FAQ

Advanced Microcomputer Systems, Inc.
1377 S. Andrew Avenue,
Pompano Beach, FL 33069

E-Mail: info@advancedmsinc.com
Website: www.advancedmsinc.com

Table of Content

Q. To create a via from a surface mount pad to a trace on the other side of the board. So the pad on layer 1 connects with the trace on layer 2 directly under it?

A. VIA PAD is used for connecting two different layer traces on PCB file when you need VIA PAD in your LAYOUT you can add VIA PAD just pressing twice a Enter key when you are in Draw/Line command. You can use multiple VIA PAD in your file as per your requirement.

You have to select VIA PAD from your EDIT/PAD TABLE as per your requirement.

Q. I have a layout almost finished and I am trying to rotate a couple of Pad layouts in Board Creator but I have already done the auto routing. Is this possible?

A. Yes it is possible. You have to select the PAD that you want rotate after that you have to make sure about the connectivity of those PADS you want to rotate. You can do this by changing information of PAD and then re-auto route those Pads or you can relay out those Pads by manually using DRAW/Line command.

Q. I am having a problem with Board Creator when I try to create a board with more than 6 layers. In the Edit Board Format window, if I have 8 layers selected and I try to select layer 7 or 8 (anything above six) to edit the net name, the window disappears. The scroll bar is still there but the layer numbers on the left disappear.

A. It is happened only because of refreshing the screen. For doing this go to File/New and create a new file and click on Ok button. Now go to EDIT/Board format menu and edit the name of the layers you want when you change the format of layer 7 and 8 each time refresh the screen so you don’t have any difficulty to do that.

Q. I have a board that I'm almost finished with that has a ground plane on most but not all of the board. The parts are on it. Some parts connect to it and some will not. Will I see the clear area around the pad. On my board It shows up as being connected. I have used Draw/Solid area to create the ground plane.

A. When you need to create a Ground plane on One-Layer or Two-Layer Board you must have to select Draw/ Region Pour command or Press R from Keyboard and apply the Net Name, Line Width, Layer type and Different Clearances and run it on PCB file.

Q. This is a 2-layer board and I need a ground plane on layer 1. The ground plane is about 1.6 in. wide from left to right, and 4.80 in high from top to bottom. Where the Resistors, IC's and connectors are should be no copper around the pad except 2 diagonal traces to the 4 G pads.

A. Run the Region Pour command from DRAW Menu and given net name you need to do copper filling and given the clearance and other information to do that after that from where you start to do go there and press Enter to start the Pour filling and select board by rectangular shape and press Enter when you want end. After that you will see the process running on the screen if you given GND net to do Pour the command connected to all ground layer pads and Lines.

Q. I am working on an analog board that has 6 different power rails, so I need 6 different power layers plus 2 signal layers. Please let me know when you fix this problem so that it refreshes the screen correctly. When do you think that might be?

A. This is not a problem you are talking about for doing that you need to take some extra care to setup for 8-Layer PCB. You can create your PCB file with following layers setup.

Q. I am having a problem with Board Creator. I have created my own symbol, however when I print out the layer 1 Solder Mask it does not show a Solder Mask for the Symbol that I created. I tried to view just the solder mask using the layers/mask function under the View command, but it will not show me the solder mask. Moreover, I need to add a solder mask to my symbol or the circuit will not work properly. Also, I have saved the symbol and am unable to bring it upon the load symbol command.

A. Check your symbol you have created. Solder Mask is automatically generates only when we used and put PAD in a Board Creator Symbol. If you want line in a Solder Mask you must have to draw on Board.

Q. How do I specify drill holes for mounting the board that is where the holes go on the board and the size of the hole?

A. In Board Creator you go in Edit menu by typing Alt + E go in " Pad Table " you get the 50 pad types. Now you specify drill hole for mounting holes or any other holes you want to put on board.

A. Where you want cutout on board or you want to draw outline of the board you draw " Conductor line" by selecting All Layer.

Q. How do I specify the solder mask? Do I need to specify the solder mask for the footprint for a given part?

A. Solder Mask for PAD it is automatically generated when you go to solder mask layer. If you want to put solder mask for given part you can draw by using solid and line command. Make sure the on which layer you want solder mask you can also specify the layer.

Q. I am confused on how to cutout a hole on my board. I need to cutout a hole 2 inches in diameter centered at X = 2.0 inches Y = 3.0 inches.

A. You can create a PAD by using Draw/Solid command and put it where you want a cutout PAD.

Q. I have been trying to make a footprint for a part. The part has mounting holes. The holes sizes are not listed in the standard pad sizes. I tried to edit the pad size, but when I loaded the part for viewing, after I exited and then restarted the Board Creator program, the part hole sizes had changed back to the original setting for the hole I started with. How can I add these holes to my footprint for the part, so they do not change each time I restart the Board Creator program?

A. In Circuit Creator we give two types of PAD table. One is system pad table and other is board pad table. So if you want to use those pad or footprint each and every time you change it in system pad table pad type. It is excess from File/ Preferences Manu you select edit system pad table. So, now when you restart Board creator you get all pads exactly you get in board. So remember you can create your own PAD library by changing edit system pad table. Make sure the pad is not used in other footprint symbols.

Q. Is there a way to change the grid to mm instead of mils? I know how to change the board ruler to mm.

A. Board Creator default grid is Inches so when you create a new PCB file it is take the entire dimension in Inches. When you want to mm rulers on your PCB file you have to change units in Edit/Board Format so after that you can see all dimension in MM on screen. But when you generate Summary reports all dimension comes in Mils format. So at the work time you can change grid and Units in an mm, Inch or Mils but when you generates any reports all the reports comes in Mils or Inch format.

Q. How do I add mounting holes to a board layout? Both Plated-Through and Non- Plated-Through.

A. Mounting hole is a one type of PAD. Go to Edit Pad table and select one PAD and put it where u wants a mounting hole and same type in non-PTH. In Plated Through hole you can connect Top and Bottom side layer with this PAD this pad is bigger then it holes size For Example: Hole: 120 Top Layer: 160 Bottom Layer: 160 so we can get 20 mils annual ring on this PAD. In Non Plated Through hole you can not connect Top and Bottom side layer with this PAD this pad is smaller then it holes size For Example: Hole: 120 Top Layer: 120 Bottom Layer: 120 so we can not get annual ring on this PAD.

Q . Made a board layout created from an .upd file, and layer out all the components and routed the traces. Now if I make a part (or trace) change in the Logic Creator schematic drawing, how can I keep the previous Board Creator board layout (except for the changed part and connecting traces) without having to start over again and re-download the .upd file and manually re-layout all the parts and traces? I only want the changed part and connected traces to be changed on the new layout. I know about the back-annotate feature, but I think this feature was to change the schematic when a board layout was changed.

A. This is good practice to do layout manually.

Now if you want to change .upd file directly you can do this with using any text editor to edit the file and make changes you want and then go to the board editor and use "Update from Logic Creator" and then run check schedule and make manual route for remaining scheduled trace.

Now if you want to update the schematic. So first make all the change you have in schematic and then generate the .upd file by using the formal /export command in Report menu. After generating .UPD file run Board Creator program and save as your old PCB and then load (Footprint) .pcs file of all new parts you added in schematic and delete all the .pcs (Footprint) parts you don't want to use in PCB file. Than run update from Logic Creator command and run check schedule form reports menu and route the schedule trace manually or Autoroutes.

This command is use for change the Section, Part-Name, Instance etc. You can’t change or updated any net-name or wire using this command (Like U1-a, u1-b, u1-b, u1-b), Part instance. This command not reroute any trace in schematic file directly.

Q. The company building the boards is asking for a file type of "RS274X". Can I generate this type of file using Board Creator Version 3.01?

A. Yes the software can output RS274D as well as RS274X format files. Please refer to " How to output Gerber file" section and select RS274X options in Photo plotter Print menu.

Q. After I downloaded your pc board program I tried to run it but it asked me for a missing cg32.dll file where could I obtain this file.

A. You can download the Supporting DLLs from following website. http://www.advancedmsinc/update/ Downloaded file will be a zipped file. Unzip it and copy all the four .dll files into the same directory in which you have installed the software. You should be able to use the software.

Q. Every time that I have tried to pull down your PC Board design Cad software, I get a time out error! I've been trying to retrieve same fm the following site: http://216.150.88.190/pcbdesignandfab/software/ecad.exe

A. Please download the software from following website. http://www.advancedmsinc.com/download/cktdwnld.htm Follow the instructions of the download page to copy cc32.akf file to the circuit creator directory. It should not ask you to register again. However, to protect yourself save the current Circuit Creator directory as back up. If it asks you to register again, try to register. If the registration fails then send the file cc32.akf to us and we will help complete the registration.

Q. I need to know how to connect a Through Hole Pad to a power plane. This is required for surface mount parts since you need to put a Through Hole pad nearby and hook it up to a power plane then run track from the pad to the surface mount pad.

A. Yes, You need to do exactly same when you don't have any POWER and GND through hole components pad near the SMD component pad you are talking about.

Q. I am working on an analog board that has 6 different power rails, so I need 6 different power layers plus 2 signal layers. Please let me know when you fix this problem so that it refreshes the screen correctly. When do you think that might be?

A. That is Ok. We have to check it out and get back to you soon. This is not a major problem you are talking about, for that you need to take some extra care to do setup for 8-Layer PCB.

Here is the setup of 8-LAYER

(1) COMPONENT SIDE - SIGNAL LAYER-1

(2) POWER TOP - POWER LAYER

(3) POWER TOP - POWER LAYER1

(4) POWER TOP - POWER LAYER2

(5) POWER BOTTOM - GND LAYER2

(6) POWER BOTTOM - GND LAYER1

(7) POWER BOTTOM - GND LAYER

(8) SOLDER SIDE - SIGNAL LAYER-2

Q. I am having a problem with Board Creator when I try to create a board with more than 6 layers. In the Edit Board Format window, if I have 8 layers selected and I try to select layer 7 or 8 (anything above six) to edit the net name, the window disappears. The scroll bar is still there but the layer numbers on the left disappear. I need to work with 8 layer boards.

A. You have to select LAYER FORMAT form the EDIT BOARD FORAMT menu. After that you can edit NET NAME for those layers you have to use for particular net.

Q. Please tell me if this schematic is ok for your program to convert in board creator. The board is 1 layer but 2 are fine. The Width is 25.39 mm and Length is 20.32. The only part that has to go in an exact place is the Right Angle Headers. The 2 pins start 2.83mm from left and 3.95mm from top. The 4 pins start 4.20mm from left side and 3.95mm from top. The Moc3011 is a Moc3011sm, which is a so6 footprint that I didn’t see in the library. Raj recommended me sending this at first and now I wish I did!! When you receive this please let me know what you can help me with. Thanks

A. If your schematic file is Ok. You have to generate .UPD file using Report/Formal/Export command for go to Board Creator program you can generate other reports for your manufacturing purpose. Now you have to run Board Creator program and go to I/O menu and select "Create from Logic Creator" command and you must have to select your .UPD file for creating PCB. After selecting this command options Board Creator automatically generate PCB file and place your components on your PC Board files and writing Net Names on components PAD. After this process you have to select Edit Board Format from Edit menu and fill up your Board Dimensions and you have choose layers for your PCB file.

Q. I have a board that I'm almost finished with that has a ground plane on most but not all of the board. The parts are on it. Some parts connect to it and some will not. Will I see the clear area around the pad? On my board it shows up as being connected. I have used draw/solid area to create the ground plane.

A. No. You cannot use solid command to create ground plane. When you have create a Ground/Power plane Board Creator give it you on all over the board area so you do not need to create it separately in ground/power plane you can see the cleared COPPER are around the PAD and which PAD is connected to same layer you can see TIE BAR on this particular PAD. For Ex. in 74ls00 you can see PIN=7 in GND PLANE AS A TIE BAR and PIN=14 in +5V PLANE AS A TIE BAR PAD.

For more you can see DEMO.PCB file in your CKTCRT directory.

Q. I have a board that I'm almost finished with that has a ground plane on most but not all of the board. The parts are on it. Some parts connect to it and some will not. Will I see the clear area around the pad? On my board it shows up as being connected. I have used draw/solid area to create the ground plane.

A. When you put any PAD on GROUND PLANE LAYER Board Creator automatically give you copper free area grounding the PAD. If you put this pad on GND net so it is connected to GND PLAYER or if you put this pad for another signal layer it is given you clear area grounding this PAD. Default clear area size is 10 % of the PAD size if you want more you can select it from PRINT Manu.

Q. I can alter pads and save them but they will not stay in memory after I open another board.

A. Board Creator has two PAD tables (1) System PAD Table and (2) PCB EDIT pad table. So when you create new PCB file you get the systems pad table in your EDIT pad table. Now you changed change PAD from pressing P (PAD) and then O (Options) so you get PCB PAD Edit table. If yes then you can’t get your Pads shapes and size in another board. If you want same Pads in a every PC Board file you must have to change Systems Pad Tables from File/Preference menu so you can get it in every PCB file.

Q. I was able to create a footprint for the QFP-208 last night. It's a fine-pitch part with 0.5mm between pins. There seems to be some rounding in the math when I place a pad. Instead of 10.00, 10.50, 11.00, etc., it goes to 9.98, 9.48, 10.98, etc. This makes me think that the layout portion of the product is at the limits of its resolution. Is there a limit to how fine I can place things?

A. When you have to create a new footprints in this type of co-ordinate you always use mils units so you can put your pad at actual dimension you need for your physical part dimensions. For example: 0.5mm = 20 mils = .020 inch. In that case you can draw your footprint symbol very easily.

Q. I have another similar Question. After creating and saving a system pad set how do I keep the information there? After I started a new board all my custom parts reverted back to the original pad settings for the system even after I reloaded.

A. In Circuit Creator you must have to change System Pad Tables from File/Preference/System Pad Table. After changing Systems pad table all the information is stored in a Board Creator configuration file this files stored in current directory as a bc32.cfg. So when you start working on New PCB file Board Creator automatically give you those pads in new PCB file. You don’t need to reload it again. If you change Edit pad table in PCB file this will change your board pad table not your Systems PAD table so when you start new PCB file you can’t get those pads in your new PCB file.

Q. I try to load it again, but the pads have reverted to their original shape and size. Am I doing something wrong? (I edited the pad table on pad 50, but the book says it only goes up to 25.)

A. In Board Creator you have up to 50 types of Pads. So when you want to change your component pad you can change what number you want but make sure you are not used this number of Pads any were in your PCB file you are currently working on it and you must have to change Pad’s shapes and size in System Pad Table so when you save and reload it in Board Creator you get same as you saved last time.

A. SYSTEM PAD TABLE is a default pad table of Board Creator program. When you run this program and create a new board file Board Creator load SYSTEM PAD TABLE as a Board EDIT PAD TABLE. So when you Edit PAD TABLE in PCB file board no change made in SYSTEM PAD Table it are change only EDIT PAD TABLE and you can see effect on your PCB files library you are currently using.

Q. I found what looks like a bug in the Board Creator SW. I have been creating all of my footprints in a separate file called noname2.pcb. On more than 1 occasion, the system has gotten into a strange state. When I draw on the silkscreen layer, sometimes the lines attach and become 1 line. In other words, when I select one line, both lines are selected, and I can't select an individual line. I started noticing this when the lines touch, but now it happens even when the line is on the other side of the board. (For example, the lines don't touch and are separated by a distance of 6 inches or more. The only way I have found to rectify this problem is to delete all of the affected lines, and start over. This is very time consuming. Is there a way to keep lines from attaching?

A. No. There are no bugs in Board Creator program you are talking about. It seems like you are doing some wrong operation with the Board Creator program. Creating footprint in a different PCB file it will be good for making separate library of footprint files. Selecting segments Board Creator have options for selecting all the segments separately. You can enable and disable all the options by just check mark in the options window. When you run select command you can see the select options menu by just press "O" key from keyboard or you can click on the options button at bottom of your PC Board edit screen.

Q. Also regarding the system pad table. I have found that the pad table will sometimes revert to factory settings. Is there a way to Import/Export the Edit Pad table so I can use this if I have a schematic with similar parts? Or is there a text file that I can edit to achieve the same goal?

A. Yes CKTCRT directory have one file name bc32.cfg. This files have all the information about the Board Creator program you can edit this file for any modifications. Bc32.cfg file is a factory default setting files this have all information of Systems PAD Tables and other settings of Board Creator program.

Q. To create via from a surface mount pad to a trace on the other side of the board. So the pad on layer 1 connects with the trace on layer 2 directly under it?

A. Yes. For doing this you have to press Enter twice when you are in Draw / Line command mode. You have to start draw line from SMD pad in a same layer (you have created SMD symbol) and then add via hole for go to other layer.

Q. In case of PCB design, while using board creator, when we choose the option as create from logic creator it gives all the components that we have used in schematic.

A. Yes this options gives you all the components you have used in schematic For Designing PC Board:

(1) Without making Schematic you can direct design PCB using Board Creator.

(2) With making schematic you can design PCB.

A. No. It is depend on .pcs file when you make a footprint if you make it horizontally and store it in a library as a .pcs this footprint come horizontally when you call back as a Load Symbol and same type in Create from Logic Creator option.

Q. If I want to rotate any particular Component is it possible because I have tried every option but couldn’t find any suitable option?

A. Yes you can do this very well. You have select particular component by pressing Enter twice on component object or you have use select command and click on component and after that press F10 you can rotate it in four different angle, 0, 90, 180, 270.

Q. Board creator/Load symbol/ Displays footprint dialog box & if u click on Newdisplays as only available on platinum version.

A. Yes you are right. You can't load footprint editor program. If you have to create a new footprint symbol you have to use Board Creator program and save it in footprint library. You can view and select (Load Symbol) footprint symbol from this Menu. For creating footprint symbols Load Board Creator and open a new board file then Draw your footprint with his actual mechanical dimension. Select whole footprint symbol you draw and go to File Manu and select Save Symbol you will get new Save Symbol menu just write down symbol name and press on OK button.

Q. I created a board layout using Logic Creator option in Board Creator. I started to work on my file and moved components around. I realized I had to delete and add some new components to my Schematic in Logic creator. I made some changes in my design using Logic Creator. I checked my design and got the message "No error detected". Then I created the Update file using Report function. I went back to Board creator and activate the function update from Logic Creator and selected the appropriate file. However, my changes didn't updated in my Board Creator. What should I do to make sure my changes are being updated in Board Creator when I make changes in Logic Creator and/or Symbol Creator?

A. When you make changes in you schematic file and generate UPD file and back to Board Creator program you have add those all parts footprints (Board Creator symbol) manually in board you have to delete those all the parts you are deleted from schematic file and then you can update your board file using "Update from Logic Creator " function from Reports menu in Board Creator. You can check this by generating schedule lines from Report menu using check schedule function.

Q. When I export my file to dxf, all of the line thick nesses drop to a single pixel wide, arcs are not displayed, and line thickness appears as trace "height." In other words, the thickness is shown on the z-axis when the board is viewed isometric. How do I resolve these issues?

A. There must be a problem with your Auto Cad program you can try to check same DXF file in Corel Draw program because Corel Draw support this format file.

Q. Can your Circuit Creator program do tab routing or "v" notch routing (scoring), to create panelized configured boards on a single panel? If so how is this done in the software?

A. Yes, Circuit Creator program capable to draw routing tab or " V " scoring tab routing and panelize board in a single panel. But you have to ask your PCB fabricator for panel size and scoring tool size or TAB size so you can figure out how many space you have to left for panelizing board in a single panel. In Circuit Creator program it is very easy to do that you have to know size of the overall panel size after that you have place your board by using copy paste command in to your panelized area.

Q. So if I understand you, your saying that the board house must supply the template that will be cut apart and I then drop my design into the given cut areas. Rather than me supplying the cutting routes to the board house. In my present design, I have a board that is not square and I wish to make several cuts per board for the irregular shape, then I want to panelize this design. Is this possible in circuit creator and if so how do I do this?

A. Yes. Board house giving you his panel size and tool size they are using for routing. So you have to setting up as per his data. Other wise they are setup penalization process in house. Now if you are want to do from your side you have to use Draw/Line command and draw a boarder as per your board size. After that you have use Edit /Copy command and paste your board as per how much boards you wants in a one panel.

Q. How I putting a pad on a ground plane. How do I clear some of the area around the pad so it doesn't connect to the ground plane?

A. When you put any PAD on GROUND PLANE LAYER Board Creator automatically give you copper free area grounding the PAD. If you put this pad on GND net so it is connected to GND PLAYER or if you put this pad for another signal layer it is given you clear area grounding this PAD. Default clear area size is 10 % of the PAD size if you want more you can select it from PRINT Manu.

Q. I completed my board layout in Board Creator, and then I went to Report and selected Check/Schedule. I selected the default values for line width (0.010) in the message box and pressed OK. The program completed its checks and I got in Note message box: Routes not complete: 93 (No Error massage)

A. That means still you have to layout 93 traces in your board layout. This message is for uncompleted trace on your PC board file and Check/Schedule command is use for preparing PC Board file for Auto routing or Manual routing traces between two components pads with the help of trace and via pads.

Q. In the past we have used Tango software to make Circuit Board schematics and board layouts. Is it possible to import our previously created circuit boards schematic / Layout from Tango into Board Creator? Could you explain what is the best way to import from Tango (DOS Version) to Circuit/Board Creator?

A. Board Creator is not supporting to import Tango net list in to Board Creator directly. Board Creator support following program net list file directly import in to Board Creator if your Tango program have facility to export net list file in following CAD program format you can generate the net list file in following program format and import it in to Board Creator program using I/O Import function command. Board Creator Support Following CAD Program to import their Net list file directly

to the Board Creator:

(1) Application Bravo

(2) Cadnetix

(3) EDIF

(4) Futurenet

(5) Intergraph

(6) Orcad

(7) Pcad

(8) Schema

(9) Scicards

(10) Protel

(11) Gerber

Q. If I select an area of the board, highlighting the area, then press "C" I am told that "Cannot open file: C:\circuit\ezbpaste. $$$." I do not find that file in my "circuit" directory or on the program disk. What do I need to do to achieve the copy function?

A. First make sure you have configure your Circuit Creator program in your computer if not Please go to File Pull-down menu and click on Preference/Paths/Options and write down your current Circuit Creator program working directory path on

Preference/Paths/Options menu then Click to OK and Exit from Board Creator Program and restart Board Creator Program and then open your file and try to Copy one object and do paste it on your PC Board file.

Q. Board Creator was working. My production board is 4 layer, 10x12 and has over 600 traces and I cannot get the pour region to work properly for the two inner layers. If I specify a start and stop point for the region, the program starts shading in the region above that rectangle and then goes into a permanent busy state and Task Manager must stop the application. I have tried this numerous times with different parameters for the step and line widths. It always seems to reset to a minus step value. Perhaps something got corrupted in the PCB file. Attached is the PCB file and our gid license file.

A. Region Pour command is use full when you are going to create one or two layer board. When you are using 4-Layer board you don’t need to create Region pour using Region pour command because in 4-layer board you have to just assign name of the signal layer in board format. Board Creator program generate region pour automatically for this layers.

A. 0 = This Layer must be ALL LAYER

1 = This Layer must be TOP COMPONENT LAYER (Component Side)

2 = This Layer must be INNER TOP LAYER You can set this layer as a GND or +5V

but you have to sure which net name you given in you schematic Like (+5V, VCC, +5VDC) in your PCB you given net name "=+5VDC" in schematic or Manual given but in board setup you given "+5V" so you can’t see thermal relief pad on your pcb file I changed it in this file so you can see the Circuit Creator feature in this board.

3 = This Layer must be INNER BOTTOM LAYER You can set this layer as a GND or +5V but you have to sure which net name you given in you schematic Like (GND, VSS) in your PCB you given net name "=GND" in schematic or Manual given but in board setup you given "GND" so you can’t see thermal relief pad on your pcb file I changed it in this file so you can see the Circuit Creator feature in this board.

4 = This Layer must be BOTTOM COMPONENT LAYER (Solder Side)

Q. I have created my schematic using OrCAD schematic capture program. I created a net list in PCAD (I used to do this previously when I used OrCAD and Circuit Creator). I have also created a board in the Circuit Creator and have placed my components in there too. I recall that previously when I used this package I had to create a parts.pkg file and associate my components in the schematic to those of the board. So, please tell me know how I go about using my net list in OrCAD to create a schedule so that I could automatically route the board. I need the answer as soon as possible as I have to have this board made before the next week is up.

A. When you use CAD program all the program have own format and setup in program when you import any net list file after that it asking for "parts.pkg" file. When you import OrCAD list in Circuit Creator at that time program doesn't need this file but when you import .upd Update list file in Board Creator at that time it is giving error message this part not in parts.pkg file on screen. This is info file of PKG type list. For Ex. OrCAD use footprint package DIP300.PCS for 74ls00.prt and we use dip-14.pcs so for that purpose we may have to edit Parts.PKG file. Same thing you have to do in OrCAD when you import otherwise OrCAD put single PAD in PCB file. Parts.pkg file is the best way to import net list file from any other CAD Application program. For using your Net list file in to OrCAD you need to export from Board Creator to OrCAD and then create .MNL or .MAX file for OrCAD.

Q. I am still confused how to create the parts.pkg file. Why doesn't it talk about it anywhere in the manual or the help? Please tell me step by step, like 1, 2, 3, how should I convert my OrCAD schematic to an appropriate net list (do I need to create it as an OrCAD or PCAD or what net list). Then, tell me how do I associate my net list with the board that I have created in the Circuit Creator. And then how do I create the schedule and route the board automatically.

A. You don’t need to confused here are the steps for that.

(1) Start your OrCAD Program and open you schematic file (U created in OrCAD).

(2) Export Net-List from schematic using (PCAD, OrCAD or any other supported by Circuit Creator)

(3) Now Start Board Creator program

(4) Now go to I/O/Import/ASCII command (In I/O Menu).

(5) Click on PCAD and write your net list file with current part or select it via brows

features (In FROM) and (In TO) write UPD name for Circuit Creator and click on OK Button

(6) When you click on OK you see the error "This part not in PARTS.PKG file" on

your screen this file locate in your Circuit Creator current directory. This file in a text format you can edit or update using any text editor program. Below is the text format of PARTS.PKG file without any headers and footers. You have to make sure whatever part you add in parts.pkg file all footprints are available in Circuit Creator root directory.

CTS256A-AL2 DIP-40

74LS373 DIP-20

SP0256A-AL2 DIP-40

RS232-25PIN RS232-25

MC1489 DIP-14

22P DISC-2

10M DISC-2

(7) Now open Circuit Creator .UPD file you define (In TO) in I/O/Creator from logic creator command in Board Creator program or If you have PC board ready with component placement you must have to use I/O/Update from logic creator command.

(8) Now you can run Check Schedule command from Report menu after this run you can see schedule line on your PC Board file.

Q. When I start Circuit Creator an error message appears (Printer config-Cannot open config file: 6pindin(a). pcf) I get the same error when I try to print other files. Please let me know how to fix the problem.

A. Start Board Creator program and go to File/Preference/Gerber printer setup and change .PCF file to Gerber.PCF file this is Gerber Photo Plotter .PCF file then Click on Ok and Press I Setup Printer options set you current default printer in this and Click on Ok to exit.

Q. If I am making a circuit board with board creator only, can I copy a foot print pad to a new location as apposed to calling up a new pad every time I need a new one?

A. In Board Creator you can use footprint symbols (.PCS) for placing your component physically on board. Yes you can copy this PAD. But in Board Creator we have one feature Load symbol you can create your own footprint symbol and call it every time when you need.

Q. Component FUSE3AG.PCS shows a black hole and no pad. My background color is set black. When I select the fuse the hole turns red I am not convinced that the hole has a pad in it.

A. Yes for that reason the PAD hole are show Black. When you set your background color blue it come blue. You can change the PAD type by selecting the PAD from Board's PAD table under Edit Menu. In Board Creator we provide 50 types of PAD Library you can create your own PAD library for PCB design purpose.

Q. I can't rotate the parts when I try to do Printed Circuit Design. I have no idea haw works?

A. When you want to rotate your footprint parts in board Creator program you have to use Select command and click on any Footprint object (Pads, Component Reference, Lines, Arcs) twice and then press F10 for rotating the footprint symbols.

Q. In Circuit Board Design I can't set the width of the copper line, only when I double click on the line. But I like to set before I start to make the PCB. It is possible?

A. Yes in Circuit Board designing you can set your copper line width as per your requirement. If you are going to route your PC Board manually you can modify your copper traces manually and if you are going to use Auto router you can generate schedule using Report/Check schedule function and apply your trace width in this menu. For Ex. First you draw your VCC and GND signals in that time you need 50 mils line with after that you want to draw other signal line in that case you need 10 mils or more then 10 mils. You can change line with at any time and any ware. Also you can change via pad different size for different signals (VCC, GND, Other Signals) Go to Draw Manu and click on line or Press "L" directly from Keyboard and then Press "O: Options". Now you can select your line width you want. Board Creator support 255 mils line width.

Q. No, the question is. Is there a pad in the hole, on component FUSE3AG.PCS? I do not believe there is one. Yes or no but before you answer this question call up the component and place it on a board and see it for your self.

A. YES you can copy and paste the footprint. As far as background color is concerned, it will be better if you set it up as Green. This is a standard color of PC Board. You must have RED color set up as your top or bottom layer that is why it shows RED.

Q. I didn't get what u exactly wants to say. Its default setting or settings changed by user as per requirement.

A. Yes it is default setting and it possible to change by users as per they require. In Board Creator we provide two types of PAD definition table one is Systems PAD table and other one is Edit PAD Table.

A. System Pad Table: It is default pad settings of Board Creator program when you create a New PC Board file you get same System pad table as a Edit pad table it is stored in bc32.cfg file in a Circuit Creator root directory. When you modify systems pad table this file will be updated automatically. When you modify systems pad table it is affected all the new PC board file you created it is not updated old PC board files you all ready saved in your directory when you want to updated those PC board file you have to load system pad table from File/Preference/Load system pad table/ command. Edit Pad Table: It is user's pad table for particular PC Board file. When you change this pad table it is not affected your other PC board pad size.

Q. I tried it & found that after creating a new footprint & saving it using save symbol, in board creator when I open new file & select load symbol to load the previously drawn symbol, then all the pads get automatically changed to their default settings. So again I have to set all the pads according to my requirement. Logically it shouldn't happen. Once u save a symbol it should get saved along with pad setting so that we can directly use that symbol without making any changes.

A. Yes you must change all pad's shapes and size again because you did not update System pad table if you change it this problem will not comes and you get your footprint symbol exactly you need on your PC board.

Q. Only if I select a pad with default setting & use it as it is then only it retains its setting. But every time it’s not necessary that I should select a pad with default setting only.

A. Then you have to update your footprint pad every time when you want it on PC board file. This is one time job what we want to tell you everybody did not want same pad shapes and size for their component. Define your standard pad table and used your footprint symbol you want. You can use up to 50 types of PAD. So define your own standard pad table and saved your footprint symbols using own pad table and enjoy using Board Creator.

Q. I'm a long time user of EZRoute and Board Creator. It seems that many of the circuit board fabrication houses will now accept only RS274x Gerber board files that have the aperture information embedded in the layer files instead of the separate aperture file that Board Creator produces. Does the latest version of Board Creator support the embedded aperture information Gerber layer files - RS274x? I would gladly upgrade if this were the case.

A. Yes. You can generate Gerber file using Board Creator program in RS274x format as per your board fabricator house. If you have older version of Board Creator you can download it from our following website www.advancedmsinc.com Because the latest version of Board Creator is export both format file for Gerber Photo Plotter you are talking about (1) RS 274D and (2) RS 274X.

A. You because you have setup RED color in your Select color under File/Preference Manu so for that purpose when you select any component or Object it show RED color.

Q. If I want to change some footprint for e.g. say footprint of resistor. So if I create a new footprint then is it possible to change all the resistors in my PCB globally with new footprint on board creator? I have tried it but didn't find any option to change it globally. Only in Edit menu there is option called as Change all but in that it’s not possible to change foot print directly. Also I tried option as Update from Edit menu but there also I didn't able to change it. So I just want to know how to change any footprint globally in case of Board creator?

A. You can’t change footprint directly from Board Creator. If you want to change footprint from board creator you have to place new footprint instead of old footprint with same instance "R1, C1, U1, X1" then update it from I/O menu using update from logic creator option and run upd file again.

UPDATE From EDIT menu:

From EDIT menu you can’t do that because this update options is using for object. (Like. LINE, PAD, TEXT, etc.)

Change footprints Using UPD file:

You have only one option to change you footprint globally editing UPD file here is sample file of UPD file you have to change only footprint name in UPD file in below sample I highlight footprint name you have put your footprint name as per your specification after change all the footprint name you have to go Board Creator program and select I/O/Creator from Logic Creator options and select your updated UPD file from list after that you get what you want. Board Creator update list

UPDATE_LIST
PART .01UF C22 DISC-C
PAD C22 1 GND
PAD C22 2 3.3VCC
END_UPDATE_LIST

Q. I have drawn footprints of R, C & D according to my requirement & changed the distance between the pads. But automatically outlines of resistor, capacitor & diodes have changed but distance between the pads that I have adjusted is retained. Why this has happened? Before that I just change parameters of one of the pads of other component &just selected Load system pad table from File/Preferences. But this shouldn't cause above problem.

A. I think your are doing something wrong with Board Creator program if you need to update your footprint file you have to move Pad’s by using EDIT/Select option from edit menu and press O you get option Manu and enable FLAT options click on OK to exit. Now change your footprint accordingly you want. You must have to know which number of PAD is used in footprint file after that you can change parameter of PAD from Edit/Pad table after doing this don't load system pad table when you load system pad table Board Creator update you edit menu and you get original PAD parameter so please don't do that.

Q. I had recently created a footprint using board creator. Following the example you gave in the book, I selected a pad that was not in use by another footprint (in this case pad #31), and then modified the width and length of this pad created my footprint and saved it. But when I brought up the footprint later using load footprint, I noticed that the pad sizes had reverted to the original 200mil by 100mil, thus making the footprint unrecognizable. How do I save the changes that I made to the footprint table such that they are recalled the next time board creator is used?

A. The way you created footprint it is Ok but at the same time you need to change your systems pad table files in you CKTCRT library so whenever you create or open a new pcb file you get PAD#31 with same modification. For this go to FILE/PREFERANCE/EDIT SYSTEMS PAD TABLE and make a modification for PAD #31

Q. With all the parts placed on a new Board Creator file, is there a way to jump to a part, or do I have to manually scan the screen to look for it. It is difficult to find a certain U number on large boards with many parts.

A. Board Creator program have locate feature so you can use "K" Locate command from View menu also same thing for jump by co-ordinate use F4 or go to View menu and select Pan point command for that.

Q. When I open the board creator software I get the following error. Printer Config - Cannot open the config file: JMCB-GL15E.pcf

A. This is not an error. When you generate Gerber Photo file Board Creator is automatically update Gerber Photo plotter configuration file when you have use this function. So you just have to go to File Menu and Select Preference/Paths/Options and Select Plotter PCF and enter Gerber.PCF and click on SAVE button and Exit.

Q. When I create a hole in the board with no plating (for a screw), I would type in hole size (.118) and the other choices would be 0.00. Then select silkscreen. Is this correct.

A. No. It is not true. When you want to use or create Non PTH hole (NPTH) for mounting or for any other parts you don’t have to fill up 0.00 in holes. If you have fill up "0.00" in hole size that means you want solid hole or 118 mils round copper are on PC Board file.

You have to fill up following information to your PAD Table.

Hole Size: 118 mil

Component: Round: 118 x 118 mil

Solder: Round: 118 x 118 mil

Inner: Round: 118 x 118 mil

After that you have to select ALL:0 Layer mask to put this type of holes so you can see this holes on every layer mask.

Q. Even if my upd file shows all the components used in the schematic, actually while designing PCB when I followed above procedure its not showing footprints of all the components used in the schematic.

A. UPD file is the update list of you design schematic with no error message. When you generate upd file in update list you get all the parts and it's footprint name you used in schematic. After generating upd file from Logic Creator go to Board Creator and select I/O/Create from Logic Creator command and open your upd file in this menu. Board Creator put all the component footprint put on board in this time you getting error for .PCS file not open that means in your CKTCRT folder you don't have this file place create footprint files with same name and save it in to CKTCRT library then try it again.

Q. As per the manual it should create initial board as per the information contained in the update list file. I have checked my update list file properly & found all the components used in the schematic. Then also I am facing above problem.

A. It is problem with your footprint library or maybe in upd file it is not define any footprint files so you can edit upd file in any text editor and make a change as per you required. You have to do is first find out footprint name of all your component you used in schematic file then replace all footprint name in upd file then import upd file using IO/Create from Logic Creator command line.

Q. Also there seems to be some requirement to use consecutive pad numbers in the pad table if you use a rectangular pad and want to rotate a part. For example if I use a rectangular pad that in pad number 24 is 30 x 70, I cannot rotate the part unless I create another pad immediately following pad number 24, (25 in this case) that is defined as 70 x 30. I know in some cases that you have defined footprints with a vertical and a horizontal orientation, but this is not needed if you create the vertical and horizontal representation of the pad as consecutive pad numbers. This does not work if the horizontal and vertical representations are not consecutive pad number. Is this true?

A. For that purpose you have to create two pads for horizontal and Vertical for all this type of footprint. So when you rotate this footprint Board Creator is automatically change the PAD number for that orientation you select.

Q. When I update wires it works fine but when I make any changes to parts (deleting, adding new parts or renaming parts) they either do not take effect in the case of deleted parts that always remain or else cause error messages (and don't appear) in the case of adding new parts/renaming parts.

A. When you order Circuit Creator Platinum, you receive Circuit Creator Pro and Spice Creator Pro. You received these two; hence, you have Circuit Creator Platinum. The extended library is for the customers who have Circuit Creator Standard. You have Circuit Creator Pro and as such you already have the extended library. The two books you received with the software are the ones available. There is a Student Workbook version of Circuit Creator Manual that has Exercises at the end of each chapter. The solutions to these exercises are available in an Instructor's Manual.

Q. I have the circuit Creator Pro and there seems to be some problem with the software keeping track of footprint information. When I go to update a part, the footprint information that comes up in the box is not always the last footprint I assigned to the part.

A. Yes. When you update this particular part it use the space where is saved last time he just over right on that part. PCS VIEW program do not have any shortlist facility. For FOOTPRINT INFORMATION you have to make a track on your current library you are using and updating.

Q. Also, Board Creator does not update part information on the "update from" function. It only updates net list information. Is this correct?

A. Yes. Because UPDATE LIST is generated by Logic Creator program so if you want to change PCS name you can open this UPD file in any text editor program and update it.

Q. I go to save my file I get the following message: CAN NOT OPEN FILE: c\pico\cb\2805-4.pcb Pico is my directory, CB, my subdirectory where I keep my file, 2805-4 is the part number, the file is already open, I just want to save it, and it totally gives me an odd respond, please advise how to proceed.

A. There must be a problem with your Circuit Creator program configuration so please check your program configuration in Board Creator program. Go to File menu and select preference and Paths/Options and apply your current directory of Circuit Creator and then try to open new PCB file and save it using save command or Save As command. When you start the Board Creator program and Create a new PC Board file when you save this file it is store in to a C:\CKTCRT directory. Now if you want to save your file in to your Data directory you have to select save as command and select the PCB save directory and give the name of PCB file program is save your PCB file in to your data directory with the name you given and extension of PCB file is must be (.PCB) it is automatically taken by program. After save the PCB file go to Open file and select the Data directory you save the file click on the .PCB file name and press Ok button you can see your saved file on screen. When you open your existing saved file from your data directory it doesn't give any error like this. When you done all the changes made in PCB file go to file menu and try to save the file using FILE SAVE command. If it is not working try to SAVE PC Board file using FILE SAVE AS command do not write PCB file name directly go to your data directory menu and select the file you had all ready open. If above both methods is not working check you Windows XP operating systems if you made XP in NTFS partition type may be it is possible you restrict your data directory by any other users. (You can make it read only directory).

Q. I have the Circuit Creator Pro and there seems to be some problem with the software keeping track of footprint information. When I go to update a part, the footprint information that comes up in the box is not always the last footprint I assigned to the part.

A. Yes. But you can find it out with pressing the name of the footprint you can directly reach to the footprints. For Example: When you need to search 2x12SH.PCS file go to Load Symbol or press Ctrl+L you can see Load Symbol menu on your monitor screen and type 2x12SH you can see following screen on your monitor.

Now you have to just click on Select button so you can get it in to your PCB file.

Q. After creating an update file from Logic Creator, some footprints (created by myself) end up like this:

A. Check your part (SCSI3_68) in your library. You can leave to fill out footprint details in Symbol Creator / Part. So write it in parts and then refresh your schematic by using Freshen command by typing "F" form keyboard and select parts in options and then generate update list.

Q. I have never been able to open the Photo Plot set up window as your first reply showed. I am talking about the Photo Plot Setup window.

A. Below screen is for Photo plotter setup screen it is open from File menu File/Photo Plotter options. Then you have to select your layer mask and always use Direct/Tile Method and never use color pen and always generate print out in same size (1.000) when you are need Gerber Photo Print file. At the first go to File/Preference/Path-Options menu and click on the photo plotter button and select Gerber.pcf file and click ok and exit. Now go to File/Photo plotter and set your layer-mask you want to print and then click ok.

Make sure following defaults:

(1) Print Size must be in 1x

(2) Do not select color Pen for plotting it gives you error at plotting time.

(3) Generate all the file separate.

(4) Also use 274 -X Gerber format.

(5) You can automatically generate Excellon Drill file from Gerber print menu.

Q. When I "create from logic creator", I cannot make the board size large enough to access all the components.Therefore, if I exit the file & re-enter, it says that there are objects outside the board limits & have been rejected. I need these parts! They will all fit on a board that is 22" x 12" if they are arranged properly so I don't see why it arranges them on a 16" x 16" board while inserting.

A. When you select "Create From Logic Creator" this will have default Board size 16.0" x 16.0" to place all the components. When you are done with Importing in Board Creator you don't need to exit from Board Creator. After get done with "Create From Logic Creator" go to EDIT Menu and select Board Format (E) then apply board Size you can apply 32.0" x 32.0" at a time after that you can reduce size as per you need for your PC Board.

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