Tu Cadstar Express 2018 Diy

Express – Version 2018.
Do-it-Yourself Training Guide

Express
Do-It-Yourself Guide
With Projects for Training Purposes
Welcome!
Thank you for acquiring CADSTAR Express. This free version provides a number of features used in the
full CADSTAR version, only limited by the number of components (max 50) and pins (max 300).
Electronic hobbyists, Students and Evaluators use CADSTAR Express for designing Schematics and
Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). This guide will assist you in detail on how to make use of CADSTAR’s
features to design your next project.
• We will start by showing you a hand drawn electronic circuit and transforming it into a professional
schematic design.
• We will guide you through the process of creating an error-free transfer of data to a PCB board
design, and then move to component placement and wire routing.
• You will then move to the CAM output process where you will generate the necessary artwork,
reports and files needed to get your PCB built by your preferred fabrication vendor.
• We will guide you through the process of creating schematic symbols, component and parts for
future CADSTAR libraries.
Upon completion of this guide, you will be ready to move into higher variations of CADSTAR, offering
features and constraints for High Speed signal applications and simulation as well as 3D Electro-
Mechanical collaboration.
To provide you with additional “how to” information, click on the camera icons for demonstration videos.
(internet connection required)
The videos are for demonstration purposes only. They are not created to match the exact
instructions in the task steps. Please follow the specific steps in the tasks.
When CADSTAR Express is executed this PDF Document will appear for your convenience. If you have
not installed CADSTAR Express, simply double click on the executable for set-up and follow the
instructions.
As you work through the tasks in this guide, you will be instructed to save files with suggested
file names. If you do not finish a task and simply wish to move on to the next task, back-up files
are supplied for your convenience. Files with the “_CS.*” suffix can be opened and then saved
using the FileSave as function to overwrite the file you are working on.
Enjoy!
The information in this document is correct at the time of publication and is subject to changes without prior notice. This
document belongs to Zuken. No part of this document shall be copied without official written approval.
CADSTAR is registered trademark of ZUKEN.
This document is given free of charge and is not for resale. Ver 2018.0
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For more information visit www.zuken.com/cadstar
Contents
Welcome! ................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction to CADSTAR .......................................................................................................... 3

Getting Started ................................................................................................................... 4
The Basic Design Flow ....................................................................................................... 5
The User Interface .............................................................................................................. 6
Strokes in CADSTAR and the Place & Route Editor .......................................................... 7
Chapter 1 – Design A ................................................................................................................ 8

Step 1 - Schematic for Design A ......................................................................................... 9
Step 2 - PCB Placement for Design A .............................................................................. 28
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design A ................................................................................... 39
Step 4 - Manufacturing data for Design A ......................................................................... 43
Step 5 – Saving your Design for future Reuse .................................................................. 48
Add the Power of 3D to your Design ................................................................................ 54
Chapter 2 – Design B .............................................................................................................. 55

Step 1 - Schematic for Design B ....................................................................................... 57
Step 2 - PCB Placement for Design B .............................................................................. 67
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design B ................................................................................... 74
Step 4 - Manufacturing Data for Design B ........................................................................ 78
Reviewing your Designs with Redlining Markers ..................................................................... 79
Chapter 3 - Library ................................................................................................................... 80

Step 1 - PCB Component / BGA Wizard........................................................................... 81
Step 2 - Schematic Symbol / Block Wizard....................................................................... 87
Step 3 - Parts Library Editor ............................................................................................. 93
CADSTAR FPGA ................................................................................................................... 102
Chapter 4 – Design C (Standalone Place & Route Editor) ..................................................... 103

Step 1 - Schematic for Design C .................................................................................... 103
Step 2 – Placement for Design C ................................................................................... 108
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design C ................................................................................ 110
Step 4 - Manufacturing Data for Design C ...................................................................... 124
Chapter 5 - Design D (Single Sided Board Design) ............................................................... 125

Step 1 - Design D ........................................................................................................... 125
Step 2 - PCB Placement for Design D ............................................................................ 126
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design D ................................................................................ 128
Step 4 - Manufacturing Data for Design D ...................................................................... 131
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 132
Please Note: This do-it-yourself guide has been revised using a Windows 10 environment. The
software has been installed on the author’s computer using the default locations and selections
per the CADSTAR Express 18 SETUP program. CADSTAR Express 18 is also supported using
Windows 7 and 8.
Document version 2018.0 Last updated : 23 March 2018
2
Introduction to CADSTAR
CADSTAR is an EDA design tool allowing you to draw schematic designs and transfer them to the PCB
layout environment. After an error-free transfer, CADSTAR helps to place the components into the board
outline.
Placement and Routing is an integral part of a PCB design process. CADSTAR offers much flexibility in
this area by providing both Push-aside Placement and Routing tools (manual, semi-automatic and fully
automatic) within the Embedded Place & Route Editor or the advanced standalone Place & Route Editor.
The Embedded Place & Route Editor has been developed in general for basic PCB design or users who
don’t use a PCB design tool regularly, and the standalone Place & Route Editor is for the more advanced
users who require more powerful functions. For really advanced users (industry users) high-speed design
features (such as lengthening, delay, impedance, cross-talk, overshoot, reflection etc.) can also be
provided in a full standard package or as an optional add-on. The additional add-ons that are available
to you, include BoardModeler Lite which is a unique 3D verification tool for PCB design that provides a
completely new concept of PCB Design in a 3D environment or the CADSTAR Variant Manager which
enables you to generate variants of a 'master' design (included B.O.Ms and assembly drawings) without
having to maintain separate files for each variant.
The completion of the PCB design is followed by the generation of manufacturing output data for PCB
fabrication.
3
Getting Started
By now you have probably installed CADSTAR on your PC and are anxious to get started. Start by
clicking the Design Editor Icon in your StartAll ProgramsCADSTAR Express 2018.0 menu. When
CADSTAR is started you will see the Start page as shown below.
It allows you to;
• Access recently opened Workspace Files.

• Access recently opened Designs.
• Access Help and PDF files.
• Read up on the latest in CADSTAR News from the World of Zuken.
• Access some On-line Links such as the CADSTAR Web pages.
CADSTAR is a Multi-Document Design Environment. Soon you will have schematic designs and PCB
designs all open in the same Design Editor environment.
4
The Basic Design Flow
Library Usually you need to start off with a library to ensure that all the parts (schematic symbols
& PCB footprints) required for your design are available to you. However, to complete the
exercises in this guide, all parts have been provided. When you are ready to create new
parts in the CADSTAR library, please study chapter 3.
Note: the library provided with CADSTAR Express contains all the parts required for the
PCB designs described in this 'Do-It-Yourself” guide as well as some examples from the
on-line CADSTAR Libraries. (Accessing the CADSTAR On-line libraries requires a
higher variation of CADSTAR and an active maintenance contract).
A free download of parts libraries containing 20.000 Parts is available on the website.
Additional libraries are available through the Zuken on-line support website.
The ready-to-download-and-use parts contain all the information required, including
manufacturers' part numbers. They are updated and expanded regularly with over
250,000 parts available. If the part required is not available in these libraries, you can
quickly and easily design your own parts using the supplied wizards and the Graphical
Library Editor.
Schematic It is always advisable to start with a schematic design before moving onto the
PCB design, although CADSTAR does support reverse engineering with full back
annotation capabilities.
PCB After the successful transfer from schematic, components will be placed within the
(Placement) board outline and respective placement areas.
PCB After placing all the components, we can start routing the critical nets manually and/or
(Routing) through automatic routing.
Manufactu- The final stage of any PCB design. No matter what your manufacturer requires,
ring Output CADSTAR can deliver; extended Gerber (RS274X), extended N.C. Drill (Excellon),
Placement data, Bill of Materials, IPC356-D test data, DXF and ODB++
5
The User Interface
CADSTAR is very easy to use! The User Interface is very consistent in operations whether you are
editing a Schematic or a PCB Design.
CADSTAR Supports;
• Ribbon style Tool bars can be dragged and docked as needed

• Tool bar Icons that can be allocated as the user wishes
• Customizable Tool bars and Menus are supported for adding user defined reports and
Macros
• Tabbed Document Window support – Most often seen in more modern version of Windows
10 and MS Office ®
• “Strokes” - command macros that perform the most common functions for panning and
zooming
• Omnidirectional panning by depressing the middle mouse button or <M.M.B.>
• Themes to alter the appearance of CADSTAR when working in a more modern operating
system, “Windows 10”, such as Collapsible Menus for a more condensed menu appearance
• Active HTML reports – Active HTML reports can be placed anywhere just like any other
dockable window in CADSTAR. The reports you currently have open will appear as tabs in
the Active Report window
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Strokes in CADSTAR and the Place & Route Editor
If you are not familiar with Stroke commands, you can use them for;
Indicating operations you wish the application to perform by dragging the right mouse button in the
shape of one of the 'gestures' in the table below.
To make the gesture:
• Use the mouse to position the cursor in the design window

• Click the Right Mouse Button or <R.M.B.> and Hold while moving the mouse so that the cursor
follows the path of the gesture. The application will provide feedback by drawing a white line
showing the path of the cursor
• Release the right mouse button
Note: The shape of the path followed by the cursor is important. The direction which the cursor takes
along the path is also important, since it is often true that each of the two different directions is
associated with a different operation.
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Chapter 1 – Design A
Introduction to the Amplifier circuit
Transistor Audio Amp (50 mW)
Information on Design A - Transistor Audio Amplifier

Here is a little audio amplifier, similar to what you might find in a small transistor radio. The input stage
is biased so that the supply voltage is divided equally across the two complimenting output transistors,
which are slightly biased in conduction by the diodes between the bases.
A 3.3 Ohm resistor is used in series with the emitters of the output transistors to stabilize the bias current
so it doesn't change much with temperature or with different transistors and diodes. As the bias current
increases, the voltage between the emitter and base decreases, thus reducing the conduction.
Input impedance is about 500 Ohm and voltage gain is about 5 with an 8 Ohm speaker attached. The
voltage swing on the speaker is about 2V without distorting and power output is in the 50mW range. A
higher supply voltage and the addition of heat sinks to the output transistors would provide more power.
The circuit draws about 30mA from a 9-12V supply.
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Step 1 - Schematic for Design A
Start by reviewing the hand drawn schematic shown previously - the design of the audio amplifier. You
will then have to gather the components being used in the circuit
From the hand-drawn schematic, you will find twelve (12) parts in the Library. They are;
Qty. per Part

2 2N3053 NPN Transistor 1 470 Ohm Resistor (470E-MRS25-1%)
1 2N2905A PNP Transistor 1 1.5 kOhm Resistor (1K5-MRS25-1%)
2 1N4148 Diode 1 5.6 kOhm Resistor (5k6-MRS25-1%)
2 3.3 Ohm Resistor (3E3-MRS25-1%) 1 47uF/10V Elec. Cap (47uF-10V-EC)
1 22 Ohm Resistor (22E-MRS25-1%) - 1 1000uF/50V Elec. Cap (1000uF-50V-EC)
5 SOLDEREYE 1MM (for Input, Speaker and 9V supply)
You can use a 9V battery for this power supply.
1. Click the New icon on the [Home] tab or select [File] tabNew [Schematic Design] and choose
one of the templates such as Form A3-euro.
Once you select a template you are prompted with parameters to enter information using the
Attributes that have been created for you.
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2. If you like, enter your company name and personal name in the attribute fields below.
These will appear in the Title block of

the Schematic format symbol. Later
you can easily customize your own
attributes and format sheets.
TIP: If you don't like to work with a

black background, you can also select
a different background colour scheme
from the toolbar.
3. Click [OK]
Note: If you are creating larger schematics using many

sheets, you may choose to declare reference
designator name ranges By Sheet. Clicking the button
shown above will display the dialog shown below. For
this design we will only need one sheet.
You have just started a new

untitled, schematic design.
Select the [File]Save as…]
Name it DesignA1.scm
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You can now start to add the parts and symbols required using the Libraries auto-hide panel on the
left of the application window. For a demonstration click the camera Icon.
Note: The Auto-hide panels for Libraries, Designs, Shape Properties, etc., can be automatically hidden
if you wish. Simply click the Auto Hide Icon shown below. When you move your cursor off of the
workspace panel it will automatically slide to a hidden position. To show the panel again, drag your
cursor back to the desired Workspace panel tabs on the left-side of the application window. When it
appears click the Auto Hide push pin icon to hold it open.
Tip: When adding the part/symbols into the design (like 2N3053), you can select the symbol
and click on the right-hand mouse button <R.M.B.> to see a Link: On-line CADSTAR
Datasheet. The link is a hyperlink to a URL on the internet (or intranet), but can also be
linked to something different (i.e. PDF file or Word document). More links can be added
to parts in the CADSTAR Parts Library Editor. Be aware that some links might be out of
date as the part may be obsolete.
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Add Parts and Symbols
For advanced library searching and filtering try one of the additional following methods. Both
allow you to specify which alternate symbol to use if available.
• From [Library] tab click the Library Searcher function. Select the Parts.lib (or any of the
other Parts Libraries you want to search).
• [Symbol] tab Part or Symbol
12
4. Place two 2N3053 transistors onto the schematic by clicking the Add to Design option or by
dragging the transistor from the Libraries panel, i.e. highlight 2N3053 for a TO-92 package, click
and hold the left-hand mouse button down, without releasing it and drag it on to the sheet.
Don’t be concerned about the red bow-tie markers on the

pins. They highlight unconnected pins (the markers will
disappear once you connect the pins).
While dragging, you can use the right-hand mouse button

for mirror and/or rotation for the placement of a symbol,
use the ‘m’ or ‘r’ hotkeys, or use a programmable function
key like <F3> to rotate.
Tip: You can setup the

function keys by selecting
the [File] tab and the
Customize button at the
bottom, right of the menu.
Tip: For more information

on hot key commands
type ‘?<enter>’ (this will
appear on the command
line at the lower left
corner of the application).
13
5. Do the same for the other 11 parts (you can either select the through-hole or SMD
components):
Qty. Part Ref des
1 2N2905A PNP Transistor TR3

1 1.5 kOhm Resistor (1K5-MRS25-1%) R1
2 1N4148 Diode D1, D2
1 5.6 kOhm Resistor (5k6-MRS25-1%) R2
1 22 Ohm Resistor (22E-MRS25-1%)2 R3
1 470 Ohm Resistor (470E-MRS25-1%) R4
2 3.3 Ohm Resistor (3E3-MRS25-1%) R5, R6
1 47uF/10V Elec. Cap (47uF-10V-EC) C1
1 1000uF/50V Elec. Cap (1000uF-50V-EC) C2
Attempt to place the parts in this arrangement.
6. You can move more than one symbol at a time. Hold down the <Ctrl>
button on the keyboard and make your selections and then Click and Drag
them.
7. Try using the Polygon Select and Freehand Select functions to select
everything within an area. Select the Home tab and click Select icon to
access various selection tools. Select Polygon Select and draw a
polygon/fence around the items you want to select. When you are ready
to select them double-click the left mouse button to accept the polygon or
if using the freehand selection mode, just release the left mouse button
and then Click and Drag them.
14
An additional selection method is available in the [File]
tabOptions[Interaction]. Here you can choose
between Overlap and Cover selection methods.
This gives more control over how items are selected

during Frame Select, Polygon Select and Freehand
Select.
• Use Cover to only select items completely

covered by the selection shape.
• Use Overlap to select items partially covered by
the selection shape.
A different cursor is displayed to show which selection method is in use. The selection method
can be toggled by right clicking whilst drawing a selection shape. I.e. Holding down the Left
Mouse Button and clicking the Right Mouse Button.
Note: When adding parts you be may prompted with a Warning!. This can be controlled by using
a special attribute value to control “Part Acceptance”.
In the Parts Library image shown above, the column labelled “Part Acceptance” can hold a
unique text reference to communicate a Part’s Life cycle or inventory control measure to the user.
This can be defined by the Librarian.
When a part containing a Part Acceptance value is

added to a schematic design, the following warning
dialog will be displayed.
Accepting this part will also store its value in the

design for later reflection in parts List
and various other report outputs.
The property will be reflected in the

Item Properties dialog.
15
8. After all the components have been placed, perform a
Library search for SOLDEREYE-1MM. You can use the
wildcard and search for solder*. You can then add these
parts to represent the 8 Ohm Speaker, Input and +9V
terminals (see schematic diagram on page 6). These
parts will serve as the wire connections to the battery
pack, signal input and speaker outputs.
These parts are created as single pin Testpoint

components. You could also add these by using the Add
Testpoint command.
Parts are assigned the next available Reference

Designator per the design or the sheet. There are several
ways to name or rename parts, such as with the Item
Properties dialog.
9. Change the Symbol Properties name for one of the

SOLDEREYEs to “INPUT”. To change the name, select one of
the parts then click the <R.M.B.> and select Item Properties.
Enter the corresponding name per the parts placement image

on the previous sheet. Click the [Close] button and select the
next Solder Eye part.
You may repeat the same technique or use the non-modal

Item properties auto-hide panel on the right side of the
application window.
16
10. Pass the cursor over the Item Properties panel button to reveal the panel dialog.
Set the pin icon to leave the auto-hide panel open for as long as necessary.
With the panel open, the properties of any item selected will be represented. Many
fields are editable. Functions such as Reload and Replace parts can be executed
from the dialog. Other icons provide access to the standard Item Properties dialog
and the Attribute Editor.
The spread sheet readability can be enhanced by clicking in the dialog to turn the
Item properties title block blue then holding down the <Ctrl>key whilst using the
Middle Mouse Button <M.M.B.> scroll wheel to adjust the magnification.
Use this option to name the SOLDEREYE parts according to the previous parts
arrangement image. Simply select a part and enter its name one at a time. Since this is non-
modal there is no need to close the dialog.
Place INPUT, INPUTGND, SPK, SPKGND, VCC9V as shown below.
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Adding Connectivity
Adding connections can be achieved several ways.
a. Select the Home [tab] and click the Add Connection function. Click on a pin to start the
connection, and move your cursor to your destination pin to complete the connection. The
Connection function is also located on the [Net/Shape] tab.
Note: By default, clicking on a pin will display a

selection list. To disable this mode, select the [File] tab
 Options[Interaction] tab and uncheck the Pick
from List setting. By disabling this, connections can be
added in a non-modal method by double clicking on the
pin.
b. You can place the connecting terminals (pins) on top of each other, then drag them apart
to see the connection. Pins that are connected will be automatically hidden.
c. You can use the left mouse button <L.M.B.> to click

(hold and drag momentarily) from the red bow ties
displayed on unconnected pins and click the left
mouse button over another red bow tie to finish.
Corners can be added along the way by also clicking
the <L.M.B.>.
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CADSTAR allows you to make pin names or numbers visible/invisible (this is typically determined
by the librarian) such as for 2 pin non-polarized devices. If these parts are set to be invisible the
user can override them globally as follows.
11. Select [File]tabOptions[Display] from the ribbon and

enable/disable Override Part Pin Names/identifiers
Visibility.
CADSTAR provides an Interactive check for flagging

overlapping connections.
12. Select the [File]Options[Interaction].
When the Prevent Overlapping Connections selection is

enabled, the check will alert you with the following error when
you attempt to drag a connected terminal of any
sort and place it on top of a connection line of a
different net name.
19
If you do not wish to run the interactive check until a more convenient time, simply disable the
selection. When you are ready to perform a batch check of the design, move the cursor over the
Overlapping Connection active report button to make the report panel open.
Click the Overlapping Connection report button as shown above. The resulting report contents
are hypertext. Selecting a line item will make the error appear in the schematic window.
13. Add five AGND Global Signal symbols as shown in the diagram.
To do so, click the Global Signal button located on the Symbol
tab.
Select (AGND). You can connect the AGND terminal

and the terminal of resistor R1 by placing the
terminals onto each other as shown below.
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14. Finish connecting all the symbols together as shown on
the previous page. To connect, try each of the methods
as previously described.
When you are adding a connection (Add Connection) or

editing a connection (Add/Edit Segment) the route taken
by the connection will automatically avoid obstacles in its
path. This can be enabled/disabled in the
[File]Options[Interaction].
When connecting, you can also use the right-hand mouse button <R.M.B.> to Change Default
Net Route Code, allowing you to select a different Net-Route Code for the PCB design. (I.e.
wider than signal tracks for Power & GND).
15. Change the net name connected to VCC9V to VCC by selecting the net and clicking the Item
Properties icon.
16. Select the pins of the AGND symbols and click the Item
Properties icon. Check the Display Signal Name
option to display the AGND signal names.
Note: this is for display purposes only. If you decide to

not show the signal names they would still remain
AGND.
Note: Moving connected symbols maintains connectivity

as you would expect. A connection autorouter corrects
the 90 degree orthogonal patterns in real time. However
this can be disabled if you wish.
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If Automatic Version Increment in [File]Options[System] is enabled, with every future change
of a symbol, component and part, the version increments automatically as it is saved to the library.
You can easily check if a component in your Schematic or PCB design matches the current Library
version. To check, click Reload located on the Symbols tab.
This function is also used to reset all selected parts, Label, Symbol and Part name attributes to
their original locations as defined in the library by selecting a Reset to Origin option.
The image The image shown above is an example that shows the dialog when Parts are
different than those in the Parts Library.
17. When completed, save this schematic design as DesignA2.scm. If you didn't complete the
schematic design as described above, just open DesignA2_CS.SCM and save it to overwrite
your file.
22
18. In today's market it is important to deliver a B.O.M. (Bill of Materials or in CADSTAR called Parts
List) at an early stage.
To create a parts list, click the upper half of the Parts List button.
To modify the options select the lower half of the Parts List button.
The output shown below includes the Parts description

and the Testpoint components.
23
If you prefer to create a Parts List in a different format (fully customizable) click on the Report
Generator button also located on the Reports tab.
In the above image the dialog is fully enlarged as a result of clicking the [EDIT] button.
Once enlarged the button will change to [Done] thus serving as a toggle function.
Open the file part_list.rgf, which you can find in the Reports directory and just click [Run]. You
can customize the parts List output and list any attribute (wattage, voltage, tolerance,
manufacturer etc.) in any particular order you choose.
For the more advanced users among you who have experience in Visual Basic or C++, you can
create, for example, a user-defined B.O.M in Microsoft Office Excel, by using the OLE automation
in CADSTAR.
19. To print your schematic design, simply click on [File]Print and go through the Print and Page
Setup. Alternatively you can print your schematic design to a PDF file, you do not need to install
a PDF writer, CADSTAR has its own native PDF writer.
Tip: Enable Alternative text output in the print options, making text searchable when printing to a file
format such as PDF.
24
20. Finally, transfer the schematic to PCB through
[Design]Transfer to PCB.
The dialog will automatically use the same output file

name as the schematic being transferred. Click the
[Browse] button to enter a different name.
Set the output file to DesignA1.pcb as shown 
Choose '2 layer 1.6mm.pcb' as PCB Technology.

Click [OK]
As part of the process a report is generated identifying

any warnings or errors that may be in the Schematic
design.
Next specify the PCB design units, Display

Grid dimensions, default colour template and
enter any initial attribute values if required by
your company PCB technology templates.
Once the schematic data is collated error

free, you will be prompted with the adjacent
dialog. Click [Close]
 Click [Close].
The PCB Design will appear in a

new window, active with a PCB
related ribbon style GUI.
25
Note: If you choose the PCB Technology '1 layer 1.6mm.pcb' during transfer to PCB, this default
technology file is prepared for single sided boards. The advantage of the different technology
files is that you still can make use of ONE library as you will experience in Design D.
26
The first steps showed how a schematic design can be drawn for Design A. In fact, any schematic
can be drawn following the sequence shown. However, a more complicated design will require
more challenging steps. There are many tools within CADSTAR Design Editor that
will help designers like you to create a schematic. You can also add spacing classes, insert a
component into a net without any disconnection, and perform auto-connection of busses. Other
tools like Align Symbol, Design Re-use, Design Variant, Hierarchical Design, etc. are also
important and are user friendly for professional design engineers to use.
You can now move on to PCB Design. You will notice that the CADSTAR Library, Schematic and
PCB design editor run on the same Graphical User Interface, guaranteeing a fast and problem
free transfer.
27
Step 2 - PCB Placement for Design A
If you didn't create the new PCB design as described, just open DesignA1_CS.PCB and save it as
DesignA1.PCB
1. Set the design units to “Thou” (Thousandth of an Inch) by selecting [Design]Units or

alternatively by double-clicking the units at the bottom of the CADSTAR window.
When a new PCB design is created all components are placed in

the positive quadrant of 0X, 0Y, this is considered the initial Design
origin.
2. Select the [Design] tab and click on [Origin  Design Origin].
You will see the design origin symbol at 1000 for both X
and Y position. This is defined in the '2 layer
1.6mm.pcb' PCB Template that was used.
Next, you will have to create a PCB

outline;
A board outline can either be created

within CADSTAR or imported via DXF
format.
3. Select [File] tabFile Import. Change

the Format to DXF.
Select the DXF file Boardoutline.dxf.
For the Mapping-file, you have to select

dxfin.map, which you can find in the
../user/ folder and just click [OK].
If you have chosen to import the DXF

board outline, then skip to step 7.
28
Note: the board outline that is imported using the DXF data is different from what is described in
step 4. The intent is to demonstrate the support for DXF Line entity styles such as BLOCK,
INSERT, ELLIPSE, SPLINE and POLYLINEs.
CADSTAR also supports Importing and Exporting of IDF 2.0 and 3.0 from most mechanical
CAD systems.
4. Alternatively you can manually draw the board outline.
Let’s try to do this by inputting coordinates using a dialog.

Locate the default shape type quick-pick menu on the [Home] tab
and change the default to Board as shown to the right. 
Next, click the “Add Rectangle” button.
Click the <R.M.B.> and select Input Coordinates.
Enter a Width value of 2100.

Enter a Height value of 1050.
Leave the other fields as shown 
Click [Apply]
Note: if you choose to create the shape without the use of the Input coordinates assistant
watch the absolute and incremental coordinates at the bottom of the CADSTAR window when
drawing the board outline.
Tip: From any point in the design you can reset the incremental coordinates by pressing the 'Z'
key, followed by the <Enter> key.
5. To modify any outline (board, figures, component outlines etc.), simply click on the shape edge
and select one of the grab handles. You can also use the Shape Properties panel on the right
side of the application window. By selecting the outline you can see and modify the absolute or
relative coordinates.
29
6. You can also create screw holes or mounting holes if you like. To do this within the board outline
locate the default shape type quick-pick menu and change the default to Cutout, and then click
any of the drawing tool icons . In this case you will add four round holes with a 50 thou
radius.
Click the Add Circle icon.
Click on the board outline then click the

<R.M.B.> to select the Input coordinates
assistant.
Enter X 100 Y 100 as the location of the

center of the cut-out and enter a Radius of
50 thou.
Click [Apply]. The Input coordinates assistant will remain open.
Remember to select the board outline before selecting each add shape as per the command line
instructions.
If the board outline is in full view you should see the first cut-out in the lower left corner of the
rectangle.
Add cut-out number two at X 100 Y 950.
30
Retrieve the previous radius value of 50 from the pull down list and click [Apply]. The Input
coordinates assistant will remain open.
Repeat the sequence for cut-out number three at X 2000 Y 950 and cut-out number four at X
2000 Y 100.
If you didn't manage to draw the board outline or to import the board outline through DXF, just
open DesignA2_CS.pcb and save it as DesignA2.pcb. Note the board shape is as shown
above.
Once the board outline has been imported or drawn manually you can
set an interactive origin, to reference all X and Y co-ordinates of all
design items, and cursor positions, relative to the new origin.
7. Select Interactive Origin from the [Design] tab and place the origin at
the lower left corner of the board.
Enable Snap to Endpoint it will be even easier to place the

Interactive Origin. To do so select All Snap on/off located on the
[Design] tab.
31
Component Placement
Start by moving or arranging the components around the outside of the board outline.
8. Use the Arrange Components function, located on the [Component] tab to move the components
from zero, zero.
Select the Place around

board outline option on
the first dialog and click
[Next]..
Set the method to

Outside Board Outline.
Set the Component

Separation to 100.
Click [Finish]
Your results may vary.
32
Place the critical components inside the board outline. In this sample design, the SOLDEREYE
parts should be placed first. You may consider these components as critical where as their
location would be described by mechanical engineers. This is also possible in CADSTAR using
the BoardModeler Lite application as well as the IDF Module If you do not have BoardModeler
Lite or the IDF Module. You can use the Item Properties panel to enter placement criteria such
as X, Y Coordinates, Rotation and Board side.
Note: BoardModeler Lite and the IDF Module are available for evaluation by contacting your local
CADSTAR Sales Agent.
9. Open the non-modal Item Properties panel located on the right side edge of the application
window. Click the pin icon for it to remain open.
10. Select component VCC9V by clicking on the outline or just type in “VCC9V<Enter>”. (It will be
highlighted automatically), then change the X-position to 250,0 and Y-position to 875,0 and click
the Fixed tick box.. The component will move to the new location. Click in the PCB window.
Repeat this action for:
Component SPKGND, change the X-position to 450.0 and Y-position to 875.0

Component SPK, change the X-position to 650.0 and Y-position to 875.0
Component INPUT, change the X-position to 1650.0 and Y-position to 100.0
Component INPUTGND, change the X-position to 1850.0 and Y-position to 100.0
11. Place the remaining components by

selecting the Embedded Place and
Route icon located on the [Tools] tab.
Select the [Home]Stack off-

Board icon.
Enter <Ctrl+A> to select all

components. This will result in all the components that are currently unfixed to be randomly
placed around the perimeter of the outline. This serves as a second option for arranging
components.
12. Select the Move icon and the Component mode

focus icon.
33
13. Select component “TR1” and move the cursor inside the board outline.
Click the <R.M.B.> and you will see a list of assist commands as shown
to the right. 
Selecting Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise will rotate the component accordingly. You can do so
by pressing ‘C’ or ‘A’ on the keyboard to gain the same result.
Selecting Swap will mirror the component shape to the opposite placement side.
The Embedded Placement tool will aid in error free placement. However, there are times when
an error is needed temporarily. Such as, to place a component back outside of the board
outline temporarily. This can be achieved by selecting "Toggle Errors Allowed".
If the default action is to push other components, the opposite behaviour can be chosen using
the Toggle Dynamic Pushing.
To set the default action, select the PushOptions dialog located on the [Home] tab
34
14. Place TR1, TR2 and TR3 like the image below. Practice using techniques to achieve some
preliminary results.
15. After the placement of all critical components and some preliminary
placement is complete, exit the Embedded Place and Route Editor and
place the remaining components by selecting Arrange
ComponentsAutomatic Placement function on the [Component]
tab.
Enable all Auto Rotation angles before placing the components (depending on your design rules).
Try the different settings and experiment with the different results.
35
Sample placement with only o and 180 degree auto rotations enabled.
If you didn't manage to place the components, just open DesignA3_CS.pcb and save it as
DesignA3.pcb.
16. Try moving the components manually using a finer working Grid (click on the grid
button at the bottom of the window).
Note: you can select any footprint in PCB by simply

selecting the particular symbol in the schematic. In
CADSTAR, This called Cross-Probing. To try it, select
GroupNew Vertical Tab Group located on the [View]
tab first. Then select any random item.
To continue with the next exercise, you should activate and

enlarge the PCB Design window.
36
Setting up Powerplane Templates for Copper Pour
Power Planes are an integral element in the PCB. CADSTAR can accomplish this as a Negative
Powerplane where templates can be created on designated Power Plane layers to set the boundary area
for split power planes and DRC checking. This then requires a power plane output which is a traditional
negative photo image output.
Alternatively templates can be created on Electrical layers for use as a positive photo image copper pour
effect. This guide will focus on this method as it is the most popular among users.
17. To create a partial power-plane, create a template by duplicating the board outline. Select board
outline and then Duplicate shape function on the [Net/Shape] tab.
Change the type to Template and the layer to

Bottom Elec.
Disable Resize Shape if selected.
Click [OK] to create the template.
Note: Copper pour will be generated automatically

in the Embedded Place and Route or stand-alone
Place & Route Editor on solder side based on the
template area. Copper shapes will be created to fill
in the empty space within the template outline
connected, for example, to AGND.
37
18. After the template has been created you can set the properties to control how copper is
generated. Select the template and click on the non-modal Item Property panel and pin it open.
Note: the demonstration video suggests Bottom

AGND as a template name with signal AGND.
Please set the properties as described below.
Tip: If you are unable to select the template, enable

the pick from list function in the [File]Options
[Interaction] tab.
With this enabled, select the board shape outline

once again. This time a Select Item dialog will
appear to make it easier to select the template
outline.
Set the properties as follows:

Name Template: Bottom VCC9V
Relief Copper Code: 10
Layer: Bottom Elec
Signal Name: VCC9V
Clearance Width: 10
Allow in No Routing [select]
Thermal Relief: Enable On Pads
Angle 45°
Note: Automatic Pour is ENABLED!

[These are the important parameters you need to set.]
19. Return to step 18 and repeat the process for the Top
Elec layer using AGND for the template.
Set the properties as follows:

Name Template: Top AGND
Relief Copper Code: 10
Layer: Top Elec
Signal Name: AGND
Clearance Width: 10
Allow in No Routing [select]
Thermal Relief: Enable On Pads
Angle 45°
The steps that were mentioned in this chapter are again

a typical sequence. There are other tools such as Radial
Placement, Gate and Pin Swap, Replicate Placement
etc., to help designers achieve correct placement of
components.
38
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design A
With placement completed we can now start to route the PCB. If you didn't manage to create the
template, just open DesignA4_CS.pcb and save it to overwrite your current design before going to the
routing environment.
1. Select the [Tools] tab Embedded Place and Route, to go to routing environment.
Begin by check the Routing Options. Setting the Routing Options is very important before any
routing.
Select Routing Options

button located on the
[Route] tab
The Routing Options dialog contains several options to control routing behaviours:
Route Width, Routing Parameters (for autoroute), Routing Angle, On-Line Design Rule Check,
Push Aside, Activ-45 Degree Routing etc.
Make sure that at least On-line DRC, Angled Autorouting, Angle 45 Degrees, Activ-45 Degree
Routing are Enabled. You can use these options to create the result you want.
39
2. Start with manual routing by clicking two icons on the toolbar, Item Focus and Manual Route
located on the [Home] tab as shown above.
Try out the Activ-45 Degree Routing and Automatic

Pour starting on the Solder-side (Bottom Elec), by
selecting a net just once and moving the cursor to the
other end of the net.
To insert vias, requires the changing of the active

routing layer from Top Elec to Bottom Elec
(by clicking the Top Elec button at the
bottom of the window and changing the current layer
to Bottom Elec).
While routing, you can insert a via by using the right-

hand mouse button and select Change Layer.
Route width can be changed on the fly from Optimal

to Necked or Change Width using the right-hand
mouse button and select Change Width (you can
choose a width between Min and Max, depending on
your Route Assignments).
3. Use the automatic routing features. The two icons used are Net Focus and AutoRoute shown
above. Nets can be automatic routed individually or by dragging a selection frame area around
the whole board outline.
Copper pour will be generated automatically on the Top Elec and Bottom Elec layers since you
enabled automatic pour earlier.
Note: the copper poured into the template will have followed the properties you have set. The
copper will also have automatically avoided the cut-out of the board outline.
Note: Transistors, TR1-TR3 contain a round Keep-out area within the component shape, shown
as cross-hatched in the previous images. You may choose to change the colour settings so that
component areas are not visible. The settings for the templates that Allow in No Routing areas
while be considered resulting in copper being poured within the area. Try it!
40
4. After completion, you can go back to the PCB Design Editor window by
selecting [File] tab and clicking the Exit Embedded Place and Route
icon. Don't forget to rebuild the router results into the layout. You can
now see a design similar to the PCB shown below.
5. For a different view of the PCB use the Mix Colours (transparency)
mode located on the [View] tab This will display multiple layers so
that all items are visible. Shown above
Note: This is best viewed using a black background.
6. If you required, a mirrored view of the PCB design select [View] tabMirror View. This view
option allows work to be performed as if you are working on the bottom side of the PCB.
7. The board can also be displayed filled. Select [view] tab

-> Colours,Pick the Board Outline category and select
Change Colours
A checkbox in the Colours – Board Outline dialog

allows you to toggle the fill style of the board.
41
8. Save the file
If you didn't manage to route the design, just open DesignA5_CS.pcb to have a look.
This is probably the last stage of the PCB design. It requires some careful considerations as to how the
board can be routed, what are the critical nets and what nets have to be routed manually etc. For
advanced users, more routing features and high-speed routing are to be considered.
42
Step 4 - Manufacturing data for Design A
At this stage, you can also create the manufacturing data (Gerber, N.C.Drill, Parts List, Placement data,
Drill Drawing, etc.) for the manufacturing of the PCB. Start by creating a Drill drawing with an associated
Drill table as shown below. Your design may be different.
Drill holes marked with letters that correspond to a hole count in a table or legend.
1. Change the preferred units to mm with 2 decimal places.
2. Load the colour file called Drill Drawing. This is found in the pull-
down menu adjacent to the colour palette Icon found in the [View]
tab.
This can also be loaded by typing [col drill drawing <enter>]

at the command line.
3. Select the Drill Letters/Table function
located on the [Design] tab.
a. Select Automatic Drill Letter

Association option as shown.
b. Double click on the Drill Letters

and enter a tolerance comment
like +/- 0.02.
c. Deselect the Length column

header
d. Select the Comments column

to appear on table and change
it to “Tolerances”
43
4. Select the [Drill Table] tab.
a. Change the Layout, layer to Letter

Drill Drawing
Selecting the Show Drill Settings

option will show pertinent settings
that are useful for the Fabrication of
the PCB. Leave it deselected.
b. Click to [Add Drill Table] button.

This will make the drill table appear
on your cursor.
5. Move the table to the right of the PCB board outline and <click> to release it as shown below.
44
6. Try adding dimensions as shown on the previous page by clicking the
[Home] tab and then selecting the style of dimension you wish to add
from in the Add Dimension list.
The default dimension styles and details are declared in [Design] tab,
Defaults dialog. Once the dialog is displayed, move the cursor over
the various parameters for a graphical representation of the meaning.
TIP: Try using the Snap mode functions located on the [Design] tab
when adding dimensions. 
45
7. Select the [Manufacture] tab and click the
Batch Process button on the ribbon.
8. In the Batch Process window, select [Open]

and choose Manufacturing Output 2 Layer.ppf, which you can find in the ../Self Teach/ directory.
In this 2 Layer design, the layers that are to be generated are;
• Top Elec
• Bottom Elec,
• Top Solder Mask,
• Bottom Solder Mask
• Top Silkscreen
(all in Extended Gerber RS274-X format).
Additional data generated by CADSTAR manufacturing are;
• Parts Lists,
• Layer Stack-up report
• Placement Data
• Drill Drawings (in the case of this design is recommended to produce PDF artwork of the
Drill Drawing layers) rather than let CADSTAR generate a non-WYSIWYG output file.
• Extended Drill Data.
 Click the demonstration video link to see how additional rows can be added such as for a
drill drawing PDF file.
9. Click [START]. All manufacturing data will be saved in the Output directory.
46
Note: During the generation of the manufacturing data, a check is performed to ensure items such
as Areas, Templates and Component Area are not visible. If they are visible in your design you may
receive warnings on rows that are using a colour file. To fix this, exit the Batch Process dialog and
then load the colour file for the row that is being flagged as a warning. Check the colour file and
change the visibility settings to Off for the item category being flagged. Return to the Batch Process
function and click the button to [Check PCB]. This is to check the colour files for items that are not
normally output as manufacturing details.
TIP: Select the Prefix Jobname to Output Files control to append the name of the design to each
output file. This makes it easier to keep manufacturing output for different designs in the same folder.
There are other tools such as Associated Dimensioning (Orthogonal, Angular, Radial etc.), Snap,
Component Rename etc., to help designers like you to create all the necessary manufacturing data.
TIP: CADSTAR also provides Design Rule Check functionality. When you run this function, DRC
errors will be flagged in the PCB layout. If you have unresolved errors at the time of post
processing, the Manufacturing output will notify you.
47
Step 5 – Saving your Design for future Reuse
Small schematic and PCB designs like this Amplifier are typical examples of circuits that are saved for
future reuse. Once saved as a reusable circuit they can be recalled for use with other designs. CADSTAR
offers functionality for managing reusable circuits.
1. Display both your Schematic and PCB Design in CADSTAR.
2. Open the Colour settings for the design and change the settings for board outline, figures and
dimensions to non-pickable.
3. Select all the electrical contents of your PCB using a simple framing method. If Cross-Probing is
active the same components and nets should be selected in the schematic window. Deselect the
SOLDEREYE parts.
4. Select from the [Design] tab Manage Reuse BlocksCreate

Reuse Block. The default location for reusable blocks is in the
Reuse Files folder as per the Path locations defined in the [File] tab
Options dialog.
48
5. Choose a valid meaningful name for the file. I.e. “Amplifier” and then click [OK].
6. Enter the same name for the Reuse Block name and
then click [OK]
7. With the schematic data still selected from cross probing,

carefully click the schematic window tab. (not within the
window since this will deselect the contents). This will
change the tool ribbon used for schematics. Reselect the
circuit block and select [Design] tab Create Reuse
Block.
If you have prematurely clicked and deselected the circuit repeat the process for the schematic
data. Give the schematic reuse block the same name as the PCB reuse block i.e. Amplifier.scm.
Do not include the SOLDEREYE parts.
8. Select the Manage Reuse Blocks button. The new block name will be
listed.
Note: Since the Reuse Block files are named, this functionality will allow you to manage them
within the \Reuse Files\ folder. If you decided to make changes to the blocks, update both the
Amplifier SCM and PCB files. Then, for any design that used the Amplifier circuit, you can simply
update them by double clicking on them and selecting the Actions – Update option shown above.
In the next project, Design B, the Amplifier reuse blocks will be used. Simply select from the
[Design] tab, Manage Reuse Blocks Insert Reuse Block and select Amplifier.
49
Assigning Unique Reference Designators for Reuse Circuits
Before reusing these circuits we recommend you perform a reference designator renaming procedure.
This will assign unique reference designators to the schematic and PCB components used in the reuse
circuits blocks and will also help to eliminate the chances they will be renamed automatically by
CADSTAR when they are inserted as reuse circuit blocks.
For instance; When inserting a reuse block into a schematic or PCB that may already have used the
reference designators that are used in the reuse definitions, CADSTAR will resolve the duplicate
reference designators automatically by renaming them to the next available ref des. This can cause the
reuse circuit blocks to become out of synch in between the schematic and PCB reuse blocks.
An elegant solution is to use the rename component function to rename the used reference designators
to something with a higher level prefix. I.e. R1  R1001, C1 C1001.
9. Open the Amplifier Schematic and PCB so you can see both at the same time and then click in
the schematic window to make it active.
10. Select the Positional Rename button on the [Symbol] tab as shown above.
50
11. Apply the settings as shown in the image for components with a stem name of R.
This will rename the resistors using a 1000 prefix range

in a Left to Right – Top to bottom sequence.
Repeat for stem names of C, D and TR.
12. Save the Amplifier schematic again,

overwriting the version currently in the \Reuse
Files\ folder.
The renaming of the components in the

schematic can now be passed to the PCB
circuit block by way of the ECO Update
function.
51
13. Click in the PCB window for the Amplifier to make it active.
14. Click on the [Design] tab and then the ECO

Update button.
Click [Yes] if the following dialog appears.
15. Browse to the \Reuse Files\

folder and select the Amplifier.scm as the ECO
Source data.
16. Apply all other settings as shown and click the [OK]
button.
17. Click [Yes] on the Design Comparison information

dialog. The results will be displayed in an ECO
Update report
Note: ECO Update will also change

system assigned net numbers as part of
the process. If you have important nets
it is recommended they be given proper
names.
52
18. After reviewing the report carefully, click the [Close]
button. You will be presented with opportunity to accept
the changes. Click [Yes]
The PCB design will now be updated to match the

schematic.
19. Save the Amplifier PCB design again, overwriting the version currently in the \Reuse Files\ folder.
This completes the first design with CADSTAR Express!
53
Add the Power of 3D to your Design
You can also check out BoardModeler Lite, supporting import/export of STEPS AP203, AP214,
ACIS,STL and IDF formats, providing you an optimized solution for the placement and verification of a
PCB Design in its own 3D environment, including:
a. Replacing board shapes and modifying component placements which are smoothly back
annotated.
b. Creating detailed 3D models using the 3D parts creation wizard
c. Importing Mechanical Enclosures (or other PCB designs).
d. Measuring Distances and Checking Clearances.
e. Running Batch collision checks.
BoardModeler Lite is more than just a 3D viewer!!!
You can find more information at:
www.zuken.com/cadstar-board-modeler-lite
Mechanical CAD CADSTAR
54
Chapter 2 – Design B
In Design B, we will expand on what you have learned in Design A by exploring more features within
CADSTAR. We will use the Amplifier circuit in the form of a Reuse Block for both the schematic and the
PCB design. We will use Hierarchical features in the schematic and use a more elaborate PCB board
outline with predefined component placement as an example of a Mechanical CAD driven system.
The project we will be designing is an audio device that many electronic hobbyists have built to cure
insomnia. The circuits will emulate the sound of rain falling. This is similar to that of a white noise
generator.
The original circuit was obtained from www.electroschematics.com as a free download.
We have expanded on this by adding an additional amplifier that will be activated with the push of a
button and an optional ear phone jack.
The PCB design will be created for you with predetermined coordinates and rotations of the parts. You
will import this as a DXF file and begin placing the remaining parts.
Routing and Placement can be accomplished using the Embedded Place and Route Editor.
You will then be able to use your new skills from the previous design to complete Design B called
Rainmaker.
55
The Image below contains the finished Rainmaker PCB design. The 3D models are available as part of
the CADSTAR – Board Modeler Lite tutorial guide. If you would like to take this project to the 3D Level
contact your CADSTAR Sales agent to obtain a full CADSTAR and Board Modeler Lite evaluation
license.
56
Step 1 - Schematic for Design B
The sequence steps are the same as Design A.
1. Create a new schematic sheet using Form A3-euro. Set the working grid to thou and screen
grid to 100, 100.
2. Pick out components from the Library Workspace window. You may also use the Library
Searcher as well.
The Parts list is as follows
Part Name Description Qty Comps.

0.1UF-COG2-5% 0.1uf 100V COG Mlayer Ceramic 1 C2
10-TR4-1% 10 Ohm TR4 Metal Oxide Film 1% 1 R14
100-TR4-1% 100 Ohm TR4 Metal Oxide Film 1% 1 R5
10UF-10V-EC 10uF 10V Electrolytic Capacitor 1 C4
2.5MM PWR CON Power supply connector 2.5mm 1 J1
220E-TR4-1% 220 Ohm TR4 Metal Oxide Film 1% 1 R7
220K-TR4-1% 220K Ohm TR4 Metal Oxide Film 1% 1 R6
270K-TR4-1% 270K TR4 Metal Oxide Film 1% 2 R2-3
2K7-TR4-1% 2.7K TR4 Metal Oxide Film 1% 1 R1
2N1613 SABER TRANSISTOR 1 Q2
2N3904 SABER TRANSISTOR 1 Q1
47uF-10-EC 47uF 10V Electrolytic Capacitor 1 C7
470E-MRS25-1% Metal film resistor MRS25 470E 1% 1 R4
BA156K0103J-- Leaded film capacitor 1 C3
BA156K0104J 1nf Leaded film capacitor 1 C1
LM741CN SINGLE OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER 1 U1
LGY2109-1701F STEREO- CONNECTOR - EARPHONE 1 J2
NEC_TOKIN_UC2_RELAY NEC TOKIN's UC2 Mini Signature relay 1 RL1
RS15H11AA04M-100K Slim Slide(Slim 4) RS**H Series 100K 1 P1
RS15H11AA04M-50K Slim Slide(Slim 4) RS**H Series 50K 1 P2
SOLDEREYE-1MM Soldereye 1.0 mm 2 SP1-2
TL1250F180BQRCLR SPST - Tactile Switch N.O with Blue Led 2 SW1-2
3. Place the components on the schematic sheet. The schematic is on the next page for reference.
Feel free to print the page for this easier viewing.
Remember that symbols may be mirrored as well as rotated. However for most cases use the
appropriate alternate symbol to match the schematic.
Parts STP1 is a 2-pin Star point symbol. It resides in the library and has a PCB star point footprint
representing a large single pad component. In fact this is special component that allows two nets
such as ground returns to be connected together at a predetermined location using routed traces.
57
The red symbol is
created out of figures and
grouped together to
represent a speaker. The
actual speaker for this
project is not mounted on
the PCB. Only the Solder
eye terminals are used.
The block shape shown

as Optional Amplifier is
a Hierarchical Block. This
will be covered in a later
step.
58
As you create the schematic, feel free to make adjustments to the;
• scale of the symbols using the Item Properties dialog

• size of the text and fonts using the Assignment settings
• position of the attribute test introduced with the part.
• colours using the Colours dialog.
• local visibility of pin names/identifiers for parts such as resistors and non-polarized devices
4. Save the design as Rainmaker1.SCM
5. Connect the components – Note that the connections are different colours. This is due to the
use of different route codes.
For Power Nets (red) use Net Route Code VCC

For Ground nets (green) use Net Route Code GND
For all other nets (purple) use Net Route Code Signal
6. Add Global Signal symbols accordingly. They can take on unique net names. See the
schematic for the appropriate names.
7. Optional step. If you would like to learn about using Spacing classes, you will find it very
useful to declare unique spacings between groups of Nets. Circuit designers appreciate being
able to define this information in the schematic.
8. Save the design as Rainmaker2.scm
59
We will now add a second sheet to this design. This will be a lower level hierarchical sheet that
we can push down to and pop up from as we move from sheet to sheet. To connect to the sheet
we will add a hierarchical block with terminals to emulate signals connected to the lower sheet.
The signals names are shown below in red. The block has been named “Optional Amplifier”
9. From the [Hierarchy] tab select Add Block shape. Click to start the rectangle start and end
position in the approximate location shown in the image above.
10. Double Click on the block shape outline. You will be prompted as follows.
Select [Create New Sheet]
Name the new sheet

“Optional Amplifier”.
Click [OK]
60
You are now in a new schematic window using the same format sheet symbol labelled
Sheet 2 of 2.
11. Open the Open Designs auto-hide panel to see that the
new sheet appears indented to suggest that it is a child
sheet of the Sheet1 parent.
Note: Here you may rename Sheet1, if you wish by clicking

on the name and clicking the <R.M.B.>. Select Rename
sheet.
Note: New Sheets may be added in this same manner by

selecting Add Sheet.
Top Level Sheet will be at the same level as sheet 1.
Adding a Lower-level Sheet will create it as an unconnected

sheet and be displayed as a light blue icon. This means that a
Hierarchical block will be needed to bring the new child sheet
under the desired parent sheet.
12. Click inside of the Optional Amplifier sheet space and the
click the <R.M.B>. Click the Pop up option to take you upwards
to the parent sheet.
This function as well as Push Down or doubling clicking on the

hierarchical block shape makes it easy to move from sheet to
sheet.
61
Next we will add terminals to serve as connection points to emulate net connectivity between the
sheets.
Note: that this is optional as common signal names are automatically merged during the sheet
collating phase, such as during the transfer to PCB process, ECO update and Back Annotation,
etc.
13. Click the Downwards option on the Add Terminal section of the
[Hierarchy] tab.
Note: Steps are dictated

for functions at the lower
left corner of the
application window.
Click on the block shape. From the dialog,

open the Signal Name list and select AGND.
Change the Terminal Code to Cross. This

terminal code uses a ‘Plus’ shape.
Click [OK].
Place the terminal on the bottom side of the

block outline as shown.
Press the <esc> key on the keyboard or click

the <R.M.B.> and select Cancel. This will
return to the dialog.
You may specify new net names as well.
Enter the signal name 12V_B then click [Ok] and position
this terminal on the top of the block symbol as shown.
Repeat for SPK+IN and SPK+OUT placing them as

shown.
Click the <R.M.B.> and select Finish.
You may position the terminal name labels as you like.
14. To apply a name to the block symbol select the outline

and enter Optional Amplifier as shown and click
[OK].
62
15. Push Down to the Optional Amplifier sheet to see the lower level terminals. As each terminal
was placed, its corresponding hierarchical terminal was placed at the same X, Y location on
the lower sheet.
TIP: As the demonstration video shows, Hierarchical terminals codes can be changed, if so
desired, using the Item Properties panel. For instance the Hierarchical terminals on the lower
level sheet can be assigned a terminal code that represents a filled arrow whereas the Upper
hierarchical terminals may continue to use the Cross terminal code.
16. Pop Up to Sheet1 and finish adding the connections to the new hierarchical terminals as shown
on the schematic. Remember to set the Route Codes to maintain the same colour correlation.
17. Save the design as Rainmaker3.scm.
We are now ready to add the reusable circuit block that we saved in chapter 1.
Creating lower level circuit blocks for the purpose of adding reuse blocks is a nice way to maintain a
tidy design flow, though they are not required.
18. Push Down into the lower level sheet.
19. From the [Design] tab select Manage Reuse Blocks  Insert
reuse Block.
Select the Amplifier schematic block.
As the block is integrated into the main design items such as component reference designators
and net names are checked and compared to those already used.
Duplicate component names are renamed to the

next available reference designator per their prefix
stem name.
Duplicate Net names are prompted with the

adjacent dialog allowing the user to decide to Join
the nets or Rename them to keep them separated.
63
Since you have connected the AGND hierarchical terminal to the starpoint part, the net does in
fact exist and we can Join this instance. Click [Join]
The following dialogs are very important to consider. If you are familiar with every net name in
both circuits and agree that it is ok to repeat the Join operation for every duplicate net then do
so. Else you may cycle through each net individually to avoid joining two nets together
accidentally.
20. The Amplifier circuit is now attached to your cursor. Place it on the sheet.
The circuit is now grouped and in a state of being locked as a reuse block.
21. Open the Current Design panel menu. Expand the Reuse
Blocks branch to see the reuse blocks that are currently in
the schematic design.
22. Place the Lower level Hierarchy terminals near their

respective nets and connect them accordingly.
64
23. Create the Parts List – When prompted select both sheets in the dialog.
24. Print the design.
25. Save the design as Rainmaker4.SCM
If you have not completed the design to this point,

please load Rainmaker4_CS.scm and save it as
Rainmaker4.scm.
26. Transfer the schematic design to PCB

(choose '2 layer 1.6mm.pcb' as PCB
technology).
Since we are using design reuse blocks you

must also check the option (shown below)
Perform Update of Reuse Blocks on
Completion.
You will be presented with several verification

dialogs pertaining to new items to add to the
design.
Accept them until the Reuse Block Update

Summary report appears as
shown. .
Note: the warning reflects the

use of the Part Acceptance
attribute used in the parts
library definition for;
“LGY2109-1701F” and
“STAR-POINT_2-PIN”.
For these parts the text string

values have been highlighted
for this attribute. You will
learn more on this in the next
chapter.
Click [Close]
65
The new PCB design is displayed along with the reuse block, grouped, as shown below.
Note: the reuse block has been moved slightly by the author from its original location for image clarity.
66
Step 2 - PCB Placement for Design B
You can now start to place and arrange the components on the PCB after the transfer. If you have not
completed the design to this point, please load Rainmaker4_CS.PCB, save it as Rainmaker4.pcb and
skip to Step 5.
1. Check and/or change the Units & Grid (25 thou is preferred).
2. Click on the Amplifier circuit block and move it to the right of the components to make way for
the incoming board outline.
Remember, when a new PCB design is created all components are

placed in the positive quadrant of 0X, 0Y, this is considered the
initial Design origin.
3. Select the [Design] tab and click on [OriginDesign Origin].
You will see the design origin symbol move to X 1000, Y 1000.
4. Import the DXF Board outline using the Rainmaker_Boa.dxf

file located in the \Self Teach\ folder. Also use the same
dxfin.map file. This DXF file also contains other information
such as Critical Component placement and dimensions as if
provided from the mechanical engineer.
Note: From the image above, 4 critically placed components have been added to the design. This
refers to 4 mounting holes that are imported as single pad components. The DXF Import process will
acknowledge the ref des and component reference shape request. If it is not in the design, CADSTAR
will import it from the Parts library. This process is described fully in the CADSTAR Help.
67
Tip: Once the PCB window displays all of the information from the DXF
file, you may find that the connections are not optimized (to their shortest
length). This can be quickly resolved using the Reconnect feature
located on the [Net/Shape] tab. This function will simply optimize the
appearance of the connections thus eliminating length. This does not
have any impact on the Signal integrity constraints.
Note: PCB design shown after reconnect function has been run.
Note: the reuse block has been moved slightly by the author from its original location for image clarity.
If you have not completed the design to this point, please load Rainmaker5_CS.PCB, save it as
Rainmaker5.pcb.
Next we can move the reuse circuit block into position. Since the block is grouped. It is possible to
click on it and move it as a single object. It may also be rotated on any angle.
68
Even though the amplifier reuse block does not quite fit. This is OK and probably a normal occurrence
for the experienced PCB designer. Later we will remove the reuse block association make some
placement adjustments and copper pour template adjustments. The point of the exercise is basic
Design Reuse techniques.
5. Place the block as shown below.
Tip: if you pick an object by a location that you would like to change while in the “Move” mode,
click the <R.M.B.> and select the “Change Selection Origin”. This will temporarily suspend the
movement while you select a different location. Once you click the object the movement will
resume.
Tip: Enable the Snap point function located on the [Design] tab before changing a selection
origin.
6. Place the Starpoint STP1, relay RL1 and the SP1 and SP2 components in the suggested
approximate locations shown on the next page. Fix them once they are placed by selecting them
and clicking <R.M.B.> and clicking on the Fix function.
69
7. Select the Embedded Place and Route icon located on the [Tools] tab.
8. Arrange the components around the board outline using the Stack function located on the
[Home] tab.
9. Select the Move icon and the

Component mode focus icon
and manually place the other
components.
10. Exit the Embedded Place and Route and save the PCB Design.
Adjusting the Reuse Circuit block.
At this point we will make the necessary adjustments to the circuit block so that it fits with this board
outline.
11. Select the Amplifier reuse block. From the

non-modal Item properties panel, turn off the
Grouped setting.
12. Start by modifying the shapes of the existing

copper pour templates that are a part of the
reuse block. They can be selected and
stretched to the left of the board outline as
shown in the image. 
13. Delete the round cut-outs that in the

templates. There are 8 total, 4 on each
template.
70
14. Open the Current Design panel on the left side of the application window. Expand the Reuse
Block branch, click on the Amplifier name and click the <R.M.B.>. Select Remove Reuse
Association. You are now free to make any edits to the circuit block you wish.
Note: This is an optional process, it is not necessary to

remove the association. If a PCB design warrants this
technique, it is recommended to also remove the reuse
association in the schematic reuse block as well.
However if you pay attention to the intricacies of the

block and later remote select the PCB block items from
the Schematic window using Cross probing, you can
create a new reuse block of the same name to insure
that it remains in synch with the schematic.
15. Select the copper polygons and associated templates and delete them from both Top and Bottom
layers.
17. Use the move commands in the Component focus mode to adjust the placement of the two
capacitors and perhaps R1005 to a more proper location.
If you encounter any errors that you wish to ignore, click the <R.M.B.> and select Toggle errors
allowed.
As you move routed components, the routes should remain routed as they move with them. .
18. Exit the Embedded Place and Route and save the PCB Design.
71
Sample of finished Placement
72
If you didn't manage to place the components, just open Rainmaker6_CS.PCB and save it as
Rainmaker6.pcb. This file has the copper and templates already removed.
19. Create four new templates to support the power and ground nets from the main Rainmaker circuit.
The GND and AGND templates will be on layer Top Elec, the 12V and 12V_B templates will be
on layer Bottom Elec. Using the Item properties use your judgment when making the settings to
the templates.
Shown below is a suggestion of the shapes for the templates. Those in green represent AGND
and GND. The red represent the signals 12V and 12V_B. Notice that the templates can be
outside of the board outline. The Copper pour function will only pour up to the board outline minus
the Copper to Profile spacing that is allowed.
73
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design B
You are now at the final stages of the PCB design. For this task you may use the Fix command to lock
the existing routing from the Amplifier reuse block in place.
2. Manually route any critical nets such as 12V from SW2 (Shown below as partially routed to the
closest 12V template contact point), 12V_relay_enable and 12VA.
3. An additional route (AGND) can be routed on the Top Elec layer from J2 pin 1 or from J2 pin 5 to
the Star Point. You can also route from R14 pin 2 to J2 pin 1 or pin 5 as shown in the image
below.
If you recall from the schematic part entry, the symbol

indicated that pins 1 and 5 are internally connected.
Therefore you did not connect pin 5 to pin 1 using a
physical connection in the schematic. These are
connected on layer Interconnect, which must be made
visible to see.
Perhaps you have encountered some parts where a similar situation can occur. This unique
situation can be addressed by creating a closed polygon shape within the component reference
shape. This can be drawn on an electrical layer and
used as part of the actual copper routing pattern or it
can be drawn on a non-electrical layer where the net AGND
connectivity is simply implied.
Once you have routed this pattern, use the item

Properties function to verify that the other pad is in
fact connected to AGND.
4. Using a framing technique, draw a rectangle around the extremities of the PCB outline to select
all items. Click the Fix command located on the [Home] tab.
74
5. Automatically route all other nets then spend some time manually routing using the Activ-45
routing mode. This is accessible from the <R.M.B.> menu.
Note: Do not route any other pins connected to the 4 power and ground nets. This will be
completed in the next step.
6. Once you are satisfied with the routing results use the Pour copper function to complete the PCB
design. This will make the connections to the 4 power and ground nets.
Note: the two connections coming from the Star point must be routed partially to the finished
Copper pour shapes.
If you wish to fine tune your routing to ensure each power and ground is properly connected to the
poured copper, simply Undo the copper pours or use the Clear function.
7. Exit Embedded Place and Route and save the PCB design.
If you didn't manage to complete the design, just open Rainmaker7_CS.pcb to have a look.
Tip: If you still see connection guides on the power and ground nets, verify the completion of the
routing to the copper polygons by generating a HTML Routing Completion Report. This is located
at the bottom of the application window. A sample is shown on the next page though yours may be
different. Simply click on the Items to see what is being reported.
75
76
Shown below is a sample of the placed, routed PCB with copper poured. RainMaker7_CS.pcb
The mounting hole M3 is shown in 3D using Board Modeler Lite to

illustrate how additional spacings can be applied using items such as
Keep-out areas within the components reference shapes.
A benefit of creating Keep-out areas in the component shapes is they

can be enabled within the template properties. 
If you experiment with this design, try changing the template property
for the Top GND to Allow in NonRouting area. Then use the
Embedded Place and Route tools, to re-pour the copper.
77
Step 4 - Manufacturing Data for Design B
1. You can select [File] tab Manufacturing Export Batch Process [Open] select
Manufacturing Output 2 Layer.ppf ) in the menu bar to create the manufacturing data.
At this point you might want to check out the capabilities of BoardModeler Lite. It supports import/export
of STEPS AP203, AP214, ACIS STL and IDF formats; providing you an optimized solution for the
placement and verification of a PCB Design in its 3D environment. You can replace the board outline,
modify component placements, which are smoothly back annotated, import other PCB designs and
housings, then build it all together and run a complete collision check.
It’s not just a viewer!
www.zuken.com/cadstar-board-modeler-lite
78
Reviewing your Designs with Redlining Markers
Another part of the design review process uses a module called “Redlining”. This licensed module is
available for purchase with all CADSTAR variants.
To find out more

information click on
the [Redlining
Marker] function
located on the
[Home] tab for a
video demonstration.
This requires an
internet connection.
79
Chapter 3 - Library
The CADSTAR Library Editor ensures that design integrity is maintained between the symbol, the
footprint and the part information, and also supports multiple libraries.
The library provided with CADSTAR Express contains only a few parts essential for the PCB designs
described in this 'Do-It-Yourself Book' and some examples of the on-line CADSTAR Libraries. More
libraries are available through the Zuken Global support site. The ready-to-download-and-use parts
contain all the information you require including manufacturers' part numbers. They are updated and
expanded regularly with over 250,000 parts currently available. If the part required is not already
available in these libraries, you can quickly and easily design your own parts using the supplied wizards
and the Graphical Library Editor. Access to the on-line CADSTAR Libraries is available as part of the
maintenance contract.
Server 3
CADSTAR Component Database
Server 2
Server 1
3D Symbols
Parts Library
Simlib
Schematic PCB Documentation
Symbols Components Symbols
Concept Schema Analyze Layout Verify Manufacture
80
Step 1 - PCB Component / BGA Wizard
For this next step, we will be using the Graphical Library Editor. This can be launched from the
Windows Programs menu or from within the Design Editor.
The Library Editor functions as its own CADSTAR Application. It uses a multi-document interface to edit
PCB components, Schematic symbols, Documentaiton symbols and Parts.
81
We will start with a 64 pad ball BGA using the BGA Creation Wizard.
1. From the [Home] tab click the New

button. Then select the [PCB
Component] tab and choose the BGA
Wizard in the box.
Click the [OK] button
2. Enter a {Component} Reference Name of BGA-64. (do not enter BGA64 as demonstrated in
the above video link) Fill in an Alternate Name I.e. Reflow.
Change the Units from

Thousandths of an Inch to
Millimeters.
This is handy when you

have component
specifications that are
documented in mm or Thou.
Fill in the component Height

if you want to run a Design
Rule Check on the height
clearances, which can be
checked against placement
areas as defined in the
Design Editor, or you can run
a collision check in
BoardModeler Lite.
As this is a new component,

the version will be 1.
If Automatic Version Increment in [File] tab Options [System] is enabled, with every future
change of the component the version increments automatically. This can easily be checked if the
component in the design is the latest version as in the library.
Select [Next >]
82
3. Enter the assignments to be used for pads and outlines.
Pads: Choose for the Pads the pre-defined pad Code bga64r.
Side: When you are creating an SMD component seen from Top View you must select the Min
side to place the SMD pads on component side.
Origin: The component Origin should be placed for SMD components at centre.
Silkscreen Outlines: The Code specifies the thickness of the line you are drawing. For Layer
you should select Top silk.
Placement Outlines: The Code specifies the thickness of the line you are drawing. For Layer
you should select Top Placement.
Check the option for Enclose Silkscreen and Assembly outlines as shown below.
Assembly Outlines: The Code specifies the thickness of the line you are drawing. For Layer
you should select Top Assembly.
Note: These layers are referenced in the PCB Layer settings as layer sub types and are used
by other features.
Select [Next >]
83
4. Enter the component dimensions:
Set B to: 15 mm
Set D to: 10 mm
Set E to: 1 mm
Set F to: 1 mm
Set Nx to: 8
Set Ny to: 8
Select [Next >]

The next dialog is for designing the cavity dimensions where BGA pads are subtracted to match the
physical component package. For this task we will skip this option. Come back later and experiment with
this option. Select: [Next >]
84
5. Decide how the “Pin 1” marker location will appear on the component (this will ensure the
correct mounting of the device). Set the options as shown in the image.
Select: [Next >]
6. Last, we will assign the pin names to the BGA pads.
At this stage, you can [Finish] the wizard and the BGA-64(Reflow) will be created and displayed in
the component editor where you can still modify the PCB component manually if needed.
85
7. When done, save the component.
Click on the [Library] tab PCB

Components – [Save Comp].
If the component already

exists in the library you
can decide to over-write it
if you wish.
86
Step 2 - Schematic Symbol / Block Wizard
We shall start with going through the Schematic Block Creation Wizard. The symbol to create is a
StrataFlash® Embedded Memory device. This device is built up with 2 schematic symbols therefore we
will use the multiple gate functionality.
1. Select [File]tabNew[Schematic
Symbol] and choose the Block Wizard
in the box.
We will start by creating the power

symbol and logic symbol concurrently.
Click [OK]
2. You can choose a different template file.

In addition you can also fill in the version
number (1 as this is a new symbol). [Units]
can also be changed to suit your
specification. For this step set them to
Thou.
Select [Next >]
3. The second step is to enter the symbol

dimensions as shown.
Tip: The size of the text font used in

the data can be made more legible by
holding down the <ctrl> button and
scrolling the mouse wheel.
Select [Next >]
87
4. The next step is to add a gate, number of pins, define the pin locations and to fill in the Reference
Name. In addition you can also fill in the Alternate Name.
Select Gates – [Add] one gate.
For GATE A, enter the Reference Name as RC48F4400P0VT00-P

and Alternate Name POWER-BLOCK
For GATE B you can fill in the Reference Name RC48F4400P0VT00
Set the Number of Pins to 59 and

select [Update].
Select the Pin Sequence numbers 1

to 4 by using the CTRL/SHIFT key
and drag and drop the Pin
Sequence column to Bottom of
GATE A, as shown to the right.
Select Pin Sequence numbers 5 to

10 by using the CTRL/SHIFT key
and drag and drop the Pin
Sequence column to Top of GATE A
as shown to the right.
Tip: Once you have selected a group of pins, you may also try clicking the <R.M.B.> to access
an assist dialog.
88
Select the Pin Sequence
numbers 11 to 43 by using
the CTRL/SHIFT key and
drag and drop the Pin
Sequence column to left for
GATE B as shown.
Select Pin Sequence

numbers 44 to 59 by using
the CTRL/SHIFT key and
drag and drop the Pin
Sequence column to right of
GATE B.
The spacers are equal to the pin

spacing assigned previously.
Add a spacer in between pins 25

and 26 by clicking on the pin 25
row and then clicking the [ADD]
button.
Select [Next >]
As a courtesy check once you get to this

point, you may get a warning if the Symbol
Reference/Alternate name exists in the
Symbol Library.
This gives you the opportunity to take

action. In this case select [Yes]
89
5. The next step is to enter the Pin
Name/Number and Pin Label
Origins.
The position of the Pin Name /

Numbers and Pin Labels are
related to the final pin position.
Note: By default the Wizard will

place Pin Name/Number and Pin
Label Origins intuitively, with Pin
Names outside the block, and
Pin Labels inside.
Ensure the settings are the

same as the example. 
Select [Next >]
6. The last step is to enter

assignments to be used for
terminals and outlines.
Terminals: Set the Terminal

Codes to Terminal.
Outlines: The Outline Code

specifies the thickness of the
line drawing. You should select
Symbol Outline.
Origin: The symbol Origin

should be placed at terminal
one.
At this stage, you can [Finish]
Select [No] if you are asked to

set the multiple gate file, this is
only needed when reading an
Aldec FPGA pin list file (CSV).
90
The symbols will be created and appear in separate windows. You may choose to modify them
to suit your requirements.
7. Select the Add Origin tool bar icon to place additional

origins such as the default Part name location.
Simply browse the Origin type list

and select the origin name you wish
to place.
Try adding the (Part Name), (Link)

and Description to both symbols.
91
8. You can still modify the schematic symbols manually if needed.
When done, save them by clicking on the [Library] Schematic
Symbols [Save Symbol] button.
If the symbol already exists in

the library you can decide to
overwrite it if you wish.
You can now go through the

Schematic Block Creation
Wizard again and create
another device if you wish.
Another option is to select the

Defaults option which will open
an empty symbol window where
you can create symbols from
scratch.
92
Step 3 - Parts Library Editor
Now that you have created the PCB component and the two schematic symbols you can generate the
Part definition that will link the schematic symbols and PCB component together.
1. From within the Library Editor click on [File] tabOpen. Click [Browse the Library directory]
and open “Parts.lib”. Tip: Change the file type to Parts Libraries as shown below.
Tip: The size of the text font used in the tables can be made more legible by holding down the
<ctrl> button and scrolling the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
2. From the [Home] tab click the New icon for Add New Row 
93
When creating Part Definitions,you must fill in the Part Name and Definition column fields (in
both fields type: “Example” as shown below.) In addition you can fill in the Description if you
want to run a more detailed Parts List of the used components in your design.
3. Change the spreadsheet from [Parts] tab to [Definitions] tab by clicking on the Definitions tab.
Here, you can;
• Choose a component
reference shape I.e.
BGA-64 (Reflow) by
double clicking in the
cell to open the
browser
• Enter a default ref-des

prefix or Stem “U”
• Enter attribute
information
The basic idea is that multiple Part names can reference the same Definition. However depending
on your future Library creation plans, you may choose to reference only one part name per
definition.
94
4. Select the new part definition row for “Example” and click on the
[Home] tab and the Part Definition button to edit. (or use the
right mouse button menu).
5. From the [Component] tab,

click the [Select] button and
choose the PCB
Component BGA-
64(Reflow) that you
created by using the BGA
Wizard in the previous
exercise.
Set the Name Stem to: U
This is the prefix for the

Reference Designator that
will be used when the part is
added to a Design.
Note: both the Component

name and Name stem
could have been entered on
the Definitions tab in step 3.
6. Select the [Symbols]

tab and click the New
button shown on the
[Home] tab to add a
second row for gate B.
95
7. Double-click in the Symbol Name field or use the right mouse button menu [Select Symbol..] and
select, for Gate A, the symbol RC48F4400P0VT00-P(POWER-BLOCK) you created by using the
Schematic Block Creation Wizard in the previous exercise. For Gate B select the Symbol
RC48F4400P0VT00.
Tip: Start typing the symbol name and the searcher will take you quickly to the symbol name
8. Select the [Pins] tab.
From here, the physical pins of

the Component reference shape
BGA-64(Reflow) will be
mapped to the pins of the two
schematic gates.
Additional pin information can

also be entered.
Note that the Alpha-numeric pin

names of the component are
listed in the Pin column.
These names will be displayed
on the schematic symbol pin
locations once mapped.
Also note that when using Components reference shapes that contain Alpha-numeric pin
names it is not necessary to enter pin names in the table.
9. Click on the Import Pin Labels button located on the [Home] tab.
Rather than importing a pin label for each pin name a pinname list
file has been provided in C:\....\Zuken\CADSTAR Express
XX.X\Self Teach.
Select the file name: pinlist.pin click [Open]

CHIP {Header}
Tip: A pin list can be often down-loaded from the component
A1: pinname (colon)
manufacturer’s website or you can extract it from the component A6: .
manufacturer datasheet in spreadsheet software (for example MS A8: .
Excel). VPP: .
A13: .
VCC: .
A18: .
A22: .
A2: . <cr><lf>
96
If the Pin list has less pins than what is in the [Pins] tab you will get the warning shown below.
When you used the Schematic Block Wizard for the creation of the first symbol
(RC48F4400P0VT00-P) a total of 10 terminals were placed on the bottom and top side of the
symbol and if you remember, they are always numbered from left to right. Usually the VSS is
placed at the bottom of the power symbol and the VCC at the top.
Terminal Numbers
Map
Numbered form Left to Right
10. The next step is to map the symbol terminals with the accompanying Pin Numbers/Names (and
Labels).
In other words you will start with the pin B2 (Label VSS)
assigning it to Terminal A.1 = {Gate A. symbol terminal 1}
97
Select the Terminal cell belonging to Pin Name B2 (Label VSS), and select Assign Terminals
or use the right mouse button menu and select Assign Terminals or Just double click in the
cell.
Now you can finish the mapping for the power symbol by selecting, in the correct order, the next
power pins.
Look for pin H2 (Label VSS) and click in the terminal field. You will notice that automatically A.2
will be assigned.
As you assign the terminals the Pin name labels will appear on the Gate A symbol in the preview
pane.
Tip: If you make a mistake during the allocation of the terminals, don’t worry - just press the
[Escape] key and restart in the correct box with the new start sequence!
98
Assign the following:
- pin H4 (VSS) to A.3

- pinH6 (VSS) to A.4
- pin A4 (VPP) to A.5
- pin A6 (VCC) to A.6
- pin H3 (VCC) to A.7
- pin D5 (VCCQ) to A.8
- pin D6 (VCCQ) to A.9
- pin G4 (VCCQ) to A.10
Continue assigning the terminals for Gate B (RC48F4400P0VT00). Just click in the terminal field
of pin A1 (Label A1) and you will notice that automatically B.1 ={Gate B .Symbol Terminal 1} will
be assigned.
When you used the Schematic Block Wizard for the creation of the second symbol
(RC48F4400P0VT00), a total of 49 terminals were placed at the left and right side of the symbol
and if you remember, they are always numbered from top to bottom.
Assign following pins for Gate B:
- pin A1 ( A1) to B.1 - pin B4 ( ‘CE’) to B.26

- pin B1 ( A2) to B.2 - pin C6 ( ‘WP’) to B.27
- pin C1 ( A3) to B.3 - pin D4 ( ‘RST’) to B.28
- pin D1 ( A4) to B.4 - pin E6 ( CLK) to B.29
- pin D2 ( A5) to B.5 - pin F6 ( ‘ADV’) to B.30
- pin A2 ( A6) to B.6 - pin F7 ( WAIT) to B.31
- pin C2 ( A7) to B.7 - pin F8 ( ‘OE’) to B.32
- pin A3 ( A8) to B.8 - pin G8 ( ‘WE’) to B.33
- pin B3 ( A9) to B.9 - pin F2 ( DQ0) to B.34
- pin C3 ( A10) to B.10 - pin E2 ( DQ1) to B.35
- pin D3 ( A11) to B.11 - pin G3 ( DQ2) to B.36
- pin C4 ( A12) to B.12 - pin E4 ( DQ3) to B.37
- pin A5 ( A13) to B.13 - pin E5 ( DQ4) to B.38
- pin B5 ( A14) to B.14 - pin G5 ( DQ5) to B.39
- pin C5 ( A15) to B.15 - pin G6 ( DQ6) to B.40
- pin D7 ( A16) to B.16 - pin H7 ( DQ7) to B.41
- pin D8 ( A17) to B.17 - pin E1 ( DQ8) to B.42
- pin A7 ( A18) to B.18 - pin E3 ( DQ9) to B.43
- pin B7 ( A19) to B.19 - pin F3 ( DQ10) to B.44
- pin C7 ( A20) to B.20 - pin F4 ( DQ11) to B.45
- pin C8 ( A21) to B.21 - pin F5 ( DQ12) to B.46
- pin A8 ( A22) to B.22 - pin H5 ( DQ13) to B.47
- pin G1 ( A23) to B.23 - pin G7 ( DQ14) to B.48
- pin H8 ( A24) to B.24 - pin E7 ( DQ15) to B.49
- pin B6 ( A25) to B.25
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11. The next column, Type, is optional for this example part. However if you should take interest in
one of CADSTAR’s Signal Integrity Verification (SIV) or Power Integrity Advanced applications,
proper pin type declarations will be needed.
Simply double click in the cell to reveal the list of available pin types and make your selection.
12. Select the [Home] tab and then select

the Gate + Pin Swapping tab.
Click to expand the External Swapping

Group element containing 49 pins then
expand the element contained within.
Select the pins with the labels {A1} –

{A25} as shown and click on the
Equivalent Pins button or select
<R.M.B.>  Equivalent Pins.
Repeat the action for the pins with the

labels DQ0 – DQ15. If you do so it will
help you to optimize the routing pattern
in the Design Editor and/or P.R.Editor
XR.
100
13. Select the [Attributes] tab and click on the text field for Manufacturers Part Number. Add the
value RC48F4400P0VT00.
You can fill in more attributes if you like. Attribute values can be set as Read Only so users can
not change their values in a design.
Tip: You can create

user-defined attributes
by clicking on the
Attribute Names
button.
If you finished adding a part click on the [File] tab Save and Close the file.
If you didn’t manage to add the part without errors or warnings you can browse the Library folder
..\...\Zuken\CADSTAR Express 2018.0\Library and delete the Parts.lib. Then rename the file
Parts_CS.lib to Parts.lib and then select Libraries Parts and select [Parts Index]. You should not
have any errors or warnings.
Congratulations on creating your first complex part in CADSTAR!
Why not try and add it to a sample schematic?
101
CADSTAR FPGA
If you want to skip most steps as described above you can also use a CSV (Aldec FPGA Data) file.
To learn more you can check out CADSTAR FPGA, supporting Actel, Altera, Lattice, Quicklogic and
Xilinx flows from one universal project manager that controls all the design files for simulation, synthesis,
place and route and pin assignment to the PCB.
Pin synchronization is often far from optimal for PCB routing; this new integrated solution supports the
I/O synchronization between the FPGA device and the PCB board. CADSTAR FPGA supports forward-
and back-annotate pin assignment changes in order to optimize PCB routing.
A new collaborative product, combining Aldec's Active-HDL Lite and Zuken’s CADSTAR in one
universal project manager.
Design Solutions for Design Engineers
If you require any support during evaluation, please contact your local CADSTAR distributor.
Where to Buy CADSTAR
102
Chapter 4 – Design C (Standalone Place & Route Editor)
Design C has been created for the more advanced users, allowing you to make use of the Standalone
Place & Route Editor XR2000. Power Users of CADSTAR tend to prefer the more powerful features such
as those available within the Standalone P.R.Editor XR2000, which provides placement and routing
functionality and much more. By the way, all exercises completed for Design A and Design B in the
Embedded Place & Route solution, can as well be designed in the Standalone Place & Route Editor
XR2000!
Also in this design we will learn how to create an Intelligent Bus and the use of Signal Reference Links.
Step 1 - Schematic for Design C
1. The schematic of Design C is provided and is nearly completed. Just open DesignC_CS.scm
and save it as DesignC1.scm and begin.
CADSTAR is capable of creating intelligent busses; you can restrict the signals connecting to a
bus according to the signal names. The Item Properties dialog for a bus contains a [Signal] tab
where connections to a bus can be defined. If you set a bus to be none-restrictive you can connect
any net.
Signal reference links are used to view and ‘jump’ to the other signal references of the same net
throughout the (hierarchical) design.
2. Select the [Home] tab and then select Bus.

We will start by creating an intelligent address (AD0-7) bus on sheet 1
between U1, U2 and U3.
Select the start point for this bus and draw the bus. To insert a corner click
left mouse button, to finish the bus double click the left mouse button.
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3. To add the bus name and signal names to the bus, select the bus and click the non-modal
Item Properties panel. Fill in the bus name AD[0-7]
Alternatively this can be performed using the standard Items Properties dialog for Bus Items.
With the Bus item selected click the <R.M.B.> and click Item Properties.
Select the [Signals] tab,

click on Add and fill in
AD[0-7] then press OK.
Click [OK] to exit the dialog.
You can now connect

connections to the bus.
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4. Select U3-B select the Move icon and move U3-B towards the bus until the terminals are
on top of the bus, drop U3-B by pressing the left mouse button, the next window pops up
Set this window as follows:

Start Signal Name: AD0
Start Pin Position: 2
End Pin Position: 9
Press OK.
Move U3-B back to its original position.
Repeat this with U2-B.
For U1-B:
Start Signal Name: AD0

Start Pin Position: 50
End Pin Position: 57
Press OK
Tip: Add Mitres to the bus corners using the

Mitre Corner function located on the
[Net/Shape] tab.
Tip: Bus Terminals can be rotated to suit the direction of the signal flow. Using the
<Ctrl><L.M.B.> method select all of the bus terminals you wish to rotate. Once selected, use the
rotate command of <F3>.
5. To connect single connections to the bus use the Add Connection function. Start at the pin to
be connected, then drag the wire to the bus and single click to finish. The function will ask which
signal name to add.
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Adding Signal Reference links.
Signal reference links are used to view and/or ‘jump’ to

another associated signal reference elsewhere in the design.
The visibility and format of the link is configured via
the [Design] tabDefaults
dialog under the [Link] tab.
Zones configuration is
controlled via the
[Design] tabZones
dialog,
To specify the location

of the link, zones can
be used to split the
sheets into horizontal
and vertical segments.
6. Since the format sheet is a Euro

size, change the units to mm.
7. Set the dialog to match the image

shown  and then Click [Apply to
all Sheets]
In the Display section, check the

options for Left, Right, Top and
Bottom.
8. Set the Reference setting to

Horizontal-Vertical and select [OK].
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9. Now check the signal reference VCC in the lower left corner of the sheet. It should look like this:
You are now able to jump to the several VCC reference links in
this design by double clicking on for example 1:6B or by
selecting the Signal Reference then pressing the right
mouse button and selecting one of the reference links. 
10. Save the schematic as DesignC3.SCM
If you don’t see the Signal Reference Links, just open

DesignC3_CS.scm and save it as DesignC3.scm and then
have a look.
11. Transfer the schematic to PCB through [Design]Transfer to

PCB as DesignC1.PCB, choose ‘Eurocard-160x100.pcb’ as PCB technology.
If you didn't manage to transfer the schematics design, just open DesignC1_CS.pcb and save it
as DesignC1.PCB before going to step 2.
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Step 2 – Placement for Design C
12. Create a rough manual placement here in the Design Editor.
Place all ICs as shown. 
SMD components can be

placed on both sides of the
board.
Place all the capacitors on the

solder side of the board. I.e.
Select capacitor C1 and drag it
to the preferred place, click the
<R.M.B.> and select ‘Mirror’ Crossing!
from the assist menu and then
single click to release.
Note: The colour of

components when swapped to
the other side of the board do
change!
X1 can be placed at X 154.711 mm, Y 89.383 mm and rotated to 90 degrees.
If you didn't manage to place the components,

just open DesignC2_CS.pcb and save it as
DesignC2.pcb and then continue.
Tip: to see highlighted nets that connect to a

component, press “T”<enter> on the keyboard to
toggle the associated nets to a highlight colour.
13. Some connections between U1 and U2 are crossing!

To solve this, select the Automatic Gate and Pin
Swap button on the [Component] tab and click
[Start] .
Save the design as DesignC3.pcb
Note: You can also swap pins on the fly in the

Standalone Place & Route Editor XR2000.
Using CADSTAR you can decide to use schematics as master or the PCB design as master.
CADSTAR supports full back annotation. No matter what your choice will be, do not forget to run
a Back Annotation when you have changed something in your PCB design, like pin and gate
swap, renamed components, added, modified or deleted components, connections or attributes.
108
If you didn't manage to do Gate and Pin Swap, just open DesignC3_CS.PCB and save it as
DesignC3.pcb before going on.
14. Open the schematic design DesignC3.scm

and select Back Annotation located on the
[Design] tab.
In the Back Annotation window select the

PCB design DesignC3.pcb as the source.
If you have added new components in the PCB

design that do not exist in the Schematics you can
select the sheet on which you want to add these
components (in this case just select Sheet1).
The exclusion file can contain components that do

not exist in the schematics, like mechanical holes or
other components that you don’t want to appear in
the schematics. Just select Example3.cig.
Now select [OK] to run the back annotation.
109
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design C
1. Continue with DesignC3.pcb and go to the Standalone Place & Route

Editor XR by selecting ToolsPREditor XR.
When transferring to the P.R.Editor a RIF Export

Option window will be showed automatically.
Be sure to enable Always Transfer Colours.
Click [OK]
Before starting any routing or further placement

check the ConfigureRouting Setup dialogs or
(CTRL-T).
Setting the routing options is very important before any routing. Ensure the settings are equal to
the example shown below. {If you don’t like copper to be poured automatically disable Auto Pour}
{values are shown in mm.}
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If you don’t like routes to be pushed by other objects you can disable the Pusher.
P.R.Editor can also be used for placing components

without going back to the Design Editor. Before starting
any placement check the Interactive Move and Push
Aside options.
2. Set the options for moving components by selecting

ConfigureInteractive Move in the menu bar.
Setting the placement functions behavior is very important

before any placement is started.
3. Select ConfigurePlacementPush Aside in the menu

bar. Ensure the settings are equal to the example.
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4. Select a component and click the Move tool bar icon . Notice that other components are
being pushed aside and when there is enough space the selected component jumps over
other components. Components can also be swapped to the other side of the board or
rotated This can also be performed using the <R.M.B.> assist menu.
As this board is a 6 layer board with 2 power planes GND & VCC, we will first start with stub routing
for the GND & VCC.
5. Select Whole Net Mode , Auto route and select the GND signal at a pin location
(repeat the same for VCC).
VCC
GND
The Place & Route Editor XR will help you in routing your designs by using several auto-routing
technologies on a single net, a group of nets or within a certain area.
Note: By using the customizable Function Keys F5 or F6 you can scroll through the layers from
top to bottom or the other way around (Try it).
6. The next step is to create a Fan-out for a BGA. A Fan-out is a route template that can be
applied to an SMD component. It enables routes to `breakout' from a surface mounted pad
using a pattern that is efficient on space and gets the route to an inner layer as soon as
possible. Fan-outs are often used and can be easily re-used for BGAs, QFPs or other devices.
Note: If the Fan-out toolbar is not visible go to ViewToolbars select Fan out.
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7. Before creating the actual Fan-out, select ConfigureRouting Setup [Fan out] tab - ensure
the settings are equal to the example shown below.
8. Select ConfigureRouting Setup[Manual/Autorouting] tab and change the Width from

Necked to Typed and enter a value 0.157 mm.
Note: If your Units are set to Thou., as indicated at the bottom of the Place & Route Editor window,
double click on the unit shown and change it to Millimetres with 3 decimals for precision. Suggested
Routing and Via grid for mm should be 0.1. See Routing Options dialog [Grids] tab.
9. Select RoutingFan-outPerform Fanout in

the menu bar and click to frame an area around
the component U4 (bga64) or just a number of
pads.
Outwards Inwards
(HTML Fan-out report dialog)
113
If you would like to change the direction of the fanned out traces
from Outwards to Inwards, select Configure Routing Setup
[Fan-out] tab and change the direction from Outwards to
Inwards.
Select the [OK] button on the menu and Undo the previous Fan
out.
Select RoutingFan-outPerform Fan out in the menu

bar and click to frame an area around the component U4 (bga64)
or just a number of pads. This time the pattern should be
opposite.
10. When you are happy with the Fan-out you can save it for reuse, by selecting
RoutingFan-outSave (located on the Fan-out tool bar) and click to frame an
area around the created Fan-out, so you can re-use it within other designs. Save the
Fan-out as ‘bga64.fpt’.
Zoom-in on component U4 and Unroute the created Fan-out.
11. Select ConfigureRouting Setup [Fan-out] tab and change the direction to File. Click the
file browse button and open the file bga64.fpt.
Select the [OK] button on the Routing Setup dialog.
Undo the previous fan out.
114
12. Select RoutingFan-outPerform Fan out in the menu bar and click to frame an area
around the component U4 (bga64) or just a number of pads. This time the pattern will come
from the fan out file.
Tip: Once a design is fully “fanned out” the entire design can be saved to one fan out file. Each
components’ reference shapes’ fanned out pin data will be saved. If the design ever needed to
be rerouted using a different placement, the fan outs can easily be restored.
13. Select the ConfigureRouting

Setup [Fan-out] tab.
Set Direction to Exit.
Set Via Position to Minimum

Spacing.
Set Via Name to Circle 20/10(via).
Set Layer pair as shown.
14. Select RoutingFan-outPerform Fan-out or click the icon

located on the Fan-out tool bar and frame an area around the
component U3.
This option uses the default pin exit directions for the various pad
shapes as a guide to create the fan out entities.
This can be used on all SMD components to quickly and easily fan out
an entire design.
15. For the next steps continue with your design or open DesignC4_CS.pcb in the Design Editor,
save it as DesignC4.PCB and then select ToolsPR Editor XR .
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The Place & Route Editor XR will help you to complete your design step-by-step by using advanced
auto-route technologies. For instance; Trunk Routing will help you to complete data and address
lines easier.
What is Trunk Routing?
Trunk Routing introduces the concept of the

intelligent trunk object, allowing you to route
any given set of signals in an intuitive manner
and with as little effort as possible.
16. Selecting which connections are to be Trunk Routed.
 Busses of data and address lines can be pre-designated

in a schematic design (as done in DesignC) and transferred
to PCB and Place & Route Editor XR. A named bus (trunk)
can be selected by its’ bus marker.
Zoom in on the bus marker. Select Manual Route and
(Shift + Click) on the round marker. This will start the action.
Alternatively you
can double click
on one of the pads as marked by the bus marker,
before selecting Manual Route .
Note: All pads as marked will be selected and

highlighted.
If bus signals have not been defined in the schematic, no bus

marker will be visible. Alternatively you can drag a multiple
selection around a set of pins or connection wires before
selecting Manual Route to start Trunk Routing.
116
17. Before starting any trunk routing we advise you to check the Trunking Options located in the
ConfigureRouting Setup [Trunking] tab.
Simple Manual Routing of a Trunk on a Single Layer
In order to aid routing, snap axes and trunk-end routing areas will be drawn on the canvas around
each of the target sets of pins for the trunk. You will see Twist Arrows drawn on the canvas
showing the best entry angle for the trunk to the target pins, this allows minimization of
connections crossed at each end. You will also notice that you have a Gather Point for the trunk
that is now dynamic on the end of your cursor. The Gather Point defines the start for the trunk
where all of the parallel tracks will be considered as a single object.
18. To start routing the trunk you can place the Gather Point by clicking the left mouse button in
the position that you want to start routing the trunk from. Trunk segments are now introduced
towards the cursor position as you move the mouse on the canvas. Use the left mouse button
to confirm trunk segments that you have added. A corner can be added by changing direction
of movement of the cursor after a left mouse click.
Note: There are different styles of corners that can be added during trunk routing. This can be
changed by using the Right Mouse Context Sensitive menu.
117
When you have added the required trunk path, it is possible to finish trunk routing in several ways:
• The 'Escape' key can be used in order to finish trunk routing at the last added corner
position or using the Right Mouse Context Sensitive menu Cancel option.
• With the ‘Single Click Finish on Snap Line’ option selected on the Trunking Options
dialog, a single click when positioned over a snap axis will also finish the trunk. Remember
to select Configure  Routing Setup [Trunking] tab in the menu bar.
It is also possible to restart the Trunk Router on a previously added trunk. This can be easily
done by selecting the manual routing icon and then picking the trunk on the canvas, or
selecting the manual routing icon with the trunk item already selected
Note: Try also the ‘Backspace’ key (remove previous Item).
During routing of a trunk, the trunk contents will dynamically reorder to maintain the least number
of crossed connections at each of the ends. This is done to give the best routing pattern for each
end. This option can be configured using the Trunking Options dialog Minimise Crossed
Connection setting.
19. Adding Vias while Trunk Routing
To place a trunk via pattern while using the trunk router, you can double click the left mouse
button or choose a different layer using the Layer option on the Right Mouse Context Sensitive
menu. It is also possible to change the trunk via pattern style to a number of predefined styles
using the Right Mouse Context Sensitive menu during trunk routing or by pressing the 'Tab' key
in order to cycle through the predefined trunk via patterns.
20. Manual Reordering of Trunks and Via Patterns
It is possible to reorder the contents of a trunk manually by select a single track segment inside
the trunk. i.e. Hold down the ‘Shift’ key and click the left mouse button to select a track. Choose
one from the selection list. Hold down the <L.M.B.> and drag the track segment with in the trunk
and watch how the selected segment appears to move from position to position. It is possible to
switch to one of the other items by pressing the 'Tab' key. Each time the 'Tab' key is pressed the
next segment closest to the cursor will be outlined. You can then drag this track to another
position inside the trunk.
21. Manual Trunk End Routing
You can use the Manual and Activ-45 routers to interactively route the connections up to the end
of the trunk. During the routing process you can still re-order the trunk if necessary.
22. Automatic Trunk End Routing
While you are trunk routing, it is possible to automatically route the ends of a trunk using the trunk
end router. Routing will be attempted for all trunk ends that are inside a trunk end routing target
area. Select ConfigureRouting Setup[Trunking] tab and ensure the settings are equal to
the example shown below.
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In some circumstances you may wish to decompose trunk objects that you have added to your
design into individual routes. For example, you may want to split a segment of a bus into routes
so that you can route the bus around an obstacle. To do this, select the trunk items that you wish
to decompose and then use the Decompose function on the <R.M.B.> menu.
Note: Once a trunk has been decomposed, it is not always possible to compose these items back
into trunks. If they have been modified beyond their closest spacings you can use the
119
Trunk Routing, Manual and Activ-45 routers to interactively route the connections up to the end
and finish the board.
If you didn't manage to complete the trunk routing then exit the P.R.Editor XR without saving and
you will automatically return to the Design Editor and open DesignC5_CS.pcb and save it as
DesignC5.pcb and continue.
23. Auto Routing
For the next exercise you should open DesignC6_CS.pcb and save it as DesignC6.pcb in the
Design Editor and go to the P.R.Editor XR by selecting [Tools] tabPR Editor XR . This
design is not routed since it will be auto routed.
Before starting any auto routing, change the [General] Routing Setup options (CTRL-T). Setting
them correctly is very important before any routing! Ensure the settings are the same as in the
example shown.
Note: Although errors are allowed, you should first allow the router to make some errors. In
combination with Effort 10 the router will continue routing till no errors are left.
120
24. Select RoutingAutoroute from the menu bar and drag an area around the whole board
outline or part of the board you would like to auto route. The auto router will stop automatically
once all connections have been routed. The routing might not be optimal, and therefore you
can run a Refine Routing Pass.
25. Select RoutingRefine Routing from the menu bar and drag an area around the whole
board outline or part of the board you would like to refine.
Note: As a result of the Refining Pass the number of vias and segments will be reduced.
26. Lastly, select the Mitre function located on the [Routing] menu and draw a frame around the
entire board outline. This will change the 90° angles to 45°.
Note: you can mitre layers individually by turning the layer visibility off for layers that you do not
wish to be modified.
If you didn't manage to complete the autorouting then exit the Place & Route Editor XR without
saving. You will automatically return to the Design Editor where you can open
DesignC7_CS.pcb, save it as DesignC7.PCB and then go to the P.R.Editor XR to for this step.
27. For In Circuit Test (ICT) purposes you can decide to automatically generate a testpoint on
every node (or as many as possible). Before starting any allocation of testpoints, select
ConfigureRouting Setup[Testpoints] tab and ensure the settings are equal to the
example. Do not forget to select ‘(Bottom Elec)’ in the Layers section option!
121
The settings shown on the previous page will use the surface mount pad Circle 47 on the (max)
Bottom Elec layer for every net. The link to the demonstration video will show the results of also
including a through hole via as a usable test point option. Try the exercise both ways!
28. Now click on SelectAll from the menu bar or you may use <Ctrl+A>, and all will be selected.
Select RoutingTestpointAllocate and the testpoints will be added automatically.
122
29. Select UtilitiesReportsTestpoints to create a testpoint report as in the example.
Now that you have finished the design, you can select File Exit from the menu bar and
rebuild the results. If you didn't manage to finish the testpoint creation, just open
DesignC8_CS.pcb, save it as DesignC8.pcb and then experiment to see the finished results.
123
Step 4 - Manufacturing Data for Design C
If you like, you can create the manufacturing data for this design by selecting [Manufacture] tab 
Batch Process. In the Batch Process window select [Open] Manufacturing Output 6 Layer.ppf,
which you can find in the Self teach directory and click [START].
Check CADSTAR Place & Route Editor - Functionality Matrix on Zuken.com
Routing Matrix
Located in the Datasheets listing
124
Chapter 5 - Design D (Single Sided Board Design)
Transistor Audio Amp (50 mW)
Information on Design D - Transistor Audio Amplifier

Design D is based on the same schematics as Design B (a little audio amplifier). But this time you will
create a SINGLE SIDED board and you will learn how to add jumpers on the fly. Typically, a jumper is
used to bridge across other routes, the jumpers discussed here are non-functional jumpers and do not
appear in the schematics. The sequence is the same as before.
Step 1 - Design D
1. Open DesignD_CS.scm and save it as DesignD.scm and transfer the schematic to PCB using
the Transfer to PCB process. Choose '1 layer 1.6mm.pcb' as PCB technology instead. This is
a default technology file that has already been prepared for you. Notice that, although you are
using the same library, the solder-pads are larger and that thicker track-widths and more spacing
has been defined.
125
Step 2 - PCB Placement for Design D
You can now start to place and arrange the components on the PCB after the transfer. When creating
a single board design a good placement is highly important to avoid crosses in the connections, so take
your time. Don’t worry as you will be able in Place & Route Editor XR to add jumpers on the fly, just like
adding a via.
1. Check and/or change the Units & Grid (25 thou is preferred)
2. Change the default shape type to
3. Draw a board outline (size 2000x1500 thou).
4. Arrange components around the Board Outline (Watch How in the next step)
5. Manually place and fix the critical components inside the board outline using the non-modal
Item Properties panel. Cross-probe can be used if necessary.
Place VCC9V at X-position 150,0 and Y-position to 150,0

Place INPUTGND at X-position 150,0 and Y-position to 1050,0
Place INPUT at X-position 150,0 and Y-position to 1350,0
Place SPK at X-position 1850,0 and Y-position to 1350,0
Place SPKGND at X-position 1850,0 and Y-position to 1050,0
6. Automatically place the other

components. If you didn't manage to
place the components, just open
DesignD2_CS.pcb and save it as
DesignD2.pcb
7. Before going to the routing environment

select the Properties dialog from the
[Design] tab and ensure Jumper support
is enabled on the [Design Options] tab.
126
8. Also before going to the routing environment check out LibraryPCB Components. If you
expand the contents of the PCB.LIB (as shown below) you will see a sub folder for Jumpers.
There are already some pre-defined jumpers, which you will be able to select in Place & Route
Editor XR on the fly.
9. Open the Place & Route Editor XR2000 by selecting ToolsPREditor XR.
127
Step 3 - PCB Routing for Design D
When transferring to the Standalone Place & Route

Editor XR a RIF Export Option window will be showed
automatically. Ensure that Write Jumpers from Library
is enabled.
1. Before starting any routing, check the Routing Setup options. Select Configure Routing
Setup [Manual/Autorouting] tab in the menu bar (or use CTRL-T). Ensure the settings are equal
to the example. If you don’t like copper to be poured automatically disable it. If you don’t like
routes to be pushed you can disable the Pusher or reduce the Effort in which case less routes
will be pushed aside.
128
2. Click the [Layer {current layer}] selection
on the menu bar. Change the Current
Layer to Bottom Elec as shown to the
right 
Click [OK].
Note: 2 layers have been added to this

technology (Top Jumper and Bottom
Jumper)!
3. Manually route the net using the Item

focus mode between resistor R2 and
capacitor C2 as in the example on the
Bottom Elec layer.
In the next step you will add a jumper on

the fly by manually routing
the net between transistor TR1 and
resistor R2 as shown in the example
below on the Bottom Elec layer.
4. Route to the location you want to add

the first pad of the jumper and double click, select Top Jumper.
Now move the cursor to the location you want to add the second
pad of the jumper. P.R.Editor XR will show you a thin line
representing the pitch of the pre-defined jumpers depending on
the available space. Double click again and you will add the
jumper and you can continue routing. P.R.Editor XR will show you
only a list of pre-defined jumpers if more than one jumpers with
the same pitch have been defined in the library. It’s as easy as
adding a via!
129
5. Now route all the connections on Bottom Elec layer and insert jumpers if necessarily.
6. Once you have finished the design you can select FileExit. All routing and jumpers will be back
annotated to the PCB Design. Running an ECO update won’t remove jumpers and the jumpers
will appear normally in the Part List and placement data.
If you didn't manage to complete the design, just open DesignD3_CS.pcb, save it as
DesignD3.pcb and then experiment to have a look.
DesignD3 after Placement & Routing – your routing may be different.
130
Step 4 - Manufacturing Data for Design D
At this stage, you can also create the manufacturing data (Gerber, N.C.Drill, Parts List, Placement data
etc.) for the manufacturing of the PCB (as you did for Design A) by selecting [Manufacture]tab
Batch Process. In the Batch Process window you select [Open] and use Manufacturing Output 2
Layer.ppf, which you can find in the User directory and click [START].
You can easily disable the rows that you do not wish to post-process. In this design, since it is a single
layer board, the layers that are to be generated are Bottom Elec, Top Solder Mask, Bottom Solder Mask
and Top Silkscreen (all in Extended Gerber RS274-X format). Other additional manufacturing data that
CADSTAR can generate which is necessary for manufacturing are Parts Lists, Placement Data and Drill
Data. All manufacturing data will be saved in the Output directory.
Alternatively you might want to produce an ODB++ output file. ODB++ is one of the most intelligent
CAD/CAM data exchange formats available today, capturing all CAD/EDA, assembly and PCB
fabrication knowledge in one single, unified database.
131
Conclusion
After these five exercises you should now be more familiar with the basics of PCB design. In the near
future you may even be designing a more complex PCB using CADSTAR.
With this booklet, you have received a free copy of CADSTAR Express. CADSTAR Express provides a
number of features of the full CADSTAR version, only limited by the number of components (max 50)
and pads (max 300).
For further information on pricing or if you require any support during evaluation or prefer to receive a
detailed demonstration, please contact your local CADSTAR distributor:
Where to Buy CADSTAR
There are also other CADSTAR tools that help Schematic and PCB designers to create board layouts.
Check for more information on CADSTAR products:
www.zuken.com/cadstar
I hope to see you again when we talk about some of our other, more advanced products:
132

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Express – Version 2018.

Do-it-Yourself Training Guide

Introduction to CADSTAR .......................................................................................................... 3

Chapter 1 – Design A ................................................................................................................ 8

Chapter 2 – Design B .............................................................................................................. 55

Reviewing your Designs with Redlining Markers ..................................................................... 79

Chapter 3 - Library ................................................................................................................... 80

CADSTAR FPGA ................................................................................................................... 102

Chapter 4 – Design C (Standalone Place & Route Editor) ..................................................... 103

Chapter 5 - Design D (Single Sided Board Design) ............................................................... 125

Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 132

It allows you to;

• Access recently opened Workspace Files.

• Ribbon style Tool bars can be dragged and docked as needed

To make the gesture:

• Use the mouse to position the cursor in the design window

Introduction to the Amplifier circuit

Transistor Audio Amp (50 mW)

Information on Design A - Transistor Audio Amplifier

Qty. per Part

You can use a 9V battery for this power supply.

These will appear in the Title block of

TIP: If you don't like to work with a

Note: If you are creating larger schematics using many

You have just started a new

• [Symbol] tab Part or Symbol

Don’t be concerned about the red bow-tie markers on the

While dragging, you can use the right-hand mouse button

Tip: You can setup the

Tip: For more information

Qty. Part Ref des

1 2N2905A PNP Transistor TR3

Attempt to place the parts in this arrangement.

This gives more control over how items are selected

• Use Cover to only select items completely

When a part containing a Part Acceptance value is

Accepting this part will also store its value in the

The property will be reflected in the

These parts are created as single pin Testpoint

Parts are assigned the next available Reference

9. Change the Symbol Properties name for one of the

Enter the corresponding name per the parts placement image

You may repeat the same technique or use the non-modal

Place INPUT, INPUTGND, SPK, SPKGND, VCC9V as shown below.

Adding connections can be achieved several ways.

Note: By default, clicking on a pin will display a

c. You can use the left mouse button <L.M.B.> to click

11. Select [File]tabOptions[Display] from the ribbon and

CADSTAR provides an Interactive check for flagging

12. Select the [File]Options[Interaction].

When the Prevent Overlapping Connections selection is

Select (AGND). You can connect the AGND terminal

When you are adding a connection (Add Connection) or

Note: this is for display purposes only. If you decide to

Note: Moving connected symbols maintains connectivity

The output shown below includes the Parts description

The dialog will automatically use the same output file

Set the output file to DesignA1.pcb as shown 

Choose '2 layer 1.6mm.pcb' as PCB Technology.

As part of the process a report is generated identifying