all Colors" button allow you to color all nets with the same color.
• Optimize View: With this option you can zoom to the area of the net group and all included nets.

3. The button "Create Group" allows you to create you own groups with the desired group name.

4. This control contains all net groups which are deposited in the ODB dataset. More options to edit net groups can be found by right clicking on a net group.

• Rename: Here, you can rename the net group
• Add Description: You can add text that will be shown behind the group name in the extra tab.
• Assign Color to Group(s): Using this functionality, you can assign a color to the group within the list. It won´t assign color to the nets on the design.
• Apply Color in PCB-Investigator: If you assigned a color to the group, you can now assign this color to the nets included in the net group. Now, the nets will be shown in the design with the same color.
• Zoom to the Net Group: Here, you can zoom the net group. If you double left click a net group entry, you will also zoom to the net group.
• Remove Color Assignment: Use this function to remove color assignments.
• Delete/ Delete All: You can either delete the selected net group or all by using either "Delete" or "Delete All".

5. Every net of the net group will be shown here, if a group in the group view (4) is selected. To remove a net of the net group, right click the net you want to remove and click remove.

6. If y net group (4) is selected, you can add single nets to the net group with clicking a net in the view with the number 6 and clicking the add button. There are two different add buttons:

• The upper add button will just add nets which are selected on the design. If no net is selected, the button can´t be used.
• The button below adds the nets you select in the bottom right net list.

For more details have a look to this short video:

By clicking on the Panel Builder symbol, the following dialog will open:

1. Clicking on "Add a new Step" enables you to create an additional step.

2. "Import Step" allows you to import a new design / step from another file.

3. "Create Panel (Simple)" is described separatly and in detail under the post "Create Panel (Simple)".

4. "Create Panel (Intelligent Nesting)" is also explicitly described in an extra post.

5. "Edit Step" is an additional functionality to be used to individually place the origin. 

6. The "Drag and Drop" option allows you to manually place the steps on your panel. Clicking on it, the following dialog will open:

• Minimum Distance: Minimum Distance to another step that should not be deceeded.
• Distance to Profile: Minimum Distance to the profile.
• Show Measure Lines: Measure lines for a better handling of drag & drop.
• Use Orientation Elements: Orientation elements for facilitating drag & drop.

7. Clicking on a step in the list, you can transform the selected step by rotating it or moving it in individually set intervals.

• Minimum Distance: Minimum Distance to another step that should not be deceeded.
• Distance to Profile: Minimum Distance to the profile.

8. This list shows all steps currently placed on the relevant panel with its most important information.

9. Clicking on "Set Fiducials" allows you to define markers on your panel. The following dialog will therefore open:

• You can either use the values from the panel border or from the origin of the border.
• If you want to place markers, you can select the starting point (left-top, right-top, left-bot, right-bot) from which they are to be placed and - if needed - the interval (X offset) that defines the spacing of the placement.
• You have the choice between four default marker symbols; you can also load another symbol out of the default options or choose an own symbol from a library if needed.
• You can also choose to add a mask opening; the size of this opening can be adjusted individually in mm. This also gives you the option to oversize the symbol.
• You also have the option to add components. To do this, you just need to select one from your Package Library.
• Before setting the fiducial markers (Click on "Set Fiducials"), you have to select the propriate layer/s where you want or need to place the markers.

10. "Add Routing" is used to define the routing for your panel. Clicking on "Add Routing" will open the following dialog:

• On the top of the dialog, there are four symbols to be further explained (from the left to the right):
  • 1. Symbol: For checking for components placed nearby.
  • 2. Symbol: Use for multiply cutouts.
  • 3 Symbol: Use to clean double cutouts.
• Routing Layer: Choose the layere you want to use for routing.
• Routing Size: Select the size of the routing.
• Cutout Length: Adjust the length of your routing cutout/opening.
• Reduce Size for Intersecting: It is possible to change the routing diameter for small gaps or near child steps.
• Clear Route Layer: Remove all existing routings for new calculation.
• Ignore Holes: Create Routing only for ourline elmenents.
• Optimize Routway: Check for overlapping with near child step routings and remove double routings.
• Only in Panel Profile: Depending on your edge handling this can help to place less routings and remove all routings outside of the panel.
• Direct Routing: Place the routing lines direct on the outline of child steps, for some export formats the routing can be handled with shifting (left or right) to get the correct result.
• Only in Vshears: Check Vshear lines on the selected layer, for some cases the routing should be only in some areas.
• Components Outside: Use an oversize for overlapping components, this is needed for assemble in panel.
• After the creation of the routing layer, you can "Use Mouse Click" to define a cutout for each mouse click. You just have to click on the intended routing part to set a cutout.

In the File menu you find an extra dialog "cutout editor" see here

11. For defining holes on your panel, click on "Set Holes". The following dialog will be opened:

• Like described in "9. Set Fiducials", this dialog works practically analogously.
• There is the possibility to decide for the hole shape for each position (left-top, right-top, left-bot, right-bot) by clicking on : You can either decide for an oval form or a round shape. 
• You can define the diameter of the holes to be set in mm. 
• To set the holes like defined before, just click on "Set Holes".

12. "Set Profile" allows you to define the profile of your panel. The following dialog will be opened when clicking on it:

• You have the option between setting the contour according to a rectangle or a manufacturing edge: Depending on your choice you have to set different parameters.
• Rectangle: You have to define the x and y axis as well as the width and height of your profile in mm. If needed, you can select to use rounded corners (you therefore have to define a suitable radius)
• Manufacturing Edge: You have to define the size of left, right, top and bottom of your profile in mm. You can also decide for rounded corners.
• By clicking on "Accept", the current size of all active layers will be calculated. If there is no active layer, all loaded layers will be used instead
• By clicking on "Set by all Outlines/Objects", all loaded objects will be used for the calculation.

13. Here, you can add another step on your current panel by choosing the step out of the provided list options. You are able to select each step that has been defined for this design.

14. Clicking on "Apply" applies all changes made by you on your currently opened design. 

1) After you have adjusted the settings for the next dimensionings you want to add, you can press "Add".

Then, move to the graphic interface to choose two points on your printed circuit board you want to select for measuring their distance. PCB-Investigator thereby helps you with reference points to easily mark e.g. the edge or centre of a component. To set a marker for dimensioning use a right-click. A double-click allows you to change the location of the set marker by entering new values for x and y. You can also easily relocate the connecting line and its associated text information with holding the right mouse botton and shifting the line in its wanted position. 

2) Here, you can adjust the settings for the layer, the text and the type of the new dimensioning you want to add.

• Layer: You can only choose between the currently activated layers. It´s also possible to choose "all layers". Dimensionings with this categorization will be visible no matter of the layers being activated.
• Text: This setting allows you to configure which information about the dimensioning you want to be displayed. %DIS% %UNIT% displays both, the distance and the unit used. If you use the same unit for all dimensions (see 7), you can only use %DIS%. It´s also possible to use any other text by entering the propriate information.
• Type: There are four different types of dimensioning you can use: cross, vertical, horizontal or text.
  • Cross, vertical, horizontal indicate the direction of the connecting lines. The rotation can also be changed afterwards.
  • Text allows you to add additional information or notes to you printed circuit board (e.g. marking drillings). You can duplicate text marker points by holding STRG while right-clicking. A double-click will eliminate the duplicate. A text type can´t be switched into a direction type once defined.

3) There are three more options you can adjust before adding a new dimensioning: text size, text rotation and font.

• text size: This allows you to determine the size of the text that should be displayed.
• text rotation: Here, you can choose the rotation of text which should be used for the next dimensioning. Using -1 will adapt the text parallel dimensioning line. You can also rotate the text by double-clicking on the appropriate text information in the graphic interface.
• font: Choose the font you want to use for the text.

4) You can also determine the colors that should be used for the visualization of the dimensioning: line color, text color, back color.

• line color: Color of the connecting line between the two points selected for dimensioning.
• text color: Color of the text used to describe the dimensioning information.
• back color: Background color of the text.

5) Clicking on "Apply" allows you to subsequently change the settings of (3) and (4) for all dimensionings you have determined so far at once. 

6) In this list, you will find a overview of all dimensionings you have determined with all their relevant information. You can also adjust the settings by double-clicking on the intended configuration. A right-click on a dimensioning will highlight the appropriate dimensioning in the graphic interface.

7) Here, you can choose the unit you want to use for your dimensionings. Selecting "auto" will apply an automatically choosen unit (most practical solution) for each dimensioning. To avoid misunderstandings using "auto", you should indicate the unit for each of your dimensionings (2).

8) "Set Bounds Dimensionings" sets the dimensionings for your overall printed circuit board (lenght, width). 

Example for dimensionings on a design:

View Dimensionings:

To display or hide your dimensionings, click on the framed symbol which can be found under "View".

Clicking on “Add” that can be found under Fabrication, the following window will open.

You have the possibility to add 5 different types of objects:

1. Line

2. Pad

3. Surface

4. Arc

5. Text.

The here mentioned objects correspond to the different types of objects ODB++ provides.

The description of the placement of lines forms the basis for the explanation of the addition of all the other objects. Overlapping configuration options will only be described here.

To edit objects, you first have to select the object you want to choose for edition (either by double-clicking or by using the selection tool). After that, by clicking on “Edit”, the following window will open showing the parameters of the currently selected object.

There are 4 general options of editing objects:

• Edit Parameters
• Edit Attributes
• Transform
• Edit 3D

1. You can either sort the properties by categories or

2. according to the alphabet. It´s also possible to change the properties by entering new values.

3. You will also see all attributes belonging to the selected object. By clicking on the green plus symbol, you can add attributes. The red cross will remove the selected attribute.

5. Editing the objects also refers to changing their position by moving, rotating or oversizing them.

Here, you have some different options to adjust the current position of the selected object. You can move (in specific steps per mm) and rotate your object (change angle) or oversize the object by entering new values for its size or a certain percentage for the augmentation.

6. It´s also possible to look up the 3D Step File Path that is deposit for the currently selected object. You can also adjust the 3D parameters by changing the values for the offset and rotation regarding X, Y and Z axis.

7. At the bottom part of the dialog, you can see 4 further options for editing objects (only the applicable ones will be shown in colour):

• Split (only regarding lines): Dividing one line into two lines (enables to adjust the angle of these two lines)
• Union: Summarizing several objects into one
• Trim: Subtracting the second object from the first one
• Cross: Only the overlapping parts will remain

Symbols / Objects are stored in the symbol library. You can either access it when e.g. adding or editing objects or you can directly open the symbol library. 

By clicking on the tab “Symbol Library” which can be found under the ribbon “Fabrication”, the following window will open.

1. Under “Loaded Library”, you have three different types of libraries to choose from:

• Job: You will see all symbols that are used in the currently open design or on the corresponding panel
• XML Library
• PCB-I 365: Only if you have registered for.

To get access to the symbols of one of these symbols, you have to open the subcategories of the corresponding library.

2. Then, you will see a list with all symbols and their properties stored in this library.

3. Selecting one of these symbols in the list, will visualize them on the right side of the list.

4. Clicking on the green plus at the bottom left corner of the dialog will open the following dialog:

Here, you have the choice between different ODB++ symbols that can be adjusted according to your needs by defining their parameters. Clicking on “Accept” will then add the newly defined symbol to the currently opened Library.

5. Clicking the “X” when you have selected a list item, allows you to extinguish this symbol in your library.

6. Clicking on the pen symbol will open up the “Symbol Property Editor”.

The Symbol Property Editor allows you to change the name of the symbol and create a new property by entering a new property name and by choosing a new value type for the symbol.

You can´t delete or edit the properties of a symbol that is a regular feature of your design. When you have selected one of these symbols, the two buttons will be greyed out.

7. If you have selected the currently opened Job as a Library, you have the option to pick any of the symbols on your design in the graphic interface and the corresponding symbol in the list will be highlighted.

There are two more options when you have selected an XML or 365 Library to work with. The dialog for these libraries will also look a bit different:

When choosing either an XML or PCB-I 365 library, you can click on  to open another dialog for adjusting the settings of the library.

This editor allows you to create, edit, remove, import and export a (new) library. When adding a new library (click on “Create”), you have to enter a new name for the library and you have to select the propriate path for the library file you want to choose.

If you want to remove a symbol library in the setting dialog by selecting it and clicking on “Remove”.

You can also edit the parameters of an already existing object or add a new symbol from the current selection. Clicking on  or double-clicking on a symbol in the list will open a new window of PCB-Investigator allowing you to adjust the currently selected symbol in the list to gain a special symbol that’s not contained in any of the libraries.

To configure this symbol, you can then click on “Add”. This allows you to compile a special symbol. How to add symbols or objects is described under “Add Objects”. If you have completed the compilation of your special symbol, you can click on “Save” or “Save and Close” on the upper right corner of the window and you will get back to the main Symbol Library dialog.

You can find the Testpoint Assign Tool under Plugin >> Assign Testpoint Attribute.
This tool helps to find and mark testpoints in a layout which could be defined via multiple non standardized attributes. Marking them with this tool then helps to standardize this and prepare the layout for following tools (for example the DFT Preperation).
On the top left you can switch between using the current selection or a set rule to find the testpoints and assign the test_point value.
When choosing rules you can add another rule by checking the checkbox of the lowest row in the current listview and then fill out which attribute should be tested and what value needs to be set in said attribute.
All attributes are listed in a simple drop down menu. The Filter Value then has to represent the value of the attribute. Wildcards are allowed when searching for attribute values. The image shows for example all ways to search for "tp" in the "geometry" attribute:

• The first rows searches for all geometry attributes that have exacly the value "tp".
• The second row seraches for all geometry attributes that end with "tp"
• The third row searches for all geometry attributes that start with "tp"
• The fourth row searches for all geometry attributes that have "tp" anywhere in their value

Also it is possible to search for multiple values of the same attribute as shown in the last row. Simply seperate the values with a semicolon.
Boolean attributes do not need any value since their existance already means they are set.
To remove a rule simply select the whole row by clicking on the left most column of the row you want to delete (left of Use Rule) and press the "delete" key on your keyboard.

Checking a rule will select all found possible testpoints of the job (the checkboxes Assign Top and Assign Bottom change the selection depending on the check state of them)

On the top right side there is an information panel showing:

•  The currently already set testpoints of the loaded job for the top layer and the bottom layer
•  A button to open this help page
•  A button to select all currently set testpoints of the loaded job

Export Rules exports the currently set rules to a xml file on selected location on the machine or in a cloud
Import Rules imports rules from a file either from the machine or from a cloud
Remove all Testpoint Attributes removes the "test_point" attribute from all pads of the job
Assign Testpoint Attribute adds the "test_point" attribute to either the currently selected pads or the pads found by the selected rule (handled by the radiobuttons "using Selction" and "using Rule")
Assign Top is a checkbox that when unchecked the "test_point" attribute will not be set for the pads on the top layer
Assign Bottom is a checkbox that when unchecked the "test_point" attribute will not be set for the pads on the bottom layer

To find possible testpoints the attribute histogram is a good way to start.

The Package Group Manager is a Developer tool for setting or change your package types.

The following picture shows a few of informations(red box), where you can search or select the name of your Component e.g Package(red circle).

Important Options are shown in the following picture.

1. Add as Type added the component you selected as the type you selected in the menu next to this column.

2. Change Type allows you to change the Type of your Component. You can find the selection "Update type" in the right corner of your window.
Whether you want to change a C_CHP into an R_CHP or the other way around, you only have to click on the Update button.

The Stencil Generator uses all zones defined by the Stencil Area Editor. If there are no zones the outline will be used as main zone. Use default rules for your company. Setting a package group, enables the Wizard to set the rules regarding it. SOICs, Chips, BGAs and any definition needed. The Wizard is delivered with predefined settings. To adjust all data preparation to your product you can setup own data preparation Scripts to adjust to your equipment.

Set Package Group is only necessary if your data don’t contain a proper information. Customers with EPL (“Easylogix Part Library”) can resolve trusted data from EPL. The Wizard also process layouts with multiple mask layers in the stack-up. Set “Keepouts for Chips” is only available if you have MPN packaged defined. It will handle the usable area for you. You also can set plugged drills as free usable area.

Check stencil by using current rules

Rule preview

You have the possibility to set rules by package, set extra rules for components in defines zones or to set a rule for each component.
To set another rule to your component, select one in the given list. 

All Rules explained below

 

Add own rules to your stencil automation

You can add your own rules by clicking on the setting symbol.

 

 

 

Panel

Send the stencil data in your preferred format to your supplier	Result of the rule-base stencil wizard
Before and after	Stencil pad details

 

Edit base settings for each area

Context Menu

You have several options available to modify your file, including changing the thickness,
side, or description, as well as setting a color for the zone. Additionally, you can export
the file as a list or HTML and such much more opti

 

 

 

 

Set Area around Selection with cutouts

This function allows you to define a stencil area by selecting a group of objects and creating a cutout area around them. The cutout area can be used to create stencil pads for solder paste application.

 

Add zones by predefined drawings

 

Edit the Shape

 

Add a new zone by drawing a rectangle

Note: For high quality, it is recommended not to cut pin pads. You can combine areas e.g. from different parts to get ideal areas.

 

 

Zone function

 

Add new zone with cutting out a previous tone by drawing a rectangle

This means creating a new zone by drawing a rectangle on the PCB design and cutting out a portion of a previous tone that intersects with the new recatangle.

 

 

 

  Combine different zones to one zone 
Combining by bounds or intersecting available, depending on the zone size maybe the form has to be an rectangle or it is possible to set special area outlines.

 

Manage zone settings

 

 

 

-->Zone settings can be saved in ODB attributes, exported as xml and imported from xml.

 

 

If you are done generating, you should do the stencil analysis. Click Here!

 

Check-In/Out of the design (you can block changes for other users by checking out the design) and Freeze a design if it should be blocked for all changes

Panel Builder brings an template manager with it, there are options to store panel templates and an coupon library online or local.

With the templates you can use standard panel sizes with fix drill and marker positions. It is possible to store templates for each layer count, depending to the size of the useable area it calculate the amount of single PCBs in the template.

1) Add Template from the list on the right side

2) Change to Admin area

3) Options for distance in fix values

4) Option to fit single pcb with percent distances

Admin Area

1) Add the current design as template to the list.

2) Remove the selected template from the list.

3) Open the update dialog with many more options (useable ares, copper layer count, path to the template and step name)

Coupon Library

1) Add the selected coupon to the panel.

2) select "Test Coupon on Layer" to add the loaded coupon entry on one layer.

3) select "Test Coupon ad Step" to create an new step with all coupon information (recommended for coupons with components and net information)

4) select "Synchronize Layer" to fit the coupon data on the panel layers.

5) Edit the coupon entry, e.g. change image or path to the coupon.

If you want to add new symbols or logos you can handle this symbols in an own library, here is a short video how to add an dmc place holder on the panel edge:

This is only a simple example how to use existing symbol library for and DMC spaceholder Pad. We provide some libraries, but it is also easy to copy existing elements in our managed libraries to store connections directly in PCB-Investigator.

The Production Tool Editor to define solder frames:

The solder frame definition based on an single PCB with fixing elements as well as down holder with routings for spcial cases like THT components.

The Production Tool Editor to define coating carrier:

The coating carrier base on an standard frame (or special format) with down holder, fixing elements and many more. You can individually change the coating machines to create coating areas and check the frame use legal regions for coating. For better support in the frame you have options to use different routings and depending on the extra material it automatically creates the openings for the coating machine heads.

The Production Tool Editor to define workpiece carrier:

Workpiece carrier containing extra elements and routings, this simple frame create an simple transporting frame with down holders to fix the PCB in the production process.

The Production Tool Editor to define supporting plates:

Supporting plates for pressfit actions in your production line do create routings and documentations for the export files.

The Production Tool Editor to define adapter definitions:

The adapter definition is the most complexe production tool, it contains all standard cases for special testing routines e.g. high voltage checks or vacuum systems. Special handling for connectors, LED Checks, switches or press buttons included.

You can handle stops and fixing elements as well as routings for high components and down holder or supporting stamps. After defining all important elements it is possible to add an example adapter panel to export the adapter package for one DFT Session.

1. Line

1. At first, you have to choose the layer on which you want to add a line.

2. If you want to add attributes to the line, you have to set a hook next to “attributes” and then click on values. Another window will open, which allows you to choose the propriate attributes.

After you have chosen the propriate attribute, click on “Add or Overwrite”. To add the selected attributes, click on “Accept”.

3. You can also decide, whether you want to add a positive or negative line (polarity). If you would put a negative line above a positive on, the negative line would cut away the overlapping parts of the lines.

4. To select the type of line you want to add, you have to click on “Symbol” or you have the option to pick a line that’s on the currently opened design. Clicking on “Symbol” will open up another dialog, the Symbol Library. You can then select the propriate line from the symbols provided there. For more information on how to work with the Symbol Library, move to “Symbol Library”. 

How to add a line: After the selection of the symbol type, you can now add the line. To do so, right-click on the position in your design that you chose for the new line. A double-click will end the line.

5. You also have three more different options when it comes to adding lines:

• Single Line: This will allow you to only place one single line. You can only decide fort the length of the line.
• Polyline: This will allow you to place a polyline. To begin a new line within one polyline, just do a simple right-click. Ending the line requires a double-click.
• Slot: This will only place a slot of a line. The length and the angle are already pre-set.

6. You are also able to place lines by entering the X and Y coordinates of the start and end point. “Add” will then place the line.

7. The yellow button allows you to check for shorts while creating new lines (depending on net option), the white button colapse the dialog while routing.

2. Pad

If you want to add pads, click on the button "Pad". You will then see the following window.

The adding of pads works analogous to the adding lines.

There are only a few different options that have to be additionally explained.

You can choose whether to mirror the pads to be placed by setting a hook on either Mirror “Yes” or “No”.

Another option is the configuration of the angle (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) that shall be used when placing the pad.

3. Surface

If you want to add a surface, click on the button "Surface". You will then see the following window.

When adding surfaces, there are also a few options differing from the addition of lines. These shall also be explained here.

If you want to add a surface, you have three options:

• Polygon
• Rectangle
• Flood Layer

Polygon

You can either place a polygon by entering the X and Y coordinates. Enter the coordinates and click “Start”. The defined point will be the starting point of your polygon. Enter new coordinates and click “Add Point”. You can then continue with this procedure until you want to close your polygon. To do so, click “close”.

The other option for placing polygons is just to do a simple right-click at the propriate position in the design. Continue to place more angles of the polygon by further right-clicks. A double-click will automatically close the polygon.

If you place an angle in a way that will hinder the automatic closure, the new (wrong) line will be shown as red instead of blue.

Besides the polarity, you can also select whether to place an isle or a hole into an existing surface. It`s not possible that holes cut each other.

Rectangle

To add a rectangle, you can either also use the method of entering X and Y coordinates or you can select the starting point of your rectangle by a simple right-click. The size of the rectangle can then be determined by moving the mouse. Double-clicking will place the rectangle.

Like when defining the polygon, you have the same two options: You can also select the polarity and whether to place an isle or a hole into an existing surface.

Flood Layer

To flood a layer, you have to adjust some parameters to configure the distances that shall be held and the minimal area (regarding the min. total area) and size of the flooding (regarding the min. length /width):

• Edges Distance
• Copper Distance
• Drill Distance
• Min Area
• Min Size

In the case of “Flood Layer”, the use of entering X and Y coordinates is not reasonable.

4. Arc

If you want to add an arc, click on the button "Arc". You will then see the following window.

When adding arcs, there are also a few new options that haven´t been explained yet.

Firstly, you have to define the diameter. You can either define it by entering a specific value or you use the pick tool (“Pick Diameter”) to choose a propriate diameter that has already been used in the graphic interface.

When placing the arc, there are three different methods for setting it:

• Start-Center-End: Start and Center of the arc will be placed by a simple right-click. The end of the arc can then be defined on the basis of these two points by moving the mouse.
• Start-End-Edge: Start and End of the are placed by right-clicking. The edge of the arc can then be defined on the basis of these two points by moving the mouse.
• Start-End-Center: Start and End of the are placed by right-clicking. The center of the arc can then be defined on the basis of these two points by moving the mouse.

You can also decide for the direction when placing the arc. You can either choose to place it clockwise or counter clockwise.

5. Text

If you want to add a text, switch to the button "Text". You will then see the following window.

To place a text, you can decide for the polarity (positive, negative), if you want to mirror the text (mirror, no mirror) and the angle of placement (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°).

You can either place the text by entering values for the X and Y location or you can place it by double-clicking on the propriate position on your design in the graphic interface.

The “X-Size” and “Y-Size” refer to the width and length of the letters.

A simple right-click adds the text on your design in the graphic interfact. You can still place the text on another position by simply moving your mouse. A double-click will then place the text.

You can configure the view that you see on the right (2) by selecting the wanted attributes and properties on the left side (1). 

The Left Side is called the Property List while the right side is called the Component List

The properties selected on the left side will then show up on the right side. The order of the columns is determined by the order in which you have selected the properties in the listview on the right. If you want to change the order you can also drag and drop the different columns to the position you want. Important to note is that columns like id, reference and the SumUp Column will be moved back to the front after you reopen the Component Manager. Sum Up will add the different rows together and aggregate the rows based on the selected values.

The different icons inside of the Property List define what kind of attribute it is, while the dot besides the component in the Component List shows the change status of the component. The legend for the different icons is as follows.

You can select multiple different settings to adjust the view quickly. 

From left to right they to the following.

• Display components on both sides of the PCB-Designs.
• Display only the components that are on the Top layer of the design
• Display only the components that are on the Bot layer of the design
• Display the BOM (displays the same columns that our BOM Export uses)
• Display the Component Report (displays the same columns that our component report displays)
• Display the Pick and Place of the Design (displays the same columns that our pick and place export displays)
• Activate the relevant Attrribute. For example if you deactviate the "C" you will no longer see any standard component values like "Part Name","Package" or "Height" inside of the Property List.

By right clicking the component list you can export the current view to and Excel or HTML file.

Items selected inside of the Component List can be edited inside of the property grid on the right side.

Any changes to the component will lead to the green dot turning orange. You can save the changes by either clicking the button above the property grid and saving or pressing the save option in "File" in the top row. Until then there are no changes that are actually saved and applied to the real components. If you select multiple components at the same time, or use the Sum Up which leads to a row representing more than one component, the property grid will show you only the values that are the same between all components. Any changes inside of the property grid will then edit all objects at the same time. Properties shown are not necessarly present in all components selected. If one component has the property then the property will be shown. If a value is then edited, the components that do not have the property will be given the property.

The Cutout Editor helps you to create additional elmenets and modify the cutouts:

1) List of all cutouts, they have an running ID and a Location X/Y for special cutouts there is also and End X/Y and an repeat Index (for each child step).

2) Edit area for the cutouts, you can modify the Location.

3) Additional Element Area, here you can define what you need on different layers

4) Auxilary Drills is special, you can generate mousebites for one or both sides.

For setting mouse bite drills we have a second video:

The Package Library Manager handle all libraries for packages, this could be e.g. an 365 library, an lite DB or an xml library and customized libraries:

You can edit the packages here and change properties.

Here is a short video to show how you can add your own library:

The part library manager gives you options to edit your list of part libraries:

With some options to copy/delete/add new parts you can manage your libraries here and manage the available libraries in the settings dialog:

The library types containing data from the open Job/Design, local types like xml or lite DB and online types like API Part Libraries, REST Libraries and out 365 Libraries:

With the context menu you have options to copy or edit the part, you can export the library list and search for specific information:

Here is an short video how to bring parts in your library:

use the pencil button to edit package properties in an seperate dialog:

Depending on the library type there are different properties available, with 365 libraries you can manage your properties in admin area or in xml library you can directly change the available properties.

use the pencil button to edit part properties in an seperate dialog:

Depending on the library type there are different properties available, with 365 libraries you can manage your properties in admin area or in xml library you can directly change the available properties.

You can modify the package outline in an complexe editor or in the simple package editor with some basic handlings:

Here is an top area with width and height for the package outline, you have an helpfull search button and can rount/cuts the corner for the package definition.

Below you find an list with all pin definitions, each has an Geometry type like rectangle, circle or polygon with the size and the pin position X/Y.

On the right side there is an preview with simple transform options (move pin or body).

And some buttons e.g. for rotate, add/remove pins and "Make IPC Conform" to switch the definition in an library standard orientation.

Note: Our libraries have to be IPC Conform, it is only possible to save package changes if the result is IPC Conform!

In the context menu it is possible to switch pin order (Move Up/Down)

Edit multy selection, renumber the pins and change outline and pitch values.

In the graphics area you can measure, zoom switch mouse tools and change view:

Here is an short video to show some functions:

The Part Library Outline Editor is similar to the Package Editor, you have also all edit options from there:

For more information check this page here

All Nets can have net attributes, if you set an Net Group it will be handled in some plugins together.

To find out how you can set this net groups read this page

There are some basic settings to match the packages.

Pin Positions are always used, but you can change the Height information of your CAD Data to tolerance value based on the component height or ignore it complete.

Overwrite package and step information defaul by "Ask", this mean there comes a dialog with checkboxes.

How to use the Package Expert firt time?

Here is a short video how to ask Library for all components and set 3D settings:

Connect Library information with your AVL File, with individual importer it can read csv, excel and other files.

Check all components with vidual fitting helper and maybe transform wrong locations or rotations with the simple user interface:

Depending on the MPN and Manufacturer the BOM Expert search for library information and connect them with the open design, this can include properties and step files. You can automatically set no_pop/comp_ignore attributes and use custom actions with an post script to do special actions depending on the imported data.

The Settings containing a list of importers, Searchend Properties and settings to handle not found components. It also has options to add missing entries in an intermediate library and an post script (found by GUID in your favorites).

Unknown => It is not possible to give more details
ReferenceNotInDesign => The reference in imported data is not available in the design
ReferenceNotInAVL => The component in the design has no entry in imported file
NoPartAvailable => The part list do not contain results in the selected library
NoPartSelected => No part selected mean the user has to select one
NotFoundInLib => The library do not contain a fitting item
SelectedPartDoesNotMatch => There is a maybe wrong part selected, please check the selected part
OK => Part is OK
OKUnverified => The pin matiching is not checked but the part is marked as OK

To automate your custom stencil scripts, it is necessary to use the StencilCreationScript interface.

Here is a link to see all details for your implemention manual.

You have to set public porperties to give user options to change in the property grid, there is also a method to create the preview and the pads. You should fill the corde with all calculation you need e.g.

public bool CreatePads(IPCBIWindow parent, IStep step, IODBLayer StencilLayerOutput, InterfaceCMPObject BasicObjects, List<IPolyClass> UsedPinPads, List<IPolyClass> MaskForCheck, List<IPolyClass> Drills, double ThicknessPaste)
{
if (StencilLayerOutput == null || BasicObjects == null || UsedPinPads.Count == 0)
return false;

bool IntersectWithMask = false;

CreateRectangleElement(StencilLayerOutput, UsedPinPads, MaskForCheck, Drills, BasicObjects, out IntersectWithMask);

return true;
}

In the options area (1) you can add your custom developed scripts (2).

Main Interface

• Displays the current session with its settings and active step.
• New sessions can be created via buttons or the context menu.
• A session includes the selected step, assigned components, applied rules, and generated soldering paths.

This tab manages soldering rules for components and packages:

• Rule Selection:
• Custom: Define specific rules for a component (and its inheriting objects).
• Inherit: Use settings from the parent object.
• End Offset: Defines the drag-off path length as a percentage of the nozzle width.
• Nozzle Speed: Initial speed for all connected locations.
• Pin Length: Determines the minimum spacing between pin rows to prevent solder bridges.
• Safe Distance: Extra clearance beyond the nozzle width to avoid SMD component interference.
• Soldering Nozzle:
• Select from pre-loaded nozzles.
• Multiple nozzles can be checked for optimal pathfinding.
• Stay Time: Time the nozzle remains at key points (e.g., start locations or predefined spots).
• Track Layout: Defines track connections within a component.

• The THT Components Table displays components with paths and their pin coverage status.
• The Solder Tracks View shows each track and sub-track, which can be edited via drag-and-drop or direct value changes.
• Users can manually add lines or locations by selecting a nozzle and using the Add Line or Add Location button.

Sessions, settings, and results can be imported and exported individually for easy sharing and reuse.

Donut Creation for Stencil Pads

In stencil design, a donut shape is used to define a circular opening with a central void (hole), commonly used for thermal reliefs or annular ring designs. The donut is generated around a pad center based on several configurable parameters.

Donut Properties

Usage

These properties are used by the StencilScriptDonut class to calculate and render the donut shape on stencil pads. The donut is typically composed of an outer arc (outer diameter) and an inner arc (inner diameter), combined with connecting lines to form a closed shape.

Ensure that InnerDiameter is less than OuterDiameter to create a valid donut. Adjust AngleStep based on performance vs. accuracy needs.

Array creation is used to replicate pad openings in a structured pattern. This is especially useful for components like QFP or QFNs,
where cooling pads are very big and replaced by array formation. The array is defined using specific rules and transformation parameters, it gives you an easy way to define an array of similar (rounded) rectangles.

Array (Fix) Properties

Usage

These properties are used in the StencilScriptArray class to define how shapes are duplicated and transformed. Each array pattern follows a specific logic:

- check avalable size of array

- check max pad size and gap value

- split area in pads and round the rectangles

Use array rules to easily build consistent and scalable designs for components with repeated pad layouts.
Adjust offset values to fine-tune placement, it also has an utilization property to gives the rule an optimum of area.

The StencilScriptHouse class defines the necessary parameters to create a house structure around a stencil pad for solder paste applications. It is used for automating stencil generation and includes geometry, shape characteristics, and spacing considerations.

Properties

These parameters help define the geometric and contextual constraints for automatically generating stencil pad protection using a house-shaped perimeter. The house rule is recommended for chip packages, but can be used for all pins with clear directions. 

Note: If the pin is under the body the direction cannot be calculated and no house is created.

Depending to the chip size it is recommended to change from house to inverted house rules.

Inverted House Properties

Usage

These properties are used in the StencilScriptInvertedHouse class to define how shapes (such as stencil pads or vias) are duplicated and transformed. In general this rule is used for Chip Packages.

Note: If the pin is under the body the direction cannot be calculated and no house is created.

The StencilScriptSimpleSurface class defines the necessary parameters to create a rectangle structure around a stencil pad for solder paste applications. It is used for automating stencil generation and includes helpfull options.

Properties

These parameters help define the geometric and contextual constraints for automatically generating stencil pad protection using a rectangle-based-shaped perimeter.

Note: The simple rectangle rule ignore the mask opening and overprint it!

The StencilScriptUndersize class defines the necessary parameters to create a similar structure around a stencil pad for solder paste applications with smaller size. It is used for automating stencil generation and includes geometry, shape characteristics, and spacing considerations.

Properties

These parameters help define the geometric and contextual constraints for automatically generating stencil pad protection using a smaller-shaped perimeter.

Note: If the undersize values to small no pad will be created, the rule checks the mask layer for intersecting!

The StencilScriptUsePinMinusMask class defines the necessary parameters to create a pin bases structure. It is used for automating stencil generation and includes geometry, shape characteristics, and spacing considerations. 

This rule gives you the option to use the pin outline as basis with following options:

Properties

These parameters help define the geometric and contextual constraints for automatically generating stencil pad protection using the pin definition as basis.

Note: If the undersize values to small no pad will be created, the rule checks the mask layer for intersecting and it is a special handling for Overwrite All Pins to replace all pins with one rule!