National Instruments Ultiboard User Manual

NI Ultiboard

User Manual

NI Ultiboard User Manual

May 2008 374488C-01

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Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

» The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options

to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options from the last dialog box.

This icon denotes a tip, which alerts you to advisory information.

This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.

bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such

as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter names.

italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction

to a key concept. Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value that you must supply.

monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the

keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples. This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories, programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations, variables, filenames, and extensions.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Introduction to the Ultiboard Interface ..........................................................................1-1

Toolbars .........................................................................................................................1-1

Standard Toolbar .............................................................................................1-1

View Toolbar...................................................................................................1-3

Main Toolbar ...................................................................................................1-4

Select Toolbar..................................................................................................1-5

Draw Settings Toolbar.....................................................................................1-6

Edit Toolbar.....................................................................................................1-7

Align Toolbar ..................................................................................................1-8

Place Toolbar...................................................................................................1-9

Wizard Toolbar................................................................................................1-12

Autoroute Toolbar ...........................................................................................1-12

Setting Preferences ........................................................................................................1-13

General Tab .....................................................................................................1-13

Paths Tab .........................................................................................................1-14

Colors Tab .......................................................................................................1-15

PCB Design Tab ..............................................................................................1-15

Dimensions Tab...............................................................................................1-18

3D Options Tab ...............................................................................................1-19

Setting PCB Properties ..................................................................................................1-20

Attributes Tab..................................................................................................1-20

Grid & Units Tab.............................................................................................1-20

Copper Layers Tab ..........................................................................................1-21

Pads/Vias Tab..................................................................................................1-22

General Layers Tab .........................................................................................1-24

Design Rules Tab ............................................................................................1-25

Setting Favorite Layers....................................................................................1-26

Design Toolbox..............................................................................................................1-27

Birds Eye View..............................................................................................................1-28

Spreadsheet View ..........................................................................................................1-29

Spreadsheet View: DRC Tab...........................................................................1-30

Spreadsheet View: Results Tab.......................................................................1-32

Spreadsheet View: Parts Tab...........................................................................1-33

Spreadsheet View: Part Groups Tab................................................................1-34

Spreadsheet View: Nets Tab ...........................................................................1-35

Spreadsheet View: Nets Groups Tab...............................................................1-38

Filter Manager...................................................................................1-31

Contents

Spreadsheet View: SMT Pads Tab.................................................................. 1-39

Spreadsheet View: THT Pads Tab .................................................................. 1-40

Spreadsheet View: Vias Tab ........................................................................... 1-42

Spreadsheet View: Copper Areas Tab ............................................................ 1-43

Spreadsheet View: Keep-ins/Keep-outs Tab .................................................. 1-44

Spreadsheet View: PCB Layers Tab............................................................... 1-45

Spreadsheet View: Parts Position Tab ............................................................ 1-45

Spreadsheet View: Statistics Tab.................................................................... 1-46

Customizing the Interface.............................................................................................. 1-46

Commands Tab ............................................................................................... 1-47

Toolbars Tab ................................................................................................... 1-47

Keyboard Tab.................................................................................................. 1-48

Menu Tab ........................................................................................................ 1-48

Options Tab..................................................................................................... 1-49

Customization of Pop-up Menus..................................................................... 1-49

Chapter 2 Beginning a Design

About Designs and Projects........................................................................................... 2-1

Creating a Project .......................................................................................................... 2-1

Creating a Design .......................................................................................................... 2-2

Creating a Design from a Netlist File............................................................................ 2-2

Working with Projects................................................................................................... 2-4

Opening an Existing File ............................................................................................... 2-5

Saving and Closing........................................................................................................ 2-5

Saving Technology Specifications from a Design ........................................................ 2-6

Loading Technology Files............................................................................................. 2-6

Selecting and Unselecting Elements ............................................................................. 2-7

Place and Select Modes ................................................................................................. 2-8

Searching for Design Elements ..................................................................................... 2-8

Options for Viewing the Design.................................................................................... 2-9

Using the Full Screen...................................................................................... 2-9

Magnifying and Shrinking the View............................................................... 2-10

Refreshing the Design..................................................................................... 2-11

Tool-tip Label ................................................................................................. 2-11

Chapter 3 Setting Up a Design

Working with Layers.....................................................................................................3-1

Defining Copper Layers.................................................................................. 3-1

Accessing Layers ............................................................................................ 3-3

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Working with the Board Outline ...................................................................................3-5

Using the Drawing Tools to Create a Board Outline ......................................3-5

Importing a DXF File ......................................................................................3-6

Using a Pre-Defined Board Outline ................................................................3-6

Using the Board Wizard ..................................................................................3-7

Setting the Board’s Reference Point..............................................................................3-8

Enter coordinate dialog box.............................................................................3-9

Design Rule Errors.........................................................................................................3-10

Working with the Group Editor .....................................................................................3-11

Add Group dialog box.....................................................................................3-11

Working with Net Groups ...............................................................................3-12

Working with Part Groups...............................................................................3-13

Working with Bus Groups...............................................................................3-15

Working with Differential Pairs ......................................................................3-17

Change Group Settings dialog box..................................................................3-18

Chapter 4 Working with Parts

Placing Parts ..................................................................................................................4-1

Dragging Parts from Outside the Board Outline .............................................4-1

Using the Parts Tab in the Spreadsheet View .................................................4-2

Tools to Assist Part Placement........................................................................4-5

Unplacing Parts ...............................................................................................4-15

Viewing and Editing Properties .....................................................................................4-15

Attributes .........................................................................................................4-15

Viewing and Editing Part Properties ...............................................................4-17

Viewing and Editing Attributes.......................................................................4-19

Viewing and Editing Shape/Graphics Properties ............................................4-20

Contents

Net Group Settings............................................................................3-19

Part Group Settings ...........................................................................3-19

Differential Pair Settings...................................................................3-20

Using the Parts Tab to Place Parts ....................................................4-3

Using the Parts Tab for Other Functions ..........................................4-4

Working with Ratsnests ....................................................................4-5

Working with Force Vectors.............................................................4-6

Dragging Parts...................................................................................4-7

Shoving Parts ....................................................................................4-7

Using Ruler Bars and Guides............................................................4-10

Orienting Parts ..................................................................................4-11

Aligning Shapes and Parts ................................................................4-11

Spacing Shapes and Parts..................................................................4-12

Placing a Group Array Box............................................................... 4-12

Replicating a Group ..........................................................................4-14

Contents

Placing Other Elements ................................................................................................. 4-20

Placing Mounting Holes and Connectors........................................................ 4-21

Placing Holes .................................................................................................. 4-21

Placing Shapes and Graphics .......................................................................... 4-21

Working with Jumpers .................................................................................... 4-23

Placing Jumpers................................................................................ 4-23

Viewing and Editing Jumper Properties ........................................... 4-23

Working with Test Points ............................................................................... 4-24

Placing Test Points ........................................................................... 4-24

Viewing and Editing Test Point Properties ...................................... 4-25

Working with Dimensions ..............................................................................4-25

Placing Dimensions .......................................................................... 4-25

Viewing and Editing Dimension Properties .....................................4-26

Placing Parts from the Database.................................................................................... 4-27

Editing Parts and Shapes ............................................................................................... 4-29

Editing a Placed Part (In-Place Edit) .............................................................. 4-29

Editing a Polygon............................................................................................ 4-30

Viewing and Editing Through Hole Pin Properties ........................................ 4-31

Viewing and Editing SMT Pin Properties....................................................... 4-33

Searching For and Replacing Parts................................................................................ 4-34

Searching for Parts in Open Designs .............................................................. 4-34

Locating a Part in a Design............................................................................. 4-34

Replacing Parts ............................................................................................... 4-35

Cross-probing ................................................................................................................ 4-35

Creating New Parts........................................................................................................ 4-35

Using the Database Manager to Create a Part................................................. 4-35

Using the Part Wizard to Create a Part ........................................................... 4-36

Managing the Database ................................................................................................. 4-41

Working with Database Categories................................................................. 4-43

Adding Parts to the Database .......................................................................... 4-44

Adding Parts using the Database Manager....................................... 4-45

Adding Parts using the Add Selection to Database Command ........ 4-45

Merging and Converting Databases .............................................................................. 4-46

Merging Databases.......................................................................................... 4-46

Converting Databases ..................................................................................... 4-47

Chapter 5 Working with Traces and Copper

Placing Traces ............................................................................................................... 5-1

Working with Traces....................................................................................... 5-2

Placing a Trace: Manual Method .................................................................... 5-2

Placing a Trace: Follow-me Method............................................................... 5-3

Placing a Trace: Connection Machine Method............................................... 5-4

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Contents

Placing a Bus ...................................................................................................5-5

Working with Density Bars.............................................................................5-6

Working with Keep-in/Keep-out Areas...........................................................5-7

Placing Keep-in/Keep-out Areas ......................................................5-7

Viewing and Editing Keep-in/Keep-out Properties ..........................5-7

Equi-Spacing Traces........................................................................................5-9

Deleting a Trace ..............................................................................................5-9

Working with Other Copper Elements ..........................................................................5-10

Placing Copper Areas ......................................................................................5-10

Placing Powerplanes........................................................................................5-11

Splitting Copper...............................................................................................5-11

Converting a Copper Shape to an Area ...........................................................5-12

Deleting All Copper ........................................................................................5-12

Adding and Removing Teardrops ...................................................................5-13

Viewing and Editing Copper Properties ........................................................................5-13

Working with Vias.........................................................................................................5-15

Placing Vias.....................................................................................................5-15

Viewing and Editing Via Properties................................................................5-16

Placing SMD Fanouts ....................................................................................................5-18

Working with Nets.........................................................................................................5-19

Using the Nets Tab ..........................................................................................5-19

Using the Netlist Editor...................................................................................5-20

Adding a Net .....................................................................................5-21

Renaming a Net.................................................................................5-25

Deleting a Net ...................................................................................5-25

Deleting a Pin from a Net .................................................................5-26

Setting Net Widths ............................................................................5-26

Setting High Speed Parameters.........................................................5-26

Setting Miscellaneous Net Parameters..............................................5-27

Setting Group Parameters .................................................................5-27

Setting Via Parameters......................................................................5-28

Highlighting a Net ...........................................................................................5-28

Shielding Nets .................................................................................................5-28

Net Bridges......................................................................................................5-30

Creating a Net Bridge .......................................................................5-30

Placing a Net Bridge .........................................................................5-32

Copying a Copper Route .................................................................................5-33

Swapping Pins and Gates...............................................................................................5-34

Swapping Pins .................................................................................................5-34

Swapping Gates ...............................................................................................5-35

Automatic Pin/Gate Swapping ........................................................................5-38

Real-Time Pin/Gate Swapping........................................................................5-39

Contents

Chapter 6 PCB Calculators

PCB Transmission Line Calculator............................................................................... 6-1

Microstrip Trace Calculations......................................................................... 6-2

Embedded Microstrip Trace Calculations....................................................... 6-3

Centered Stripline Trace Calculations ............................................................ 6-4

Asymmetric Stripline Trace Calculations ....................................................... 6-5

Dual Stripline Trace Calculations ................................................................... 6-6

PCB Differential Impedance Calculator........................................................................ 6-7

Microstrip Calculations................................................................................... 6-8

Embedded Microstrip Calculations................................................................. 6-9

Centered Stripline Calculations ...................................................................... 6-11

Asymmetric Stripline Calculations ................................................................. 6-12

Chapter 7 Autorouting and Autoplacement

Autoroute Menu Items................................................................................................... 7-1

Autoplacement of Parts ................................................................................................. 7-2

Pre-Placing Parts ............................................................................................. 7-2

Understanding How the Autoplacer Works .................................................... 7-2

Running the Autoplacer .................................................................................. 7-3

Controlling the Autoplacer ............................................................................. 7-3

Strategies to Achieve Better Part Placement................................................... 7-5

Autorouting.................................................................................................................... 7-6

Understanding How the Autorouter Works .................................................... 7-6

Understanding the Four Fundamental Routing Functions .............................. 7-7

Router Preprocessing........................................................................ 7-7

Initial Routing................................................................................... 7-7

Rip-up and Retry Routing................................................................. 7-7

Optimization ..................................................................................... 7-8

Routing Selected Parts and Nets ..................................................................... 7-8

Running the Autorouter .................................................................................. 7-8

Interactivity....................................................................................... 7-9

Autorouting buses ........................................................................................... 7-9

Placing Automatic Test Points........................................................................ 7-10

Controlling the Routing Functions.................................................................. 7-11

Routing Options: General Tab..........................................................7-11

Routing Options: Cost Factors Tab .................................................. 7-12

Routing Options: Rip-Up Tab ..........................................................7-14

Routing Options: Optimization Tab ................................................. 7-15

Routing Options: Bus Autorouting Tab............................................7-16

Strategies to Achieve Better Routing Results ................................................. 7-17

NI Ultiboard User Manual xii ni.com

Chapter 8 Preparing for Manufacturing/Assembly

Placing and Editing Text................................................................................................8-1

Capturing Screen Area...................................................................................................8-2

Placing a Comment........................................................................................................8-3

Renumbering Parts.........................................................................................................8-5

Backannotation to Multisim...........................................................................................8-6

Mitering Corners............................................................................................................8-6

Manually Re-Running the Design Rules and Netlist Check..........................................8-8

Cleaning up the Board ...................................................................................................8-8

Deleting Open Trace Ends...............................................................................8-8

Deleting Unused Vias......................................................................................8-8

Exporting a File .............................................................................................................8-8

Using Export Settings......................................................................................8-9

Viewing and Editing Export Properties...........................................................8-10

Setting Gerber Properties ..................................................................8-10

Setting DXF Properties .....................................................................8-11

Setting NC Drill Properties ...............................................................8-11

Working with SVG Properties ..........................................................8-11

Working with other Properties..........................................................8-12

Exporting the Desired File...............................................................................8-14

Printing your Design......................................................................................................8-14

Previewing the Printed Design .....................................................................................8-15

Contents

Chapter 9 Viewing Designs in 3D

Viewing the Board in 3D ..............................................................................................9-1

Manipulating the 3D View ............................................................................................9-2

Controlling the Elements Viewed in 3D .........................................................9-3

Showing an Object’s Height............................................................................9-4

Internal View ...................................................................................................9-4

Exporting to 3D DXF ....................................................................................................9-5

Exporting to 3D IGES....................................................................................................9-6

Chapter 10 Using Mechanical CAD

Creating Mechanical CAD Projects...............................................................................10-1

Creating Mechanical CAD Design Files .......................................................................10-2

Importing a DXF File ......................................................................................10-3

Setting Mechanical CAD Properties and Options .........................................................10-3

Setting Mechanical CAD Properties ...............................................................10-3

Contents

Setting Mechanical CAD Colors..................................................................... 10-3

Controlling Workspace Elements for Mechanical CAD................................. 10-4

Setting Paths for Mechanical CAD................................................................. 10-5

Setting Mechanical CAD Dimensions ........................................................... 10-5

Appendix A Menus and Commands

File Menu.......................................................................................................................A-1

File»New Design............................................................................................. A-1

File»New Project............................................................................................. A-1

File»Open........................................................................................................ A-1

File»Open Samples ......................................................................................... A-1

File»Save......................................................................................................... A-1

File»Save As ................................................................................................... A-2

File»Save All................................................................................................... A-2

File»Close ....................................................................................................... A-2

File»Close Project ........................................................................................... A-2

File»Close All ................................................................................................. A-2

File»Import...................................................................................................... A-2

File»Export...................................................................................................... A-2

File»Save Technology..................................................................................... A-2

File»Load Technology .................................................................................... A-2

File»Print Setup............................................................................................... A-3

File»Print Preview........................................................................................... A-3

File»Print......................................................................................................... A-3

File»Recent Designs ....................................................................................... A-3

File»Exit.......................................................................................................... A-3

Edit Menu ...................................................................................................................... A-3

Edit»Undo ....................................................................................................... A-3

Edit»Redo........................................................................................................ A-3

Edit»Cut .......................................................................................................... A-4

Edit»Copy ....................................................................................................... A-4

Edit»Paste........................................................................................................A-4

Edit»Paste Special........................................................................................... A-4

Edit»Delete...................................................................................................... A-4

Edit»Copper Delete......................................................................................... A-4

Edit»Find......................................................................................................... A-5

Edit»Select All ................................................................................................A-5

Edit»Select Entire Trace ................................................................................. A-5

Edit»Group Selection...................................................................................... A-5

Edit»Ungroup Selection..................................................................................A-5

Edit»Lock........................................................................................................ A-5

Edit»Unlock .................................................................................................... A-5

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Contents

Edit»Selection Filter........................................................................................A-6

Edit»Orientation ..............................................................................................A-6

Edit»Align .......................................................................................................A-6

Edit»Vertex......................................................................................................A-7

Edit»In-Place Part Edit ....................................................................................A-7

Edit»Properties ................................................................................................A-7

View Menu ....................................................................................................................A-8

View»Full Screen ............................................................................................A-8

View»Redraw Screen ......................................................................................A-8

View»Zoom In.................................................................................................A-8

View»Zoom Out..............................................................................................A-8

View»Zoom Window ......................................................................................A-8

View»Zoom Full .............................................................................................A-8

View»Clearances.............................................................................................A-8

View»Grid .......................................................................................................A-8

View»Ruler Bars .............................................................................................A-9

View»Status Bar..............................................................................................A-9

View»Density Bars..........................................................................................A-9

View»Birds Eye...............................................................................................A-9

View»Design Toolbox.....................................................................................A-9

View»Spreadsheet View .................................................................................A-9

View»3D Preview ...........................................................................................A-9

View»Toolbars ................................................................................................A-9

Place Menu ....................................................................................................................A-10

Place»From Database ......................................................................................A-10

Place»Line .......................................................................................................A-10

Place»Select.....................................................................................................A-10

Place»Follow-me.............................................................................................A-11

Place»Connection Machine .............................................................................A-11

Place»Shape.....................................................................................................A-11

Place»Dimension.............................................................................................A-11

Place»Graphic»Line ........................................................................................A-11

Place»Graphic»Arc..........................................................................................A-12

Place»Graphic»Bezier .....................................................................................A-12

Place»Graphic»Picture ....................................................................................A-12

Place»Graphic»Text .......................................................................................A-12

Place»Copper Area..........................................................................................A-12

Place»Powerplane............................................................................................A-12

Place»Bus ........................................................................................................A-12

Place»Keep-in/Keep-out Area.........................................................................A-13

Place»Group Array Box ..................................................................................A-13

Place»Pins........................................................................................................A-13

Place»Via.........................................................................................................A-13

Place»Test Point ..............................................................................................A-13

Contents

Place»Jumper .................................................................................................. A-13

Place»Net Bridge ............................................................................................ A-13

Place»Hole ...................................................................................................... A-13

Place»Automatic Test Points .......................................................................... A-14

Place»Unplace Parts........................................................................................ A-14

Place»Comment .............................................................................................. A-14

Design Menu ................................................................................................................. A-14

Design»Netlist & DRC Check ........................................................................ A-14

Design»Connectivity Check ........................................................................... A-14

Design»Polygon Splitter ................................................................................. A-15

Design»Shape to Area..................................................................................... A-15

Design»Swap Pins........................................................................................... A-15

Design»Swap Gates ........................................................................................ A-15

Design»Automatic Pin Gate Swap.................................................................. A-15

Design»Part Shoving....................................................................................... A-15

Design»Set Reference Point............................................................................ A-15

Design»Shield Nets......................................................................................... A-15

Design»Fanout SMD....................................................................................... A-16

Design»Add Teardrops ................................................................................... A-16

Design»Corner Mitering ................................................................................. A-16

Design»Remove Unused Vias ........................................................................ A-16

Design»Group Replica Place ..........................................................................A-16

Design»Copy Route ........................................................................................ A-16

Design»Highlight Selected Net....................................................................... A-16

Tools Menu....................................................................................................................A-17

Tools»Board Wizard ....................................................................................... A-17

Tools»Part Wizard .......................................................................................... A-17

Tools»Database»Database Manager ............................................................... A-17

Tools»Database»Add Selection to Database .................................................. A-17

Tools»Database»Set Database Password........................................................ A-17

Tools»Database»Merge Database...................................................................A-17

Tools»Database»Convert Database ................................................................ A-18

Tools»PCB Transmission Line Calculator ..................................................... A-18

Tools»PCB Differential Impedance Calculator .............................................. A-18

Tools»Netlist Editor........................................................................................ A-18

Tools»Group Editor ........................................................................................ A-18

Tools»Quick Layer Toggle ............................................................................. A-18

Tools»Renumber Parts.................................................................................... A-18

Tools»Equi-space Traces ................................................................................ A-19

Tools»Change Shape....................................................................................... A-19

Tools»Update Shapes...................................................................................... A-19

Tools»Highlight Selection in Multisim........................................................... A-19

Tools»Capture Screen Area ............................................................................ A-19

Tools»View 3D ...............................................................................................A-19

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Contents

Tools»View 3D Position .................................................................................A-19

Tools»Show or Hide Height............................................................................A-19

Options Menu ................................................................................................................A-20

Options»Global Preferences............................................................................A-20

Options»PCB Properties..................................................................................A-20

Options»Customize User Interface..................................................................A-20

Autoroute Menu.............................................................................................................A-20

Window Menu ...............................................................................................................A-20

Window»New Window ...................................................................................A-20

Window»Close ................................................................................................A-20

Window»Close All ..........................................................................................A-21

Window»Cascade ............................................................................................A-21

Window»Tile Horizontal.................................................................................A-21

Window»Tile Vertical .....................................................................................A-21

Window»Windows ..........................................................................................A-21

Window»<open designs> ................................................................................A-21

Help Menu .....................................................................................................................A-21

Help»Ultiboard Help .......................................................................................A-21

Help»Release Notes.........................................................................................A-21

Help»Patents....................................................................................................A-21

Help»File Information .....................................................................................A-21

Help»About Ultiboard .....................................................................................A-22

Context Menus...............................................................................................................A-22

Select Menu .....................................................................................................A-22

Right-drag Menu .............................................................................................A-24

Place Trace Menu ............................................................................................A-24

Appendix B Archiving Data

Backing up the Corporate Database...............................................................................B-1

Backing up the User Database and Configuration files .................................................B-2

Appendix C Technical Support and Professional Services

Glossary

Index

User Interface

The following sections explain the basic components of the Ultiboard Graphical User Interface (GUI) and show how to set up user preferences and PCB properties.

Some of the described features may not be available in your edition of Ultiboard. Refer to the NI Circuit Design Suite Release Notes for a list of the features in your edition.

Introduction to the Ultiboard Interface

Ultiboard is the PCB layout application of National Instruments Circuit Design Suite, a suite of EDA (Electronics Design Automation) tools that assists you in carrying out the major steps in the circuit design flow. Ultiboard is used to design printed circuit boards, perform certain basic mechanical CAD operations, and prepare them for manufacturing. It also provides automated parts placement and layout.

Note For more information on the Ultiboard interface, and information on the other

components of NI Circuit Design Suite, refer to Getting Started with NI Circuit Design Suite.

Toolbars

The toolbars provide a quick, convenient way for you to access the most common Ultiboard functions. You can toggle toolbars on and off using the View»Toolbars menu.

Standard Toolbar

The Standard toolbar contains buttons for basic editing functions, and appears by default when you run Ultiboard. The Standard toolbar buttons are described in the table below.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Button Description

New File button. Creates a new project (if none are

currently open) or a new design if a project is currently open. Refer to the Creating a Project and Creating a

Design sections of Chapter 2, Beginning a Design, for

more information.

Open File button. Opens an existing project. Refer to the

Opening an Existing File section of Chapter 2, Beginning a Design, for more information.

Open Sample button. Opens the samples folder.

Save File button. Saves the active design to its current

name and directory. Refer to the Saving and Closing section of Chapter 2, Beginning a Design, for more information.

Print button. Displays the Print dialog. Refer to the

Printing your Design section of Chapter 8, Preparing for Manufacturing/Assembly, for more information.

Cut button. Cuts the selected element from the design and places it on the Windows Clipboard.

Copy button. Copies the selected element from the design and places it on the Windows Clipboard.

Paste button. Pastes the element from the Windows Clipboard to the design.

Undo button. Undoes the last action.

Redo button. Redoes the last action (used after undoing).

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View Toolbar

Chapter 1 User Interface

The View toolbar contains buttons for modifying the way the screen is displayed, and appears by default when you run Ultiboard. The View toolbar buttons are explained in the table below.

Button Description

Redraw the Screen button. Redraws the currently active

design workspace. Refer to the Refreshing the Design section of Chapter 2, Beginning a Design, for more information.

Toggle Full Screen button. Adjusts the size of the workspace so it displays the entire design. Refer to the

Using the Full Screen section of of Chapter 2, Beginning a Design, for more information.

Zoom In button. Zooms in on the design, providing a closer view. Refer to the Magnifying and Shrinking the

View section of Chapter 2, Beginning a Design, for more

information.

Zoom Out button. Zooms out on the design, providing a broader view.

Zoom Window button. Magnifies a selected part of the design. Refer to the Magnifying and Shrinking the View section of Chapter 2, Beginning a Design, for more information.

Zoom Bounds button. Shows the entire design, including objects that are outside of the board outline.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Main Toolbar

The Main toolbar contains buttons for common board design functions. Its buttons are described in the table below.

Button Description

Select button. De-activates any selected mode (for

example, for placing traces) and allows you to select an element on the board.

Show or Hide Design Toolbox button. Shows or hides the Design Toolbox. Refer to the Design Toolbox section for more information.

Show or Hide Spreadsheet button. Shows or hides the Spreadsheet View. Refer to the Spreadsheet View

section for more information.

Database Manager button. Displays the Database Manager. Refer to the Managing the Database section of

Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Board Wizard button. Launches the Board Wizard. Refer to the Using the Board Wizard section of Chapter 3,

Setting Up a Design, for more information.

Part Wizard button. Starts the Part Wizard. Refer to the

Using the Part Wizard to Create a Part section of

Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Part from Database button. Allows you to browse the database for a part to place. Refer to the Placing Parts

from the Database section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Line button. Places a straight line on the design (or places a trace, if the active layer is a copper one). Refer to the Placing Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4,

Working with Parts, and the Placing a Trace: Manual Method section of Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Follow-me button. Places a follow-me trace. Refer to the

Placing a Trace: Follow-me Method section of

Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

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Button Description

Place Via button. Places a via on the design. Refer to the

Working with Vias section of Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Place Copper Area button. Places a copper area on the design.

Create Power Plane button. Places a powerplane on the design. Refer to the Placing Powerplanes section of Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Design Rule Check button. Runs the Design Rule Check and places results in the Results tab.

Place Text button. Places text on the design. Refer to the

Placing and Editing Text section of Chapter 8, Preparing for Manufacturing/Assembly, for more information.

Show 3D button. Displays the current design in three dimensions. Refer to the section of Chapter 9, Viewing

Designs in 3D, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Help button. Displays the helpfile contents page.

Select Toolbar

The Select toolbar contains the functions used to control selection filters, and appears by default when you run Ultiboard. Please note that all filters are not available in all versions of Ultiboard. The Select toolbar buttons are explained in the table below.

Button Description

Enable Selecting Parts button. Use to allow or prevent

selection of parts.

Enable Selecting Traces button. Use to allow or prevent selection of traces.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Button Description

Enable Selecting Copper Areas button. Use to allow or

prevent selection of copper areas.

Enable Selecting Vias button. Use to allow or prevent selection of vias.

Enable Selecting Pads button. Use to allow or prevent selection of pads.

Enable Selecting SMD Pads button. Use to allow or prevent selection of Surface Mount Device pads.

Enable Selecting Attributes button. Use to allow or prevent selection of attributes.

Enable Selecting Other Objects button. Use to allow or prevent selection of other object on the PCB.

Draw Settings Toolbar

The Draw Settings toolbar lets you select the layer, thickness and unit of measure of a line or object that is being drawn. It also contains buttons for functions that control the appearance of lines and shapes drawn on any layer, except a copper layer. The Draw Settings toolbar elements are explained below.

Button Description

Selects the layer for the line or object being drawn.

Sets the thickness and unit of measure of the line being drawn, or of an object’s border. The maximum number of values that can be stored here are set in the Line Width

Cache Size field of the General tab of the Preferences dialog box.

Fill Color button. Sets the color of the layer’s fill.

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Button Description

Edit Toolbar

Chapter 1 User Interface

Fill Style button. Sets the fill style, either transparent or solid.

Line Color button. Sets the color of the layer’s line.

Line Type button. Sets the lines style, for example, solid,

dashed.

The Edit toolbar contains the functions used for editing specific elements, including in-place editing and orientation. The Edit toolbar buttons are explained in the table below.

Button Description

Toggle “In-Place” PCB Part Edit button. Activates In-Place Edit for placed PCB parts. Refer to the Editing

a Placed Part (In-Place Edit) section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Toggle “In-Place” Edit Text or Attribute button. Allows you to edit the selected text.

Rotate Clockwise button. Rotates selected item clockwise. Refer to the Orienting Parts section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Rotate Counter Clockwise button. Rotates selected item counter-clockwise. Refer to the Orienting Parts section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Swap Layer button. Places a part on mirror layer. Refer to the Orienting Parts section of Chapter 4, Working with

Parts, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Align Toolbar

The Align toolbar contains the functions used to align and space design elements. Refer to the Aligning Shapes and Partsand Spacing Shapes and

Parts sections of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

The Align toolbar buttons are explained in the table below.

Button Description

Align Left button. Aligns the left sides of the selected

parts.

Align Right button. Aligns the right sides of the selected parts.

Align Top button. Aligns the top edges of the selected parts.

Align Bottom button. Aligns the bottom edges of the selected parts.

Align Center Horizontal button. Shifts the selected elements horizontally so their centers are aligned.

Align Center Vertical button. Shifts the selected elements vertically so their centers are aligned.

Align to Coordinate button. Displays the Enter coordinate dialog box where you enter new coordinates

for the selected element.

Space Across button. Spaces three or more objects beside each other evenly.

Space Across Plus button. Increases horizontal space between two or more objects.

Space Across Min button. Decreases horizontal space between two or more objects.

Space Down button. Spaces three or more objects above each other evenly.

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Place Toolbar

Chapter 1 User Interface

Button Description

Space Down Plus button. Increases vertical space

between two or more objects.

Space Down Min button. Decreases vertical space between two or more objects.

The Place toolbar contains the functions used to place elements such as traces, lines and polygons on the design. The Place toolbar buttons are explained in the table below.

Button Description

Place Comment button. Places a comment on the design.

Refer to the Placing a Comment section of Chapter 8,

Preparing for Manufacturing/Assembly, for more

information.

Capture Area button. Captures a section of the screen and places it on the system clipboard.

Select button. De-activates any selected mode (for example, for placing traces) and allows you to select an element on the board.

Place Line button. Places a line on the design (or place a trace, when used on a copper layer). Refer to the Placing

Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Arc button. Places an arc on the design. Refer to the

Placing Shapes and Graphics of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, section for more information.

Place Bezier button. Places a bezier curve on the design. Refer to the Placing Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Circle button. Places a circle on the design. Refer to the Placing Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4,

Working with Parts, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Button Description

Place Ellipse button. Places an ellipse on the design.

Refer to the Placing Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Pie button. Places a pie-shape on the design. Refer to the Placing Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4,

Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Rounded Rectangle button. Places a rectangle with rounded corners. Refer to the Placing Shapes and

Graphics section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for

more information.

Place Rectangle button. Places a rectangle on the design. Refer to the Placing Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Polygon button. Places a polygon on the design. Refer to the Placing Shapes and Graphics section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place Copper Area button. Places a polygon copper area on the design. Refer to the Placing Copper Areas section of Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Follow-me button. Places a follow me trace, a trace that automatically draws a legal trace between two selected points. Refer to the Placing a Trace: Follow-me Method section of Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Place Multiple Traces as a Bus button. Use to connect multiple traces between multi-pinned devices such as ICs. Refer to the Placing a Bus section of Chapter 5, Working

with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Place Group Array Box button. A group array box is used to place parts in an array. Refer to the Placing a

Group Array Box section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

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Button Description

Place Text button. Places text on the design. Useful for

annotation purposes. Refer to the Placing and Editing

Text section of Chapter 8, Preparing for Manufacturing/Assembly, for more information.

Place a Standard Dimension button. Places a dimension between any two selected points. Refer to the Working

with Dimensions section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place a Horizontal Dimension button. Places a horizontally-oriented dimension between two selected points. Refer to the Working with Dimensions section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place a Vertical Dimension button. Places a vertically-oriented dimension between two selected points. Refer to the Working with Dimensions section of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Place a Net Bridge button. Places a net bridge connection. Refer to the Net Bridges section of Chapter 5,

Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Place a Hole button. Places a hole on your PCB.

Place a Via button. Places a via on the design. Refer to

the Working with Vias section of Chapter 5, Working with

Traces and Copper, for information.

Place Pins button. Places pins on the design when editing or creating a part in In-place Edit mode or Footprint Edit mode. Refer to the Editing a Placed Part (In-Place Edit) and Using the Database Manager to Create a Part sections of Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Wizard Toolbar

Button Description

Polygon Splitter button. Splits copper areas and

powerplanes. Refer to the Splitting Copper section of Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

Remove Copper Islands button. Removes copper islands. Refer to the Placing Copper Areas section of Chapter 5, Working with Traces and Copper, for more information.

The Wizard toolbar contains the wizard functions supported by Ultiboard. The Wizard toolbar buttons are explained in the table below.

Button Description

Board Wizard button. Starts the Board Wizard. Refer to

the Working with the Board Outline section of Chapter 3,

Setting Up a Design, for more information.

Part Wizard button. Starts the Part Wizard. Refer to the

Using the Part Wizard to Create a Part section of

Chapter 4, Working with Parts, for more information.

Autoroute Toolbar

The Autoroute toolbar contains the autorouting and placement functions supported by Ultiboard. The Autoroute table below.

Button Description

Begin Autoplacing button. Starts automatically placing

parts.

Autoroute Selected Buses button. Displays the Bus Autorouting dialog.

Start Trace Optimization button. Starts trace optimization.

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toolbar buttons are explained in the

Button Description

Setting Preferences

This section explains general procedures for setting preferences. The following sections describe details of setting specific options.

Complete the following steps to set your user preferences:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences. The Preferences dialog box

appears, offering you the following tabs:

• General Tab

• Paths Tab

• Colors Tab

• PCB Design Tab

• Dimensions Tab

• 3D Options Tab

2. Select the desired tab.

3. Set the desired customization options. The specific options and settings available in the tabs are described in the following sections.

4. Click OK to save your changes.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Start/Resume Autorouting button. Starts automatically placing traces.

Stop/Pause Autorouter button.

General Tab

Complete the following steps to change workspace options:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences and select the General tab.

2. Set the Fullscreen mode, View, Crosshair and Mouse wheel behavior settings as desired.

3. Set the following as desired:

• Auto save settings—Enable to have changes automatically saved

(at the specified Time interval).

• Minimum control point size—The size of the contol points on

vertices and other objects.

Chapter 1 User Interface

Paths Tab

• Line width cache size—The number of recently used line widths

Ultiboard keeps in memory. Minimum cache size is 5.

• Undo buffer size—The number of undo actions allowed.

• Load last file on startup—Enable if you would like to continue

working on the last file you had open in your previous Ultiboard session.

• Unicode Settings box—If desired, enable the Save .TXT files as plain text checkbox.

• Language—Select the desired language from the list. You must restart Ultiboard for all dialog boxes to reflect the new setting.

4. To apply your changes but leave the Preferences click Apply. To apply your changes and close the Preferences box, click

OK.

dialog box open,

dialog

The Ultiboard installation puts specific files in specific locations. If necessary you can point Ultiboard to a new location to find, for example, database files. You can also use this dialog box to create and specify user settings files that contain individuals’ preferences for all options.

Complete the following steps to change file locations:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences. The Preferences dialog box appears.

2. Select the Paths tab.

3. Change the following as desired:

• Circuit Default Path—This is where all new files are saved,

unless you manually navigate to a new location when saving.

• User Button Images Path—This is where you store any

user-created button graphics.

4. Change the User Settings as desired:

• Configuration File—Contains the user interface settings.

• New User Configuration File—Click to create a new user

configuration file and select an item from the drop-down list.

5. Change the settings in the Database Files area as desired:

• Master Database—The location of the Master Database.

• Corporate Database—The location of the Corporate Database.

• User Database—The location of the User Database.

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Conventions

Contents

Introduction to the Ultiboard Interface

Toolbars

Standard Toolbar

View Toolbar

Main Toolbar

Select Toolbar

Draw Settings Toolbar

Edit Toolbar

Align Toolbar

Place Toolbar

Wizard Toolbar

Autoroute Toolbar

Setting Preferences

General Tab

Paths Tab