SIEMENS EDA

Cell Editor User's Guide

Release PADS Professional VX.2.10
Document Revision 7
Unpublished work. © 2021 Siemens

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 Revision History ISO-26262

Revision Changes Status/Date

7 Modifications to improve the readability and comprehension of the Released
content. Approved by Kevin Chupp. September
All technical enhancements, changes, and fixes listed in the PADS 2021
Professional Flow Release Notes for this product are reflected in
this document. Approved by Mike Bare.
6 Modifications to improve the readability and comprehension of the Released
content. Approved by Regis Krug. November
All technical enhancements, changes, and fixes listed in the PADS 2020
Professional Flow Release Notes for this product are reflected in
this document. Approved by Mike Bare.
5 Modifications to improve the readability and comprehension of the Released
content. Approved by Regis Krug. March 2020
All technical enhancements, changes, and fixes listed in the PADS
Professional Flow Release Notes for this product are reflected in
this document. Approved by Mike Bare.
4 Modifications to title page to reflect the latest product version Released
supported. Approved by Regis Krug. September
All technical enhancements, changes, and fixes listed in the PADS 2019
Professional Flow Release Notes for this product are reflected in
this document. Approved by Mike Bare.

Author: In-house procedures and working practices require multiple authors for documents. All
associated authors for each topic within this document are tracked within the Siemens
documentation source. For specific topic authors, contact the Siemens Digital Industries
Software documentation department.

Revision History: Released documents include a revision history of up to four revisions. For
earlier revision history, refer to earlier releases of documentation on Support Center.

Cell Editor User's Guide, PADS Professional VX.2.10

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4 Cell Editor User's Guide, PADS Professional VX.2.10

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 Table of Contents

Revision History ISO-26262

Chapter 1
Cell Editor Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Library Cell Types and Editing Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cell Height Settings for Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Chapter 2
Common Graphic Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adding Outlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adding and Modifying Reference Designator and Part Number Placeholders . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Adding Non-Piped Part Number Placeholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Adding Obstructs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Chapter 3
Package Cells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Defining Cell Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Creating a Basic Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Placing Pins in a Package Cell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Renumbering Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Adding Rule Areas for Fine Pitch Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Adding Traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adding Plane Shapes or Conductive Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Defining Vias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Setting Up Trace Widths and Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Placing Vias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Adding Fanouts to Package Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Placing Holes and Other Padstacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Adding a Metallization Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Adding Soldermask Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Adding Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Setting Up the Display for Library Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Guidelines for Verifying a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3D Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Chapter 4
Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Creating a BGA Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Creating a Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Cell Editor User's Guide, PADS Professional VX.2.10 5

 Table of Contents

Creating a Drawing Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Creating a Jumper Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Creating a Test Point Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Creating an RF Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Creating a Tiebar Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Creating a Starpoint Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Creating a Mechanical Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Adding Mechanical Parts to a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Adding Mechanical Part Properties to a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Chapter 5
Test Coupons and Panel Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Test Coupons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Creating a Panel Cell for a Test Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Creating a Basic Panel Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Panel Cell Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Appendix A
Graphics Mode Menu Reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
File Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Edit Menu Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
View Menu Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Setup Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Place Menu Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Route Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Planes Menu Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Draw Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Analysis Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Appendix B
Dialog Boxes and Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Add Via Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Align 3D Models Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Auto Generate Numbers Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Drawing Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Create Mechanical Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Create Package Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Create Panel Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Custom Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Delete Glue Spots Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Die Wizard Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

6 Cell Editor User's Guide, PADS Professional VX.2.10

Table of Contents

Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Net Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Padstack Details Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Padstack Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Part Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Place Drawing Cell Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Place Fiducial Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Place Mechanical Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Place Mounting Hole Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Place Origin Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Place Padstack Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Place Pins Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Pin Pattern File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Place Tooling Hole Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Placement Rules Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Query Builder Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Search M3DL Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Units Display Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Appendix C
Drawing Object Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Assembly Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Assembly Part Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Assembly Reference Designator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Cavity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Conductive Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Construction Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Cover Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Insertion Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Metallization Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Pin Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Placement Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Placement Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Plane NoConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Plane Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Plane Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Property Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Resistor Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Route Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Rule Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Selection Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Silkscreen Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Silkscreen Part Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

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 Table of Contents

Silkscreen Reference Designator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Soldermask. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Solderpaste. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Test Point Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Polyline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Polygon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Rectangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Third-Party Information

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 Chapter 1
Cell Editor Overview

Cell Editor enables you to create, edit, and manage cell data. Cells model physical geometries in
Layout.
Cell Editor contains tabs that represent each cell type. The application you use to launch Cell
Editor determines the cell types you can create or modify.

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Cell Editor Overview

The graphics mode of Cell Editor uses the same interface as Layout to enable you to modify cell
graphics, add or move pins, add routing elements, create placeholder text on the cell, and add
outlines.

Tip
Similar to Layout, Display Control enables you to change the display of layers and objects
and control which objects are selectable. Editor Control enables you to manipulate the
graphics mode settings.

Library Cell Types and Editing Availability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Cell Height Settings for Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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 Cell Editor Overview
Library Cell Types and Editing Availability

Library Cell Types and Editing Availability

Cell Editor enables you to create and edit 2D and 3D graphic representations of different cell
types with Cell Editor. Your ability to edit certain cell types may be limited based on how you
invoke the Cell Editor.

Cell Types
You can create and edit the following type of cells using Cell Editor:

• Package cells — Represent the physical part package. Package cells are associated with
parts in the Parts Database (PDB).

• Mechanical cells — Represent elements such as mounting sockets, nuts, bolts, card
ejectors, heat sinks, and washers. Mechanical cells might contain one or more pins that
appear in layout designs but that have no graphical representation in the schematic (for
example, a pin attached to a heat sink).

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Cell Editor Overview
Cell Height Settings for Layout

• Drawing cells — Represent drawing objects (sheet borders, cross sections), graphics,
and text. Drawing cells are used for design documentation.

Cell Editing Availability

When you open Cell Editor from the library applications, you edit cells in the central library.
When you open Cell Editor from design applications, you edit cells in the design-specific
library.

The following shows the libraries and cell types you can create with each application.

Cell Height Settings for Layout

To support 3D DRC and die stacking, it is important to understand where to set the height
property.
You can set the height property in multiple places. If you set conflicting height properties, the
order of precedence defined below determines the height value that is used in Layout functions
and manufacturing outputs.

1. The part definition (PDB) — If the parts database (PDB) contains properties for Height
and Underside Space, these properties override Heights specified in the cell properties
and the Placement Outlines.

Caution
Do not set the Height and Underside Space properties on part definitions for Package
cells of type “IC - Bare Die”, interposer/spacer mechanical cells, or for cells with
multiple placement outlines having different heights. Conflicting height settings may
produce incorrect 3D DRC results or die stack height values.

2. The cell definition (properties) — If a cell contains a value for the Height property, this
value is used if no height value is set on the placement outline for the cell.

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 Cell Editor Overview
Cell Height Settings for Layout

Note
When you create a new package or mechanical cell, if you set the height in the Cell
Properties dialog box, the height property is also set on the placement outlines.

3. The placement outline for the cell — Setting the Height on the cell placement outline is
the preferred method to support cells requiring multiple height settings. This method
also ensures correct 3D DRC results for wire-bonded cells, bare dies, and die stacks.

Caution
Although you can specify “Height” as a symbol property, the property value is not used in
Layout functions or in outputs to manufacturing. If you specify a Height property for an
instance on the schematic, it is forward annotated to Layout and appears in the Attached
Properties section of the Part Properties dialog box. This may cause confusion if the symbol
property has a different value than the Mount Height or the Height in the Cell Properties
section.

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Cell Editor Overview
Cell Height Settings for Layout

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 Chapter 2
Common Graphic Editing

Several graphical tasks use similar drawing techniques and are common in most cell types.
Examples include adding origins, outlines, text items, and obstructs.
Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adding Outlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adding and Modifying Reference Designator and Part Number Placeholders. . . . . . . 17
Adding Non-Piped Part Number Placeholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Adding Obstructs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots

You can move the cell origin and add an assembly origin or glue spots to determine how the cell
is placed and rotated.
Prerequisites
• Package or mechanical cells have been created. See “Creating a Basic Package Cell” on
page 26 or “Creating a Mechanical Cell” on page 65.
Procedure
1. Set the display to view the origins or glue spots:
a. Choose the Setup > Display Control menu item to open the Display Control dialog
box.
b. On the Fab tab, check and expand the Fabrication Objects section, then check and
expand Cell Items.
c. Check the “Origins” and “Glue Spots” items.
2. In Cell Editor, add or modify origins and glue spots.

If you want to... Do the following:

Move the default cell 1. Choose the Place > Cell Origin menu item to
origin open the Place Origin dialog box.
2. Enter the (x,y) coordinates to move the default
cell origin to a new location.
3. Click OK or Apply.

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Common Graphic Editing
Adding Outlines

If you want to... Do the following:

Add an assembly origin 1. Choose the Place > Assembly Origin menu item
to open the Place Origin dialog box.
2. Enter the (x,y) coordinates for the assembly
origin (relative to the cell origin).
3. Click OK or Apply.
Delete the assembly origin Choose the Edit > Delete Assembly Origin menu
item.
Add glue spots 1. Choose the Place > Glue Spot menu item to
open the Place Origin dialog box.
2. Enter the (x,y) coordinates for the glue spot
(relative to the cell origin).
3. Click Apply.
4. Add additional glue spots as required, then click
OK when finished.
Delete glue spots 1. Choose the Edit > Delete Glue Spots menu item
to open the Delete Glue Spots dialog box.
2. Check the locations of the glue spots you want to
remove and click OK.

Related Topics
Place Origin Dialog Box
Delete Glue Spots Dialog Box

Adding Outlines
Add outlines to package cells for assembly drawings (Assembly Outline), placement DRC
(Placement Outline), and silkscreens (Silkscreen Outline).
Procedure
1. Set the display to view or select outlines in your design.

If you want to... Do the following:

View or select the placement 1. Choose the Setup > Display Control menu item
outline. to open the Display Control dialog box.
2. On the Objects tab, check and expand the Place
section, then check “Place Outlines”.

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 Common Graphic Editing
Adding and Modifying Reference Designator and Part Number Placeholders

If you want to... Do the following:

View or select the assembly 1. Choose the Setup > Display Control menu item
and silkscreen outlines to open the Display Control dialog box.
2. On the Fab tab, check and expand the Fabrication
Objects section, check and expand Assembly
Items, then check “Outlines”.
3. Check and expand the Silkscreen Items and check
“Outlines”.
2. Choose the appropriate menu item depending on the type of outline you want to add:
• Draw > Placement Outline
• Draw > Assembly Outline
• Draw > Silkscreen Outline

Tip
When you place pins, you can specify that the software add the assembly and
silkscreen outlines automatically by checking the “Include Assembly outline”
and “Include Silkscreen outline” options in the Pattern Place tab of the Place Pins
dialog box.

3. (Optional) Change the line width or other parameters in the Properties dialog box, as
required.
4. Draw the outline in the workspace, clicking to place each vertex.

Tip
Choose the View > Toolbars > Draw Create menu item to open the Draw Create
toolbar, then click the rectangle shape to draw an outline.

Related Topics
Placement Outline
Silkscreen Outline
Assembly Outline

Adding and Modifying Reference Designator

and Part Number Placeholders
You can add or modify the textual placeholders for a component reference designator and part
number of a package cell.

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Common Graphic Editing
Adding and Modifying Reference Designator and Part Number Placeholders

The reference designator placeholder is replaced with the actual reference designator when you
place components in Layout. The part number placeholder is replaced by the actual part
number.

Note
If you are using piped part numbers in your library to denote variations on a base part, and
you want to display the base part number instead of the piped part number, use the “Part
Number NP” property text instead of the Assembly or Silkscreen Part Number. See “Adding
Non-Piped Part Number Placeholders” on page 19.

Procedure
1. Set the display to view or select the assembly and silkscreen placeholders:
a. Choose the Setup > Display Control menu item to open the Display Control dialog
box.
b. On the Fab tab, check and expand the Fabrication Objects section.
c. Check and expand Assembly Items, then check “Part Numbers” and “Ref Des”.
d. Check and expand Silkscreen Items, then check “Part Numbers” and “Ref Des”.
2. Choose the appropriate menu item depending on the type of text you want to add:
• Draw > Assembly Ref Des
• Draw > Assembly Part Number
• Draw > Silkscreen Ref Des
• Draw > Silkscreen Part Number
3. In the Properties dialog box, change text options such as font and height.
4. In the Cell Editor graphics mode, click to place or move the text to the required location.
Related Topics
Assembly Part Number
Assembly Reference Designator
Silkscreen Part Number
Silkscreen Reference Designator
Adding Non-Piped Part Number Placeholders

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 Common Graphic Editing
Adding Non-Piped Part Number Placeholders

Adding Non-Piped Part Number Placeholders

If you use piped part numbers in your library to denote variations to a base part number, the
Assembly and Silkscreen Part Number placeholders display the full piped part number. Use the
“Part Number NP” Property Text placeholder to display only the base part number when
placing the part in a design.
Prerequisites
• The “Handle Piped Part Numbers” setting has been enabled in your Central Library. See
"Piped Part Numbers" in the Common Library Editors User's Guide.
• The schematic Packager has been run and changes from the schematic have been
forward annotated to transfer the “Handle Piped Part Numbers” setting to Layout.
• The “Part Number NP” property has been included in the property list for the Part
Editor, making the property visible in the Cell Editor Property Text Properties dialog
box. See "Property Definition Editor Dialog Box" in the Library Manager User’s Guide.
Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Choose the Draw > Property Text menu item.

3. In the Properties dialog box, set the Property Name to “Part Number NP”, define the
Layer for the non-piped part number, and set the Display Condition.
4. Click to place the Part Number NP property text placeholder.
5. (Optional) Adjust the characteristics of the text, as desired.
6. Close the Properties dialog box.
Results
You have created the non-piped part number placeholder in the cell graphics. When you place
the part in the design, the non-piped part number is displayed, as defined.
Related Topics
Property Text
Adding and Modifying Reference Designator and Part Number Placeholders

Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note Text

You can add free text to conductive, fabrication, and user-defined layers of a package cell.
Additionally, you can add pin text that helps identify a pin, and property text that is a
placeholder for a specific property.

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Common Graphic Editing
Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note Text

Note
When editing a cell from Layout, you cannot modify text attributes if you have previously
checked the “Keep text attributes during replace” option in the Replace Cell dialog box
(ECO > Replace Cell menu item). You must uncheck this option before you edit the text
location on a cell.

Procedure
1. Set the display to view or select text in your design.

If you want to... Do the following:

View or select the assembly 1. Choose the Setup > Display Control menu item
and silkscreen text to open the Display Control dialog box.
2. On the Fab tab, check and expand the Fabrication
Objects section.
3. Check and expand the Assembly Items, then check
“Outlines”.
4. Check and expand the Silkscreen Items, then
check “Outlines”.
View or select the mount side 1. Choose the Setup > Display Control menu item
text. to open the Display Control dialog box.
2. On the Edit tab, check and expand the Layer
Display section.
3. Check and expand each layer, then check
“Traces”.

2. In the Cell Editor graphics mode, add text.

If you want to... Do the following:

Add identifying text to a 1. Choose the Draw > Pin Text menu item to open
pin the Properties dialog box.
2. Select a pin in the cell.
The text associated with the pin displays and
attaches to the cursor.
3. In the Properties dialog box, choose a display
option from the Displayed Text dropdown list
and set the text parameters.
4. (Optional) For user-defined text, type the text
string in the bottom of the dialog box.

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 Common Graphic Editing
Adding Obstructs

If you want to... Do the following:

Add a property 1. Choose the Draw > Property Text menu item to
placeholder open the Properties dialog box.
The text displays and attaches to the cursor.
2. Choose a property from the “Property Name” list
and set the text parameters.
Add free text 1. Choose the Draw > Text menu item to open the
Properties dialog box.
2. Type the text string in the bottom of the dialog
box.
The text displays in the graphics workspace and
attaches to the cursor.
3. Set the text parameters.
3. Click to place the text in the graphics window.
Related Topics
Pin Text
Property Text
Text

Adding Obstructs
You can add obstructs to your cell to prevent placement and routing elements in specific areas
and layers.
Procedure
1. Set the display to view or select obstructs in your design.
a. Choose the View > Display Control menu item to open the Display Control dialog
box.
b. Click the Objects tab, then check the items you want to view.

If you want to... Do the following:

View or select placement 1. Check and expand the Place section.
obstructs. 2. Check the “Top/Bottom Facement” and “Place
Obstructs & Rooms” items.
View or select plane 1. Check and expand the Route Obstructs section.
obstructs 2. Check the “Plane” item.

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Common Graphic Editing
Adding Obstructs

If you want to... Do the following:

View or select route 1. Check and expand the Route Obstructs section.
obstructs 2. Check the specific route obstruct item, for
example, “Trace & Via”.
View or select test point 1. Check and expand the Place section.
obstructs 2. Check the “Top/Bottom Facement” and “Test
Point Obstructs” items.

Note
To view obstructs in a 3D image, also select the 3D tab, check and expand the
“Objects” section, then check either “Placement Obstructs” for placement
obstructs or “Obstructs” for all other obstructs.

c. (Optional) Click the Edit tab, and expand the “Global View & Interactive Selection”
section, then check the appropriate items:

If you want to... Do the following:

View or select placement 1. Check and expand the Place section.
obstructs 2. Check the “Visibility” and “Selection” options
and the “Top/Bottom Facement” items.
View or select plane, 1. Check and expand the Route Objects section.
route, and test obstructs 2. Check the “Visibility” and “Selection” options
and the “Route Obstructs” item.

2. Choose the appropriate menu item depending on the type of obstruct you want to add:
• Draw > Placement Obstruct
• Planes > Plane Obstruct
• Draw > Route Obstruct
• Draw > Test Point Obstruct

Tip
Set an option in Editor Control to enable placement outlines to function as via
obstructs. Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item, Route tab, expand the
“Vias & Fanouts” section, then check “Userplace outlines as via obstructs.

3. Change the layer or other parameters in the Properties dialog box, as required.
• For a placement obstruct, set the maximum height for a component placed in the
defined area.

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 Common Graphic Editing
Adding Obstructs

• For a route obstruct, set the type of route obstruct. For example, “Trace & Via”
results in a keepout of both trace and via elements.

Tip
Set the “Allowed Net” option to enable a single named net to pass within the
route obstruct area.

4. Choose the View > Toolbars > Draw Create menu item, then choose any closed shape
in the Draw Create toolbar to draw the obstruct.
Related Topics
Placement Obstruct
Plane Obstruct
Route Obstruct
Test Point Obstruct

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Common Graphic Editing
Adding Obstructs

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 Chapter 3
Package Cells

Package cells represent the physical geometries of PCB components.

Defining Cell Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Creating a Basic Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Placing Pins in a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Renumbering Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Adding Rule Areas for Fine Pitch Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Adding Traces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Adding Plane Shapes or Conductive Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Defining Vias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Setting Up Trace Widths and Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Placing Vias . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Adding Fanouts to Package Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Placing Holes and Other Padstacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Adding a Metallization Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Adding Soldermask Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Adding Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Setting Up the Display for Library Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Guidelines for Verifying a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
3D Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Defining Cell Units

You can define default design units for cells for the library and override the default units at the
individual cell level.

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Package Cells
Creating a Basic Package Cell

Procedure
Define the cell units in one of the following ways.

If you want to... Do the following:

Define the default design units 1. Choose the Setup > Libraries > Library Manager
for the library menu item to open the Library Manager.
2. Choose the Setup > Setup Parameters menu item to
open the Setup Parameters dialog box.
3. On the General tab, “Display units” section, choose
the Design units from the dropdown list.
Override the default design 1. Choose the Setup > Libraries > Cell Editor menu
units for an individual cell item to open Cell Editor.
2. Select a cell in the list.
3. Click Properties ( ) to open the associated
Properties dialog box.
4. Choose the design units from the Units dropdown list.
5. Click Close to close the dialog box.

Related Topics
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box
Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box

Creating a Basic Package Cell

Create package cells in Cell Editor that define the PCB footprint of the electronic components
that you will later place in a PCB design. Add outlines, graphics, text and other elements to the
cell in graphics mode. The cell definitions are stored in the library.
Prerequisites
• Padstacks necessary for the package cell have been imported. See “Importing and
Exporting Objects Using Library Services” in the Common Library Editors Guide.
• A package group for the package cell has been defined.
• If you are placing the cell graphics on a user-defined layer, the layer has been created.
For example, name the layer “Package Cells”. See “Adding, Modifying and Deleting
User-Defined Layers” in the Layout Operations and Reference Guide

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 Package Cells
Creating a Basic Package Cell

• The drawing grid has been defined (choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item,
Grids tab, “Other Grids” section).
• The parameters have been set to allow you to edit cell text and/or cell graphics. Choose
the Setup > Editor Control menu item, Place tab, expand the “General Options”
section, then check “Allow Cell Text Edits” and/or “Allow Cell Graphics Edits”.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Package tab.
2. Select the partition for the new cell from the Partition dropdown list.
3. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.

4. Enter the Cell name and total number of pins.

5. Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties dialog box.

6. Enter the description (including part number) and the other parameters.
7. (Optional) Click the Placement Rules button to open the Placement Rules dialog box
and set the rules for placement. Close the dialog box when finished.
8. Close the Package Cell Properties dialog box.
9. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.
The new cell displays in graphics mode and the Place Pins dialog box opens.
10. Define and place the component pins. See “Placing Pins in a Package Cell” on page 29.
11. Set the visibility and selectability of package cell elements and the grid. See “Setting Up
the Display for Library Cells” on page 44.
12. In the graphic, complete the package cell definition by adding outlines, graphics, text,
and other elements.

If you want to... Do the following:

Draw the placement, See “Adding Outlines” on page 16.
insertion, silkscreen, and
assembly outlines.
Move the default cell or See “Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots”
assembly origin. on page 15.
Add reference designators See “Adding and Modifying Reference Designator
and part number. and Part Number Placeholders” on page 17.
Add silkscreen or See “Importing a DXF File” in the Manufacturing
assembly graphics. Inputs and Outputs Guide.

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Package Cells
Creating a Basic Package Cell

If you want to... Do the following:

Add silkscreen, assembly, See “Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note Text” on
or etched text. page 19.
Add pin or property text. See “Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note Text” on
page 19.
Add glue spots. See “Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots”
on page 15.
Add a mounting hole or See “Placing Holes and Other Padstacks” on
plated hole. page 41.
Add a fiducial See “Placing Holes and Other Padstacks” on
page 41.
Add fanout and escape See “Adding Fanouts to Package Cells” on page 39.
traces and vias.
Add plane shapes or See “Adding Plane Shapes or Conductive Shapes”
conductive shapes. on page 34.
Add soldermask See “Adding Soldermask Openings” on page 43.
clearances.
Add route, placement, See “Adding Obstructs” on page 21.
plane, test point or other
obstructs.
Add metallization areas. See “Adding a Metallization Area” on page 42.
Add dimensions. See “Adding Dimensions” on page 43.
Assign a rule area for “Adding Rule Areas for Fine Pitch Devices” on
placement or routing rule page 31.
restrictions.
Define the graphics for See “Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components”
unplaced components in on page 45.
variant designs.
Embed a mechanical part See “Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell”
(such as a heat sink or on page 68.
mounting bracket) within
a package cell definition
13. Click Save and exit the graphics mode.

Related Topics
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box
Placement Rules Dialog Box
Place Pins Dialog Box

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 Package Cells
Placing Pins in a Package Cell

Placing Pins in a Package Cell

In a package cell, you can place the component pins in three different ways: manually, manually
with parameters, or automatically with a pattern type.
Prerequisites
• A package cell has been created. See “Creating a Basic Package Cell” on page 26.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, select the cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics
mode.
2. Choose the Place > Pin menu item to open the Place Pins dialog box.
3. Select a padstack assignment and rotation for each pin.

Tip
To set the same padstack to multiple pins, select the first pin in the list, then press
and hold the Shift key. Click the last pin in the list and select the padstack from the
cell in the Padstack Name column, then release the Shift key.

4. Define the placement parameters and place the component pins in one of the following
ways:

If you want to... Do the following:

Place each pin manually. 1. Select the Parameter Place tab.
2. Select the pin you want to place.
3. Click Place.
The pin attaches to the cursor in the workspace.
4. Click to place the pin at the desired location or
click the X-Y Place (F3) action key and enter
coordinates for the pin location.
5. Repeat Steps 2 - 4 until you have placed all of the
pins.
Tip: If you place a pin incorrectly, select it and
click Unplace. You can then replace that pin in
the correct location.

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Package Cells
Renumbering Pins

If you want to... Do the following:

Place all of the pins 1. Select the Parameter Place tab.
manually with parameters. 2. Enter the appropriate parameters to define the
columns, rows, and spacing of the pins.
3. Click the Select All Pins button to select all
the pins in the list.
4. Click Place.
The pins attach to the cursor in the workspace.
5. Click to place all of the pins at once according to
the parameters you specify.
Place all of the pins 1. Select the Pattern Place tab.
automatically with a 2. Choose the Pattern type from the dropdown list.
predefined pattern
3. Enter the appropriate values for the spacing of
the pins and the outlines.
4. Click Place.
The pins are placed automatically according to
the pattern and spacing you specify.
5. Close the Place Pins dialog box.
Results
The component pins are defined for the package cell. You can continue creating the other
elements of the package cell definition.
Related Topics
Creating a Basic Package Cell
Place Pins Dialog Box

Renumbering Pins
You can change the numbering sequence of the pins in a package cell definition to
accommodate changes to the part.
Caution
Do not renumber pins of an existing package cell that is associated with a part in the central
library. Changing these predefined pin numbers causes them to be no longer synchronized
with the part database.

Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics
mode.

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 Package Cells
Adding Rule Areas for Fine Pitch Devices

Tip
Click outside the cell to ensure all pins are unselected before starting to renumber.

2. Choose the Place > Pin menu item to open the Place Pins dialog box.
3. Select the pins you want to renumber. You can select them either on the graphic or in the
Place Pins dialog box. What you select on the graphic highlights in the Place Pins dialog
box and vice versa.
The order in which you select the pins determines the renumbering sequence.
4. Click Renumber Pins to open the Auto Generate Numbers dialog box.
5. Define the numbering options, then click OK.
The selected pins are renumbered with the options and in the order specified.
6. (Optional) Repeat Steps 3 through 5 to continue the sequential renumbering for
additional pins.
7. When finished renumbering, verify that the pins are numbered correctly and that each
pin in the cell has a unique number.
8. Close the Place Pins dialog box and save the package cell.
Related Topics
Auto Generate Numbers Dialog Box
Place Pins Dialog Box

Adding Rule Areas for Fine Pitch Devices

You can define constraints for fine-pitch devices such as connectors and Ball Grid Array (BGA)
packages by adding a Rule Area to the cell definition.
The Rule Area is associated and moves with the component in Layout. In Layout, you modify
the Rule Area to use a specific Constraint Manager Scheme.

Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Set the visibility and selectability options for rule areas and placement outlines:
a. Choose the View > Display Control menu item to open the Display Control dialog
box.
b. Select the Objects tab.
c. Check and expand the Route Areas section, then check “Rule Areas”.

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Package Cells
Adding Rule Areas for Fine Pitch Devices

d. Check and expand the Place section, check “Top Facement” and “Bottom”, then
check “Place Outlines”.
e. Select the Edit tab.
f. Expand the “Global View & Interactive Selection” section, check and expand
“Route Objects”, then check “Route Areas”.
g. Check and expand the Place section (Visibility and Selection), then check “Top
Facement” and “Bottom Facement” (Visibility and Selection).
3. Choose the Draw > Properties menu item to open the Properties dialog box.
4. In the design workspace, select the placement outline.

Tip
If multiple objects are stacked in the same location, click the first object, then press
the Tab key to change the selection from one object to another. The properties of
each object appear in the Properties dialog box.

5. Press Ctrl+double-click on the placement outline.

The system creates a copy of the placement outline as a Draw Object, then it opens the
Properties dialog box for the new object.

Note
You can also create a rule area by selecting a shape from the Draw Create toolbar
then drawing the area.

6. In the Properties dialog box, set the options, then press Enter.
• Type — Change Draw Object to “Rule Area”.
• Layer — Select a mount side or “All” for all conductive layers.
• Grow/Shrink — Enter a positive value to increase the size of the rule area.
7. Click Save, then exit the graphics mode.
Results
You can now update the cell changes in Layout and make Constraint Manager Scheme
assignments.
Related Topics
Rule Area
Creating Rule-Area Schemes [Constraint Manager User's Manual]
Display Control Dialog Box [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]
Properties Dialog Box [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]

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 Package Cells
Adding Traces

Adding Traces
You can add traces to a package cell by using the Plow command or by manually drawing them.
• The Plow command uses interactive routing parameters and methods to add traces. Start
the trace on a pin, via, or trace. This method is available only for package cells.
• The Trace command allows you to set the layer, width, and connected net before
drawing the trace. It does not use interactive routing mechanisms. You can start a trace
on cell types other than packages.

Tip
You can use the Plow Tiebar mode to add tiebars to a package cell. Tiebars create an
intentional short between traces, pads, or conductive shapes. For more information about
tiebar package cells, see “Creating a Tiebar Cell” on page 62, Tiebars, and Routing with
Tiebars.

Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Set the routing layer as the active layer.

a. Choose the View > Display Control menu item to open the Display Control dialog
box.
b. Select the Edit tab.
c. Expand the Layer Display section, then check “Display Active Routing Layer
Only”.

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Package Cells
Adding Plane Shapes or Conductive Shapes

3. Draw or interactively route traces.

If you want to... Do the following:

Route traces using 1. Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item to
interactive routing open the Editor Control dialog box.
methods 2. On the Route tab, set the routing parameters.
(Package cells only) 3. Click the Plow/Multi Action key (F3) or choose the
Route > Add Routes > Plow menu item.
4. Select a pin, via, or trace and move the cursor to begin
routing the trace; click to place each vertex.
Tip: Use the popup menu to modify the trace. For
example: to add vias or change width.
5. Choose the Cancel popup menu item to complete the
trace.
6. (Optional) Continue selecting routing elements and
adding traces.
7. Press Esc to exit Plow mode.
Draw traces using basic 1. Choose the Draw > Trace menu item
graphic methods 2. In the Properties dialog box, set the layer, net, and
line width.
3. Click and drag the cursor to draw the trace.
4. Choose the End Polyline popup menu item.
5. (Optional) Repeat all steps to draw additional traces.

Related Topics
Trace
Overview of Interactive Routing [Layout Routing Solutions Guide]

Adding Plane Shapes or Conductive Shapes

You can add a “ground slug” or tie a thermal pad to ground by adding a plane shape or a
conductive shape to a package cell.
Thermal pads, or ground slugs, are common for components such as power MOSFETs, tuner
chips, Ethernet chips, or any chip that has a maximum wattage ratio higher than the thermal
offset of the board. They help dissipate heat from the chip to the board. Adding the slug in the
cell allows you to move it with the component.

Plane shapes and conductive shapes are similar, except that conductive shapes are static and do
not allow items to pass through them.

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 Package Cells
Defining Vias

Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Choose one of the following menu items to add a plane shape:

• Planes > Plane Shape
• Draw > Conductive Shape
3. In the Properties dialog box, select the layer for the area.
4. (Optional) If the area is connected to a net that is also connected to a pin, choose the pin
net from the Net dropdown list.
5. Draw the plane boundary by clicking (or enter the coordinates) for the corners of the
polygon.
6. Richt-click and choose the Close Polygon popup menu item to complete the boundary.
7. Repeat this procedure to add all of the required plane shapes or conductive shapes.
Related Topics
Plane Shape
Conductive Shape

Defining Vias
Vias in cells are often used for adding fanouts to surface mount components and ball grid array
(BGA) packages. Define vias in package cells in the central library using the Library Manager
tool.
Note
You cannot define additional vias when you open Cell Editor from your design.

Prerequisites
• Padstacks are defined for the vias. See “Padstack Editor” in the Common Library
Editors User’s Guide.
• For blind or buried vias, the cell has been defined with more than two layers. (In Cell
Editor, choose the Setup > Setup Parameters menu item, General tab).
Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Choose the Setup > Setup Parameters menu item to open the Setup Parameters dialog
box, then click the Via Definitions tab.

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Package Cells
Setting Up Trace Widths and Clearances

3. Click Add Via ( ).

A new undefined via is added to the table as a column.

4. In the cross section, define the layer span for the new via by clicking the first layer that
the via traverses and dragging the cursor over the other layers in the via span.
5. Click the Padstack cell and choose the padstack for the new via from the dropdown list.
6. Set other options for the via, if required, then click OK.
Related Topics
Setup Parameters Dialog Box - Via Definitions Tab [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]
Placing Vias

Setting Up Trace Widths and Clearances

Set trace widths and clearances to use when you add routing to cells.
You define default trace widths and clearances by layer. Additionally, you can define net
classes that contain special trace widths and clearances. You assign net classes to pins with the
Place Pins dialog box.

Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, select a cell and click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics
mode.
2. Choose the Setup > Net Classes and Clearances menu item to open the Net Classes
and Clearances dialog box, then click the Net Classes tab.
3. Set up the default trace and pad entry widths.
a. Select the “(Default)” Net Class.
b. Enter a Typical Width value for each layer.
c. Enter a Minimum Width value to enable traces to neck down to enter fine-pitched
components.
4. If some pins require different trace and pad entry widths, create a net class and enter the
widths:
a. Click New Net Class ( ) and enter a name for the Net Class.

b. With the new net class selected, enter values for Typical Width and Minimum Width
for each layer.
5. Set up the default clearances.

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 Package Cells
Setting Up Trace Widths and Clearances

a. Click the Clearances tab.

b. In the Clearance rules for Net Classes section, select “(Default Rule)”.
c. Enter clearance rules by layer for each type of clearance.
6. If some nets require different clearances:
a. Click New Clearance Rule ( ) and enter a name for the rule.

Tip
You can also create a copy of the existing rule and make any required changes by
clicking Copy Clearance Rule ( ).

b. Enter the clearance rules by layer for each type of clearance.

7. Set up clearance rules between Net Classes:
a. In the Net Class to Net Class rules section, select a “From” Net Class (first column).
b. Select one or more “To” Net Classes (second column).
c. Select a Rule (third column).
d. Click New Class to Class Rule ( ).

The rule is added at the bottom of the list.

Tip
To remove a rule, select the rule and click Delete.

8. Click OK.
9. Assign Net Classes to pins:
a. Choose the Place > Pins menu item to open the Place Pins dialog box.
b. Define the net class for the pin by choosing the net class in the NetClass column.
10. Click OK.
Related Topics
Creating a Basic Package Cell
Placing Pins in a Package Cell
Place Pins Dialog Box

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Package Cells
Placing Vias

Placing Vias
You can place a via in a cell. You can then predefine the net association for the via with a pin or
leave it unconnected and route the via when you place the component in the design.
Prerequisites
• You have defined vias. See “Defining Vias” on page 35.
Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. (Optional) Set up the via grid and enable the grid display.
a. Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item to open the Editor Control dialog
box. Choose the Grids tab, and expand the Route Grids section.
b. Enter a value for the Via grid. The value must be a multiple of the route grid if the
route grid is set.
c. Choose the View > Display Control menu item to open the Display Control dialog
box. Choose the Graphic tab, check and expand the Grids section, then check the
“Via” option.
The grid displays when you place the vias.
3. Place vias.
a. Choose the Route > Add Via menu item to open the Add Via dialog box.
b. Choose a via padstack and via span.
c. (Optional) Set the net for the via. Choose (Net0) if the net is defined after the
component is placed in the design. Otherwise, choose the net associated with a
specific pin.
d. Click Apply.
e. In the design workspace, click to place each via.
You can change the options in the Add Via dialog box and continue to place vias.
f. When you are finished, choose the Close popup menu item or close the dialog box.
4. Save the cell and exit the graphics mode.
Related Topics
Add Via Dialog Box
Allowing Different Nets to Short [Layout Routing Solutions Guide]

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 Package Cells
Adding Fanouts to Package Cells

Adding Fanouts to Package Cells

You can predefine fanout traces and vias as part of a package cell definition.
The fanout patterns are placed with the cell in Layout. They are locked and cannot be edited
unless you flatten the cell definition after placement. When you flatten a placed cell, all of the
elements that make up the cell definition become separate entities and are no longer grouped
together as a single cell.

Prerequisites
• The vias have been defined. See “Defining Vias” on page 35.
• Trace width, pad entry, and clearance rules have been defined. See “Setting Up Trace
Widths and Clearances” on page 36.
• For SMD pads, SMD clearance rules have been defined. See Defining SMD Clearance
Rules in the Constraint Manager User’s Manual.
Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Set up the fanout options.

If you want to... Do the following:

Prohibit fanout vias under 1. Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item
a component to open the Editor Control dialog box.
2. On the Route tab, expand the “Vias and Fanouts”
section.
3. Check “Use place outlines as via obstructs”.
Place fanout vias inside a 1. Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item
pad to open the Editor Control dialog box.
2. Click the Route tab and expand the Dialogs
section, then click Pad Entry.
3. In the Pad Entry dialog box, choose a pad type
from the “Select pads” dropdown list, then select
a pad from the list.
4. In the “Rules for selected pads” section, check
“Allow via under pad”.
5. Set other options for vias under pads as required.

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Package Cells
Adding Fanouts to Package Cells

If you want to... Do the following:

Set up a via grid 1. Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item
to open the Editor Control dialog box.
2. On the Grids tab, expand the Route Grids
section.
3. Enter a value for the Via grid.
The value must be a multiple of the route grid if
the route grid is set.
3. Add fanouts to the pins using any of the following methods.

If you want to... Do the following:

Automatically fanout pins Select the pins you want to fanout and click the
Fanout Action key (F2).
Interactively fanout a pin 1. Click the Plow/Multi Action key (F3).
2. Select a pin and move the cursor to where you
want to place the fanout via.
3. Double-click to place the fanout via.
4. Right-click then choose the Cancel popup menu
item to complete the fanout.
5. Repeat Steps 2 - 4 for the remaining pins.
Interactively fanout a set 1. Select the pins you want to fanout.
of pins 2. Click the Plow/Multi (F3) Action key.
3. Click the Add Via (F2) Action key to add vias.
4. Click the Converge Out (F7), Converge In
(F6), and Toggle Via (F9) Action keys to create
the required fanout pattern.
5. Click to place the vias.
6. Choose the Cancel Multi-plow popup menu
item.

4. Save the cell and exit the graphics mode.

Related Topics
Editing Predefined Fanouts in a Package Cell [Layout Routing Solutions Guide]
Pad Entry Dialog Box [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]
Placing Vias

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 Package Cells
Placing Holes and Other Padstacks

Placing Holes and Other Padstacks

You can add holes to package cells that represent components such as connectors or test
coupons.
Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Add padstacks or holes to your cell.

If you want to... Do the following:

Add a mounting hole 1. Choose the Place > Mounting Hole menu item
to open the Place Mounting Hole dialog box.
2. Choose a hole from the Padstack dropdown list.
3. Type the (x,y) coordinates or click OK to
manually place the mounting hole.
Add a fiducial 1. Choose the Place > Fiducial menu item to open
the Place Fiducial dialog box.
2. Choose a fiducial from the Padstack dropdown
list.
3. Type the (x,y) coordinates or click OK to
manually place the fiducial.
Add a tooling hole to a (Access Cell Editor from FabLink.)
panel cell 1. Choose the Place > Tooling Hole menu item to
open the Place Tooling Hole dialog box.
2. Choose a tooling hole from the Padstack
dropdown list.
3. Type the (x,y) coordinates or click OK to
manually place the tooling hole.
Add padstacks to a test (Access Cell Editor from FabLink).
coupon to represent 1. Choose the Place > Place Padstacks menu item
component holes and vias to open the
2. Choose a padstack from the Padstack dropdown
list.
3. Enter the (x,y) coordinates or click OK to
manually place pads for the test coupon.

Related Topics
Place Mounting Hole Dialog Box
Place Fiducial Dialog Box
Place Tooling Hole Dialog Box

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Package Cells
Adding a Metallization Area

Place Padstack Dialog Box

Adding Panel Cells to a Panel Design [Layout Manufacturing Panelization Guide]

Adding a Metallization Area

You can add a metallization area to a package cell with Cell Editor. A metallization area is a
specialized route obstruct that represents a metal portion of a component which makes physical
contact with the board surface.
Metallization obstructs differ from normal route obstructs because they can float or they can be
associated with an internal pin. For example, the collector of a T0-3 transistor is physically part
of the transistor case that contacts the surface of the board. Define a metallization area around
the transistor case to prohibit trace routing under the case.

A metallization area adopts the net properties associated with any net tied to a pin that is
connected internally to the metallization area. Traces and area fills connected to the net can
make contact with the metallization area, but all other traces are blocked.

Procedure
1. Select a package cell, then click Edit Graphics( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Choose the Draw > Metallization Area menu item.

The Properties dialog box appears with Metallization Area as the type.
3. Draw a shape to represent the metallization area.
4. In the Properties dialog box, choose a Net property to associate the metallization area
with a pin net.

Note
If you choose (Net-0), the metallization area remains independent of all nets
associated with the pins.

Note
A net association appears graphically as a connection line between the metallization
area and the associated pin.

Related Topics
Creating a Basic Package Cell

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 Package Cells
Adding Soldermask Openings

Adding Soldermask Openings

You can add soldermask clearances over areas of a package cell that should not be masked, such
as text blocks or custom test patterns.
Prerequisites
• Soldermask has been set to display in the design. Choose the Setup > Display Control
menu item, Fab tab, check and expand the “Fabrication Objects” section, check the
active layer(s) (Top and/or Bottom) then check the “Solder Mask” item for the top and/
or bottom layer.

Note
To view the soldermask in a 3D image, also select the 3D tab, check and expand the
“Objects” section, then check the “Solder Mask” item. If you make changes to the
design, click the Refresh button to update the soldermask on the 3D image.

Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Choose the Draw > Soldermask Opening menu item.

3. (Optional) In the Properties dialog box, change the line width or other parameters.
4. Click Add Rectangle ( ) from the Draw Create toolbar, then click and drag the cursor
to draw the soldermask boundary around text or design elements on the cell.
5. Repeat this procedure to add all of the required soldermask clearances.
Related Topics
Soldermask

Adding Dimensions
You can add dimension data to package cells in the same way you add dimensioning to a PCB
design.
Prerequisites
• A user-defined layer for the dimension graphics has been added in the library, for
example “Fab_Dimension”. See “Adding, Modifying and Deleting User-Defined
Layers” in the Layout Operations and Reference Guide
Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

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Package Cells
Setting Up the Display for Library Cells

2. Choose the Setup > Dimension Parameters menu item to open the Dimension
Parameters dialog box.
3. Set the dimension parameters and set Layer to the user-defined layer you defined for
your library.
4. Choose the View > Display Control menu item, Fab tab, then check and expand the
User Draft Layers section and check the layer name that you defined in your library to
display the user-defined layer.
5. Add dimensions to the cell graphic. See “"Associative Dimensioning"” in the Layout
Dimensioning Guide.
6. (Optional) Choose the File > Printing menu item to print the cell and dimension
graphics.

Note
You can also print PDF from the library tool.

Related Topics
PCB Dimensioning Guide
Dimension Parameters Dialog Box - General Tab [Layout Dimensioning Guide]

Setting Up the Display for Library Cells

Set up the visibility and selectability for common elements you create in library cells with the
Display Control dialog box.
Tip
You can save Display Control settings as a Scheme to reuse for other cells and designs.

Procedure
1. Select a cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open the cell in graphics mode.

2. Choose the View > Display Control menu item to open the Display Control dialog box.
3. Click the Fab tab, check and expand the Fabrication Objects section, then check “Top”
and “Bottom”.
4. Check and expand Assembly Items, then check “Part Numbers”.
5. Check and expand Cell Items, then check “Origins”.
6. Check and expand the User Draft Layers section, then check the user-defined layer you
created for the cell graphics, for example: the “Package Cells” layer for package cell
definitions or the “Panel Cells” layer for panel cell definitions.

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 Package Cells
Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components

7. Click the Objects tab.

8. Check and expand the Place section, then check “Top Placement” and “Bottom”.
9. Check Place Outlines.
10. Click the Graphic tab.
11. Check and expand the Grids section, then check “Drawing”.
12. Click the Edit tab and expand the “Global View & Interactive Selection” section.
13. Check and expand Place, then check “Top Facement” and “Bottom Facement”.
14. Check and expand Draw & Fab Objects, then check “Fabrication Objects” and “User
Draft Layers”.
15. Save the settings as a Scheme. For example, name the scheme “Package Cells”.
Related Topics
Package Cells
Saving, Modifying, and Reusing Settings and Assignments With Schemes [Layout Operations
and Reference Guide]
Display Control Dialog Box [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]

Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components

You can define graphics for cells that appear in variant designs when a component is unplaced
or removed from the variant design.

• — No graphics display for unplaced components.

• — “X” and outline display for unplaced components.

Procedure
1. In either the library or layout tool, choose the Setup > Setup Parameters menu item to
open the Setup Parameters dialog box.

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Package Cells
Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components

2. Create a user-defined layer for the graphics of the unplaced components by entering
either of the following predefined layer names:
• Unplaced Graphics Assembly — Any graphics on this layer appear as assembly
for unplaced components.
• Unplaced Graphics Silkscreen — Any graphics on this layer appear as silkscreen
for unplaced components.
3. Choose the Setup > Libraries > Cell Editor menu item to open Cell Editor.
4. Select either a mechanical cell or a package cell, then click Edit Graphics ( ) to open
the cell in graphics mode.
5. Choose the View > Display Control menu item open the Display Control dialog box
and display the graphics that appear when a cell is unplaced/removed in a variant design.
a. In the Fab tab, check and expand the User Draft Layers section.
b. Check “Unplaced Graphics Assembly” and “Unplaced Graphics Silkscreen”.
6. Add or remove graphics for the assembly and silkscreen layers.

If you want to... Do the following:

Add graphics that 1. (Optional) Choose the Setup > Editor Control
display on the menu item, Grids tab, Other Grids section to set the
assembly/silkscreen Drawing grid.
layer 2. Choose the View > Toolbars > Draw Create
menu item to open the Draw Create toolbar, then
choose a shape for the area where you want to add
the graphics.
3. In the workspace, draw the shape.
4. In the Properties dialog box, set the Layer to
“Unplaced Graphics Assembly” or “Unplaced
Graphics Silkscreen”.
5. Set other attributes of the graphics, such as line
width and line style.
Remove graphics on the Select all graphics on the Unplaced Graphics Assembly
assembly/silkscreen or Unplaced Graphics Silkscreen layer and press
layer Delete.

Related Topics
Adding, Modifying and Deleting User-Defined Layers [Layout Operations and Reference
Guide]
Creating a Basic Package Cell
Creating a Mechanical Cell

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 Package Cells
Guidelines for Verifying a Package Cell

Creating a Variant PCB Design [Variant Manager User's Manual]

Guidelines for Verifying a Package Cell

Verifying the cell in Cell Editor is one step of an overall process to create a part. However,
within Cell Editor there are several commands that you can use to verify the cell.

Workflow for verifying a part

1. Create a symbol and verify it with the Symbol Editor. See Symbol Creation and Editing
in the Xpedition Designer User’s Guide.
2. Create a cell and verify it with the Cell Editor.
3. Create a part with the Part Editor, which requires the symbol and cell for the part. The
Part Editor performs a number of automatic checks to ensure the symbol (logical) and
cell (physical) correctly represent the part. See "Part Editor" in the Common Library
Editors User’s Guide.
Verification Checks in Cell Editor
• Confirm that the cell is complete.
An incomplete cell is highlighted yellow in the main Cell Editor dialog box. You must
finish editing the cell in the graphics mode before it is complete and available for

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Package Cells
Guidelines for Verifying a Package Cell

designers. You cannot change complete cells to incomplete cells if they are referenced
by a design. For example, deleting a pin would cause a cell to become incomplete.

• Report the status of the cell, including the values of all parameters.
From the Cell Editor graphics mode, choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item and
review the report.
• Choose the Analysis > Hazard Explorer menu item to check DRC violations.
If your cell is complex and you have entered trace width and clearance rules, then you
can check for rule violations using Hazard Explorer.
• After you are satisfied that the cell is complete, set the Verified property in Cell Editor.

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 Package Cells
3D Models

An unverified cell displays in red text. A verified cell displays in black text.

Related Topics
Reviewing Hazards [Layout Verification Guide]

3D Models
You can assign 3D models to package cells or mechanical cells so these cells will be
represented accurately in the 3D View.
Note
For the VX.2.5 and subsequent releases, see the Layout 3D Design Guide for all information
about working in the 3D View.

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Package Cells
3D Models

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 Chapter 4
Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special
Cells

You can create library objects to add to PCBs or documentation, such as mechanical parts,
drawing cells, and special cells (BGAs, connectors, testpoints).
Creating a BGA Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Creating a Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Creating a Drawing Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Creating a Jumper Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Creating a Test Point Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Creating an RF Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Creating a Tiebar Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Creating a Starpoint Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Creating a Mechanical Cell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Adding Mechanical Parts to a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Adding Mechanical Part Properties to a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Creating a BGA Cell

Use a package cell to define a ball grid array (BGA) package.
Prerequisites
• Padstacks for the BGA package cell exist in the library. See Padstack Editor in the
Common Library Editors User’s Guide.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Package tab.
2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.

3. Specify a name and the number of pins for the BGA cell, and the number of layers
available for editing the cell.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a BGA Cell

Note
If you invoke Cell Editor from Layout, the number of layers is inherited from the
Layout design.

4. Set “Package group” to IC - BGA. This also sets the “Mount type” to Surface.
5. (Optional) If there is another BGA cell in your library that closely matches the cell you
want to create, use that cell by specifying it in the “Use cell as template” field.

Note
To use an existing cell as a template, Cell Editor must be invoked from Library
Manager and the pin count of the template cell must match that of the BGA cell you
create. After you assign the template, you can change the pin count as desired.

6. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties

dialog box and define additional properties for the BGA cell as required, then click
Close.

Tip
Set Units to match the units used in the specification for your cell. For example, if
the specification uses millimeters, set units to “mm;” if it uses thousandths, set units
to “th” and so on.

7. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.

The new cell displays in graphics mode and the Place Pins dialog box opens.
8. On the Parameter Place tab, specify the pin numbers for the pins.
To change the numbering sequence or to add a prefix or suffix, select the rows
containing the pins to change, then click the Renumber Pins button and fill out the
parameters on the Auto Generate Numbers dialog box. Close the dialog box when
finished.
9. Assign a Padstack to each pin of the BGA device.

Tip
Press and hold the Shift key to select groups of pins, then click the Padstack Name
field for one of the assigned pins. When you select a padstack from the list, that
padstack is assigned to all the selected pins.

10. On the Pattern Place tab, set the Pattern Type to BGA.

Note
You may need to experiment with pin placement to get the desired results.

11. Check the “Include Assembly” and “Include Silkscreen” items.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Connector

12. Set # Columns and # Rows to account for all pins on the cell.
The number of rows multiplied by the number of columns must equal the total number
of pins. For example, a cell with 100 pins could have 10 rows and 10 columns or 4 rows
and 25 columns, and so on.

Note
If the cell uses irregular pin placement (for example, if you need to implement non-
uniform gaps in pin spacing) use the Parameter Place tab to place pins. See
“Placing Pins in a Package Cell” on page 29.

13. Click Place. All pins for the cell are placed within default assembly and silkscreen
outlines in the graphic workspace.
14. Use the Draw menu to add or modify features for the cell, see “Common Graphic
Editing” on page 15.
15. (Optional) Choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item to review the contents of the
cell.
16. Save the file and close Cell Editor graphics mode.
Results
The BGA cell you defined is saved as a package cell. You can now assign the BGA cell to a
part. See “Creating a Part” in the Common Library Editors User’s Guide.
Related Topics
Adding Rule Areas for Fine Pitch Devices
Renumbering Pins
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box
Place Pins Dialog Box

Creating a Connector
Use a package cell to define a connector package cell.
Prerequisites
• Padstacks and mounting holes for the connector package cell exist in the library. See
“Padstack Editor” in the Common Library Editors User’s Guide.
Procedure
1. Open Cell Editor from the library manager and click the Package tab.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Connector

2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.

3. Enter a cell name and number of pins.

4. Enter “2” in the “Layers while editing cell” field.
5. Choose “Connector” from the Package group dropdown list, then specify the mount
type.
6. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties
dialog box, then define additional properties for the cell, as required. Click Close.

Note
To allow the connector to overhang the board outline without reporting DRC
violations, check “Allow cell overhang”.

7. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.

The new cell displays in graphics mode and the Place Pins dialog box opens.
8. Place the connector pins. See “Placing Pins in a Package Cell” on page 29.
9. Place any required mounting holes. See “Placing Holes and Other Padstacks” on
page 41.
10. Add or modify features for the cell.

If you want to... Do the following:

Draw the cell objects Choose the Draw > <object> menu item.
See “Common Graphic Editing” on page 15
Import a DXF file Choose the File > Import > DXF menu item.
See “Importing a DXF File” in the Manufacturing
Inputs and Outputs Guide.

11. (Optional) Choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item to review the contents of the
cell.
12. Save the file and close Cell Editor graphics mode.
13. Add any mechanical cells such as screws, washers, nuts, ejectors, and so on, to the new
package cell.
See “Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell” on page 68.
Results
The connector cell you defined is saved as a package cell. You can now assign the connector
cell to a part. See “Creating a Part” in the Common Library Editors User’s Guide.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Drawing Cell

Related Topics
Create Package Cell Dialog Box

Creating a Drawing Cell

Drawing cells are graphical objects you create with Cell Editor that you can place in PCB
designs or drawings. Unless drawing data is added to signal layers, it does not affect
connectivity.
Typical uses for drawing cells include title blocks, revision tables, notes, and Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD) symbols.

Figure 4-1. Example Drawing Cells

Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Drawing tab.
2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Drawing Cell dialog box.

3. Enter a cell name and specify the number of layers for the cell in the “Layers while
editing cell” field.

Note
If you invoke Cell Editor from Layout, the number of layers is inherited from the
Layout design.

4. If you are using an existing cell as a template, specify the cell in the “Use cell as
template” field.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Jumper Cell

Note
To use a cell template, Cell Editor must be invoked from Library Manager.

5. (Optional) Click Cell Properties to open the Drawing Cell Properties dialog box and
enter additional data for the drawing cell. Click Close when finished.
6. In the Cell Properties dialog box, click Next.
The graphics mode opens with an origin for the cell.
7. Draw objects for the cell as required.

If you want to... Refer to this topic...

Add or modify the cell origin “Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots”
on page 15
Add an outline for the drawing “Adding Outlines” on page 16
cell
Add text to the drawing cell “Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note Text” on
page 19
Include obstructs in the drawing “Adding Obstructs” on page 21
cell

8. (Optional) Choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item to review the contents of the
cell.
9. Click Save ( ) and exit graphics mode.

Results
The cell you defined is saved as a drawing cell. You can now place the drawing cell in a PCB
design.
Related Topics
Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box
Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box

Creating a Jumper Cell

Use a package cell to define a jumper cell. Then you can specify the jumpers to use in Layout
for interactive routing.
Prerequisites
• Padstacks necessary for the jumper cell have been defined. See “Padstack Editor” in the
Common Library Editors Guide.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Test Point Cell

Procedure
1. Open Cell Editor from the library manager and click the Package tab.
2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.

3. Enter a cell name for the jumper.

4. Enter “2” in the “Total number of pins” field.
5. Enter “4” in the “Layers while editing cell” field.
6. Choose “Jumper” from the “Package group” dropdown list and specify the mount type.
7. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties
dialog box and define additional properties for the cell as required, then click Close.
8. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.
The new cell displays in graphics mode and the Place Pins dialog box opens.
9. In the “Padstack Name” field, choose a padstack for each pin from the dropdown list.
10. In the “Pin quantity and spacing” section, enter “2” in the “# Columns” field and “1” in
the “# Rows” field.
11. Choose the pin sequence you want to use, select both pins in the table, then click Place.
12. Place the jumper pins in the graphic workspace, then close the Place Pins dialog box.
13. (Optional) Choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item to review the contents of the
cell.
14. Save the file and close Cell Editor graphics mode.
Results
The jumper cell you defined is saved as a package cell. You can now assign the jumper cell to a
jumper part. See “Creating a Part” in the Common Library Editors User’s Guide.
Related Topics
Jumpers [Layout Routing Solutions Guide]
Create Package Cell Dialog Box
Place Pins Dialog Box

Creating a Test Point Cell

Use a package cell to define a testpoint package cell. Create a testpoint as a package cell to
make the test point available for placement.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Test Point Cell

Prerequisites
• Padstacks necessary for the testpoint package cell have been defined. See “Padstack
Editor” in the Common Library Editors Guide.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Package tab.
2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.

3. Enter a cell name for the test point.

4. Enter “1” in the “Total number of pins” field.
5. Choose “Test Point” from the Package Group dropdown list and specify a mount type.
6. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties
dialog box, then define additional properties for the cell. Click Close.
7. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.
The new cell displays in graphics mode and the Place Pins dialog box opens.
8. In the “Padstack Name” field, choose a padstack for each pin from the dropdown list.
9. In the “Pin quantity and spacing” section, enter “1” in both the “# Columns” and the “#
Rows” fields.
10. Select the pin and click Place.
11. Place the test point in the graphic workspace at the 0,0 origin, then close the Place Pins
dialog box.
12. (Optional) Choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item to review the contents of the
cell.
13. Save the file and close Cell Editor graphics mode.
Results
The test point cell you defined is saved as a package cell. You can now place the test point cell
in a PCB design.
Related Topics
Creating a Test Point Obstruct [Layout Routing Solutions Guide]
Create Package Cell Dialog Box
Place Pins Dialog Box
Test Points [Layout Routing Solutions Guide]

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating an RF Cell

Creating an RF Cell
Define custom RF cells and store them in the Central Library.
Restrictions and Limitations
• All pin Padstack Name definitions default to “rfpad” to denote they are RF nodes and
cannot be modified.
• The following elements are not allowed within an RF Shape package cell:
o Contour
o Cover Layer Opening
o Metalization Area
o Placement Obstruct
o Rule Area
o Solderpaste
o Test Point Obstruct
o Trace
o Assembly/Insertion/Placement/Silkscreen Outline
o Assembly/Silkscreen Ref Des
o Assembly/Silkscreen Part Number
o Pin/Property Text
• Dimensioning is restricted to the Assembly Top and Bottom layers.
Prerequisites
• RF Objects are visible and selectable in the Display Control, Edit tab, Global View &
Interactive Selection section.
Procedure
1. Invoke Cell Editor from Library Manager to enable the full cell-creation functionality.
2. In Cell Editor, click the Package tab.
3. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.

4. Define the cell name and the number of pins (RF nodes), then specify the number of
layers available for editing the cell.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating an RF Cell

Note
If you invoke Cell Editor from Layout, the number of layers is inherited from the
Layout design.

5. Set the Package group to “RF Shape”. This also sets the Mount type to “Surface”.
6. (Optional) If there is another RF cell in your library that closely matches the cell you
want to create, specify it in the “Use cell as template” field.

Note
To use an existing cell as a template, you must invoke Cell Editor from the Library
Manager. The pin count of the template cell you choose must match pin count
specified in Create Package Cell dialog box. After you assign the template, you can
change the pin count of the RF cell, as desired.

7. Click Next in the Create Package Cell dialog box.

The new cell displays in the graphics window, then the Place Pins dialog box opens.
8. Close the Place Pins dialog box.

Note
You can reopen the Place Pins dialog box to place the RF nodes after drawing the
conductive shapes.

9. Draw or import the RF elements for the cell.

If you want to.. Do the following:

Manually draw the RF Use the Draw menu to add or modify features for the cell, see
cell elements "Creating a Custom RF Shape" in the Layout RF Guide.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating an RF Cell

If you want to.. Do the following:

Import cell elements from 1. Choose the File > Import > DXF menu item.
DXF 2. In the DXF Import dialog box, browse to and select the DXF file
you want to import.
3. (Optional) If you want to scale the DXF elements, choose a
Scale multiplier.
4. Check the DXF Layer Names you want to import, then
optionally modify the User Layers where you want the DXF
elements for the selected layer placed in Layout.
Note: You can only import DXF items to user layers
beginning with “DXF_”.
5. Choose a True Type Font Name to map to the DXF Font Names.
Note: Unmapped DXF text converts to line segments.
6. Click OK to import the elements on the selected DXF layers.
All DXF elements are imported as drawing elements.
7. Manually convert all drawing elements to conductive shapes or
other RF elements.
Note: You can change a drawing shape to a conductive
shape by choosing the “Properties” popup menu item, then
changing the Type in the Properties dialog box.
Tip: You can alternatively use Layout to map an imported DXF
drawing cell to RF elements, and to automatically generate a
library part, see "Creating an RF Library Part From an RF Cell" in
the Layout RF Guide.
10. Choose the Place > Pin menu item.
11. In the Place Pins dialog box, click and drag pins to the workspace to place each RF node
at the edge of a conductive shape.

Note
The RF nodes must be placed precisely at the edge of the conductive shape to ensure
correct connectivity. Use the snap functionality to snap the node to the edge of the
conductive shape, see "Positioning Objects with Snap Points" in the Layout Operations
and Reference Guide.

Tip
Use the Parameter Place tab to place multiple RF nodes at one time in a specified
pattern.

12. Click Close to close the Place Pins dialog box, then save and close the Cell Editor.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Tiebar Cell

Results
The RF cell is created. After you create the associated part and symbol, you are ready to place
the RF part in the schematic and forward annotate to transfer the cell definition and connectivity
to Layout.
Note
After you place a custom RF part in the schematic, and prior to forward annotating to
Layout, ensure you have defined the Alias names for any shielding nets you wish to assign
within the RF cell, see "Remapping a Shielding Net Alias in an RF Cell" in the Layout RF
Guide.

Related Topics
Creating an RF Part [Common Library Editors User's Guide]

Creating a Tiebar Cell

Create a tiebar as a package cell to make the tiebar available for placement.
For more information about tiebars, see “Tiebars”in the Layout Routing Solutions Guide.

Prerequisites
• Padstacks necessary for the tiebar package cell have been defined. (The padstacks must
be SMD padstacks.) See “Padstack Editor” in the Common Library Editors Guide.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Package tab.
2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.
3. Enter the desired name for the tiebar in the “Cell name” field.
4. Enter the desired number of pins in the “Total number of pins” field.

Note
The number of pins in the package cell must match the number of pins in the
corresponding tiebar schematic symbol. In most cases, a tiebar cell has only two
pins, but you can define multiple tiebars in a single cell.

5. Choose “Buried” from the Package group dropdown list. (Tiebars must be “buried”
cells.)
6. Choose “Surface” from the Mount type dropdown list. (Tiebars must be surface mount.)
7. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties
dialog box, define additional properties for the cell as desired, then click Close.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Tiebar Cell

8. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.

The new cell displays in the Cell Editor graphics window and the Place Pins dialog box
opens.
9. In the Place Pins dialog box, in the “Padstack Name” field, choose the appropriate SMD
padstack from the dropdown list for Pin 1.
10. For all of the remaining pins, choose the appropriate SMD padstack from the dropdown
list and assign them to the same layer as Pin 1.
11. In the Place Pins dialog box, select Pin 1, click Place, then place Pin 1 in the desired
location. Repeat this step for each remaining pin, placing all of the SMD pins on the
same layer as Pin 1.

Tip
Press the F3 “X-Y Place” Action Key to place the pins by typing the exact X,Y
coordinates.

12. Click Close to save the pin definitions and close the Place Pins dialog box.
13. Do the following to route a tiebar trace between the pins of the cell:
a. Begin routing a trace from one of the pins with Plow mode, then press the “T” key to
activate Plow Tiebar mode. (See “Adding Traces” on page 33.)
An extension (from-to) line attaches to the cursor that extends from the pin you are
routing. The status bar indicates that you are now in Plow Tiebar mode and prompts
you to “Select second net”.
b. Select the other pin.
The extension line connects between the two pins. The status bar prompts you to
“Place tiebar”.
c. Click the second pin again to place the tiebar.
The tiebar connects the two pins.
If you are defining more than one tiebar in the cell, repeat this step to route additional
tiebars between the remaining pins.
14. (Optional) Choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item to review the contents of the
cell.
15. Save the cell graphics, then close the Cell Editor graphics window.
Results
The tiebar cell you defined is saved as a package cell.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Starpoint Cell

Creating a Starpoint Cell

Create a starpoint as a package cell to make the starpoint available for placement.
A starpoint package cell must consist of one through-hole pin plus an SMD pin, placed on Layer
1, for each net that is connected to the starpoint (one physical SMD pin for each pin on the
schematic symbol). The through-hole pin and each SMD pin must share the same X,Y
coordinate location. The system recognizes the package cell as a “starpoint” because the cell is
uniquely defined with a through-hole pin and multiple SMD pins at the same X,Y location.

For more information about starpoints, see “Starpoints” in the Layout Routing Solutions Guide.

Prerequisites
• Padstacks necessary for the starpoint package cell have been defined. See “Padstack
Editor” in the Common Library Editors Guide.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Package tab.
2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell dialog box.

3. Enter the desired name for the starpoint in the “Cell name” field.
4. Enter the desired number of pins in the “Total number of pins” field.

Note
The number of pins in the package cell must match the number of pins in the
corresponding starpoint schematic symbol.

5. Choose “General” from the Package group dropdown list.

6. Choose “Mixed” from the Mount type dropdown list.
7. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties
dialog box, define additional properties for the cell as desired, then click Close.
8. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Mechanical Cell

The new cell displays in the Cell Editor graphics window and the Place Pins dialog box
opens.
9. In the Place Pins dialog box, in the “Padstack Name” field, choose the appropriate
through-hole padstack from the dropdown list for Pin 1.

Note
The padstack for Pin 1 of a starpoint must be a through-hole padstack.

10. For all of the remaining pins, choose the appropriate SMD padstack from the dropdown
list and assign them to Layer 1.

Note
The padstacks for all of the other pins of a starpoint must be SMD padstacks defined
on Layer 1.

11. Open Editor Control, select the Route tab, expand the Common Settings section, then
uncheck “Interactive Place/Route DRC”. (Click Yes in the warning message box to
disable DRC.)
12. In the Place Pins dialog box, select Pin 1, click Place, then place Pin 1 in the desired
location. Repeat this step for each remaining pin, placing all of the SMD pins on Layer 1
at the same X,Y location as Pin 1.

Tip
Press the F3 “X-Y Place” Action Key to place the pins by typing the exact X,Y
coordinates.

13. Click Close to save the pin definitions and close the Place Pins dialog box.
14. (Optional) Choose the Analysis > Review Cell menu item to review the contents of the
cell.
15. Save the cell graphics, then close the Cell Editor graphics window.
Results
The starpoint cell you defined is saved as a package cell.

Creating a Mechanical Cell

Use mechanical cells to create mechanical parts such as sockets, heatsinks, screws, and so forth.
Note
Mechanical cells follow the package type rules for General Package Type.

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Mechanical Cell

Prerequisites
• A user-defined layer has been created for the mechanical cell graphics in either the
library application or layout tool (Setup > Setup Parameters menu item).
Name the layer “Mechanical Cells”, for example. See “Adding, Modifying and Deleting
User-Defined Layers”.in the Layout Operations and Reference Guide.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Mechanical tab.
2. Select the partition for the new cell from the Partition dropdown list.
3. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Mechanical Cell dialog box.

4. Enter the “Cell name” and “Layers while editing cell” fields.
5. (Optional) Choose a group from the Package group dropdown list to assign the
mechanical cell to a package group.
6. (Optional) Click Cell Properties to open the Mechanical Cell Properties dialog box.
7. Specify the properties (including Part number) for the mechanical cell, then close the
dialog box.

Note
To allow the mechanical cell to overhang the board outline without reporting DRC
violations, check “Allow cell overhang”.

Note
Custom properties are unique to a mechanical cell and do not appear as properties in
the Property Definition Editor.

8. In the Create Mechanical Cell dialog box, click Next.

The mechanical cell displays in graphics mode.
9. (Optional) Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item, Grids tab, “Other Grids”
section, to set the drawing grid.
10. Set the visibility and selectability of mechanical cell elements and the visibility of the
grid, see “Setting Up the Display for Library Cells” on page 44.
11. Define graphics for the mechanical cell.
a. Choose the Draw > Draw Object menu item to open the Properties dialog box.
o Type — Select Draw Object.
o Layer — Select the defined User Draft Layer, for example “Mechanical Cells”.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Creating a Mechanical Cell

b. In the Draw Create toolbar, select a shape, then draw the graphics for the
mechanical cell.
12. Choose the Draw > Placement Outline menu item to draw the Placement Outline for
the mechanical cell, see “Adding Outlines” on page 16.
13. Define the graphics for unplaced components in variant designs. See “Creating Graphics
for Unplaced Components” on page 45.
14. Click Save and exit the graphics mode.
Results
The mechanical cell you defined is saved as a mechanical cell. You can now assign the
mechanical cell to a PCB design or nest it in another package cell.
Related Topics
Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell
Library Cell Types and Editing Availability
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box
Properties Dialog Box
Importing Mechanical Cells to the Design [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Adding Mechanical Parts to a Package Cell

Adding Mechanical Parts to a Package Cell

You can include mechanical parts (screws, washers, sockets, and heat sinks) within a package
cell by either importing and nesting the parts within the cell or by attaching properties to the
cell.
When you place a package cell with nested mechanical part(s) in the design, the mechanical
parts are also placed, and their properties are listed in the Part Properties dialog box, Nested
Cells tab. If specified, you can also include mechanical parts in the BOM output of the PCB
design.

Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Adding Mechanical Part Properties to a Package Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell

Import and place mechanical parts within a package cell to create a nested cell configuration.
This enables you to visualize the parts within the design.
Note
You cannot modify a mechanical cell after it is placed inside a package cell. Instead, create
a new package cell and include the modified copy of the mechanical cell.

Prerequisites
• The mechanical cells have been created, see “Creating a Mechanical Cell” on page 65.
• The package cell has been created, see “Creating a Basic Package Cell” on page 26.
Procedure
1. On the Package tab in Cell Editor, select a package cell, then click Edit Graphics ( )
to open the cell in graphics mode.
2. Set the visibility and selectability of mechanical cell elements, see “Setting Up the
Display for Library Cells” on page 44.
3. Choose the Place > Mechanical Cell menu item, then choose a mechanical cell from
the dropdown list.
4. Enter X,Y coordinates to place the mechanical cell at a specific location, or click the
Apply button to place the mechanical cell using the mouse.
5. (Optional) Adjust the mechanical cell placement (rotate, push, fix, or lock) using popup
menu items.
6. Repeat Steps 3 - 5 to place additional mechanical cells in the package cell.

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 Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Adding Mechanical Part Properties to a Package Cell

Tip
To delete a mechanical cell, right-click the cell, then choose the Delete popup menu
item.

7. (Optional) Review the contents of the package cell using the Analysis > Review Cell
menu item.
8. Click Save then exit the graphics mode.
Results
You can now place the package cell with the nested mechanical part(s) in the design.
Related Topics
Creating a Basic Package Cell
Part Properties dialog box [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]
Adding Mechanical Part Properties to a Package Cell

Adding Mechanical Part Properties to a Package

Cell
Add mechanical part attributes when you want to include mechanical part information for a
package cell in the Bill of Materials (BOM) without nesting mechanical parts in the package
cell.
Procedure
1. On the Package tab in Cell Editor, choose a package cell, then click Properties ( ) to
open the Package Cell Properties dialog box.
2. Click the Custom Properties button to open the Custom Properties dialog box.
3. Create a new property for mechanical parts.

a. C lick New ( ) to add a new row to the table.

b. In the Name field, enter the property name “MECHANICAL _PARTS”.

c. In the Value field, enter the properties for the mechanical parts using the following
format:
<part no>,<count>,<description>;

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Mechanical, Drawing, and Other Special Cells
Adding Mechanical Part Properties to a Package Cell

Note
To list multiple mechanical parts, use semicolons (;) between each mechanical
part description group.

Results
When you place the package cell, the “MECHANICAL_PARTS” property is listed in the Part
Properties dialog box, Part tab, Other section.
If you include mechanical cells and user properties in the BOM format, the mechanical parts
listed in the property are included in the BOM.
Related Topics
Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell
Part Properties dialog box [Layout Operations and Reference Guide]

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 Chapter 5
Test Coupons and Panel Cells

You can create library elements to add to your panel designs as panel cells. Examples include
simple cells such as breakaway tabs or complex cells such as test coupons.
Test Coupons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Creating a Panel Cell for a Test Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Creating a Basic Panel Cell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Panel Cell Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Test Coupons
Test coupons are specialized patterns of traces, planes, and plated-through holes, separate from
the PCB design, that are used for visual and destructive testing of the manufactured circuit
board. They are also used for testing controlled impedance requirements and assembly
processes.
Test coupons provide a way for the fabrication and assembly houses to verify that their
processes conform to specifications after the boards are built. They are the most reliable way to
measure and verify the quality of a range of PCB manufacturing processes (such as etching,
laminating, plating, and alignment) as well as the mechanical and electrical properties of the
finished PCBs. Test coupons are generally only needed for multilayer designs because you can
more easily inspect the surface layers of a single or double layer PCB.

After the boards are built, the test coupons are examined under microscopes, often in cross-
section, to be sure the plating in the holes and the inner trace widths are correct, and that a
variety of other factors meet specifications. If any defects or out-of-specification conditions are
found on the test coupons, the boards on that panel are also likely to be defective. If no problems
are discovered on the test coupons, the boards are assumed to be acceptable.

A complete test coupon consists of different sections (or coupons) that are each designed for
specific quality tests. Use different combinations of sections for different PCB designs and
manufacturing processes. The layer stackup of the test coupon matches the layer stackup of the
PCB, and each layer of the coupon has different trace and pad patterns. For the most current
detailed guidelines that describe the recommended trace and pad patterns for each section of a
test coupon, refer to the latest version of the IPC-2221A specification (www.ipc.org).

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Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Test Coupons

Figure 5-1. Examples of Typical Test Coupon Patterns

Test Coupons for PCB Designs

• Military test coupons — Two test coupons are typically required for all military PCB
designs. You locate these outside the board outline, one along the X-axis and one along
the Y-axis. Refer to IPC-2221A and any other relevant military specification for details
about the trace and pad patterns that are required for each section and layer of the
military coupon.
• Commercial test coupons — You customize regular, non-military test coupons for
particular board characteristics or fabrication and assembly processes. Each PCB design
may require a unique test coupon design to test particular manufacturing or assembly
conditions. Consult with your intended board manufacturer or assembly house to
determine the recommended trace and pad patterns, and preferred locations, for
commercial coupons.

Test Coupons for Panel Designs

Typically, PCB designers are not expected to design and place test coupons for panel designs.
This is usually handled by the board manufacturer or the assembly house so they can create

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 Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Test Coupons

coupons that conform to the specific machinery and process flows they use. Consult with your
intended board manufacturer and assembly house for specific guidelines when you need to
create test coupons for panel designs.

Figure 5-2. Test Coupons on a Panel Design

Library Cells for Test Coupons

You must create special library cells for each specific test coupon pattern you intend to use in
either a PCB design or in a panel design.

• Create package cells for test coupons that you will place in a PCB design. See “Creating
a Package Cell for a Test Coupon” on page 74.
• Create panel cells for test coupons that you will place in a panel design. See “Creating a
Panel Cell for a Test Coupon” on page 76.
Figure 5-3. Example of a Test Coupon Package Cell With Multiple Sections

The following explains which elements of a test coupon you can define in each type of library
cell.
Table 5-1. Package Versus Panel Cells for Test Coupons
Test Coupon Element Package Cell Panel Cell
Placement Only in PCB designs Only in Panel designs

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Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon

Table 5-1. Package Versus Panel Cells for Test Coupons (cont.)
Test Coupon Element Package Cell Panel Cell
Cell definition Board-level elements such as Panel elements such as
pads, traces, and plane shapes registration or bow and twist
patterns
Test applications • Hole plating • Alignment
• Trace widths • Hole plating
• Padstacks • Bow and twist
• Impedance
Silkscreen outline and text Yes Yes
Assembly outline and text Yes Yes
Placement outline Yes Yes
Pads and vias Yes Only vias
Traces Yes No
Plane shapes Yes No
Soldermask clearances Yes Yes
Route obstructs Yes Yes

Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon

Add a test coupon to a PCB design to test the manufacturing quality of the finished PCB.
Create a package cell for a test coupon that consists of board elements such as pads, traces, and
plane shapes.

Prerequisites
• The PCB design and the layer stackup configuration have been finalized and you know
the final number of layers, the padstack types, and the trace widths used.
• Any special padstacks necessary for the test coupon have been created. See “Padstack
Editor” in the Common Library Editors User’s Guide.
• You have familiarized yourself with the specific requirements for the type of test coupon
you are creating.
o For a military test coupon, follow the latest military or IPC specification (IPC-
2221A) that defines the required test coupon patterns (www.ipc.org).
o For a non-military coupon, follow the recommendations from the fabrication shop
for the preferred trace and pad patterns to be used for each section of the test coupon

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 Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon

Procedure
1. On the Package tab in Cell Editor, click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Package Cell
dialog box.
2. Enter a cell name for the test coupon.
3. Enter “1” in the “Total number of pins” field, then choose a package group.
4. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Package Cell Properties
dialog box, then define additional properties for the cell. Click Close.
5. In the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.
The new cell displays in graphics mode and the Place Pins dialog box opens.
6. Close the Place Pins dialog box.
7. In the graphic workspace, use the Draw tools to complete the coupon by adding the
required graphics, padstacks, trace patterns, and other design elements, placing them on
the appropriate layers.

If you want to... Do the following:

Draw the silkscreen, assembly, or See “Adding Outlines” on page 16.
placement outline.
Move the default cell origin. See “Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue
Spots” on page 15.
Add silkscreen, assembly, or etched See “Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note
text for the PCB name/part number, Text” on page 19.
revision letter, serial number, lot
number, section labels, layer numbers,
or any other identification required for
the coupon.
Add padstacks to represent component See “Placing Holes and Other Padstacks” on
holes and vias. page 41.
Add traces. See “Adding Traces” on page 33.
Add plane or conductive shapes for See “Adding Plane Shapes or Conductive
plane layers. Shapes” on page 34.
Add soldermask clearances over See “Adding Soldermask Openings” on
special areas of the coupon that should page 43.
not be masked, such as text blocks or
custom solderability test patterns.
Add a route obstruct to the test coupon See “Adding Obstructs” on page 21.
cell to prevent the addition of copper
on the coupon when performing metal
balancing on the panel design.

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Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Creating a Panel Cell for a Test Coupon

8. Click Save, then exit the graphics mode.

Results
The test coupon you defined is saved as a package cell. You are now ready to place the coupon
in the PCB design.
Related Topics
Creating a Panel Cell for a Test Coupon
Test Coupons
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab
Create Package Cell Dialog Box

Creating a Panel Cell for a Test Coupon

Add a test coupon to a panel design to test the manufacturing quality of the finished panel.
Create a panel cell for a test coupon that consists of panel elements such as registration targets
or bow and twist test patterns.

Prerequisites
• The PCB design and the layer stackup configuration have been finalized, and you know
the final number of layers, the padstack types, and the trace widths used.
• Any special padstacks necessary for the test coupon have been created. See “Padstack
Editor” in the Common Library Editors User’s Guide.
• You have familiarized yourself with the specific requirements for the type of test coupon
you are creating.
o For a military test coupon, follow the latest military or IPC specification (IPC-
2221A) that defines the required test coupon patterns (www.ipc.org).
o For a non-military coupon, follow the recommendations from the fabrication shop
for the preferred trace and pad patterns to be used for each section of the test coupon
Procedure
1. On the Panel tab in Cell Editor, click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Panel Cell
dialog box.
2. Enter a cell name for the test coupon.
3. Choose “Test Coupon” from the panel group dropdown list, see “Panel Cell Types” on
page 79.
4. (Optional) Click Cell Properties ( ) to open the Panel Cell Properties
dialog box and define additional properties for the cell as required, then click Close.

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 Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Creating a Panel Cell for a Test Coupon

5. In the Create Panel Cell dialog box, click Next to open the cell in graphics mode.
6. In the graphic workspace, use the Draw tools to complete the coupon by adding the
required graphics and other design elements, placing them on the appropriate layers.

If you want to... Do the following:

Draw the silkscreen outline. See “Adding Outlines” on page 16.
Move the default cell origin. See “Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue
Spots” on page 15.
Add silkscreen, assembly, or etched See “Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note
text for the PCB name/part number, Text” on page 19.
revision letter, serial number, lot
number, section labels, layer numbers,
and any other identification required
for the coupon.
Add soldermask clearances over See “Adding Soldermask Openings” on
special areas of the coupon that should page 43.
not be masked, such as text blocks or
custom solderability test patterns.
Add a route obstruct to the test coupon See “Adding Obstructs” on page 21.
cell to prevent the addition of copper
on the coupon when performing metal
balancing on the panel design.

7. Click Save and exit the graphics mode.

Results
The test coupon you defined is saved as a panel cell. You can now place it in a panel design.
Tip
After you place the test coupons in the panel design, add routing contours around the
coupons so they can be removed from the finished panel for testing. See “Adding Milling
Data to a Panel Design” in the Layout Manufacturing Panelization Guide.

Related Topics
Adding Panel Cells to a Panel Design [Layout Manufacturing Panelization Guide]
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon
Test Coupons
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box

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Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Creating a Basic Panel Cell

Creating a Basic Panel Cell

Create panel cells in Cell Editor that define the physical elements of the parts that you will later
place in a panel design.
Prerequisites
• You have created a user-defined layer for the panel cell graphics in either the library
application or the layout tool (Setup > Setup Parameters menu item).
For example, name the layer “Panel Cells”. See “Adding, Modifying and Deleting User-
Defined Layers”.in the Layout Operations and Reference Guide.
Procedure
1. In Cell Editor, click the Panel tab.
2. Click New Cell ( ) to open the Create Panel Cell dialog box.
3. Enter the Cell name and panel group.
4. Click Cell Properties to open the Panel Cell Properties dialog box.
5. Enter the description (including part number) and other properties of the panel cell, then
click Close.
6. In the Create Panel Cell dialog box, click Next to open the cell in graphics mode.
7. (Optional) Define and place padstacks:
a. Choose the Place > Place Padstacks menu item to open the Place Padstack dialog
box.
b. Choose the padstack from the dropdown lists.
c. Enter the (x,y) coordinates or click Apply to place the padstacks in the workspace.
d. Close the Place Padstacks dialog box.
8. (Optional) Choose the Setup > Editor Control menu item, Grids tab, “Other Grids”
section to set the drawing grid.
9. Set the visibility and selectability of panel cell elements and the grid. See “Setting Up
the Display for Library Cells” on page 44.
10. In the graphic, complete the panel cell definition by adding outlines, graphics, text, and
other elements.

If you want to... Do the following:

Draw the placement, insertion, silkscreen, See “Adding Outlines” on page 16.
and assembly outlines.

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 Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Panel Cell Types

If you want to... Do the following:

Move the default cell or assembly origin. See “Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue
Spots” on page 15.
Add silkscreen or assembly graphics. See Importing a DXF File in the Layout
Manufacturing Inputs and Outputs Guide.
Add silkscreen, assembly, or etched text. See “Adding Etch, Silkscreen, and Note
Text” on page 19.
Add a placement or route obstruct. See “Adding Obstructs” on page 21.
Add a hole. See “Placing Holes and Other Padstacks” on
page 41.
11. Click Save and exit the graphics mode.
Related Topics
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box
Panel Cell Types

Panel Cell Types

There are a number of different panel cell types. Some panel cell types consist only of draw
elements and text; others such as Test Coupons consist of many elements found in printed
circuit boards, such as traces, padstacks, fiducials, contours, tooling holes, or vias, as well as
panel obstructs, draw elements and text.

Table 5-2. Panel Cell Database Elements

Cell Type Description
General (Default) Panel cells not covered by one of the other specific cell
types.
Solder Palette Physical devices that attach to the panel edge (typically
using through holes) to prevent warping.
Sky Hook Physical devices that attach close to the center of the
panel using through holes and mechanical restraints.
Electrical Test Identifier Typically, a box or shape placed with each card or as a
matrix for the entire panel.
Panel Identifier Identifies the entire panel. A panel identifier could be text
or an area in which to place a label.
Bad Board Identifier Typically, a box or shape placed with each card or as a
matrix for the entire panel.

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Test Coupons and Panel Cells
Panel Cell Types

Table 5-2. Panel Cell Database Elements (cont.)

Cell Type Description
Test Coupon Quality conformance test circuitry that reflects specific
board characteristics used for a variety of tests, including
solderability, thermal stress, plating adhesion, or bond
strength.
Registration Pin Grid Registration pins to align artwork on the panel. Generally
a three or four pin grid system with offsets. Pins are not
symmetrical to prevent artwork misalignment.
Breakaway Tab A representation that allows boards and test coupons to be
broken from a panel.
Panel Stiffener Physical devices that attach to the panel edge using
through holes or clamp technology to prevent warping.

Related Topics
Creating a Basic Panel Cell

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 Appendix A
Graphics Mode Menu Reference

The Cell Editor graphics mode is similar to the Layout environment; however, the toolbar menu
items are customized to create and manipulate elements within a cell design.
File Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Edit Menu Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
View Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Setup Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Place Menu Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Route Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Planes Menu Items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Draw Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Analysis Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

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Graphics Mode Menu Reference
File Menu Items

File Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the File menu item.
Use commands under the File menu item to print, save, and import and export DXF.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Function

Save Saves the cell graphics data.
Printing > Print Setup Opens the Print Setup dialog box. Enables you to select a
destination printer and connection, and select the paper
size and orientation.
Printing > Print Preview Displays a preview of the cell before printing.
Printing > Print Prints the cell graphics, see Printing a Design in the
Layout Operations and Reference Guide.
File Viewer Opens the , which enables you to view log files, see File
Viewer in the Layout Operations and Reference Guide.
Import > DXF Opens the DXF Import dialog box, which enables you to
import graphics contained in a DXF file, see DXF Import
Dialog Box in the Layout Manufacturing Inputs and
Outputs Guide.
Export > DXF Opens the DXF Export dialog box, which enables you to
export the graphics in DXF file format, see DXF Export
Dialog Box in the Layout Manufacturing Inputs and
Outputs Guide
Exit Graphics Exits the graphics mode.

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 Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Edit Menu Items

Edit Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the Edit menu item.
Use commands under the Edit menu item to edit and manipulate graphics within cells.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Function

Undo Cancels the effect of the last command.
Redo Reverses the effect of the last Undo command.
Move Moves the selected objects.
Copy Copies the selected objects.
Copy Bitmap to Clipboard Copies the selected graphics and text to the clipboard.
You can then paste the clipboard contents to a
graphics or text editor.
Note: This command is unavailable in UNIX.
Delete Removes the selected objects from the cell (you can
also use the Delete key).
Delete Assembly Origin Deletes the assembly origin.
Delete Glue Spots Opens the Delete Glue Spots dialog box and enables
you to select specific glue spots to remove from the
cell, see “Delete Glue Spots Dialog Box” on page 118.
Delete All Traces and Vias Removes all traces and vias in the cell that are not
fixed or locked.
Measure > Minimum Displays the minimum distance between two selected
Distance elements.
Measure > Distance Displays the distance between two points (design
elements or any location in the window).
Measure > Place Ruler Opens the Place Ruler dialog box and enables you to
place a ruler that measures the physical distance
between objects in your design, see "Place Ruler
Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and Reference
Guide.
Selection List Opens the Selection List dialog box and enables you
to review, or remove individual objects from, the
selection set, see "Selection List Dialog Box" in the
Layout Operations and Reference Guide.

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Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Edit Menu Items

Menu Item Icon Function

Select All Selects all items in the cell (for example, pins, traces,
Silkscreen, Assembly, and Text items).
Note: You cannot select nets excluded in the
Connection Options dialog box of Component
Explorer.
Add to Select Set Commands in this menu select predefined groups of
elements (for example, fixed traces or fixed vias).
Rotate > Rotate 90 Rotates selected pin(s) 90 degrees counter-clockwise
around the center of each pin.
Rotate > Rotate 180 Rotates selected pin(s) 180 degrees counter-clockwise
around the center of each pin.
Fix & Lock > Fix Temporarily fixes an element to a specific location.
Fix & Lock > Unfix Removes the fix status from an element.
Note: All cell elements (except text) are locked
when the cell is placed in a design. The fixed
status has no effect except within the Graphics Editor
workspace.
Fix & Lock > Lock Permanently locks an element to a specific location.
Fix & Lock > Unlock Removes the lock status from a locked element.
Note: All cell elements (except text) are locked
when that cell is placed in a design. The lock status
has no effect except within the Graphics Editor
workspace.
Properties > Net Properties Opens the Net Properties dialog box and enables you
to view properties of the selected net, see “Net
Properties Dialog Box” on page 125.
Properties > Padstack Opens the Padstack Properties dialog box and enables
Properties you to view or modify properties of the padstack, see
“Padstack Properties Dialog Box” on page 132.
Properties > Draw Properties Opens the Properties dialog box and enables you to
add or modify drawn objects, see “Properties Dialog
Box” on page 149.
Properties > Part Properties Opens the Part Properties dialog box and enables you
to view or modify properties of the selected cell, see
“Part Properties Dialog Box” on page 134.

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 Graphics Mode Menu Reference
View Menu Items

View Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the View menu item.
Use commands under the View menu in the Cell Editor graphics mode to manipulate the
graphics view.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Description

Display Control Manages the display of graphic items in the Graphics
Editor workspace, see Display Control in the Layout
Operations and Reference Guide.
The tabs for the Display Control are detailed in the
following topics in the Layout Operations and Reference
Guide:
• Display Control Dialog Box - Edit Tab
• Display Control Dialog Box - Objects Tab
• Display Control Dialog Box - Graphic Tab
• Display Control Dialog Box - Fab Tab
Fit Selected Fits all selected and displayed items in the Graphics Editor
workspace.
Fit All Fits all displayed items in the Graphics Editor workspace.
Previous View If enabled, click to return the Graphics Editor workspace
to the previous view (limited to ten views).
Next View Returns the Graphics Editor workspace to the previous
view after you issue a Previous View command.
Highlight Highlights selected elements to distinguish them from
other elements.
Set the highlight color using the Display Control, Layer
tab, Highlighted option.
Unhighlight Removes the highlight status from selected elements.
Unhighlight All Removes the highlight status from all elements of the cell.
Toolbars Enables you to create, display, and change both toolbars
and menus, see "Customizing Toolbars and Menus" in the
Layout Operations and Reference Guide.
Action Key Bar Displays or hides the Action Key bar.
Enable OpenGL Enables OpenGL to support Hardware Accelerated
Graphics, see OpenGL in the Layout Operations and
Reference Guide.

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Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Setup Menu Items

Setup Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the Setup menu item.
Use commands under the Setup menu item to define rules and preferences for cells.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Description

Setup Parameters (Read-only) Defines design parameters, see "Setup
Parameters Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and
Reference Guide.
Dimension Defines dimensioning options, see "Dimension Parameters
Parameters Dialog Box - General Tab" in the Layout Dimensioning
Guide.
Editor Control Defines editing parameters, see "Editor Control Dialog
Box" in the Layout Operations and Reference Guide.
• Layer Settings Defines interactive routing rules and layer preferences, see
Dialog Box "Layer Settings Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and
Reference Guide.
• Diff Pairs Dialog Defines parameters for differential pairs during routing,
Box see "Diff Pairs Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and
Reference Guide.
• Pad Entry Dialog Defines pad entry and via-under-pad rules, see "Pad Entry
Box Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and Reference
Guide.
• Expand Traces Defines the minimum distance rules for increasing or
Dialog Box decreasing trace width during routing, see "Expand Traces
Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and Reference
Guide
Net Classes and See “Setting Up Trace Widths and Clearances” on page 36.
Clearances
Units Display Applies English (default) or Metric unit settings and
defines display and precision settings, see “Units Display
Dialog Box” on page 153.

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 Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Place Menu Items

Place Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the Place menu item.
Use commands under the Place menu to place elements within a cell.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Description

Assembly Origin Places an assembly origin, a cell origin, or a glue spot on
Cell Origin package or mechanical cells.
Glue Spot See “Place Origin Dialog Box” on page 140.

Pin Opens the Place Pins dialog box and enables you to create
or renumber pins on a package cell, see “Place Pins Dialog
Box” on page 142.
Die wizard Opens the Die Wizard and enables you to create bare die
cells.
Mechanical Cell Imports a mechanical cell into the graphics mode, see
“Place Mechanical Cell Dialog Box” on page 137.
Drawing Cell Opens the Place Drawing Cell dialog box and enables you
to place a drawing cell, see “Place Drawing Cell Dialog
Box” on page 135.
Fiducial Opens the Place Fiducial dialog box and enables you to
place a fiducial on a cell, see “Place Fiducial Dialog Box”
on page 136.
Mounting Hole Opens the Place Mounting Hole dialog box and enables
you to place a mounting hole on either a package or
mechanical cell, see “Place Mounting Hole Dialog Box”
on page 138.

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Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Route Menu Items

Route Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the Route menu item.
Use commands under the Route menu in the Cell Editor graphics mode enable you to route in
between placed elements in a cell design.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Description

Assign Net Name Assigns a net to an unconnected via or an unconnected
trace. Unconnected means the trace or via is not connected
to a pin, see "Assign Net Name dialog box" in the Layout
Operations and Reference Guide.
Add Routes > Fanout Creates fanout traces and vias for pins, which enables
routing on other layers.
Add Routes > Plow Enables you to route traces and vias interactively in the
cell. If you select multiple pins (or traces), Plow mode
changes to Multi-Plow mode, see "Plow and Multi-Plow
Modes" in the Layout Routing Solutions Guide.
Copy Trace (Ctrl+T) Copies a trace pattern, see "Copying Traces" in the Layout
Routing Solutions Guide.
Hug Trace Routes a net parallel to (hugging) an existing trace.
Edit Routes > Change Changes the width of selected traces, see "Change Width
Width Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and Reference
Guide.
Edit Routes > Push Moves a trace to the paired layer.
Trace
Edit Routes > Gloss Straightens traces that have unnecessary bends.
Edit Routes > Modify Changes trace corners from arcs to angles or angles to arcs,
Corners see "Modify Corners Dialog Box" in the Layout
Operations and Reference Guide.
Edit Routes > Delete Removes all traces and vias in the cell that are not fixed or
All Traces and Vias locked.
Add Via See “Add Via Dialog Box” on page 97.
Teardrops & Increases the width of a trace that enters a drilled pad, see
Tracedrops > Trac “Teardrops and Tracedrops Dialog Box” in the Layout
drops Operations and Reference Guide.
Teardrops & Tapers a trace that enters a pad, see “Teardrops and
Tracedrops > Teardr Tracedrops Dialog Box” in the Layout Operations and
ops Reference Guide.

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 Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Planes Menu Items

Planes Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the Planes menu item.
Use commands under the Planes menu in the Cell Editor graphics mode to define planes within
a cell.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Description

Plane Shape Defines a closed area that contains plane metal, see “Plane
Shape” on page 181.
Plane Obstruct Defines an area that keeps out copper on a specified layer,
see “Plane Obstruct” on page 180.
Plane No Connect Area Defines an area that prevents thermals from being added
during planes processing, see “Plane NoConnect” on
page 179.

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Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Draw Menu Items

Draw Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the Draw menu item.
Use commands under the Draw menu in the Cell Editor graphics mode to draw objects, such as
obstructs, openings, and rule areas.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Description

Cavity Creates a cavity for an embedded cell, see “Cavity” on
page 163.
You can place a cavity only in an “ IC - Bare Die”
package cell.
Conductive Shape Creates a conductive area on a valid routing layer, see
“Conductive Shape” on page 164.
Construction Element Adds a construction line or construction point to the
design plane, see “Construction Element” on page 165.
Contour Creates cutouts, slots, and non-circular holes in a cell, see
“Contour” on page 167.
Cover Layer Opening Creates openings in the cover layer when the cell is
placed on a board that contains a cover layer, see “Cover
Layer” on page 169.
Tip: Place cover layer openings in cells when there
you do not have enough clearance to place cover
layer openings in the padstacks associated with the cell
pins.
Draw Object Creates a generic shape.
Metallization Area Creates a closed shape that prevents the placement of
trace via and plane data inside of the area, see
“Metallization Area” on page 171.
Placement Obstruct Creates an area on a cell to either prevent placement of a
part or to limit the height of a part placed in the obstruct
area, see “Placement Obstruct” on page 175.
Route Obstruct Creates an area to keep out traces and vias, see “Route
Obstruct” on page 186.
Rule Area Associates a set of design rules (Schemes) to a design
area, see “Rule Area” on page 188.

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 Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Draw Menu Items

Menu Item Icon Description

Soldermask Opening Creates a closed shape that exposes an area of the
soldermask to make that area available for soldering. The
shape creates an opening in the soldermask that is not
associated with a specific pin, see “Soldermask” on
page 196.
Solderpaste Creates a closed shape that denotes a location for solder
paste, which is used to attach the leads of a part to the
pads on a printed circuit board, see “Solderpaste” on
page 197.
Test Point Obstruct Define an area where test points are not allowed, see
“Test Point Obstruct” on page 199.
Trace Creates a signal trace in a cell on a valid routing layer
without using netlines, see “Trace” on page 200.
Assembly Outline Creates a shape that represents the maximum space taken
up by the part packaging. Assembly outlines only appear
on an assembly drawing, see “Assembly Outline” on
page 157.
Insertion Outline Defines the area(s) around the part that Batch DRC uses
to verify that the insertion machine head does not collide
with other parts or assembly outlines placed on the board,
see “Insertion Outline” on page 170.
Placement Outline Creates a closed shape around the entire part that contains
enough to room to compensate for placement tolerances,
see “Placement Outline” on page 177.
Silkscreen Outline Creates an open or closed shape resembling an outline of
the part, see “Silkscreen Outline” on page 190.
Assembly Ref Des Creates a placeholder value on the cell for the RefDes
(reference designator) property, see “Assembly
Reference Designator” on page 161.
Silkscreen Ref Des Creates a placeholder value on the cell for the RefDes
(reference designator) property, see “Silkscreen
Reference Designator” on page 194.
Assembly Part Number Creates a placeholder value on the cell for the Part
Number property, see “Assembly Part Number” on
page 159.
Silkscreen Part Number Creates a placeholder value on the cell for the Part
Number property, see “Silkscreen Part Number” on
page 192.

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Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Draw Menu Items

Menu Item Icon Description

Modify Shape Opens the Modify Shape dialog box and enables you to
modify existing shapes in your design, see "Modify
Shape Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and
Reference Guide.
Modify Shape Corners Opens the Modify Shape Corners dialog box and enables
you to change the radius that defines the arc of rounded
corners for existing shapes in your design, see "Modify
Shape Corners Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and
Reference Guide.
Cut Shape Opens the Cut Shape dialog box and enables you to cut
away a portion of an existing shape, see "Cut Shape
Dialog Box" in the Layout Operations and Reference
Guide.
Pin Text Creates text to identify a pin on the cell. Such text helps
engineers to relate the physical board to the electrical
schematic diagrams or other user-defined labels, see “Pin
Text” on page 173.
Property Text Creates a placeholder text associated with a specific
property. Placing the part in a design replaces the
property text with the property value specific to that part
from the parts database, see “Property Text” on page 183.
Text Adds text graphics to conductive, fabrication, and user
layers, see “Text” on page 201.
Dimension Annotate your cell with dimensions, see the Layout
Dimensioning Guide.

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 Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Analysis Menu Items

Analysis Menu Items

To access: Click the Edit Graphics button , then choose the Analysis menu item.
Use commands under the Analysis menu in the Cell Editor graphics mode to verify a completed
cell.
Objects

Menu Item Icon Description

Review Cell Generates and opens an ASCII file that describes the cell
status including cell type and name, description, package
group, pin padstack name, and any electronic objects used
in the cell. The file also describes requirements to save the
cell. The file name is the cell name, for example dip14.txt.
Review Selected Details Displays information about the cell in the Details tab of
the Message Window.
Use the popup menu to print, select, and copy the
information to a text editor.
Note: Values that appear in this message window,
such as the X and Y coordinates of a pin in a cell,
operate to six significant figures instead of a specific
number of decimal places. Values that appear in select
dialog box fields and options may be configured to
display a lesser number of figures before the decimal,
which causes numerical rounding. Therefore, the value of
a cell item (such as the pin location) in the dialog box may
not exactly match what appears in this message window.
Hazard Explorer Opens the Hazard Explorer dialog box, which enables you
to view violations in the cell.
DRC Visualization Enables you to view clearance violations (or lack of
violations when you reduce clearance values).

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Graphics Mode Menu Reference
Analysis Menu Items

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 Appendix B
Dialog Boxes and Utilities

The Cell Editor provides a variety of dialog boxes and utilities to create and manipulate cells.
Add Via Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Align 3D Models Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Auto Generate Numbers Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Drawing Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Create Mechanical Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Create Package Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Create Panel Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Custom Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Delete Glue Spots Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Die Wizard Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Net Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Padstack Details Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Padstack Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Part Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Place Drawing Cell Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Place Fiducial Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Place Mechanical Cell Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Place Mounting Hole Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Place Origin Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Place Padstack Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities

Place Pins Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Pin Pattern File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Place Tooling Hole Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Placement Rules Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Query Builder Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Search M3DL Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Units Display Dialog Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Add Via Dialog Box

Add Via Dialog Box

To access: Route > Add Via
Use this dialog box to place an individual via on a package cell or panel cell in the Cell Editor
graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Padstack Defines the padstack associated with the via, prefixed by one of the
following:
• Local— Padstacks in the Local Library padstack database.
• Central — Padstacks in the Central Library padstack database.
Span Defines the number of layers that the via should span.
Net name Displays a list of all net names in the design.
Location Defines the location of the via relative to the cell origin.
Lock status Fixes or locks the via during placement.
• Locked — Permanently locks the via.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the via.
DRC on/off Turns DRC on or off.

Usage Notes
Tip
To place a via under a specific pad, you must have defined the appropriate via under pad
rules by selecting the “Allow off pad origin” option in the Editor Control Pad Entry tab.

Note
When placing a via under a pad, if the net's typical width is wider than the via, then the trace
is automatically decreased to the minimum or pad entry width when connecting to the pin.

To display the via, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Edit tab — Global View & Interactive Selection section, “Route Objects” and “Vias”
items.
• Objects tab — Vias section.
Related Topics
Placing Vias

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Align 3D Models Dialog Box

Align 3D Models Dialog Box

To access: Choose Edit Graphics , then choose the Window > Add 3D View menu item.
Use this dialog box to adjust the alignment of a 3D model relative to the pads of the package
cell.
Fields

Field Description
Model List section — Lists the 3D models that are available for mapping to the cell.
Model Name Lists the names of the 3D models that are available for
mapping to the cell.
Approved Indicates whether the model is approved for use.
Parts mapped to selected model Lists which parts in the design are mapped to the
selected model.
Alignment section — Defines how the 3D model is aligned with the pads of the cell.
Offset Defines the offset in the X, Y, and Z axes for the model
relative to the pads.
Rotate Defines the rotation angle of the model along the X, Y,
or Z axis
• About — Defines the X, Y, or Z axis as the rotation
axis for the model.
• Angle — Defines the rotation angle around the
selected axis.
Tip: Click the rotation icons to rotate the model in
90 degree increments instead of specifying an Angle.
(The icons change based on the rotation axis you
choose.) Alternately, click the green orientation arrows
that surround the model in the design workspace.
Align Pin-Pad Center Defines the pin-to-pad center alignment between the pin
of the model and the pad of the package cell.
Select the surface of a pin on the model, then select the
surface of a pad on the package cell for aligning the pin.
The surfaces highlight when you select them. The
system automatically aligns the center of the pin surface
you select with the center of the pad surface. (You may
need to rotate the model to select the appropriate pin
surface.)

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Align 3D Models Dialog Box

Field Description
Define Seating Plane Defines the surface of the model that you want to use as
the seating plane for mounting to the top or bottom
surface of the PCB.
In the design workspace, select the surface of the model
that you want to use as the seating plane that should face
the top or bottom surface of the PCB.
Display rotation arrows Checked, displays the rotation arrows for aligning the
model after importing.
Alignment Shows the current alignment setting (Automatic or
Manual).
Generate Available only if you select a cell that does not have a
model assignment.
Opens the 3D Model Generator so you can generate a
new custom model to assign to the cell.
This is equivalent to choosing the
3D > Models > Generate menu item.
Search Available only if you select a cell that does not have a
model assignment.
Opens the Search dialog box so you can search the
M3DL model library to find an appropriate 3D model to
assign to the cell.
This is equivalent to choosing the
3D > Models > Search menu item.
Import Available only if you select a cell that does not have a
model assignment.
Opens the Import Part Model dialog box so you can
import and assign a new 3D model to the cell.
This is equivalent to choosing the
3D > Models > Import menu item.

Related Topics
Importing, Aligning, and Mapping a 3D Model [Layout 3D Design Guide]

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Auto Generate Numbers Dialog Box

Auto Generate Numbers Dialog Box

To access: Open the Place Pins dialog box, then click Renumber Pins.
Use this dialog box to define the numbering sequence of selected pins on a package cell.
Note
Creating a package cell from a part database definition predefines the pin numbers.
Changing predefined pin numbers makes them inconsistent with the part database, causing a
warning message when saving the new cell.

Fields

Field Description
Prefix Defines a prefix (such as ADDR for address pins) to add to
the selected pins. Leave the field empty if there is no prefix.
Starting Number Defines the starting number for the selected pins. If empty,
the default is the lowest pin number in the set of selected
pins.
Increment Defines a number with which to increment the pins from the
starting number.
Suffix Defines a suffix to add to the selected pins. Leave the field
empty if there is no suffix.
Number of selected pins Displays how many pins are selected on the package cell for
change.

Related Topics
Renumbering Pins
Place Pins Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab

Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab

To access:
• Librarian tools: Choose the Tools > Cell Editor menu item, Package tab, or click Cell
Editor ( ) on the Standard toolbar.

• Layout tools: Setup > Libraries > Cell Editor, Package tab
Use this dialog box to view or change package cell properties, or to create, copy, modify, or
delete a package cell.
Fields

Field Description
Partition (Available in Librarian tools only.)
Defines the library partition that contains package cells.
• When launched from Layout, the value is “Design
Specific” and cannot be changed.
• When launched from the Library Manager application
that currently has a project library file (.lmp) open, the
Partition dropdown list only displays the
“LocalWorkSpace” library partition. The Browse for
Partition button is disabled to prevent the creation of
new partitions in a project library.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab

Field Description
Package Cells Lists verified (black) and unverified (red) package cells
contained in the partition or local library. Incomplete
cells saved from a previous Cell Editor session appear in
yellow.
• New Cell — Opens the Create Package Cell
dialog box, which enables you to create a new
package cell.
• Copy Cell — Creates a copy of the selected cell.
• Properties — Opens the Package Cell Properties
dialog box, which displays or defines package cell
properties.
• Edit Graphics — Opens the graphics mode,
which enables you to edit the cell graphics for the
selected cell.
• Undo Delete — Restores the last deleted package
cell to the list.
• Delete Cell — Deletes the selected cell.
The Name column is always present. When additional
columns appear (see the Available Columns field
description), you can adjust column width, sort by
column name, and edit or select column content.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab

Field Description
Available Columns Lists additional cell properties available for viewing.
Drag a heading from the Available Columns area to the
Package Cells list to add that column to the display list.
• Description — Describes the device or cell.
• Height — Defines the maximum height above the
mounting surface in the unit value.
Caution: Care must be taken for bare dies, wire-
bonded cells, and cells with multiple height
requirements to ensure the correct height values are
set for 3D DRC and manufacturing outputs, see “Cell
Height Settings for Layout” on page 12.
• Modified — Displays the last modification date of the
cell.
• #Pins — Defines the number of pins on the cell.
• Mount Type — Specifies the part as surface mount,
through mount, or mixed mount.
• Package Group — Specifies the package type (for
example, IC-BGA, IC-DIP, Discrete-Chip, and so
forth).
• Underside Space — Defines the space between the
bottom of the cell and the mounting surface.
• Units — Defines the measure units used for numeric
values.
• Verified — Displays “Verified” if the cell is tested
and correct, “Unverified” if not.
Preview Displays a graphical preview of a selected package cell.
Check “Fit” to size the selected cell to the preview area.
Uncheck “Fit” to control size and pan manually using the
mouse buttons.

Related Topics
Creating a Basic Package Cell
Creating a BGA Cell
Creating a Connector
Creating a Jumper Cell
Creating a Test Point Cell
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon
Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components
Create Package Cell Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab

Package Cell Properties Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab

Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab

To access:
• Librarian tools: Tools > Cell Editor, Mechanical tab, or click Cell Editor on the
Standard toolbar
• Layout tools: Setup > Libraries > Cell Editor, Mechanical tab
Use this dialog box to view or change mechanical cell properties, or to create, copy, modify, or
delete a mechanical cell.
Fields

Field Description
Partition (Available in Librarian tools.)
Defines the library partition that contains mechanical
cells.
When launched from the Library Manager application
that currently has a project library file (.lmp) open, the
Partition dropdown list only displays the
“LocalWorkSpace” library partition. The Browse for
Partition button is disabled to prevent the creation of new
partitions in a project library.
Mechanical Cells Lists verified (black) and unverified (red) mechanical
cells contained in the partition or local library.
Incomplete cells saved from a previous Cell Editor
session appear in yellow.
• New Cell — Opens the Create Mechanical Cell
dialog box, which enables you to create a new
mechanical cell.
• Copy Cell — Creates a copy of the selected cell.
• Properties — Opens the Mechanical Properties
dialog box, which displays or defines mechanical cell
properties.
• Edit Graphics — Opens the graphics mode,
which enables you to edit the cell graphics.
• Undo Delete — Restores the last deleted
mechanical cell to the list.
• Delete Cell — Deletes the selected cell.
The Name column is always present. When additional
columns appear (see the Available Columns field
description), you can adjust column width, sort by
column name, and edit or select column content.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab

Field Description
Available Columns Lists additional cell properties available for viewing.
Drag a heading from the Available Columns area to the
Mechanical Cells list to add that column to the display
list.
• Description — Defines the mechanical device or cell.
• Height — Defines the maximum height above the
mounting surface in the unit value.
Caution: Care must be taken for interposer/spacer
cells used in die stacks to ensure the correct height
values are set for 3D DRC and manufacturing outputs,
see “Cell Height Settings for Layout” on page 12.
• Modified — Displays the last modification date of the
cell.
• Part Number — Specifies the part number of the
mechanical device.
• Underside Space — Defines the space between the
bottom of the cell and the mounting surface.
• Units — Defines the measure units used for numeric
values.
• Verified — Displays “Verified” if the cell is tested
and correct, “Unverified” if not.
Preview Displays a graphical preview of a selected cell. Check
“Fit” to size the selected cell to the preview area.
Uncheck “Fit” to control size and pan manually using the
mouse buttons.

Related Topics
Creating a Mechanical Cell
Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components
Create Mechanical Cell Dialog Box
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Drawing Tab

Cell Editor Dialog Box - Drawing Tab

To access:
• Librarian tools: Tools > Cell Editor menu item, Drawing tab, or click Cell Editor
on the Standard toolbar
• Layout tools: Setup > Libraries > Cell Editor menu item, Drawing tab
Use this dialog box to view or change drawing cell properties, or to create, copy, modify, or
delete a drawing cell.
Fields

Field Description
Partition (Available in Librarian tools.)
Defines the library partition that contains drawing cells.
When launched from the Library Manager application
that currently has a project library file (.lmp) open, the
Partition dropdown list only displays the
“LocalWorkSpace” library partition. The Browse for
Partition button is disabled to prevent the creation of new
partitions in a project library.
Drawing Cells Lists verified (black) and unverified (red) drawing cells
contained in the partition or local library. Incomplete
cells saved from a previous Cell Editor session appear in
yellow.
• New Cell — Opens the Create Drawing Cell
dialog box, which enables you to create a new
drawing cell.
• Copy Cell — Creates a copy of the drawing cell.
• Properties — Opens the Drawing Cell Properties
dialog box, which displays drawing cell properties.
• Edit Graphics — Opens the graphics mode,
which enables you to edit the cell graphics on the
selected cell.
• Undo Delete — Restores the last deleted drawing
cell to the list.
• Delete Cell — Deletes the selected cell.
The Name column is always present. When additional
columns appear (see the Available Columns field
description), you can adjust column width, sort by
column name, and edit or select column content.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Drawing Tab

Field Description
Available Columns Lists additional cell properties available for viewing.
Drag a heading from the Available Columns area to the
Drawing Cells list to add that column to the display list.
• Description — Defines the drawing cell.
• Modified — Displays the last modification date of the
cell.
• Units — Defines the measure units used for numeric
values.
• Verified — Displays “Verified” if the cell is tested
and correct, “Unverified” if not.
Preview Displays a graphical preview of a selected drawing cell.
Check “Fit” to size the selected cell to the preview area.
Uncheck “Fit” to control sizing and panning manually
using the mouse buttons.

Related Topics
Creating a Drawing Cell
Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box
Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab

Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab

To access:
• Librarian tools: Tools > Cell Editor menu item, Panel tab, or click Cell Editor on
the Standard toolbar
• FabLink: Setup > Libraries > Cell Editor menu item, Panel tab
Use this dialog box to view or change panel cell properties, or to create, copy, modify, or delete
a panel cell.
Fields

Field Description
Partition (Available in Librarian tools.)
Defines the library partition that contains panel cells.
• When launched from FabLink, the value is “Design
Specific” and cannot be changed.
• When launched from the Library Manager application
that currently has a project library file (.lmp) open, the
Partition dropdown list only displays the
“LocalWorkSpace” library partition. The Browse for
Partition button is disabled to prevent the creation of
new partitions in a project library.
Panel Cells Lists verified (black) and unverified (red) package cells
contained in the partition or local library. Incomplete cells
saved from a previous Cell Editor session appear in yellow.
• New Cell — Opens the Create Panel Cell dialog
box, which enables you to create a new panel cell.
• Copy Cell — Creates a copy of the selected cell.
• Properties — Opens the Panel Cell Properties
dialog box, which displays or defines panel cell
properties.
• Edit Graphics — Opens the graphics mode, which
enables you to edit the cell graphics.
• Undo Delete — Restores the last deleted panel cell
to the list.
• Delete Cell — Deletes the selected cell.
The Name column is always present. When additional
columns appear (see the Available Columns field
description), you can adjust column width, sort by column
name, and usually edit or select column content.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab

Field Description
Available Columns Lists additional cell properties available for viewing. Drag a
heading from the Available Columns area to the Panel Cells
list to add that column to the display list.
• Description — Describes the cell.
• Modified — Displays the last modification date of the
cell.
• Panel Group — Specifies the panel type (for example,
Bad Board Identifier, Test Coupon, and so forth).
• Units — Defines the measure units used for numeric
values.
• Verified — Displays “Verified” if the cell is tested and
correct, “Unverified” if not.
Preview Displays a graphical preview of a selected panel cell. Check
“Fit” to size the selected cell to the preview area. Uncheck
“Fit” to control sizing and panning manually using the
mouse buttons.

Related Topics
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon
Creating a Basic Panel Cell
Create Panel Cell Dialog Box
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box

Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box

To access: Click New on the appropriate tab to open the Create Cell dialog box, then click
the Browse button (“...”) next to the “Use cell as Template” field.
Use this dialog box to select an existing cell as a template for creating a new cell.
Note
This dialog box only populates with matching cells if the Cell Editor is invoked from
Library Manager.

Fields

Field Description
Cell Name Displays a list of same-type cells that exist in the library
partition or design. Highlight a template cell and click OK
to populate the fields of the Create Cell dialog box with the
template values.
To filter package cell templates by the number of pins, enter
a number in the “Total number of pins” field of the Create
Package Cell dialog box before you click “Use cell as
template”.
To filter package cell templates by mount type, choose a
value from the Mount Type dropdown list in the Create
Package Cell dialog box before you click “Use cell as
template”.
# Pins (Package cells only) Displays the number of pins on the cell.
Preview Displays a graphical preview of a selected cell.
Fit Checked, sizes the selected cell to the preview area.
Unchecked, allows control of size and panning manually
using the mouse buttons.

Related Topics
Create Package Cell Dialog Box
Create Mechanical Cell Dialog Box
Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box
Create Panel Cell Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box

Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box

To access: Open the Cell Editor, select the Drawing tab, and click New Cell ( ).
Use this dialog box to create a new drawing cell.
Fields

Field Description
Cell Name Specifies the name of the new drawing cell.
Note: Do not use quotation marks when naming cell
objects because they can cause DMS loader problems.
Avoid cutting and pasting text from a Microsoft Word
source with “smart quotes” enabled.
Layers while editing cell Defines the available layers when editing the cell
graphics in the graphics mode. (The field is available
when editing a cell in the Central Library, but not when
editing a cell in a design-specific local library.)
Use cell as template Defines a template for the cell. Click the Browse button
(“...”) to display the Choose Defined Cell as Template
dialog box, which enables you to choose an existing
drawing cell within the Central Library partition or local
library.
Note: Matching cells are only found by the software
if the Cell Editor is invoked from Library Manager.
Cell Properties Opens the Drawing Cell Properties dialog box, which
enables you to specify the properties of the new drawing
cell.
Note: When using a template cell, the Drawing Cell
Properties dialog box displays the properties of the
template cell, which you can change to create the new
cell.
Next Opens the graphics mode, where you can make edits
before saving the new drawing cell in the library.

Related Topics
Creating a Drawing Cell
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Drawing Tab
Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box
Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box
Library Application Limitations Reference [PADS Professional Library Tools User's Guide]

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Create Mechanical Cell Dialog Box

Create Mechanical Cell Dialog Box

To access: Open the Cell Editor, select the Mechanical tab, and click New Cell ( ).
Use this dialog box to create a new mechanical cell.
Fields

Field Description
Cell Name Specifies the name of the new mechanical cell.
Note: Do not use quotation marks when naming cell
objects because they can cause DMS loader problems.
Avoid cutting and pasting text from a Microsoft Word
source with “smart quotes” enabled.
Layers while editing cell Defines the available layers when editing the cell
graphics in the graphics mode. (The field is available
when editing a cell in the Central Library, but not when
editing a cell in a design-specific local library.)
Use cell as template Defines a template for the cell. Click the Browse button
(“...”) to display the Choose Defined Cell as Template
dialog box, which enables you to choose an existing
mechanical cell within the Central Library partition or
local library.
Note: Matching cells are only found by the software
if the Cell Editor is invoked from Library Manager.
Cell Properties Opens the Mechanical Cell Properties dialog box, which
enables you to specify the properties of the new
mechanical cell. When using a template cell, the
Mechanical Cell Properties dialog box displays the
properties of the template cell, which you can then
change to create the new cell.
Next Opens the graphics mode where you can make graphical
edits before saving the new mechanical cell in the library

Related Topics
Creating a Mechanical Cell
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab
Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box
Library Application Limitations Reference [PADS Professional Library Tools User's Guide]

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Create Package Cell Dialog Box

Create Package Cell Dialog Box

To access: Open the Cell Editor, select the Package tab, and click New Cell ( ).
Use this dialog box to create a new package cell.
Fields

Field Description
Create new cell Selected, creates a new package cell with the name
specified in Cell name.
Note: Do not use quotation marks when naming cell
objects because they can cause DMS loader problems.
Avoid cutting and pasting text from a Microsoft Word
source with “smart quotes” enabled.
Create cell from Part data Selected, enables you to create the new package cell by
choosing a part number in the library that does yet
reference a package cell.
Note: This option only works when the dialog box is
invoked from the Library Manager.
Total number of pins Defines the number of pins in the package cell.
Layers while editing cell Defines the available layers when editing the cell
graphics in the graphics mode. (The field is available
when editing a cell in the central library, but not when
editing a cell in a design-specific local library.)
Typically, you only need two layers when creating a cell.
However, you may need one or more internal route layers
if you plan on placing route obstructs, plane shapes, or
plane obstructs on internal layers within the cell, or
generating a microvia or blind/buried via fanout within
the cell.
Package group Defines the type of cell to create, selected from the list of
available package groups.
Mount type Defines the part as surface, through, or mixed mount part.
Note: The value affects which padstacks are available
to assign to pins when you use the Place Pins dialog
box.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Create Package Cell Dialog Box

Field Description
Use cell as template Defines a template for the cell. Click the Browse button
(“...”) to open the Choose Defined Cell as Template
dialog box, which enables you to choose an existing
drawing cell within the Central Library partition or local
library.
Note: Before you click Use cell as template, enter a
number in the “Total number of pins” field or specify
a “Mount Type” value to restrict the candidate template
cells to only those with matching pin count or mount type
values.
Note: Matching cells are only found by the software
if the Cell Editor is invoked from Library Manager.
Cell Properties Opens the Package Cell Properties dialog box, which
enables you to specify the properties of the new package
cell. When using a template cell, the Package Cell
Properties dialog box displays the properties of the
template cell, which you can then change to create the
new cell.
Next Opens the graphics mode, where you can make graphical
edits before saving the new package cell in the library.

Related Topics
Creating a Basic Package Cell
Creating a BGA Cell
Creating a Connector
Creating a Jumper Cell
Creating a Test Point Cell
Creating a Package Cell for a Test Coupon
Creating Graphics for Unplaced Components
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab
Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box
Library Application Limitations Reference [PADS Professional Library Tools User's Guide]

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Create Panel Cell Dialog Box

Create Panel Cell Dialog Box

To access: Open the Cell Editor dialog box, select the Panel tab, and click New Cell ( ).
Use this dialog box to create a new panel cell.
Fields

Field Description
Create New Cell Specifies the name of the new panel cell.
Note: Do not use quotation marks when naming cell
objects because they can cause DMS loader problems.
Avoid cutting and pasting text from a Microsoft Word
source with “smart quotes” enabled.
Layers while editing cell Unavailable.
Panel group Defines the type of cell to create, selected from the list of
available panel groups.
Use cell as template Defines a template for the cell. Click the Browse button
(“...”) to display the Choose Defined Cell as Template
dialog box, which enables you to choose an existing panel
cell within the Central Library partition or local library.
Note: Matching cells are only found by the software if
the Cell Editor is invoked from Library Manager.
Cell Properties Opens the Panel Cell Properties dialog box, which enables
you to specify the properties of the new panel cell. When
using a template cell, the Panel Cell Properties dialog box
displays the properties of the template cell, which you can
then change to create the new cell.
Next Opens the graphics mode, where you can make graphical
edits before saving the new panel cell in the library.

Related Topics
Creating a Panel Cell for a Test Coupon
Creating a Basic Panel Cell
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box
Choose Defined Cell as Template Dialog Box
Library Application Limitations Reference [PADS Professional Library Tools User's Guide]

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Custom Properties Dialog Box

Custom Properties Dialog Box

To access: Open the Package, Mechanical, Drawing, or Panel Properties dialog box, then click
the Custom Properties button.
Use this dialog box to add custom properties to all cell types. The properties you add appear in
the Other section of the Part Properties dialog box.
Fields

Field Description
Custom Properties Click New ( ) to add a row to the table. Click Delete ( )
to delete a row from the table. Click Undo ( ) to restore
the last deleted row to the list.
Name Specifies the name of the custom property.
Value Specifies the value of the custom property.

Related Topics
Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Delete Glue Spots Dialog Box

Delete Glue Spots Dialog Box

To access: Edit > Delete Glue Spots
Use this dialog box to delete one or more glue spots from the cell in the Cell Editor graphics
mode.
Fields

Field Description
Glue Spot X-Y Location Lists all glue spots in the cell by their coordinates. Select the
glue spot coordinate to delete it from the design.

Related Topics
Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Die Wizard Dialog Box

Die Wizard Dialog Box

To access: In the Cell Editor graphics mode, choose the Place > Die Wizard menu item.
Use this dialog box to define the pins for a die cell. You can define the pins individually or
import a side file that contains the data for all of the pins.
Note
Typically, bare dies do not have a specific cell stacked on top of them and are instead
stacked on top of other die parts or interposers. The die has a top footprint but it is connected
to the board by turning the die upside down or by connecting a wire from the top footprint to a
pad on the board (bond finger). The top footprint pin on a bare die is commonly known as a die
pin.

Fields

Field Description
Import from file section — Specifies the path and name of the side file, and defines its
configuration.
File Defines the directory path and file name for the side file you want to
import. The side file must be an ASCII file that contains the X,Y
location coordinates for the die pins.
Unit Defines the units for the coordinates in the side file. The default value
is the cell database unit. This value must match the units value used in
the side file.
Format Defines the format of the pin definition syntax in the side file. The
order of the options in the Format row must match the syntax of the
rows in the side file. Each row defines a single pin.
Example syntax:
<pin name>,<x>,<y>,<padstack name>,<rotation>
Note: If you select “Auto assign” in the Pin names section, or
“User defined” in the Pad stacks section, the Format options are
disabled.
Separator Defines the column separator used in the side file.
Comment character Defines the comment character used in the side file. Any text that
follows the comment character is ignored during Load or Refresh.
Pin names section — Defines how pin names are assigned.
From file Selected, the pin names in the side file are used.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Die Wizard Dialog Box

Field Description
Auto assign Selected, the pin names are assigned automatically. The pin name
assignments in the side file are ignored.
• Numeric — Selected, the pin name is numeric, starting with the
number value specified in the First pin text box. Each successive
pin name is increased by 1.
Example: If the First pin is 1, the pin names are 1, 2, 3, ...
• Alpha-numeric — Selected, the pin name is alpha-numeric,
starting with the letter value specified in the Prefix text box and
the number value in the First pin text box.
Example: If the First pin is 1 and Prefix is A, the pin names are
A1, A2, A3, ...
Pad stacks section — Defines how padstacks are assigned.
From file Selected, the padstack assignments in the side file are used.
User defined Selected, the specified padstack is used. The padstack assignments in
the side file are ignored.
Select the desired padstack from the Pad stack name dropdown list.
Note: Only Pin-Die type padstacks appear in the wizard. See
Padstack Types in the Common Library Editors User’s Guide.
Pin data section — Defines the pin name, padstack, and coordinate information for each
die pin. The information in the table is imported from the side file or you can enter pin data
manually by creating new rows.
New Creates five new rows in the Pin data table. This allows you to enter
pin data manually.
Undo Restores the data you last deleted from the Pin data table.
Delete Deletes the selected rows in the Pin data table.
Load / Refresh Loads or refreshes the Pin data table based on either the contents of
the side file or any changes you made in the dialog box.
Pin Name Defines the name of the die pin.
X Defines the X coordinate of the die pin.
Y Defines the Y coordinate of the die pin.
Pad Stack Defines the padstack for the die pin.
You can change the padstack for a specific pin. If the side file
contains a padstack name that is not valid, the padstack name is
displayed in red.
Rotation Defines the rotation of the die pin.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Die Wizard Dialog Box

Usage Notes
By default, the die wizard uses the same unit as the cell database. However, you can import data
in any format.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box

Drawing Cell Properties Dialog Box

To access:
• Select the Drawing tab, and click Properties .

• On the Create Drawing Cell dialog box, click the Cell Properties button.
Use this dialog box to display or define the properties of a drawing cell.
Fields

Field Description
Name and descriptions Displays the name and any text describing the drawing cell.
The text limit is 255 characters.
Date Displays the last modification date for the drawing cell.
Verification status Defines whether the drawing cell is tested and approved.
• Verified cells appear in black in the Drawing Cells list
of the Drawing tab.
• Unverified cells appear in red in the Drawing Cells list
of the Drawing tab.
Units Defines the units used by the drawing cell.
Custom Properties Opens the Custom Properties dialog box, which enables you
to add custom properties.

Related Topics
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Drawing Tab
Create Drawing Cell Dialog Box
Custom Properties Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box

Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box

To access:
• Open the Cell Editor dialog box, select the Mechanical tab, and click Properties ( ).

• On the Create Mechanical Cell dialog box, click Cell Properties.

Use this dialog box to display or define the properties of a mechanical cell.
Fields

Field Description
Name and descriptions Displays the name and any text describing the mechanical
cell. The text limit is 255 characters.
Date Displays the last modification date for the mechanical cell.
Part Number Specifies the part number of the mechanical device.
Note: The part number is for the actual mechanical
device and is not associated with a library part (PDB).
Clearance type Specifies the name of a clearance type, which defines a
specific clearance between component types. Use
Constraint Manager to create any clearance type values that
should appear in the dropdown list.
Height Defines the distance (height) between the top of the cell and
the mounting surface.
Underside Space Defines the distance between the bottom of the cell and the
mounting surface.
Verification status Defines whether the mechanical cell is tested and approved.
• Verified cells appear in black in the Mechanical Cells
list of the Mechanical tab.
• Unverified cells appear in red in the Mechanical Cells
list of the Mechanical tab.
Units Defines the measurement units used by the drawing cell.
Allow cell overhang Checked, allows the placement outline to overlap the board
outline without creating DRC errors. Unchecked, does not
allow the placement outline to overlap the board outline.
Custom Properties Opens the Custom Properties dialog box, which enables you
to add custom properties.

Related Topics
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Mechanical Tab
Create Mechanical Cell Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Mechanical Cell Properties Dialog Box

Custom Properties Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Net Properties Dialog Box

Net Properties Dialog Box

To access: Select a trace and do one of the following:
• Choose Properties > Net Properties from the popup.
• Edit > Properties > Net Properties
Use this dialog to review or compare properties of a net or a pair of nets in the Cell Editor
graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Net Name Net name
Net Class Associated net class.
Constraint Class Associated constraint class. This option appears when you use
Constraint Manager in the design.
Opens Number of unrouted pin-to-pin connections in the net and in
the set of selected items.
Pins Number of component pins in the net and in the set of selected
items.
Vias Number of vias in the net and in the set of selected items.
Trace Length Length of routed traces in the net and in the set of selected
items.
Open Pin-Pin Manhattan length of unrouted connections in the net and in the
set of selected items.
Differential Net Complement net if the net is part of a differential pair.
Maximum Length Number of all nets that have a total length that exceeds the
maximum length defined in Constraint Manager.
Maximum Delay Number of all nets that have a total delay that exceeds the
Maximum Delay defined in Constraint Manager.
Match Group, Tolerance Matched net group and delay tolerance as defined in
Constraint Manager.
Open Fanouts Number of open fanouts on the selected net.
Trace Width (segs.) Number of nets that contain at least one trace segment whose
width is not equal to the minimum, typical or expansion width
setting defined in Constraint Manager. (A segment is a trace
that extends between vertices.)
Layer Restrictions Total length of the net that violates the layer restriction rules
defined for the net’s net class.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Net Properties Dialog Box

Field Description
Vias Per Net Number of nets that contain a greater number of vias than the
limit specified for the net in Constraint Manager.
Via Usage Number of vias with an invalid span or via padstacks for the
span based on the vias defined for the net’s net class. An
invalid span is caused by a span being disabled for a net after it
is used. An invalid via padstack for a span is a via padstack
that is different from the one that was defined for the net’s net
class.
Pad Entry Number of nets with a trace entry into the pad that deviates
from the settings in the Pad Entry tab of the Editor Control
dialog.
Stub Length Number of nets that contain one or more stubs whose length
exceeds the stub length limit defined in Constraint Manager.
Excess Length Number of nets whose length exceeds the defined value.
Matched Length Number of nets in which the difference between the longest
net length and the remainder of the nets within the group
exceeds the match set tolerance. This also contains any nets
that contain opens.
Length Summary Number of total nets with problems.
Excess Delay Number of all nets that have a total delay that is less than or
greater than the delay defined in Constraint Manager.
Matched Delay Number of matched sets in which the difference between the
longest net delay and the rest of the nets within the group
exceeds the match set tolerance.
Delay Summary Displays the number of delays for all nets in your design. This
report includes nets that still contain opens.
Delay Formulas Displays the number of delay formula violations for the net
and not the formula used.
Parallelism Number of all victim nets that exceed the limit established for
them in either Constraint Manager, the Net Properties -
Crosstalk dialog or the ParallelRules.txt side file.
Estimated Crosstalk Number of all victim nets that exceed the limit established for
them in Constraint Manager.
Unable to Simulate Number of nets that TSIM could not analyze or TSIM tried to
analyze and failed.
Est/Sim Delay Difference Number of nets whose calculated time of flight and simulated
delays differ. The time of flight calculations are based on
electrical nets.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Net Properties Dialog Box

Field Description
Sim Delay Summary Number of nets with the largest driver-to-load delay for each
simulated net in your design. For bidirectional pins, the
Simulated Delay Summary hazard reports the time between
the driver starting its transition and the load, at the same pin,
sensing a voltage that crosses the logic threshold.
Overshoot Number of nets with the worst instance of overshoot (rising or
falling edge) for nets.
Undershoot Number of nets with the worst instance of undershoot (rising
or falling edge).
Non-Monotonic Number of nets whose TSIM analysis shows waveforms with
non-monotonic edges. Non-monotonic edges show a reversal
in the direction of a signal on the rising or falling edge in the
region between low switching voltage and high switching
voltage. This non-continuous edge can result in false or
multiple triggers.
Incomplete Simulation Number of nets with no transition and/or those nets with
simulation results that are unstable.
Invalid Logic State Number of all nets whose static voltage (high or low) is not a
valid logic-level voltage. If the column contains a 1, this
signifies that there is a problem with the trace within this
category.
Sim Crosstalk Status Status of crosstalk as either Simulated or Not Simulated.
Sim Crosstalk Number of all electrical nets in the design, with crosstalk
induced upon them by aggressor nets.
Retain current selection Selected, keeps the selected net in the left column and fills a
second column with properties of a selected net. There are only
two columns; the original net and the last net selected.

Usage Notes
In general, empty fields indicate design parameters are within specification according to design
rules. Use the Hazard Explorer dialog box to review violations.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box

Package Cell Properties Dialog Box

To access:
• From Cell Editor, select the Package tab, then click the Properties button .

• From the Create Package Cell dialog box, click the Cell Properties button.
Use this dialog box to display or define the properties of a package cell.
Fields

Field Description
Name and descriptions Displays the name and any text describing the package cell.
The text limit is 255 characters.
Date Displays the last modification date for the package cell.
Package group Defines the type of package cell to use for classification and
sorting.
Clearance type Specifies the name of a clearance type, which defines a
specific clearance between component types. Use
Constraint Manager to create any clearance type values that
should appear in the dropdown list.
Mount type Defines if the part is surface, through, or mixed mount.
When creating a new package cell, the Mount type value
affects which padstacks are available to assign to pins using
the Place Pins Dialog Box.
Height Specifies a number, in the unit value, describing the
maximum height above the mounting surface. When a
package cell has multiple placement outlines with different
heights, the heights display as H1/H2/H3 (for example, 0/
0.25/0.50).
Caution: Do not modify multiple height values using
this field. You must specify the individual height values
with each Insertion Outline.
Underside space Specifies a number, in the unit value, denoting the distance
between the bottom of the cell and the mounting surface.
When a package cell has multiple placement outlines, the
different underside distances display as H1/H2/H3 (for
example, 0/0.25/0.50).
Caution: Do not modify multiple underside space
values using this field. You must specify the individual
underside space values with each Insertion Outline.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box

Field Description
Verification status Defines whether the package cell is tested and approved.
• Verified cells appear in black in the Package Cells list of
the Package tab.
• Unverified cells appear in red in the Package Cells list of
the Package tab.
Units Defines the measurement units used by the package cell.
Number of pins Displays the number of pins on the cell.
Movable Checked, enables you to move pins in Layout (with
Edit > Modify > Move pin). Unchecked, does not allow
you to move pins from their current location. In general, this
should be unchecked.
Allow cell overhang Checked, allows the placement outline to overlap the board
outline without creating DRC errors. Unchecked, does not
allow the placement outline to overlap the board outline.
Placement Rules Opens the Placement Rules Dialog Box, which defines
rotation and mount side settings.
Pins section Lists each pin number on the package cell and its associated
padstack. You can adjust the column width or sort a column
in ascending or descending order.
Custom Properties Opens the Custom Properties dialog box, which enables you
to add custom properties.

Related Topics
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Package Tab
Create Package Cell Dialog Box
Custom Properties Dialog Box
Placement Rules Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Padstack Details Dialog Box

Padstack Details Dialog Box

To access: Open the Place Pins dialog box, select a row in the Pins table, then click Padstack
Properties ( ).
Use this dialog box to display the properties of the padstack referenced by a pin on the package
cell.
Fields

Field Description
Padstack name Displays the name of the padstack referenced by the
selected pin.
Type Displays the padstack group name.
Default Tab — Displays the set of pads appearing on default layers of the padstack. Not all
padstacks have values in all fields.
Top mount Displays the name of the top mount side pad.
Internal Displays the names of any internal layer pads.
Bot mount Displays the name of the bottom mount side pad.
Plane clearance Displays the name of the non-thermal pad that denotes
clearance between the part pins and the plane metal (used by
the Planes Processor to generate a negative plane).
Plane thermal Displays the name of the thermal pad.
Top mnt sodrmsk Displays the name of the top mount side soldermask pad.
Bot mnt sodrmsk Displays the name of the bottom mount side soldermask
pad.
Top mnt sodrpaste Displays the name of the top mount side solderpaste pad.
Bot mnt sodrpaste Displays the name of the bottom mount side solderpaste
pad.
Hole Displays the name of any hole used in the padstack.
User Layers Tab — Displays the set of pads appearing on user-defined layers of the
padstack.
User Layer Displays the name of the user-defined layer.
Pad Displays the name of the pad attached to the user-defined
layer.
Layer Overrides Tab — Displays the set of pads appearing on override layers of the
padstack.
Type Displays the layer type.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Padstack Details Dialog Box

Field Description
Layer Number Displays the layer number.
Pad Displays the name of the pad attached to the numbered
layer.
Preview selected pads Displays a picture of the selected pad.
Fit Checked, fits the selected pad into the preview area.
Unchecked, allows control of sizing and panning manually
using the mouse buttons.

Usage Notes
Information in the dialog box is read-only; values originate in the Padstack Editor.

Related Topics
Place Pins Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Padstack Properties Dialog Box

Padstack Properties Dialog Box

To access: Select a pin, via, or other padstack object, and do one of the following:
• Choose the Properties > Padstack Properties popup menu item.
• Choose the Edit > Properties > Padstack Properties menu item.
Use this dialog box to display or define padstack properties.
Fields

Field Description
Type Displays the type of padstack.
Padstack Defines the padstack name.
Span Defines the layer span, if the selected padstack is a via.
Net name Defines the attached net. (Net0) specifies that no net is attached.
Location section
X/Y Displays the X,Y location relative to the cell origin.
Absolute/Delta Designates whether Location and Rotation values are absolute, or
relative to the existing location. Select this option first before
entering New Location and Rotation values. Default is Absolute.
Rotation Displays the angle the padstack is rotated in integer degrees.
Lock status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.
Pads by layer section — displays pad information by layer
Layer Displays the conductive layer number, fabrication layer, or user
layer that has a defined pad.
Pad Name Displays the pad used for the layer.
Teardrop/Tracedrop Displays the teardrop or tracedrop parameters for the pad.
Parameters
Hole Displays the hole assigned to the padstack.
Unit Displays the units for all distance values.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box

Panel Cell Properties Dialog Box

To access:
• Open the Cell Editor dialog box, select the Panel tab, and click Properties ( ).

• On the Create Panel Cell dialog box, click Cell Properties.

Use this dialog box to display or define the properties of a panel cell.
Fields

Field Description
Name and descriptions Displays the name and any text describing the panel cell.
The text limit is 255 characters.
Date Displays the last modification date for the panel cell.
Panel group Defines the type of panel cell to use for classification and
sorting.
Verification status Defines whether the panel cell is tested and approved.
• Verified cells appear in black in the Panel Cells list of
the Panel tab.
• Unverified cells appear in red in the Panel Cells list of
the Panel tab.
Units Defines the measurement units used by the panel cell.

Related Topics
Cell Editor Dialog Box - Panel Tab
Create Panel Cell Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Part Properties Dialog Box

Part Properties Dialog Box

To access:
• Select the mechanical or drawing cell and choose the Properties > Part Properties
popup menu item.
Use this dialog box to review and modify properties of a placed mechanical or drawing cell in
the Cell Editor graphics mode.
Note
The Nested Cells tab is unavailable.

Fields

Field Description
<First field> Displays the reference designator and part name if these exist.
Editable section — Defines properties that you can modify for the selected cell or part.
New location Defines X,Y coordinates for the cell or part location.
Rotation Defines the +/- rotation angle in integer degrees.
Absolute/Delta Designates whether New location and Rotation values are
absolute, or relative to the existing location. Select this option first
before entering New location and Rotation values.
Lock status Defines the lock status of the selected cell or part. Select one of the
following from the drop down list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the cell or part location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the cell or part location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.
Other Displays properties of the selected cell or part.
Note: Mount height refers to the distance from the mount
conductor surface to the top of the component. The Mount
Height value for the part is the same as the Height value for the
cell.

Related Topics
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box
Place Mechanical Cell Dialog Box
Place Drawing Cell Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Drawing Cell Dialog Box

Place Drawing Cell Dialog Box

To access: Place > Drawing Cell
Use this dialog box to import a drawing cell into the Cell Editor graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Cell Name Lists all drawing cells contained in the library. Choose a drawing cell
from the dropdown list to import it into Cell Editor.
Location section — Defines the location for the imported drawing cell. If fields are left empty,
the drawing cell attaches to the cursor for placement.
New location Defines the location of the drawing cell relative to the cell origin of
the current cell.
Rotation Defines the +/- rotation angle in integer degrees.
Absolute/Delta Unavailable.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Fiducial Dialog Box

Place Fiducial Dialog Box

To access: Place > Fiducial menu item
Use this dialog box to place a fiducial on a cell in the Cell Editor graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Padstack Defines the padstack associated with the fiducial, prefixed by one of the
following:
• Local — Padstacks in the Local Library padstack database.
• Central — Padstacks in the Central Library padstack database.
Net name Unavailable.
Location Defines the location of the fiducial relative to the cell origin.
Note: Leave blank to attach the fiducial to the cursor, allowing manual
placement.
Lock status Fixes or locks the fiducial during placement.
• Locked — Permanently locks the fiducial.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the fiducial.

Usage Notes
A fiducial is a target etched onto the board that vision or optical correction machines use during
the placement of SMD parts.

Tip
During placement, use the action keys or popup menu to manipulate the fiducial.

To display the fiducial, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab (for a panel design) — Panel Items section and Panel Holes item.
• Fab tab (for a PCB or package design) — Board Objects section, “Fiducials - Top”
and “Fiducials - Bottom” items.
Related Topics
Placing Holes and Other Padstacks

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Mechanical Cell Dialog Box

Place Mechanical Cell Dialog Box

To access: Place > Mechanical Cell menu item
Use this dialog box to import a mechanical cell into the Cell Editor graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Cell Name Lists all mechanical cells contained in the library.
Choose a mechanical cell from the dropdown list to
import it into Cell Editor.
Location section — Defines the location for the imported mechanical cell. If fields
are left empty, the mechanical cell attaches to the cursor for placement.
New location Defines the location of the mechanical cell relative to the
cell origin of the current cell.
Rotation Defines the +/- rotation angle in integer degrees.
Absolute/Delta Unavailable.

Related Topics
Nesting a Mechanical Part in a Package Cell

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Mounting Hole Dialog Box

Place Mounting Hole Dialog Box

To access: Place > Mounting Hole menu item
Use this dialog box to place a mounting hole on a package or mechanical cell in the Cell Editor
graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Padstack Defines the padstack associated with the mounting hole, prefixed by one
of the following:
• Local — Padstacks in the Local Library padstack database.
• Central — Padstacks in the Central Library padstack database.
Depth Defines the drill depth for the mounting hole. Choose the appropriate
option from the dropdown list:
• Through — Specifies that the mounting hole is a through hole.
• <layer number> — Specifies the end layer for drilling a blind
mounting hole from either the Top or Bottom layer.
Net name Displays a list of all net names in the design. A net can only be assigned
to plated mounting holes.
Location Defines the location of the mounting hole relative to the cell origin.
Lock status Fixes or locks the mounting hole during placement.
• Locked — Permanently locks the mounting hole.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the mounting hole.
Note: If you are working in Layout, you cannot edit a mounting hole
that was placed in Cell Editor and is part of a cell definition. In this
case, the Fix/Lock options in the popup menu are grayed out and are not
supported for the mounting hole. You can fix or lock only those
mounting holes that you place in Layout.

Usage Notes
Mounting holes are typically component related, non-plated, slots or holes, and serve as
fasteners, snap in, or tie downs for components such as connectors, sockets, or heatsinks.

Note
Mounting hole placement uses the active layer. If a mounting hole has different pads for top
and bottom, the active route layer affects the placement side of the mounting hole. For
example: a mounting hole has a top pad of Round 60 and bottom pad of Square 60. If the active
route layer is the top layer, the software places the padstack so that the round mounting hole is
on top, as expected. However, if the active route layer is the bottom layer, the software places
the padstack so that the square pad is on top.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Mounting Hole Dialog Box

Tip
During placement, use the action keys or popup menu to manipulate the mounting hole.

To display the mounting hole, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box in
the Fab tab, Board Objects section: Holes item and Mounting Holes item.

Related Topics
Placing Holes and Other Padstacks

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Origin Dialog Box

Place Origin Dialog Box

To access:
• Place > Assembly Origin menu item (package and mechanical cells)
• Place > Cell Origin menu item
• Place > Glue Spot menu item (package and mechanical cells)
Use this dialog box to place an assembly origin, a cell origin, or a glue spot on a package or
mechanical cell, or a cell origin on a drawing cell or panel cell, in the Cell Editor graphics
mode.
Fields

Field Description
Type Defines if the origin is for a cell, assembly, or glue spot. On a drawing
cell or a panel cell, Cell is the only choice.
Location Defines the location of the assembly origin, cell origin, or glue spot. For
an assembly origin or a glue spot, the X,Y location is relative to the
existing cell origin location.

Usage Notes
To display the assembly origin or cell origin, enable the following items in the Display Control
dialog box in the Fab tab, Fabrication Objects section: Cell Items and Origin item.

To display the glue spot, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box in the
Fab tab, Fabrication Objects section: Cell Items and Glue Spots item.

Related Topics
Adding or Modifying Origins and Glue Spots

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Padstack Dialog Box

Place Padstack Dialog Box

To access:
• Place > Padstack menu item (panel cell)
Use this dialog box to place a padstack on a panel cell in the Cell Editor graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Padstack Defines the padstack, prefixed by one of the following:
• Local — Padstacks in the Local Library padstack database.
• Central — Padstacks in the Central Library padstack database.
Net name Unavailable.
Location Defines the location of the padstack relative to the cell origin.
Lock status Fixes or locks the padstack during placement.
• Locked — Permanently locks the padstack.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the padstack.

Usage Notes
To display the padstack, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Edit tab — Conductive layer and Pads item.

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section and the appropriate associated layers.
• Fab tab — Board Objects section and the specific hole item.
Related Topics
Placing Holes and Other Padstacks

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Pins Dialog Box

Place Pins Dialog Box

To access:
• From the Create Package Cell dialog box, click Next.
• On the Cell Editor graphics mode toolbar, click Place Pins ( ), or choose the
Place > Pin menu item.
Use this dialog box to create or renumber pins on a package cell.
Fields
Table B-1. Place Pins Dialog Box - Pins Section Contents
Field Description
New Pin ( ) Adds a new row to the Pins table.

Padstack Properties ( ) Opens the Padstack Details dialog box, which contains
information about the padstack referenced by the selected
pin.
Select All Pins ( ) Selects all rows in the Pins table.

Delete Pin ( ) Deletes the selected pin from the Pins table.
U/P Displays if a pin is placed (P) or unplaced (U).
Pin # Defines the alphanumeric pin number. To change the
numbering sequence or to add a prefix or suffix, select the
rows containing the pins to change, then click the
Renumber Pins button to open the Auto Generate Numbers
dialog box.
Note: Creating a package cell from a part database
definition predefines the pin numbers. Changing
predefined pin numbers makes them inconsistent with the
part database, causing a warning message to occur when
saving the new cell.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Pins Dialog Box

Table B-1. Place Pins Dialog Box - Pins Section Contents (cont.)
Field Description
Padstack Name Defines the padstack referenced by the pin using a
dropdown list of the padstacks in the active library.
The Mount Style cell property filters the padstacks available
for selection:
• A Mount Style of “Surface” makes SMD and Die
padstack types available.
• A Mount Style of “Through” makes only Through
padstack types available.
• A Mount Style of “Mixed” makes SMD, Die, and
Through padstack types available.
Tip: You can also use the Place Pins dialog box to
replace padstacks on an existing pin.
Side Defines the side of the cell where the pin resides and the
connection is made.
• Mount — Places the pin on the mounted side of the cell.
• Opposite — Places the pin on the side opposite the
mounted side of the cell.
• Top — Places the pin on the top side for “IC - Bare Die”
package cells.
• Bottom — Places the pin on the bottom side for “IC -
Bare Die” package cells.
Rotation Defines the rotation for the pin. Enter a value, or select a
value from the dropdown list.
Tip: You do not need to create padstacks in multiple
rotations.
NetClass Defines the NetClass name. Use Constraint Manager to
create NetClass values that should then appear in the
dropdown list.
Renumber Pins Opens the Auto Generate Numbers dialog box, which you
can use to change the numbering sequence or to add a prefix
or suffix to selected pins.
Place Closes the dialog box and adds the selected pins to the
cursor for placement. While the pins are on the cursor, you
can use the precision input keyin commands to precisely
place the pins based on the cell origin.
Unplace Unplaces the selected pins.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Pins Dialog Box

Table B-2. Place Pins Dialog Box - Parameter Place Tab Contents
Field Description
Pin quantity and spacing Defines the number of pin rows and pin columns to place on
section the package cell. Use the Spacing fields to specify the
horizontal or vertical distance between the pin centers.
Tip: Override the defined units by typing the unit to use
after the number. For example, if your design units are
set to mm, you can type 100th.
Pin sequence section Defines the numbering sequence for the placement of the
selected pins. Select the button corresponding to the desired
sequence.

Table B-3. Place Pins Dialog Box - Pattern Place Tab Contents
Field Description
Pattern Type Defines the pin placement pattern. Select a pattern that
matches your cell type from either the Generic or Specific
categories.
• Generic patterns — Built into the software and always
available in the dropdown list.
• Specific patterns — Determined by the contents of the
PinPatterns.hkp file and available in the dropdown list
when the package has the same number of pins as the
specific pattern.
The entry fields in the pattern placement dimensions
graphic display change to match required values for the
selected pattern.
You can specify custom pin patterns in the pin patterns file
(PinPatterns.hkp).
Rotation Defines the rotation for all selected pins during placement.
Enter a value, or select a value from the dropdown list.
Tip: You do not need to create padstacks in multiple
rotations.
Include Assembly outline Checked, includes an assembly outline (on the Assembly
layer) that represents the top view of the component.
Include Silkscreen outline Checked, includes a silkscreen outline (on the Silkscreen
layer) that represents the component on the silkscreen
output.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Pin Pattern File

Table B-3. Place Pins Dialog Box - Pattern Place Tab Contents (cont.)
Field Description
<Pattern placement Graphically defines the dimensions for the selected Pattern
dimensions graphic> Type. Typical dimensions include the package width and
height, and the vertical and horizontal distances between
pins.
Tip: You can override the defined units by typing the
units after the number. For example, if your design units
are set to mm, you can type 100th.

Related Topics
Placing Pins in a Package Cell
Renumbering Pins
Pin Pattern File
Auto Generate Numbers Dialog Box
Padstack Details Dialog Box
Package Cell Properties Dialog Box
Create Package Cell Dialog Box

Pin Pattern File

You can define custom patterns for pins in the default PinPatterns.hkp file, which is located in
the /standard/config/pcb/default directory. You can copy the default PinPatterns.hkp file to the
Central Library directory and edit it to add additional patterns with predefined values to speed
up the cell creation process. Only specific packages that match the number of pins of the current
cell appear on the Pattern type dropdown menu.
The following specific patterns appear in the default PinPatterns.hkp file:

Berg Connector 20 pin 100thx100th

Dip 8 pin
DTYPE MALE 9pin Vertical
PLCC Square 20 pin
QFP Sq 44pin 10mmx10mm pkg
Round Can TO-39 3 pin
SIP 10 pin 100TH
SOIC 8 pin SO8
Surface Discrete 0805
Surface Trans SOT-23
THROUGH DISCRETE RC05
Through Trans TO-92

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Pin Pattern File

The PinPatterns.hkp file lets you define the name of the pattern, the units that the pattern will
use (valid units are IN, TH, UM, MM, NM), the horizontal pin spacing, vertical pin spacing,
pattern rotation, outline height and width.

Examples
The following shows example entries from a PinPatterns.hkp file:

.FILETYPE PIN_PATTERNS ! DEFINITION file (i.e. .hkp)

.VERSION "XXXXX" !
.SCHEMA_VERSION 1 ! internal schema version
.BERG_PATTERN "Berg Connector 20pin 100THx100TH" ! Berg pattern name
(max. 32chars)
..UNITS TH ! units for this pattern; {IN,TH,UM,MM,NM}
..NUM_PINS 20 ! number of pins in this pattern
..HORZ_PIN_DIST 100 ! horizontal distance between adjacent pin
centers
..VERT_PIN_DIST 100 ! vertical distance between adjacent pin centers
..ROTATION 0 ! pattern rotation
..OUTLINE_HEIGHT 350 ! height of outline
..OUTLINE_WIDTH 1110 ! width of outline
.DIP_PATTERN "Dip 8 pin" ! DIP pattern name (max. 32 chars)
..UNITS TH ! units for this pattern; {IN,TH,UM,MM,NM}
..NUM_PINS 8 ! number of pins in this pattern
..HORZ_PIN_DIST 100 ! horizontal distance between adjacent pin centers
..VERT_PIN_DIST 300 ! vertical distance between pin rows (pin centers)
..ROTATION 0 ! pattern rotation
..OUTLINE_HEIGHT 292 ! height of outline
..OUTLINE_WIDTH 418 ! width of outline
.DTYPE_PATTERN "DTYPE MALE 9pin Vertical" !DType pattern name (max. 32
chars)
..UNITS TH ! units for this pattern; {IN,TH,UM,MM,NM}
..MALE_FEMALE MALE ! {MALE, FEMALE}
..NUM_PINS 9 ! number of pins in this pattern
..HORZ_PIN_DIST 108 ! horizontal distance between adjacent pin centers
..VERT_PIN_DIST 112 ! vertical distance between adjacent pin centers
..ROTATION 0 ! pattern rotation
..OUTLINE_HEIGHT 509 ! height of outline
..OUTLINE_WIDTH 1235 ! width of outline

Related Topics
Place Pins Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Place Tooling Hole Dialog Box

Place Tooling Hole Dialog Box

To access: Place > Tooling Hole menu item
Use this dialog box to place a tooling hole (usually a non-plated slot or hole) on a panel cell in
the Cell Editor graphics mode.
Fields

Field Description
Padstack Defines the padstack associated with the tooling hole, prefixed by
one of the following:
• Local — Padstacks in the Local Library padstack database.
• Central — Padstacks in the Central Library padstack
database.
Net name Unavailable.
Location Defines the location of the tooling hole relative to the panel cell
origin.
Lock status Fixes or locks the tooling hole during placement.
• Locked — Permanently locks the tooling hole.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the tooling hole.

Usage Notes
Tip
During placement use the action keys or popup menu to manipulate the tooling hole.

Related Topics
Placing Holes and Other Padstacks

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Placement Rules Dialog Box

Placement Rules Dialog Box

To access:
• Select the Package tab, click Properties to open the Package Cell Properties dialog
box, and click the Placement Rules button.
• Open the Create Package Cell dialog box, click the Cell Properties button to open the
Package Cell Properties dialog box, and click the Placement Rules button.
Use this dialog box to set the allowable placement rotation angles and mounting sides for the
package cell.
Fields

Field Description
Any Angle Selected, enables you to place the selected part(s) at any angle and
specify the allowable mounting side as either Top, Bottom, or Both.
Orthogonal Selected, enables you to specify the rotational angles in 90 degree
increments on the top and/or bottom layer. You must specify at least
one degree. The yellow pad represents pin one (1) of the part. For
each angle, you can check “Top”, “Bottom”, both, or neither.

Usage Notes
Note
The Cell Rotations dialog box in Layout has the same settings as the Placement Rules dialog
box. In Layout, uncheck the “Use cell library settings” option on the Cell Rotations dialog
box to override the Placement Rules dialog box settings.

Tip
To review the current placement rules and properties assigned to cells, open the main Cell
Editor dialog box, the Package Cell Properties dialog box, and the Placement Rules dialog
box at the same time. Select different cells in the main Cell Editor list.

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Properties Dialog Box

Properties Dialog Box

To access:
• Edit > Properties > Draw Properties
Use this dialog box to create or edit the graphics or text on cells. The default object type is the
Draw Object.
Fields

Field Description
Type Section — Defines the draw object type. Select a Type from the dropdown list
to display a shape for the object in the lower portion of the dialog.
Assembly Outline Assembly Outline
Assembly Part Number Assembly Part Number
Assembly Reference Assembly Reference Designator
Designator
Conductive Shape Conductive Shape
Construction Element Construction Element
Contour Contour
Insertion Outline Insertion Outline
Metallization Area Metallization Area
Pin Text Pin Text
Placement Obstruct Placement Obstruct
Placement Outline Placement Outline
Plane NoConnect Plane NoConnect
Plane Obstruct Plane Obstruct
Plane Shape Plane Shape
Property Text Property Text
Route Obstruct Route Obstruct
Rule Area Rule Area
Silkscreen Outline Silkscreen Outline
Silkscreen Part Silkscreen Part Number
Number
Silkscreen Reference Silkscreen Reference Designator
Designator

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Properties Dialog Box

Field Description
Soldermask Soldermask
Solderpaste Solderpaste
Test Point Obstruct Test Point Obstruct
Trace Trace
Text Text
Lock Status Fixes or locks the object.
Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object.
Locked — Permanently locks the object.
Shape Section — Defines the shape of the object. New objects assume the shape
selected on the Draw Create toolbar (default). Change the object on the toolbar to
change the default.
Arc Arc
Circle Circle
Line Line
Polygon Polygon
Polyline Polyline
Rectangle Rectangle

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Query Builder Dialog Box

Query Builder Dialog Box

To access:
• In the Assign 3D Models dialog box of the 3D graphics mode, click Search M3DL, then
click Criteria.
• From Layout, choose the 3D > Models > Search M3DL menu item, then click
Criteria.
Use this dialog box to define SQL search statements for finding a specific 3D model in the 3D
model library. The Query Builder dialog box works with the Search M3DL dialog box.
Fields

Field Description
Attribute dropdown list Displays the predefined model attributes you can insert in
your query condition. Choose an attribute from the list to
define the query condition.
Boolean dropdown list Displays the predefined Boolean operators you can insert
in your query condition. Choose a Boolean operator from
the list to define the query condition.
Search string text box Defines the search string for the query condition. This
text box is context-sensitive and may present a dropdown
list of appropriate options depending on the attribute you
choose. You can use wildcards to expand your search
results.
AND Inserts an “AND” logic operator in your query statement.
OR Inserts an “OR” logic operator in your query statement.
( Inserts a “(” in your query statement.
) Inserts a “)” in your query statement.
<- Removes the last condition in your query statement. Click
this repeatedly to remove more conditions.
<query list> Displays the query statement you have defined.

Related Topics
Importing, Aligning, and Mapping a 3D Model [Layout 3D Design Guide]
Assigning a 3D Model to a Component [Layout 3D Design Guide]
Search M3DL Dialog Box

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Search M3DL Dialog Box

Search M3DL Dialog Box

To access:
• In the Assign 3D Models dialog box of the 3D graphics mode, click Search M3DL.
• In the graphics mode, click 3D > Models > Search M3DL.
Use this dialog box to search the 3D model library for a specific 3D model. You can then assign
a 3D model to a component that does not have a model assignment.
Fields

Field Description
Criteria Opens the Query Builder dialog box so you can define
SQL query statements that search for 3D models with
specific attributes.
Fields Specifies which 3D model attributes appear in the model
list.
Note: If you change the selected fields, the model list
updates accordingly after you run the next query.
Run Query Searches the 3D model library according to the conditions
defined by the query statement.
<query list> Displays all of the query statements you have defined.
<model list> Displays all of the 3D models in the 3D model library that
match the selected query conditions. Specific attributes
for each model are also shown based on the options you
select in Fields.

Related Topics
Importing, Aligning, and Mapping a 3D Model [Layout 3D Design Guide]
Assigning a 3D Model to a Component [Layout 3D Design Guide]
Query Builder Dialog Box
Align 3D Models Dialog Box

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 Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Units Display Dialog Box

Units Display Dialog Box

To access: Setup > Units Display
Use the Units Display dialog box to apply English (default) or Metric unit settings and define
display and precision settings.
Fields

Option Description
Electrical Units section — Defines the active format for electrical units and decimal
precision.
Do not format Ignores settings in the Units Display dialog box and applies full
electrical units and precision. Select this option to apply full precision.
use full precision
Format Defines the electrical formatting standard and decimal precision for
design data.
Electrical unit formats include:
• Engineering
• European
• Scientific
• SI (Default)
• SPICE
Default precision is 4
Physical dimensions & other units section — Defines precision for electrical and
physical properties, angles, and time units.
Angle format Defines precision of angle measurement.
Default is 3
Units Defines precision of percentage and time units.
Default is 2
General options section
Suppress trailing Removes zeros following the defined precision range (even if the
zeros numerical value matches the precision range). Select to suppress
trailing zeros.
Regional settings section — Defines decimal and digit display standards.

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Dialog Boxes and Utilities
Units Display Dialog Box

Option Description
Decimal symbol Defines the appearance of decimals (period or comma) in numeric
strings.
• . (period) (Default)
• , (comma)
Note: The setting cannot match the Digital grouping symbol
option.
No. of digits after Defines the number of digits that appear after a decimal symbol.
the decimal The default is 2.
Digital grouping Separates large number strings of a defined interval with a specified
symbol character (a period or comma). For example, 5000000 becomes
5,000,000 with a comma setting.
• , (comma) (Default)
• . (period)
Note: The setting cannot match the Decimal symbol option.
No. of digits in Groups large number strings by a defined interval. For example,
group 5,000,000 uses the default setting of 3.
The default is 3.
Display leading Configures the display of leading zeros in number strings. Use 0.7 to
zeros disable the display of leading zeros.
• .7
• 0.7 (Default)

Usage Notes
In Windows, use the Regional and Language Options dialog box (Settings > Control
Panel > Regional and Language Options) to modify regional settings that do not appear on
the Units Display dialog box.

Related Topics
Defining Cell Units

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 Appendix C
Drawing Object Reference

This section contains reference information about cell geometries and draw objects.
Assembly Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Assembly Part Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Assembly Reference Designator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Cavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Conductive Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Construction Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Contour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Cover Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Insertion Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Metallization Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Pin Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Placement Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Placement Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Plane NoConnect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Plane Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Plane Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Property Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Resistor Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Route Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Rule Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Selection Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Silkscreen Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Silkscreen Part Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Silkscreen Reference Designator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Soldermask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Solderpaste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Test Point Obstruct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

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Drawing Object Reference

Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Polyline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Polygon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Rectangle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

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 Drawing Object Reference
Assembly Outline

Assembly Outline
To access:
• Draw > Assembly Outline menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Assembly Outline”
• Click Assembly Outline ( ) on the Cell Editor graphics mode toolbar.

Use Assembly Outline to create a shape that represents the maximum space taken up by the part
packaging. Assembly outlines only appear on an assembly drawing.
Description
Figure C-1. Assembly Outline

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the assembly outline. The options
are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the assembly outline is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top mount makes the assembly outline
unavailable when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed —Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Remove a lock or fix.

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Drawing Object Reference
Assembly Outline

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
• Unclosed shapes — Line, Arc, Polyline
Display Information
To display the assembly outline, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section, Assembly Items and Outlines item.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Assembly Part Number

Assembly Part Number

To access:
• Draw > Assembly Part Number menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Assembly Part Number”
Use Assembly Part Number to create a placeholder value on the cell for the Part Number
property.
Note
If you are using piped part numbers in your library to denote variations on a base part, and
you want to display the base part number instead of the piped part number, use the “Part
Number NP” property text instead of the Assembly Part Number. See “Adding Non-Piped Part
Number Placeholders” on page 19.

Description
When creating an assembly drawing, the actual part number of the component from the parts
database (PDB) replaces the “Part No” text. Assembly part numbers only appear on an
assembly drawing.

The following example shows the assembly part number placeholder text on a cell. Locate the
assembly part number according to the library specification for your company, if one exists.

Figure C-2. Assembly Part Number

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the assembly part number. The
options are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.

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Drawing Object Reference
Assembly Part Number

Field Description
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the assembly part number is
available. The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount.
For example, a setting of Top makes the part number unavailable when
you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently lock the object location.
• Fixed —Temporarily fix the object location.
• None — Remove a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
None.

Display Information
To display the assembly part number, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog
box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section, Assembly Items and Part Numbers item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Assembly Reference Designator

Assembly Reference Designator

To access:
• Draw > Assembly Ref Des
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Assembly Reference Designator”
• Click on the Cell Editor toolbar.

Use Assembly Reference Designator to create a placeholder value on the cell for the reference
designator property.
Description
When creating an assembly drawing, the actual reference designator of the part replaces the
“Ref Des” text. Assembly reference designators only appear on an assembly drawing.

The following example shows the assembly reference designator placeholder text on a cell.
Locate assembly reference designator text according to the library specification for your
company, if one exists.

Figure C-3. Assembly Reference Designator

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the reference designator. The
options are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the assembly reference designator
is available. The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount.
For example, a setting of Top makes the reference designator
unavailable when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.

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Drawing Object Reference
Assembly Reference Designator

Field Description
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed —Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
None.

Display Information
To display the assembly reference designator, enable the following items in the Display Control
dialog box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section, Assembly Items and Ref Des item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Cavity

Cavity
To access:
• Draw > Cavity (menu item)
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Cavity”
Use Cavity to define areas from which to remove dielectric and conductor material to create an
embedded cell.
Objects

Field Description
Start Layer Defines the top layer for the cavity. This value defaults to “1” and cannot be
modified.
Allow Metal Defines the metal conditions for the start layer of the cavity. This value
defaults to “Yes” to enable metal to cross the cavity boundary and cannot be
modified.
End Layer Defines the bottom layer for the cavity. This value defaults to “1” and cannot
be modified.
Allow Metal Defines the metal conditions for the start layer of the cavity. This value
defaults to “Yes” to enable metal to cross the cavity boundary and cannot be
modified.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the following
from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Lock the object location.
• Fixed — Fix the object location.
• None — Remove a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the Cavity, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab
“Board Objects” section, “Board Elements” and “Cavity ” options

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Drawing Object Reference
Conductive Shape

Conductive Shape
To access:
• Draw > Conductive Shape
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Conductive Shape”
Use Conductive Shape to create and place a conductive area on a valid routing layer.
Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the conductive shape. The options
are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the conductive shape is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the conductive shape unavailable
when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Net Displays a list of all net names in the design. Choose the name of the
net to connect to the conductive shape.
DRC Type Defines the DRC element to check against.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the conductive shape, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Edit tab — Global View & Interactive Selection section, Route Objects and Conductive
Shape items

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 Drawing Object Reference
Construction Element

Construction Element
To access:
• Draw > Construction Element menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Construction Element”
Use Construction Element to add a construction line or construction point to the design plane.
Description
Construction lines and construction points serve as temporary references when creating other
graphic elements. Once construction elements have served their purpose as a construction aid,
you can delete them from the cell.

When the type is Construction Element, select Add Construction Line ( ) on the Draw
Create toolbar to add a construction line or select Add Construction Point ( ) on the Draw
Create toolbar to add a construction point.

Figure C-4. Construction Lines and Construction Points

Note
Construction elements are not included in Gerber or other interface outputs.

To delete a construction element, either use the Delete icon or the Delete key on the keyboard.
You can group select by using either the drag selection box or by using Ctrl+click.

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Drawing Object Reference
Construction Element

Alternately, you can use the Edit > Add to Select Set > Construction Lines menu item or
Edit > Add to Select Set > Construction Points menu item to select all appropriate
construction element types for deletion.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to create the construction element. The
options are unplaced graphics assembly and unplaced graphics
silkscreen.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Unclosed shapes — Line
• Closed shapes — Circle
Display Information
To display the construction element, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog
box:

• Fab tab — User Draft Layers section and specific user layer

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 Drawing Object Reference
Contour

Contour
To access:
• Draw > Contour menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Contour”
Use Contour to create cutouts, slots, and non-circular holes in a cell.
Objects

Field Description
Hole Name Defines the hole size and tolerance for drill files. To create holes refer
to Padstack Editor help.
Compensation Enables you to place the contour by its center, left, or right side.
• Center — Places the contour by the center of the graphics width.
• Left — Places the contour by the left edge of the graphics and
changes the X,Y data to reflect a center compensation.
• Right — Places the contour by the right edge of the graphics and
changes the X,Y data to reflect a center compensation.
Note: You cannot adjust Left and Right compensations on placed
contours. Also, the compensation option has no effect on the NC
Drill outputs.
Type Defines if the contour is Internal or Board
• Internal — Indicates the contour is completely inside the board
outline to create slots.
• Board — Indicates the contour extends to the board outline to
create cutouts.
Note: NC Drill machines process Internal contours before Board
contours so the board is cut from the panel last.
Reverse Direction Selected, reverse the direction of the drawn object for drilling purposes.
For example, if you draw a slot with a line from left to right, the reverse
option defines the slot from right to left in the NC Drill output file. The
drill bit travels in the direction you draw the contour unless this option
is selected.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

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Drawing Object Reference
Contour

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
• Unclosed shapes — Line, Arc, Polyline
Display Information
To display the contour, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab — Board Objects section, Board Elements and Contours items.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Cover Layer

Cover Layer
To access:
• Draw > Cover Layer Opening (menu item)
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Cover Layer”
Use Cover Layers to create openings in the cover layer when you place the cell in flex board
design that contains a cover layer in the stackup.
Fields

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the obstruct. You can select Top
Side or Bottom Side for surface-mount cells, or Mount Side or
Opposite Side if there are pins on both the top and bottom of the cell.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the cover layer opening is
available. You can select Any Mount, Top Mount Only, or Bottom
Mount Only. For example, a setting of “Top Mount Only” disables the
cover layer opening when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object.
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
• Unclosed shapes — Line, Arc, Polyline
Display Information
To display the contour, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• 3D tab — Flex Objects section, Coverlay item.

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Drawing Object Reference
Insertion Outline

Insertion Outline
To access:
• Draw > Insertion Outline menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Insertion Outline”
Use Insertion Outline to define the clearance area around the part required for auto-insertion.
Batch DRC uses the Insertion Outline to verify that the insertion machine head does not collide
with other parts or assembly outlines placed on the board.
Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the insertion outline. The options
are Top or Bottom.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the insertion outline is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the insertion outline unavailable when
you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the insertion outline, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Place Objects section, Top/Bottom Facement, Part Items, and Insertion
Outline items

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 Drawing Object Reference
Metallization Area

Metallization Area
To access:
• Draw > Metallization Area menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Metallization Area”
Use Metallization Area to create a closed shape (keepout) that prevents the placement of traces,
vias, and planes inside the shape.
Description
Use the Net field to create a metallization area that connects to a specific net. The metallization
area shields the net from intrusion from other nets. In effect, the metallization area is a filled
plane shape with thermal pins that connect any included pins that are part of the net.

Figure C-5. Metallization Area Example

Metallization capability is not available with some output formats (such as Gerber or ODB++);
import/export options list Metallization as an obstruct.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the metallization area.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the metallization area is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the metallization area unavailable
when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.

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Drawing Object Reference
Metallization Area

Field Description
Net Displays a list of all net names in the design. Choose the name of the
net to connect to the metallization area. Only choose a net after first
selecting a layer.
The default net assignment is net-0, which means “not connected”. The
net assignment is based on the number of pins in the part. (For example,
a fourteen pin part displays net-0 through net-14.) Assigning a net
causes the metallization area to take on the assigned net name when
placing the part in the design. This option makes the metallization area
a plane shape that is connected to the assigned net and prevents any
other traces, vias, or planes from entering the metallization area.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the metallization area, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Route Obstructs section, “Trace & Via” item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Pin Text

Pin Text
To access:
• Draw > Pin Text menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Pin Text”
Use Pin Text to create text that identifies a pin on the cell. Pin text helps engineers relate the
physical board to the electrical schematic diagrams or other user-defined labels.
Description
You must select the pin you want to identify with the pin text. Selecting the pin attaches the pin
text to the cursor so you can place the pin text manually.

Figure C-6. Pin Text

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the pin text. All system and user-
defined layers appear in the dropdown list.

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Drawing Object Reference
Pin Text

Field Description
Displayed Text Defines the type of pin on which to display the text. The choices are
Logical Pin (schematic), Physical Pin (layout), or User-Defined.
The settings create the following text strings when clicking a pin:
• Logical Pin — LP_<number of selected pin>
• Physical Pin — PP_<number of selected pin>
• User-Defined — UserDefined_<number of selected pin>
Logical Pin and Physical Pin text is non-editable. Only User-Defined
pin text is edible.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the pin text is available. The
options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For example, a
setting of Top makes the pin text unavailable when you place the cell
on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Text
Display Information
To display the pin text, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab — Board Objects section, Text Items and Pin Properties items

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 Drawing Object Reference
Placement Obstruct

Placement Obstruct
To access:
• Draw > Placement Obstruct
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Placement Obstruct”
Use Placement Obstruct to create a keepout area on a cell to either prevent the placement of
other parts or to limit the height of other parts placed in the obstruct area.
Description
The following are common items that require placement obstruct areas:

• Card ejectors, guides and stiffeners

• Design edges (clearance for mounting, testing and assembly)
• Design specific data (part numbers, revision numbers, layer numbers, and so on)
• Faceplates
• Fiducial areas
• Heat sinks
• Logo Areas or company information
• Mounting hardware
• Tooling or mounting hole clearances
Online DRC checks placement outlines to placement obstructs using the Editor Control options.
Both Online and Batch DRC produce a hazard for parts with heights greater than the placement
obstruct height. Only parts with placement outlines are verified against placement obstructs.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the obstruct. You can select Mount
Side, Opposite Side, Top, or Bottom.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the placement obstruct is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the placement obstruct unavailable
when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.

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Drawing Object Reference
Placement Obstruct

Field Description
Height Defines a maximum height for a part placed in the obstruct area. If the
placement obstructs are defined with a specific height, parts with
heights equal to or less than the height are allowed in the obstruct area.
Default value is 0.
• 0 value — Prohibits objects with placement outlines within the
obstruct.
• Specified value — Allows objects with heights less than or equal to
(<=) the height value within the obstruct.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the placement obstruct, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog
box:

• Objects tab — Place section, “Place Obstructs” item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Placement Outline

Placement Outline
To access:
• Draw > Placement Outline menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Placement Outline”
• Click on the Cell Editor toolbar

Use Placement Outline to create a closed shape around the entire part that contains enough room
to compensate for placement tolerances.
Description
The placement outline ensures that adequate spacing is maintained between components when
they are placed next to each other.

Figure C-7. Placement Outline

Objects

Field Description
Height Defines the maximum height above the mounting surface in the unit
value.
Underside Space Defines the space between the bottom of the cell and the mounting
surface.
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the placement outline. You can
select Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top, or Bottom.

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Drawing Object Reference
Placement Outline

Field Description
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the placement outline is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the placement outline unavailable
when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the placement outline, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Place Objects section, Top/Bottom Facement and Place Outlines items.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Plane NoConnect

Plane NoConnect
To access:
• Planes > Plane No Connect Area menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Plane NoConnect”
Use Plane NoConnect to define an area that prevents or removes thermal connections to a plane.
Description
Any pin that is located within the Plane NoConnect area is assigned the appropriate anti-pad and
does not connect to any plane.

Note
Batch DRC does not check for pins connected within a no connect area on negative plane
layers.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer for the plane no connect.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the no connect area is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the no connect area unavailable when
you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the no connect area, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Route Obstructs section and Plane item

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Drawing Object Reference
Plane Obstruct

Plane Obstruct
To access:
• Planes > Plane Obstruct
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Plane Obstruct”
Use Plane Obstruct to define an area that keeps out copper on a specified layer.
Description
The plane obstruct provides a boundary that keeps out plane metal. However, you can generate
planes within plane obstructs if the obstruct fully encompasses the plane shape. Thus, you can
use the plane obstruct to isolate planes from each other. For example, you can have a GND net
that is composed of two shapes; the inner shape is used for GND for a power supply, the outer
shape is used for GND for a digital circuit. To isolate the power supply GND from the digital
GND (same net), place the plane obstruct so it totally encloses the inner shape.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the signal layer for the obstruct. You can select Mount Side,
Opposite Side, Top, Bottom, All layers, or a specific signal layer.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the plane obstruct area is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the plane obstruct area unavailable
when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the plane obstruct area, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Route Obstructs section and Plane item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Plane Shape

Plane Shape
To access:
• Planes > Plane Shape menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Plane Shape”
Use Plane Shape to define a closed area that contains plane metal.
Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the signal layer for the plane shape. You can select Mount Side,
Opposite Side, Top, Bottom, or a specific signal layer.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the plane shape is available. The
options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For example, a
setting of Top makes the plane shape unavailable when you place the
cell on the bottom of the board.
Net Displays a list of all net names in the design. Choose the name of the
net you want to assign to the plane shape. Only choose a net after first
selecting a layer.
Note: You can only assign nets that are defined as MST Topologies
to a plane shape.
Obstruct Type Defines the obstruct type.
• None — Do not create obstructs for the plane shape.
• Trace — Do not allow traces inside the plane shape, but do allow
vias.
• Via — Do not allow vias within the plane shape, but do allow
traces.
• Trace and Via — Do not allow traces and vias inside the plane
shape. The automatic routing algorithms respect trace and via
obstructs, but interactive routing commands can violate the
obstructs. Batch DRC flags any trace or via violation as a proximity
violation.

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Drawing Object Reference
Plane Shape

Field Description
Isolate Plane Checked, keeps the plane separate using the minimum plane-plane class
DRC rule.
Figure C-8. Isolated Planes

Unchecked, allows the plane from the selected shape to merge with a
plane from an overlapping shape of the same net. For merging to occur,
both shapes must have Isolate Plane unchecked.
Figure C-9. Merged Planes

Plane Class Inherited (fixed) uses the plane class specified in the Plane
Assignments dialog box for the applicable layer or net.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the plane shape, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Planes section and Shapes item

Note
You cannot assign fill options for plane shapes within the Cell Editor. Assign and
generate planes within Layout.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Property Text

Property Text
To access:
• Draw > Property Text menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Property Text”
Use Property Text to create placeholder text associated with a specific property. Placing the part
in a design replaces the property text with the property value specific to that part from the parts
database.
Description
The following example shows property text on a cell. Locate property text according to the
library specification of your company, if one exists.

Figure C-10. Property Text

Objects

Field Description
Layer Displays all system and user-defined layers available for implementing
standard text.

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Drawing Object Reference
Property Text

Field Description
Property Name Defines the list of available properties. A librarian creates the properties
that appear in the dropdown list using the Library Manager Property
Definition Editor.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the property text appears. The
options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For example, a
setting of Top makes the property text unavailable when you place the
cell on the bottom of the board.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
None.

Display Information
To display the property text, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab — Board Objects section, Text Items and Cell Properties items

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 Drawing Object Reference
Resistor Shape

Resistor Shape
To access:
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Resistor Shape”
Use Resistor Shape to create an outline of a buried resistor.
Note
Only available for package cells of type “Buried”.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the conductive layer where the buried resistor resides.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle
Display Information
To display the buried resistor, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Planes section and Shapes item.

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Drawing Object Reference
Route Obstruct

Route Obstruct
To access:
• Draw > Route Obstruct
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Route Obstruct”
Use Route Obstruct to create an area to keep out a trace or a via.
Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the conductive layer for the obstruct. You can select a single
layer or (All) from the dropdown list. (All) specifies all layers.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the route obstruct is available. The
options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For example, a
setting of Top makes the route obstruct unavailable when you place the
cell on the bottom of the board.
Obstruct Type Defines the type of route obstruct.
• Trace — indicates the route obstruct keeps out all conductive
material, including traces and metal balancing data. If the obstruct is
an unclosed shape, traces cannot cross the shape.
• Via — indicates the route obstruct keeps out vias; all conductive
material is allowed within the area.
• Trace & Via — indicates the route obstruct acts as both Trace and
Via keepout.
• Tuning Pattern — indicates the route obstruct keeps out tuning
patterns within the area.
Allowed Net Defines a single net that is allowed to cross within the route obstruct.
Select a net name from the dropdown list, or choose “<Mouse Select>”
from the dropdown list, then select a net in the design.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
• Unclosed shapes — Line, Arc, Polyline

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 Drawing Object Reference
Route Obstruct

Display Information
To display the route obstruct, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Route Obstructs section and Pad, Plane, Trace, Trace & Via, Via, or
Tuning Pattern, or Spacers items.

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Drawing Object Reference
Rule Area

Rule Area
To access:
• Draw > Rule Area
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Rule Area”
Use Rule Area to associate a set of design rules (Schemes) to a design area.
Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the conductive layer for the rule area. You can select a single
layer or (All) from the dropdown list. (All) specifies all layers.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the rule area is available. The
options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For example, a
setting of Top makes the rule area unavailable when you place the cell
on the bottom of the board.
Name Defines the set of rules (Scheme) to associate with this rule area.
• (Master) — indicates the broadest set of rules.
• (Minimum) — indicates the minimum clearances and trace widths
across all net classes. This scheme is automatically generated.
Note: Additional user-defined schemes are listed if you created
them in Constraint Manager.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the rule area, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Objects tab — Route Areas section and Rule Areas item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Selection Outline

Selection Outline
To access:
• Select a selection outline and click Shape Properties ( ) on the Select By Area
toolbar
Use Selection Outline to edit properties of the selection outline.

Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
• Unclosed shapes — Line

Display Information
To display the selection outline, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Graphic tab — Graphics Options section, Selection & Highlights section, and Selection
Area item

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Drawing Object Reference
Silkscreen Outline

Silkscreen Outline
To access:
• Draw > Silkscreen Outline menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Silkscreen Outline”
• Click on the Cell Editor toolbar

Use Silkscreen Outline to create an open or closed shape resembling an outline of the part.
Description
Silkscreen outlines appear on the silkscreen layer of the printed circuit board to show
assemblers where to mount components. A silkscreen outline must avoid solder pads, traces, or
other conductive areas on the silkscreen layer. The following example shows a silkscreen
outline on a cell.

Figure C-11. Silkscreen Outline

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the silkscreen outline. You can
select Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top, or Bottom.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the silkscreen outline is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the silkscreen outline unavailable
when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Silkscreen Outline

Field Description
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
• Unclosed shapes — Line, Arc, Polyline
Display Information
To display the silkscreen outline, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section, Silkscreen Items and Outlines item

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Drawing Object Reference
Silkscreen Part Number

Silkscreen Part Number

To access:
• Draw > Silkscreen Part Number menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Silkscreen Part Number”
Use Silkscreen Part Number to create a placeholder value on the cell for the Part Number
property.
Note
If you are using piped part numbers in your library to denote variations on a base part, and
you want to display the base part number instead of the piped part number, use the “Part
Number NP” property text instead of the Silkscreen Part Number. See “Adding Non-Piped Part
Number Placeholders” on page 19.

Description
When placing a part in Layout, the actual part number from the parts database (PDB) replaces
the “Part No” text, with the part number then appearing on the silkscreen layer of a printed
circuit board.

The following example shows the silkscreen part number placeholder text on a cell. Locate the
silkscreen part number according to the library specification for your company, if one exists.

Figure C-12. Silkscreen Part Number

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 Drawing Object Reference
Silkscreen Part Number

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the silkscreen part number. The
options are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the silkscreen part number is
available. The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount.
For example, a setting of Top makes the part number unavailable when
you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
None

Display Information
To display the silkscreen part number, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog
box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section, Silkscreen Items and Part Numbers item

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Drawing Object Reference
Silkscreen Reference Designator

Silkscreen Reference Designator

To access:
• Draw > Silkscreen Reference Designator menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Silkscreen Reference Designator”
• Click on the Cell Editor toolbar

Use Silkscreen Reference Designator to create a placeholder value on the cell for the RefDes
(reference designator) property.
Description
When placing a part in Layout, the actual reference designator of the part (for example, U2,
R31, C4, and so on) replaces the “Ref Des” text, with the reference designator then appearing
on the silkscreen layer of a printed circuit board.

The following example shows the silkscreen reference designator placeholder text on a cell.
Locate the silkscreen part number according to the library specification for your company, if
one exists.

Figure C-13. Silkscreen Reference Designator

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the silkscreen reference designator.
The options are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Silkscreen Reference Designator

Field Description
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the silkscreen reference designator
is available. The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount.
For example, a setting of Top makes the reference designator
unavailable when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
None.

Display Information
To display the silkscreen reference designator, enable the following items in the Display
Control dialog box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section, Silkscreen Items and Ref Des item

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Drawing Object Reference
Soldermask

Soldermask
To access:
• Draw > Soldermask Opening menu item
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Soldermask”
Use Soldermask to create a closed shape that exposes an area of the soldermask to make that
area available for soldering.
Description
The shape creates an opening in the soldermask that is not associated with a specific pin. The
open area in the soldermask allows soldering on the exposed pads.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer in which to place the soldermask opening. The
options are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the solder mask area is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the soldermask area unavailable when
you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the soldermask opening, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog
box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section and Solder Mask item

Note
To view the soldermask in a 3D image, also select the 3D tab, check and expand the
“Objects” section, then check the “Solder Mask” item. If you make changes to the
design, click the Refresh button to update the soldermask on the 3D image.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Solderpaste

Solderpaste
To access:
• Draw > Solderpaste
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Solderpaste”
Use Solderpaste to create a closed shape that denotes a location for solder paste, which is used
to attach the leads of a part to the pads on a printed circuit board.
Description
The following example shows solder paste shapes on a cell. A circle surrounds each pin,
specifying that solder paste should be applied to each pin before mounting the part on a circuit
board.

Figure C-14. Solderpaste Area on a Cell Pin

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the solder paste. The options are
Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, or Bottom Side.

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Drawing Object Reference
Solderpaste

Field Description
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the solder paste area is available.
The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For
example, a setting of Top makes the solder paste area unavailable when
you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the solder paste area, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section and Solder Paste item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Test Point Obstruct

Test Point Obstruct

To access:
• Draw > Test Point Obstruct
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Test Point Obstruct”
Use Test Point Obstruct to define an area where test points are not allowed.
Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer in which to place the test point obstruct. The options
are Mount Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, Bottom Side, or All.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the test point obstruct area is
available. The options are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount.
For example, a setting of Top makes the test point obstruct area
unavailable when you place the cell on the bottom of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
Display Information
To display the test point obstruct area, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog
box:

• Objects tab — Place section, Test Point Obstructs item

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Drawing Object Reference
Trace

Trace
To access:
• Draw > Trace
• Properties dialog box, Type = “Trace”
Use Trace to place a signal trace in a cell on a valid routing layer without using netlines.
Description
When a cell with a routing pattern is placed in Layout, the traces take on the net attached to the
pin and are placed in lock mode, meaning that they cannot be moved or deleted unless first
unlocked.

Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer on which to place the trace. The options are Mount
Side, Opposite Side, Top Side, Bottom Side, or a specific signal layer.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the trace is available. The options
are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For example, a setting of
Top makes the trace unavailable when you place the cell on the bottom
of the board.
Net Displays a list of all net names in the design. Choose the name of the
net on which to create the trace.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.

Usage Notes
Allowed Shapes
• Closed shapes — Polygon, Rectangle, Circle
• Unclosed shapes — Line, Arc, Polyline
Display Information
To display the trace, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Edit tab — Layer Display section, Layer and Traces items

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 Drawing Object Reference
Text

Text
To access:
• Draw > Text menu item
• Click Add Text ( ) on the Draw toolbar.

• Properties dialog box, Type = “Text”

Use Text to add text to conductive, fabrication, and user-defined layers.
Objects

Field Description
Layer Defines the layer for the text.
Select a single layer from the dropdown list.
Display Condition Defines the mount conditions when the text is available. The options
are Any mount, Top mount, or Bottom mount. For example, a setting of
Top makes the text unavailable when you place the cell on the bottom
of the board.
Lock Status Defines the lock status of the selected object. Select one of the
following from the dropdown list:
• Locked — Permanently locks the object location.
• Fixed — Temporarily fixes the object location.
• None — Removes a lock or fix.
Text (th) section — Use this section to define the display properties of the text.
Font Lists all True Type and vector fonts for your system. Select the font
Font style from the dropdown list.
The adjacent icons toggle the font style between Regular, Boldface,
Italic, and Underline.
Display only Gerber- Checked, lists only vector and VeriBest Gerber fonts in the Font
compatible fonts. dropdown.
Height Defines the height. Enter a value or choose from the dropdown list.
Aspect ratio Defines the ratio of the pen width to pen height for vector fonts.
Text origin Defines the origin for the text string (the alignment of text relative to
the placement location). Click one of the + elements to set the origin.
The red push pin displays the current setting.
Pen width Defines the stroke width of text for Gerber photo-plots.

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Drawing Object Reference
Text

Field Description
Angle Defines the text angle.
Dropdown options include 0 (Default), 90, 180, and 270.
You can also enter a value in the list box.
Mirror Click to mirror the text around the Y-axis (0 degree angle).
This option works in conjunction with the Angle field.
Location X, Y Defines the X and Y coordinates for the text origin.
String Defines the text string.

Usage Notes
Display Information
To display the text, enable the following items in the Display Control dialog box:

• Conductive Layers
Edit tab — Layer Display section, Layer and Traces items
• Fabrication Layers
Fab tab — Fabrication Objects section and Solder Mask, Solder Paste, Assembly Items
and Outlines, or Silkscreen Items and Outlines
• User Layers
Fab tab — User Draft Layers section and the specific layer item

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 Drawing Object Reference
Arc

Arc
To access:

• Click on the Draw Create toolbar

• Open the Properties dialog box and select from the Draw Create toolbar

An arc is a portion of the circumference of a circle.

Description

Figure C-15. Arc Section of the Properties Dialog Box

Objects

Field Description
Line width Defines the width of the line forming the arc. Select a width from the
dropdown list or enter a new width in the field.
Radius Defines the distance from the arc center (origin) to the arc line.
Line Style Defines the appearance of the arc line.

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Drawing Object Reference
Arc

Field Description
Center X, Y Defines the location of the arc center (origin).
You can change this location by:
• Selecting and moving the arc.
• Entering new values in the X,Y fields.
• Entering a d+[value] in either the X or Y field to move the arc a delta
distance.
Vertices Displays the endpoint vertices of the arc.
Sweep angle Defines the arc angle in degrees.

Usage Notes
The following table describes the procedures for creating, modifying, and manipulating arcs.
You must have selected or an arc in the design to perform these operations.
If you want to... Do the following:
Add an arc by setting a radius 1. (Optional) View the Arc properties as you draw by
length opening the Properties dialog box.
2. Select Radius Arc from the Arc Mode dropdown list:
3. Select the arc start point.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap
grid.
4. Set the radius using one of the following methods:
• Moving the cursor to the origin, then clicking again
• Dragging the cursor to the origin and releasing
5. Create the sweep angle by moving the cursor to draw the
arc.
• Tab — Reverses direction of the sweep angle.
6. Click to complete. (The arc property values populate the
Arc fields on the Properties dialog box.)

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 Drawing Object Reference
Arc

If you want to... Do the following:

Add an arc by setting endpoints 1. (Optional) View the Arc properties as you draw by
opening the Properties dialog box.
2. Select Three Point Arc from the Arc Mode dropdown list:
3. Select the arc start point.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap
grid.
4. Select the arc endpoint by one of the following methods:
• Moving the cursor to the endpoint, then clicking again
• Dragging the cursor to the endpoint and releasing
5. Set the arc angle by adjusting the length of the radius.
6. Click to complete. (The arc property values populate the
Arc fields on the Properties dialog box.)
Modify the sweep angle of an Using the mouse:
arc
1. Select and drag one of the endpoint handles of the
arc.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap
grid.
2. (Optional) View the Arc properties by opening the
Properties dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type a value in the Sweep angle field. The arc changes
shape when you press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the radius of an arc Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag the center handle of the arc.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap
grid.
2. (Optional) View the Arc properties by opening the
Properties dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type a value in the Radius field. The arc changes shape
when you press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the look of an arc 1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Select or enter a Line width, and/or select a Line style
from the dropdown list. The arc changes appearance
when you press Enter or move to another field.

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Drawing Object Reference
Arc

If you want to... Do the following:

Move an arc Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag the arc to a new location.
• Alt — Moves the arc independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift— Moves the arc orthogonally.
2. (Optional) View the Arc properties by opening the
Properties dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type values in the Center X and Center Y property fields.
The arc moves when you press Enter or move to another
field.
3. (Optional) Type d+[value] in either the Center X or
Center Y field to move the arc a delta distance.
Copy an arc Select an arc while pressing Ctrl and drag the arc to a new
location. A copy of the arc appears at the new location. The
original arc remains at the starting location.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Circle

Circle
To access:
• Click on the Draw Create toolbar.

• Open the Properties dialog box and select from the Draw Create toolbar.

A circle is a geometrical shape consisting of points on a plane that are equidistant from the
center (origin).
Description

Figure C-16. Circle Section of the Properties Dialog Box

Objects

Field Description
Line Width Defines the width of the line forming the circle. Select a width from
the dropdown list or enter a new width in the field.
Diameter Defines the size of the circle by measuring from one side of the
circle to the other via a straight line through the center (origin).
Line Style Defines the appearance of the circle line.

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Drawing Object Reference
Circle

Field Description
Center X, Y Defines the location of the circle center (origin).
You can change this location by:
• Selecting and moving the circle.
• Entering new values in the X,Y fields.
• Entering a d+[value] in either the X or Y field to move the circle
a delta distance.
Fill Selected, fills the circle and deactivates Line width and Line style.
Cleared, outlines the circle.

Usage Notes
The following table describes procedures for creating, modifying, and manipulating circles.
You must have selected or a circle in the design to perform these operations.
If you want to... Do the following:
Add a circle 1. (Optional) View the Circle properties as you draw by
opening the Properties dialog box.
2. Select the circle origin.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
3. Size the circle using one of the following methods:
• Moving the cursor, then clicking again
• Dragging the cursor and releasing
(The circle property values populate the Circle fields on the
Properties dialog box.)
Modify the size of a circle Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag any of the handles to adjust the size of
the circle.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
2. (Optional) View the Circle properties by opening the
Properties dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type a value in the Diameter field. The circle changes size
when you press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the look of a 1. Open the Properties dialog box.
circle 2. Select or enter a Line width, and/or select a Line style from
the dropdown list. The circle changes appearance when you
press Enter or move to another field.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Circle

If you want to... Do the following:

Move a circle Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag the circle to a new location.
• Alt — Moves the circle independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — to move the circle orthogonally.
2. (Optional) View the Circle properties by opening the
Properties dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Center X and Center Y property
fields. The circle moves when you press Enter or move to
another field.
3. (Optional) Type d+[value] in either the Center X or Center
Y field to move the circle a delta distance.
Copy a circle Select a circle while pressing Ctrl and drag the circle to a
new location. A copy of the circle appears at the new location,
the original circle remains at the starting location.

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Drawing Object Reference
Line

Line
To access:
• Click on the Draw Create toolbar

• Open the Properties dialog box and select from the Draw Create toolbar

A line is a straight, continuous extent of length between two vertices (endpoints).

Description

Figure C-17. Line Section of the Properties Dialog Box

Objects

Field Description
Line Width Defines the width of the line. Select a width from the dropdown list
or enter a new width in the field.
Length Defines the length of the line.
Line Style Defines the appearance of the line.
Angle Defines the angle of the line relative to the X axis.
Vertices Displays or defines the endpoint vertices of the line.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Line

Field Description
Origin X, Y Defines the X and Y start point (origin) of the line.
You can change this location by:
• Selecting and moving the line.
• Entering new values in the X,Y fields.
• Entering a d+[value] in either the X or Y field to move the line a
delta distance.
Display center handles Selected, displays the center handle of a selected line.

Usage Notes
The following table describes procedures for creating, modifying, and manipulating lines. You
must have selected or a line in the design to perform these operations.
If you want to... Do the following:
Add a line 1. (Optional) View the Line properties as you draw by opening the
Properties dialog box.
2. Select the line origin.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Draws a line orthogonally (overrides Angle Lock if on).
3. Draw the length of the line using one the following methods:
• Move the cursor, then click again.
• Drag the cursor, then release.
(The line property values populate the Line fields on the Properties
dialog box.)
Modify the length Using the mouse:
of a line 1. Select and drag either endpoint handle.
• Alt — Moves the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Modifies the length without changing the angle of the line.
2. (Optional) View the Line properties by opening the Properties dialog
box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The length of the line
changes when you press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the look of Using the Properties dialog box:
a line 1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Select or enter a Line width, and/or select a Line style from the
dropdown list. The line changes appearance when you press Enter or
move to another field.

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Drawing Object Reference
Line

If you want to... Do the following:

Move a line Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag the line to a new location.
• Alt — Moves cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Moves the line orthogonally.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The line moves when
you press Enter or move to another field.
3. (Optional) Type d+[value] in either the Center X or Center Y field to
move the line a delta distance.
Copy a line Select a line while pressing Ctrl and drag the line to a new location. A
copy of the line appears at the new location. The original line remains at
the starting location.
Bend a line (create Select the midpoint of a line while pressing Ctrl and drag the midpoint
a polyline) to a new location. This creates a polyline.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Polyline

Polyline
To access:
• Click on the Draw Create toolbar.

• Open the Properties dialog box and select from the Draw Create toolbar.

A polyline is a continuous line composed of two or more line or arc segments that do not create
a closed object.
Description

Figure C-18. Polyline Section of the Properties Dialog Box

Objects

Field Description
Line Width Defines the width of the polyline. Select a width from the dropdown
list or enter a new width in the field. The line width is the same for
all segments of the polyline.

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Drawing Object Reference
Polyline

Field Description
Vertex type Defines the type of intersection between two straight line segments
of the polyline.
• Corner — Forms an angle at the vertex. Click to enter or
select a chamfer cut length.
• Round — Rounds the vertex with an arc. Click to enter or
select a radius length.
• Chamfer — Chamfers the vertex. Click to enter or select a
chamfer cut length.
Line Style Defines the appearance of the line.
Vertices Displays or defines the endpoint vertices of the polyline.
Origin X, Y Defines the X and Y start point (origin) of the polyline.
You can change this location by:
• Selecting and moving the polyline.
• Entering new values in the X,Y fields.
• Entering a d+[value] in either the X or Y field to move the
polyline a delta distance.
Display center handles Selected, displays the center handles of the polyline segments.

Usage Notes
The following table describes procedures for creating, modifying, and manipulating polylines.
You must have selected or a polyline in the design to perform these operations.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Polyline

If you want to... Do the following:

Add a polyline to the 1. (Optional) View the Polyline properties as you draw by opening
design the Properties dialog box.
2. Select the line origin.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Draw the line orthogonally (overrides Angle Lock if
on).
3. Draw the length of the line by moving the cursor and clicking
again.
4. Add subsequent line segments in the same manner (segments that
overlap are not joined).
• (Optional) Select Round vertex type in the Properties dialog
box to round each vertex of the polyline.
• (Optional) Add individual arcs to the polyline by choosing the
Insert Arc popup menu item while drawing.
5. When you are done, choose the End Polyline popup menu item.
Note: The polyline property values populate the Polyline
fields on the Properties Dialog Box.
Modify the length of an Using the mouse:
inside line segment
1. Select and drag a center handle. The length of the line, as well
as any line segments connected to it, changes as you drag.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
2. (Optional) View the Polyline properties by opening the Properties
dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The length of the
line, as well as any line segments connected to it, changes when
you press Enter or move to another field.

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Drawing Object Reference
Polyline

If you want to... Do the following:

Modify the location of Using the mouse:
an inside vertex (handle)
1. Select and drag a vertex handle connecting two straight line
segments (you cannot modify the location of a vertex between a
line segment and an arc, or between an arc and an arc).
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
2. (Optional) View the Polyline properties by opening the Properties
dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The location of
the vertex connecting two line segments changes when you press
Enter or move to another field.
Change a corner vertex 1. Select an endpoint handle connecting two line segments.
to an arc.
2. Open the Properties dialog box.
3. Select the Round vertex type. The selected vertex converts to an
arc.
4. Set the arc radius by entering or selecting a radius length. The arc
changes when you press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the look of a Using the Properties dialog box:
polyline 1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Select or enter a Line width, and/or select a Line style from the
dropdown list. The line changes appearance when you press
Enter or move to another field.
Move a polyline Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag the polyline to a new location.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Move the line orthogonally.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The polyline
moves when you press Enter or move to another field.
3. (Optional) Type d+[value] in either the Center X or Center Y
field to move the polyline a delta distance.
Copy a polyline Select a polyline while pressing Ctrl and drag the polyline to a
new location. A copy of the polyline appears at the new location, the
original polyline remains at the starting location.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Polygon

Polygon
To access:
• Click on the Draw Create toolbar.

• Open the Properties dialog box, then select from the Draw Create toolbar.

A polygon is a closed plane figure bounded by three or more line segments.

Note
You cannot overlap lines in a polygon.

Description

Figure C-19. Polygon Section of the Properties Dialog Box

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Drawing Object Reference
Polygon

Objects

Field Description
Line Width Defines the width of the polygon line. Select a width from the
dropdown list or enter a new width in the field. The line width is the
same for all segments of the polygon.
Vertex type Defines the type of intersection between two straight line segments
of the polygon.
• Corner — Forms an angle at the vertex. Click to enter or
select a chamfer cut length.
• Round — Rounds the vertex with an arc. Click to enter or
select a radius length.
• Chamfer — Chamfers the vertex. Click to enter or select a
chamfer cut length.
Fill Selected, fills the polygon shape. Cleared, outlines the polygon
shape.
Line Style Defines the appearance of the polygon line.
Vertices X, Y Displays or defines the endpoint vertices of the polygon.
Origin X, Y Defines the X and Y start point (origin) of the polygon.
You can change this location by:
• Selecting and moving the polygon.
• Entering new values in the X,Y fields.
• Entering a d+[value] in either the X or Y field to move the
polygon a delta distance.
Grow/Shrink Defines the number of board units used to grow or shrink the
polygon around its center. Each vertex is moved vertically and
horizontally by the supplied value. Positive (+) numbers increase
the size, negative (-) numbers decrease the size.
Display center handles Selected, displays the center handles of the polygon segments.

Usage Notes
The following table describes procedures for creating, modifying, and manipulating polygons.
You must have selected or a polygon in the design to perform these operations.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Polygon

If you want to... Do the following:

Add a polygon 1. (Optional) View the Polygon properties as you draw by opening the
Properties dialog box.
2. Select the line origin.
3. Draw the length of the line by moving the cursor and clicking again.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Draw a line orthogonally (overrides Angle Lock if on).
4. Add subsequent line segments in the same manner.
• (Optional) Select Round vertex type in the Properties dialog box
to round each vertex of the polygon.
• (Optional) Add individual arcs to the polygon by selecting the
Insert Arc popup menu item while drawing.
5. Close the polygon using one of the following menthods:
• Click the last segment on the origin of the polygon.
• Choose the Close Polygon popup menu item.
Note: The polyline property values populate the Polygon fields
on the Properties dialog box.
Modify the length of Using the mouse:
a polygon line 1. Select and drag a center handle. The length of the line, as well as any
segment line segments connected to it, changes as you drag.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
2. (Optional) View the Polygon properties by opening the Properties
dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The length of the
line, as well as any line segments connected to it, changes when you
press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the location Using the mouse:
of a vertex (endpoint) 1. Select and drag a vertex handle connecting two line segments (you
cannot modify vertices between line segments and arcs, or between
arcs and arcs).
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
2. (Optional) View the Polygon properties by opening the Properties
dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The location of the
vertex connecting two line segments changes when you press Enter
or move to another field.

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Drawing Object Reference
Polygon

If you want to... Do the following:

Change a corner 1. Select an endpoint handle connecting two line segments.
vertex to an arc.
2. Open the Properties dialog box.
3. Select the Round vertex type. The selected vertex converts to an arc.
4. Set the arc radius by entering or selecting a radius length. The arc
changes when you press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the look of a Using the Properties dialog box:
polygon 1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Select or enter a Line width, and/or select a Line style from the
dropdown list. The polygon line changes appearance when you press
Enter or move to another field.
Move a polygon Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag the polygon to a new location.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Move the polygon orthogonally.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The polygon
changes location when you press Enter or move to another field.
3. (Optional) Type d+[value] in either the Center X or Center Y field to
move the polygon a delta distance.
Copy a polygon Select a polygon while pressing Ctrl and drag the polygon to a new
location. A copy of the polygon appears at the new location, the original
polygon remains at the starting location.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Rectangle

Rectangle
To access:
• Click on the Draw Create toolbar.

• Open the Properties dialog box and select from the Draw Create toolbar.

A rectangle is a four-sided plane figure with four right angles.

Description

Figure C-20. Rectangle Section of the Properties Dialog Box

Objects

Field Description
Line Width Defines the width of the rectangle line. Select a width from the
dropdown list or enter a new width in the field. The line width is the
same for all sides of the rectangle.
Fill Selected, fills the rectangle. Cleared, outlines the rectangle.

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Drawing Object Reference
Rectangle

Field Description
Converts the rectangle to a polygon enabling you to modify corners.

Line Style Defines the appearance of the rectangle line.

Vertices X, Y Displays or defines the endpoint vertices of the rectangle.
Origin X, Origin Y Defines the X and Y start point (origin) of the rectangle. You can
change this location by:
• Selecting and moving the rectangle.
• Typing new values in the X,Y fields.
• Typing a d+[value] in either the X or Y field to move the
rectangle a delta distance.
Grow/Shrink Defines the number of board units used to grow or shrink the
rectangle around its center. Each vertex is moved vertically and
horizontally by the supplied value. Positive (+) numbers increase
the size, negative (-) numbers decrease the size.
Display center handles Selected, displays the center handles of the rectangle sides.

Usage Notes
The following table describes procedures for creating, modifying, and manipulating rectangles.
You must have selected or a rectangle in the design to perform these operations.
If you want to... Do the following:
Add a rectangle 1. (Optional) View the Rectangle properties as you draw by opening the
Properties dialog box.
2. Select the origin of the rectangle.
3. Draw the length and height of the rectangle by moving the cursor and
clicking again.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Draw a rectangle with four equal sides (square).
(The rectangle property values populate the Rectangle fields on the
Properties Dialog Box.)
Modify the length Using the mouse:
of a rectangle
1. Select and drag a center handle.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
2. (Optional) View the Rectangle properties by opening the Properties
dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The length of the
rectangle changes when you press Enter or move to another field.

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 Drawing Object Reference
Rectangle

If you want to... Do the following:

Modify the size Using the mouse:
and shape of a
1. Select and drag an endpoint handle.
rectangle
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
2. (Optional) View the Rectangle properties by opening the Properties
dialog box.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields. The shape/size of the
rectangle changes when you press Enter or move to another field.
Modify the look of Using the Properties dialog box:
a rectangle line 1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Select or enter a Line width, and/or select a Line style from the
dropdown list (the line changes appearance when you press Enter or
move to another field.
Move a rectangle Using the mouse:
1. Select and drag the rectangle to a new location.
• Alt — Move the cursor independently of the Snap grid.
• Shift — Move the rectangle orthogonally.
Using the Properties dialog box:
1. Open the Properties dialog box.
2. Type new values in the Vertices X and Y fields (the rectangle moves
when you press Enter or move to another field).
3. Optional) Type d+[value] in either the Center X or Center Y field to
move the rectangle a delta distance.
Copy a rectangle Select a rectangle while pressing Ctrl and drag the rectangle to a new
location. A copy of the rectangle appears at the new location, the original
rectangle remains at the starting location.

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Drawing Object Reference
Rectangle

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 Third-Party Information
Details on open source and third-party software that may be included with this product are available in the
<your_software_installation_location>/legal directory.

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