Editing a 3D Component Definition

The Edit Definition feature allows the user to create new component definition using an existing, unencrypted 3D component file. This speeds up the task of creating new versions of components without having to start from the beginning. When Edit Definition is initiated, Electronics Desktop automatically creates a new project containing all 3D component data from the file in ‘exploded’ form. Component materials are added at the project level; variables are added at the project and design level; a detailed history is created for all objects in the component; and design data is added to the appropriate folders in the Project Manager.

Important: Only 3D components that are not encrypted can be edited as described in this section.

The Edit Definition command creates a new project, named for the component, in the Project Manager window.

Component and Original Design

When the edited component is saved, an Update 3D Component window appears. From the Update 3D Component window, choose whether to save the edited component as a local instance or to the original library. To edit a 3D component definition:

  1. Navigate to the Edit Definition window by following one of the following paths:
    • From the History Tree, right-click the component and select Edit Definition.
    • From the History Tree, right-click an instance under the component and select Components > Edit Definition.
    • From the Project Manager, right-click 3D Components and select Definitions to open the 3D Component Definitions window. From the 3D Component Definitions window, select a component and click Edit Definition.

      3D Component Definitions

    Regardless of which path is taken, a copy of the 3D component opens in the Layout Editor, and a new project folder appears in the Project Manager window, containing a copy of the original design.

  2. Edit the component as desired.
  3. To save the component as a new component (*.a3dcomp) or as its own Electronics Desktop (*.aedt) file, click File > Save As. Specify a file name and destination and click Save.
  4. To save the component in the current project or for all projects, click File > Save to open the Update 3D Component window.

    Update 3D Component

    This window is populated with all entities (objects, boundaries, excitations, etc.) in the component design.

  5. Use the radio buttons to select one of the following options:
    • Update Local Definition – updates the component definition for use in the original design only.
    • Update Definition File At <Path> – updates the component in the component library, affecting all other instances.
  6. Click OK.

Verifying Updates to Components

To verify that a component has been edited:

  1. Access the 3D Component Definitions window:
    • From the Project Manager, right-click 3D Components and select Definitions.

    2. The Definition Status column shows "Locally Edited" for any altered components.

    Definition Status

  2. Click Close to exit the window.

Updating Definitions

Once the updated component is saved, return to the original design and update all instances of that component. See: Updating 3D Component Definitions.

Note: Definition update is not automatic even if Edit Component was initiated from that design. Instead, when an assembly design becomes active, a dialog box appears, prompting the user to update the 3D component definition. Then choose to update the definition from the prompt.

To update a component's definition:

  1. Access the 3D Component Definitions window:
    • From the Project Manager, right-click 3D Components and select Definitions.

    Components with updates available display "Update Available" in the Definition Status column.

  2. Select the desired component and click Update Definition.
  3. Click Close to exit the window.