Importing PADS data

Dan, I suggest posting this in sci.electronics.cad, and perhaps also in sci.electronics and sci.electronics.misc . . . minus the reference to SolidWorks 2005, of course.

When one of my responsibilities was PCB layout I was also tasked with making sure interface information got to the right people, and I would have been held accountable if it didn't. Your management needs to make clear that responsibility to the layout people if they haven't already, and they need to put teeth in their directions.

'Sporky'

snipped-for-privacy@moorewallace.com wrote:

Dan,

Moving stuff is the name of the game with PCB layout. Seems kind of arbitrary from my perspective, but our guys usually have a good reason when asked. They also "check" with the designers and ME's first, they'd get lynched if they didn't. Looks like you sub your PCB's out, so you don't have the same control.

It's hard to believe that they didn't get at least one of those IDF translators with PADS. I'm willing to bet the just don't know what it is, or how to use it. Wouldn't be the first time. We use Protel and it came with two of em for free.

Regards

Mark

Yes we do sub our board layout out. What has happened a couple of times now is that I provide a mechanical print to our EE's who then work with the boardhouse. The EE's end up signing off on the layout (electrical) without my consent. I realize that this is an internal issue but I also need a good way to give the OK with confidence. If they provide me with printouts simply showing positions of surface mount pads it gets a little hairy sorting though it all. We have had it where they moved connectors and didn't tell me and also where they simply made an error in placement.

I was really hoping to use the new board assembly features in 2005 to double check that what I ask for is what I get.

Thanks guys.

Dan

MM wrote:

reason when

Dan,

Looks like even the cheapest seat of PADS comes with translators for Protel and Orcad.

These are IDF formats. You're "paying" these guys, make them give you what you need.

Regards

Mark

Thanks Mark.