How to Save PCB design as a component

[sien]

Hello,

         I'm trying to combine multiple PCB designs into one file in Ultiboard, and I recently find out it has the ability to save pcb design as a componet. Is anyone know how to use this feature ?

Thanks 

[GarretF]

Hi Sien,

Select the parts that you want to use as a single part, then click Tools > Database >  Add Selection to Database.

When you place the parts, you may want to lock them to preserve the layout.

[sien]

GarretF,

      Thanks for the reply. I try to save my pcb with all nets locked. However, when I place it on a new design, it results two design rule errors:

       1. Unused pin is connected to copper         

       2. Two objects without nets are too close to each other

      I'm wondering how I can solve these two errors. 

[GarretF]

It is hard to guess the problem without the actual design, but my guess that the netlist does not include these parts, so the copper that is connected to you parts is giving DRC errors. I believe you will still need to add the parts to the netlist (Tools > Netlist Editor) or in Multisim.

[sien]

It seems like Ultiboard does not preserve the netlist of the pcb when it is added to the database. So, when I place the design on a new file, it complains about the nets are missing. Is there anyway I can keep the netlist when I add the pcb to the database ? 

[krishna.gouru]

I don't have exact answer for your question. But i can give reference for you.

http://www.techdockets.com/2009/05/printed-circuits-handbook.html

Here you could find a good book for PCB design concepts.

Thanks

[GarretF · Accepted solution]

I don't know of any easy way of achieving this. It would be possible to manually modifying the ewnet file before you transfer to Ultiboard. For this, there is no documentation of the file format (but it is ASCII) and it would rely on you later selecting the correct RefDes when you place the part.