Importing PCBs as 3D models in Pro/E from Allegro/Cadence 3

[jaykm]

Hi all,
I work as a Mech Engr in an electronic environment. The Electronics team here uses Cadence as their primary pcb design tool. I need a 3d of the pcb to build the product structure in Pro/E.

Anyone knows a means of import/export options that would help me get a 3D model out of Cadence/Allegro? I have heard that we can input height information for various components placed on the PCB. I have also heard about a file format called IDF but not sure how do I import the same in Pro/E.

Otherwise, I need to recreate the PCB as a solid model and include minimum details to check for interference/component placement options.

Thanks in advance,
Jay

 

[jaykm]

Hi all
Sorry for the above query. I got the answer from pro/E help. :=) We need an IDF *.emn file out from PCB design s/w.

Thanks!
jay

P:s: is there a way here to 'delete' our posts, in case we want to?

 

[HDS]

What you are talking about is called ECAD. It used to be an option but is included with foundation now. It is something that Pro/E does very well. You cn also return the data to teh PCB group with keepouts, skylines and lots of other information. There are lots of advantages to learning all about it and using all of the options avalable. It has saved me many times.

HELP, SUPPORT INFORMATION
look for the list of modules you have. Make sure Pro/ECAD is there.

all of the details are here and in the help files.

http://www.ptcuser.org/2003/croxford.ppt

 

[jaykm]

Hi HDS
Thanks for the info. The PPT you sent a link for is quite informational. Since this is my very first exposure to anything related to electronics/board design, it was a good learning exp. I could import a sample board with 4-5 components with diff heights into pro/e without a problem. I need to study the diff options/config settings.

Thanks again!
Jay

 

[jdt020471]

Hi Jay,

I have used this many times as we too use Allegro and ProE. The best bit about the Ecad interface is that you can substitute proper models of your PCB components with the blocky components Ecad creates. All you need to do is import the EMN & EMP files, this will create your PCB assembly and create a file ECAD_HINT.ADD file. Open this file in Wordpad and substitute the MCAD_NAME with your model name, within the quotes. You have to make sure that the coordinate system on your models match the origin orientation on the Allegro footprint.

good luck


Jeff



It's all part of life's rich tapestry!

 

[Tofflemire]

Hi All,

If you have Intralink, this works really well also, just open up the assembly inside of Intralink, save file names and model real parts. Next time you bring in an assembly with the same parts used Intralink retieves the real models and assembles these to the assembly.

Need to set config.pro option "pro_library_dir" to "intralink://cs" to be able to do what stated.

Tofflemire

 

[Tofflemire]

Hi Jaykm,

Here are config.pro option to play with

show_axes_for_extr_arcs yes
ecad_area_default_import cosm_area
ecad_import_holes_as_features no
template_ecadpart C:\ptc\proe2001\templates\inlbs_part_ecad.prt
template_ecadasm C:\ptc\proe2001\templates\inlbs_asm_ecad.asm
ref_des_display YES
ecad_other_outl_csys_def_name cso.

Show axes is good to use if you are assembling full size components to a PCB, but increases size of Proe file.

enjoy

Tofflemire

 

[jaykm]

Jdt,Tofflemire,

Thanks so much for the extended help!! I will getback incase I get stuck somewhere :=)

Regards,
Jay