PCB Layers changing on MultiSim Forward Annotate to Ultiboard

[ajt · Accepted solution]

Thanks, Tien

Your document didn't include microvias but it was useful in giving me an idea for a workaround for this problem:

1. Create a schematic in MS with on one layer pair
2. Transfer to UB and reset layers to 1 pair and top and bottom build-ups
3. Select all 3 types of vias and select all layer pairs as possible (do not change layer names)
4. Connect one net as follows :
   • trace from start og a net on top layer to microvia to first inner 
   • trace on first inner from above microvia to buried via to second inner
   • trace on second inner from above buried via to microvia to bottom layer
   • trace on bottom layer from above microvia to standard via from bottom to top layer
   • trace trace on top layer from above standard via to other end of net
5. Verify net with Continuity check
6. Place and delete a part in UB (creates log file)
7. Back annotate to MS (no layer information is annotated)
8. Change MS PCB properties to two layer pairs  (names are fixed)
9. Place a part in MS and forward annotate to UB
10. In UB layer names in Design Toolbox and colors change.  Layout still intact except for different colors of traces.
11. Check UB PCB Properties and note that a second layer pair has been added along with more via choices due to the added layers!  DO NOT CHANGE THIS or change layer names in the Toolbox!  (You can change colors) 
12. Do another back and forward annotation cycle and note all vias stay in tact
13. Export Gerber files (note that Gerber export properties show the same names as in Toolbox and two "added" layers do not show up).
14. Export Drill files
15. Check Gerber and Drill files in viewer and all are correct

So... there are multiple bugs in Ultiboard in this area but it is possible to get by with layer names you don't necessarily want, or extra phantom layers in UB, or layer names in MS that are fixed and do not match UB, Back annotation from UB to MS doesn't contain any layer information, etc.  

I hope this mess been fixed in later versions of UB and MS and that this post will help others with v10.1.1.

Al