Importing IPC2581 rev.a, rev.b, and rev.c Files into the Layout Editor

Note that Electronics Desktop only supports IPC2581 rev.a and rev.b, and interprets the default behavior based on the schema. All references to IPC2581 signify only rev.a or rev.b.

IPC2581 rev.a

Design should be exported as "Full".

IPC2581 rev.b

Design should be exported as "User" design with all data selected.

IPC2581 rev.c

Design should be exported as "User" design with all data selected.

Importing Files

For information on how to initially access the IPC2581 import window (File > Import), see the introductory topic Importing Files into the Layout Editor. Select a .cvg or .xml file or a Windows directory to open the IPC2581 Import window. The window initializes with the nets and layers on the imported design.

• Import stackup and options allows you to import information from an xml control file or a layer mapping file into the window. Note the information contained in the control file is exported on the Layer Stackup window and is not directly usable by the translator if layer names are changed. The Edit Layers window is not used by the translator and is ignored.
• Export control file creates an xml control file using the information imported to the window to the location specified. This file can either be imported and used through the window or used directly with Anstranslator.exe. Note that this can be used to read in an IPC Layer Stackup file and export an .xml file that can be used with an IPC2581 file.

Layers Pane

• Import check box specifies which layers to import. Padstacks are shortened or removed entirely as chosen. Type is set based on properties in the IPC2581 file and can be changed if needed. The only exception is the "SOLDERMASK" layer which are imported as a dielectric layer.
• Import Layer Name renames a layer. Note that all layers including drawing layers can be renamed. Once imported into Electronics Desktop, this mapping are lost and you need to refer to these layers by their new name.

Nets Pane

• Import check box specifies which nets to import. Ensure Dummy is checked if you want to import the metal not assigned to a specific net.
• Setup Ports automatically creates ports on the nets to be imported when checked.