diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_freeroute_exchange_help.html')
-rw-r--r-- | pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_freeroute_exchange_help.html | 71 |
1 files changed, 71 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_freeroute_exchange_help.html b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_freeroute_exchange_help.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..375df66 --- /dev/null +++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_freeroute_exchange_help.html @@ -0,0 +1,71 @@ +<html> +<!-- This file is used to autogenerate a *.h file, but you can load it into a browser to preview --> +<h1>Freerouter Guidelines:</h1> +<ol> +<li> in pcbnew, using the Layers Setup dialog:</li><br> + <li>choose the number of layers, and enter the name of each layer.</li><br><br> + These should look something like this (if a 6 layer board): +<ul> + <li>Front - signal</li> + <li>Ground - power</li> + <li>H1_Signal - signal</li> + <li>V2_Signal - signal</li> + <li>Power - power</li> + <li>Back - signal</li> +</ul><br> + Notice that after the layer name there is a layer type field, either 'signal' or 'power', typically. + Any layer identified as 'power' will be removed from the layer menu in Freerouter, + as this will be assumed to contain a power zone. +</li><br><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: establish board perimeter.</li><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: load in the netlist so you have all the components defined and instantiated.</li><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: establish any zones, inclusive of net association.</li><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: do the degree of component placements you are comfortable with. + It is a little easier to accurately position components in pcbnew than in + freerouter, but either will work.</li><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: set up the netclasses. Power traces might be a little thicker + than signal traces. If so, add a netclass called 'power'. + Make its traces thicker than what you establish for netclass 'Default'. + Set trace width, spacing and vias for each netclass.</li><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: export to DSN.</li><br> + +<li> load up freerouter (keep it running for any subsequent iterations of 5) through 16) here).</li><br> + +<li> in freerouter: load the project's *.dsn file. Immediately after a load, all + components and traces (if any) will initially be 'fixed'. This is a 'lock + in place' toggle that you can undo by selecting a region with your mouse + and then selecting 'Unfix' from the menu. Occassionally you may want to + re-fix a trace or a part, if only temporarily. This keeps it locked in + place. +</li><br> + +<li> useful, not mandatory: in freerouter: set your move snap modulus, which seems + to default to 1 internal unit. + 20 mils in x and in y is about reasonable.</li><br> + +<li> in freerouter: finish placing any components, you can change sides of a part + here also, rotate, whatever.</li><br> + +<li> in freerouter: route the board, and save frequently to a *.dsn file while + routing in case of power loss. Pick the menu option for saving a full *.dsn + file, not a session file (yet). The full freerouter *.dsn file is a superset + format, one that can be reloaded in the event of a power loss. Whereas the + *.ses file is not a complete design, but only with the *.brd file + constitutes a full design. So it is important to backup your work to a + *.dsn file while routing in case of power loss.</li><br> + +<li> in freerouter: when done, or when you want to back import, then save as a session file, *.ses.</li><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: backimport the session file</li><br> + +<li> in pcbnew: at this point the zones have to be refilled. One way to do that + is to simply run DRC.</li> + +</ol> +</html> |